Vichy, I love you.....

Vichy Purete Thermal One Step Cleanser, £11.00 for 200ml.

I think one of the best beauty discoveries in the last year (for me) has been the French thermal water brands that can be found at very reasonable prices in larger Boots stores.

I first wrote here about La Roche Posay and how it transformed my naughty skin in under three weeks, since then I've tried Vichy's water spray and Avene's factor 50 cream for the face (though I love slathering it over my body too!) and now it's time for me to tell you about Vichy's creamy cleanser...

Despite me literally daydreaming about Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm my budget at this present time cannot quite stretch to it (though the moment I get a new job it's being purchased!) so I asked myself what else I wanted to try and of course Vichy popped into my head, as I am yet to have a bad experience with the brand.

The consistency of the cleanser is a milky liquid and about the size of a 5p piece on the palm of your hand will gently wash your makeup away, though I always repeat this a second time just to be sure and thorough! It's white and has a soapy scent which I love and is a welcome change to the herby smell of Cleanse & Polish.
Personally I have found it is best applied to a dry face then splashed off, then the second cleanse lathers up and creates more of a deep clean rather than just makeup removal.

I only have good things to say about this product, it is gentle yet removes stubborn eye makeup with ease. My skin feels so fresh and comfortable afterwards and it didn't disrupt my skin one single bit. I've been using this for a month now and I've noticed that my skin condition is constant and I have developed less spots than usual (however I have been using it in conjunction with a weekly application of Origins Clear Improvement mask- review to come on that one!)

As ever, I do not review skincare until I feel it has been properly trialled. At £11 I think this cleanser is worth every penny, plus it should last me a while even when used twice daily due it's whopping 200ml size.

Vichy is paraben free and targeted towards sensitive skin though I can see it benefiting all skin types
Although this product claims to be a 3in1 product (cleanser, eye makeup remover and toner) I still use a toner seperately to then be followed by a serum and moisturiser.

Have you dabbled in the delights of these French skincare brands? What is your favourite cleanser?

My summer must have- Avene 50+ SPF.

Eau Thermale Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+, £15 for 50ml.

Rhossili Bay, South Wales

Monday brought an old friend coming to visit (who is an absolute sun worshipper) and the weather finally brightening up to high heats and sunshine. Keen to explore South Wales a bit better (I have lived here a whole year now and still haven't visited many 'landmark' sites) we set off each day in my little car, sat nav in hand to discover some beautiful beautiful beaches.

There's a product I have to thank for me staying burn free this week (aside from my back which I completely forgot to SPF on Thursday) and that is Avene Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+.

Avene is a brand that can be found with the Vichy and La Roche Posay products in your local Boots and is another French brand that boasts soothing properties from Thermal Spring Water contained inside of it.

It contains both UVA and UVB protection. This is a must have in any sun lotion, UVA protection helps prevent the ageing side effects that direct sunlight has on the skin. UVB protects against the skin actually burning as a result of being exposed to intense sunlight. It's very important that you choose a product that offers protection of both, and particularly if you are as fair skinned as I am!

Yesterday I noticed that the 50ml carton has depleated in size quite considerably. I do apply a lot of sun cream (you are advised to or it won't work to it's full effect) however I couldn't help but wonder why this sun cream was in such small quantity. 50ml?! It then dawned on me that this product is probably meant for facial use, after all Avene products are to cater for hypersensitive skins and the factor 50 is a popular choice for people to apply to their face, but I feel I must defend myself in saying that it doesn't state that this isn't for full body use on the packaging....anywhere! I know that at £15 a pop for 50ml some of you may feel this is a pricey habit to maintain but I'm here to tell you how fantastic this lotion is:

• The product absorbs into the skin super quick and doesn't feel heavy.
• The product leaves absolutely none of that greasy or oily residue which has annoyed me so much in the past with other creams.
• It's perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin, so is nice n' nourishing.
• It works SO well! I know this is probably a given, but this has protected me so well that I only had to apply the cream once in the morning, and could wear it throughout the day before an evening shower and I did not burn. Ok I did burn a bit on my foot where I completely missed a patch, photos for your amusement below.

Random burn on my footsie!

I can't sing this products praises enough. I'm slowly becoming a huge convert to these thermal water brands, and this sun cream specially formulated for blondes and red heads hits the spot and does the job so well. I also like the pump dispenser and because it is a smaller size it doesn't weigh your hand bag or beach bag down, it's a win win!