For the last few months, I've been incredibly busy and stressed. With so little time and energy I often neglected to hydrate properly. How do you fight the look of dull, dehydrated skin? I would constantly drink up water and cut down on sugars, but almost forgot about the outside layers of my skin without realizing how it's very possible to have poor water circulation in our faces. But here it was - Vichy's new Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration line - Serum and Light Cream or Rich Care designed to rehydrate the skin by spreading water throughout the face.

Both the cream and the serum are gentle and light enough for most skin types. I saw an improvement almost immediately as the products are exceptionally hydrating and uplifting, the skin felt so plump and the cream worked so well as a makeup base. The product line's formula is a combination of Vichy's Thermal Spa Water and energizing sugars to achieve an even distribution of water in all facial zones.

PROS:

• Radiant skin
• Immediate plumping effect
• Refreshing and light
• High concentration of Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Paraben free, of course
• Non greasy, non sticky
• Dehydration lines are smoothed out
• Fresh texture that melts on the skin
• Provides lasting hydration
• Well packaged

CONS: None noted

Overall, Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration helps to distribute moisture evenly throughout the face for a fresh look, giving an ideal state of beautiful skin - smooth and plump! Ladies, gives this one a try, it's a great line from Vichy.

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 5/5

It's been a hot and sunny summer so far here in Vancouver. We're known for rain, but not this time around! In fact, it's been so sunny that I had to religiously apply my sunscreen before going out. Even on a cloudy day, the sun rays can travel through, and regardless of the season, the protection must always be worn! I wasn't this wise before, and recently learned that:

• Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays
• 80% of UV rays can penetrate heavy cloud cover
• Water reflects about 25% of UV rays

What you'll need to fully protect yourself against UVA rays (the aging rays), is a powerful formula with high enough SPF (at least 30, but preferably 50+).

For the last few years, I've been using Vichy Capital Soleil sunscreens, and recently got my hands on Vichy's new Invisible Mist. The mist is very easy to use everyday, dries quickly, hydrating, and smells refreshing. Best of all, it leaves no greasy residue. I have incorporated the mist into my routine and it worked out well - a definite must for the summer!

PROS:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Formulated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Refreshing fragrance
• Paraben Free
• Alcohol Free
• Hydrating
• Easy to use packaging
• Dry touch
• Lightweight texture
• Pleasant on skin

CONS: None

It's been a pleasure to use. I spray on hassle-free right before I leave for work.

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Our skin regenerates at night, and while that beauty sleep is crucial and makes so much difference, it's often not enough to make significant changes to our skin tone or help those dreaded dark spots disappear. Although most of us associate dark spots with aging, it's actually common for skin hyperpigmentation to result from sun damage (aka tanning), so it's important to avoid exposure to UV rays altogether. I keep reminding myself to apply that sunscreen before I step outside this summer!

All that sunshine - the main cause of dark spot formation. But don't despair - there is hope. With so many of us concerned over uneven skin tone, Vichy has stepped up to the game with yet another amazing product, the ProEVEN Night concentrate. 

ProEVEN Night's formula is concentrated with molecules, Vitamin C, and other ingredients to help treat visible dark spots and also prevent future spots from appearing. Use it every night as a night treatment and you'll start seeing results from the 1st morning. For me, it was subtle, but definitely felt like my skin was a lot smoother and lighter. 

PROS:

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Paraben-free
• Formulated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Fresh hydrating gel texture
• Can be used as a mask when applied in thick layer
• Exfoliates the skin
• Great for light skin tones

CONS:

• Takes a few weeks to see a difference
• Can be pricy at $49

Overall, Vichy ProEVEN Night is a promising product. After doing some research I've found other consumers who've seen amazing results. I will be patiently using this product for another month or so to see if I'll get even better results!

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Our skin goes through dramatic changes as we age. These changes, like thinning skin and reduced production of collagen, alter our skin's surface appearance and create fine lines which eventually develop into deep wrinkles and folds. Sounds scary - and it can be - which is why now is a good time to correct such damaging changes.

Vichy's new Liftactiv Advanced Concentrate is a daily wrinkle corrector designed to visibly fill and smooth-out all wrinkles, even deep and vertical ones like frown and smile lines. The unique formula contains 0.2% pure Retinol, LR2412 (jasmonic molecule), hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients which give it anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. For the first time, Vichy created their highest concentration pure Retinol in most tolerant formula - you can use it daily on most skin types, including dry and sensitive.

After using Liftactiv for two weeks, I can definitely see a slight improvement in my skin's texture and can feel the anti-wrinkle power of the product as my skin becomes smoother. It's quite pleasant to use due to its lightweight texture, and unlike most Retinol based products, it's gentle on the skin.


