There’s no denying that when it comes to skincare the French quite simply own it. In my experience having tried just a few brands from across the channel I have always had pretty good results therefore I’ve found myself really coming to trust brands such as Avéne and La Roche-Posay. Luckily for us in the UK these brands are found in Boots and a number of online websites so we are able to get hold of most of the products that are on offer.
Over the last year I have tried a couple of products from said brands therefore feel as though I can share my thoughts on them with you. For reference my skin is oily to combination along with areas of dehydration.
First up I have the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water which I picked up in early summer. In all honesty I have been a bit sceptical of quite simply water in a can in the past however I have to say when using them they are incredibly refreshing and soothing to the skin. This was actually in a clearance stand when I picked it up which is why I decided to give it a go although having now used it I’m not entirely convinced that I would pay full price for this in the future. Avéne of course has something very similar whereby I have the much smaller handbag size option that I have definitely preferred over the much larger can from La Roche-Posay. This is a super handy size to put in your bag and take out with you, especially in the summer. Out of the two I’d buy the Avéne thermal water over the La Roche-Posay version simply because it’s cheaper and a more suitable size for the purpose I want it for such as taking it out with me when it’s hot.
Onto Cleansers I have only tried one from Avéne thus far which is the Extremely Gentle Cleanser* which as the name clearly suggests is a gentle cleanser for those with sensitive skin. I wouldn’t go as far to say that my skin is on the extreme side of sensitivity however it can be sensitive at times and is on occasion prone to redness. This cleanser is pretty inoffensive as it doesn’t have any fragrance and is white in colour. Being a gel I naturally enjoy this type of texture anyway therefore it has been quite a pleasure to use as it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and clean without any tightness. I would like to point out that it does contain SLS which does surprise me a little although it is pretty low down in the ingredients list.
Effaclar Duo +, need I say more? Sadly my tube of this fantastic product has very recently run out much to my annoyance as I need to now go and buy a new one (I’m waiting for the Boots offers). Using this blemish treatment in areas such as my chin and t-zone I find that this really does help to keep blemishes at bay, it also for me reduces the longevity of any blemishes that do occur. Blemishes be gone!
Rounding off for this evening we have the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ SPF which out of all these products featured is my firm favourite. Over here in the UK I think we drastically underestimate the importance of SPF, especially when the sun isn’t bearing down on us. This year I upped my game and have tried to ensure I have a designated SPF within my routine as at times not all of my foundations or moisturisers contain sun protection. For me I have found an absolutely fantastic product that I’m not looking to replace with any other. This boasts a wonderful formula that sinks into my skin leaving an almost matte feel yet does not interfere with any make up that I apply afterwards. It’s one of my favourite discoveries of 2014 and will for a while long be within my skincare routine.
I realise that I have featured just two brands here when there really is quite a variety out there to research and of course try. If anybody would like to see a full review of any of these products featured above them be sure to let me know in the comments below. Being all beauty enthusiasts here I’d love to find out what your favourite French skincare products are.
Au revoir!