HOW TO USE: Can be used daily in 3 ways, on clean face and neck:
1. Alone as daily moisturizer
2. Layered on top of your daily serum or under your daily moisturizer
3. As a localized treatment

PROS:

• Non comedogenic, Hypoallergenic & Paraben free formula
• Contains Vichy Thermal Spa Water which gives a soothing effect
• Gentle on the skin
• Product penetrates quickly
• Lightweight texture with lasting hydration
• Non greasy, non sticky, making it an excellent base for makeup
• Features look less tired
• Smoother skin
• With Anti-inflammatory Properties: Adenosine 0.1% 
• With 24h Hydration: - Hyaluronic Acid 0.2% - Glycerine 8%

CONS:
Can be pricy at $50-$55 in Drugstores across Canada.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$
Overall: 4/5  Give it a try! 

A new era anti-aging skin serum, Vichy Idealia, transformed my skin to having more radiant, fresh complexion regardless of my stressful lifestyle, giving my skin a second chance!

Long days at work, late night parties, all making it so easy for bacteria to spread from my hands to my face and the worst part it's that same bacteria that will cause blemishes, imperfections, and spots. Yuck!

So, what's the solution to avoid over-contamination? I have recently tried Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot Fast Acting anti-imperfection targeted care, a new product from Vichy Normaderm line for oily skin, minimizes the appearance of marks and treats the spot using hyaluronic acid barrier effect, salicylic acid and LHA anti-bacterial technology.

Vichy’s new Normaderm Hyaluspot, no matter the cause or scope of breakouts, can both prevent, and diminish blemishes.

The claim: "For the first time, Vichy has developed a “bandage effect” anti-spot treatment. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and LHA, the active ingredients work together to form an invisible protectant barrier, exfoliate dead skin cells, and act against bacteria to treat unwanted spots."

So, does it work? Absolutely! I have given this a month, and it is amazing.

Features:

• It’s small enough to fit into any purse or bag, making spot treatment on-the-go as easy as ever 
• It forms an invisible barrier, making it one of the more discreet spot-treatments on the market 
• Practical applicator = zero contamination. The product is designed so that you do not need to touch your face at all when applying it.

PROS: 

• Immediately soothes
• Users like its easy application and texture
• Non-drying, non-greasy, non-sticky, and invisible

CONS:

• A little bit pricy
• Contains fragrance

Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot (15 mL) is available in drugstores and pharmacies across Canada for $21.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 4.5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Sunscreen? I wear it daily, almost subconsciously, as SPF exists in everything I own from foundation to lipgloss. Vichy is well-known for a great selection of high quality sunscreen lotions and their patented Mexoryl SX-XL filters in their Capital Soleil sunscreen line. The new Capital Soleil Bare Skin Feel lotion is yet another perfect option, in ultra comfortable texture, to protect your skin. This lotion has 100% efficacy due to its filtering system and photostability, meaning the lotion offers complete protection for 2 hours and not just 30 minutes like many other sunscreens. The importance of UVA protection is to preserve your skin's health and youth.

Pros:

• Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive
• Paraben Free, Fragrance free, and non-comedogenic ( doesn't clog pores )
• Non Sticky, Non Greasy texture
• Quick drying and leaves no white residue on skin
• Enriched with Vitamin E
• Water resistant

Cons:
Pricy at $29.99

HOW TO APPLY
1. Apply generously over face and body 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
2. Reapply every 2 hours or as needed after swimming, towel drying and/or heavy perspiration.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 4.5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Summer is officially here, but the hot, dry, and sunny weather comes with the unfortunate risks for our skin. Sure, many would say the sun and tanning is fun and all, even when it often comes at high cost for our skin (and hair too!) - that discomforting dryness and aging skin. Was it worth it?

During the last few weeks, I've began religiously using the Vichy NutriExtra Extraordinary Oil, my new go-to nourishing facial and body oil, a definite saviour of dry, dull skin. It works surprisingly well!

OK, I've been at it again for the last few months. It's been a while since I've shared my haul with you - sorry for the delay! I've been rather lazy. Of course I've gotten more 'stuff', not that I ever need more stuff, but there's always something new out there that I want to try, don't we all? So, what did I get? A lot of it wasn't much of an impulse buy, but planned for months if not years. Is it something I really wanted? YES, yes, and yes! For instance, CK Beauty was something I've always wanted to add to my repertoire. To be honest, most of these purchases were carefully planned - I went through the aisles numerous times, in fact, taken hours and days to decide... And when the price looks good, how would you say no to yourself?

Hello Kitty Creamy Kohl Eyeliners - Sephora
Beauty Insider by Benefit Birthday Gift
theBalm Pick Up eyeliners
theBalm TimeBalm Concealer in Lighter than Light

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask Jet Black Brightening Mask
Ojon Full Detox with Soap Bark Tree - Rub Out Dry Cleaning Spray
KMS California Hairplay Makeover Spray
Batiste Dry Shampoos - Assorted
Love & Beauty Baked Shadows
ORLANE Paris Absolute Skin Recovery in 01
Vichy Thermal Water
Rodial Brazilian Tan - Light Self-Tanning gel for face and body
Calvin Klein Beauty Fragrance
Versus by Versace
Naturally Upper Canada Whipped Hand Repair Balm
Derma E Refining Vitamin A & Glycolic Toner
NYX HD Foundation in 01 Nude
Annabelle Skin True Foundation in Natural Ivory
Le Rouge Givenchy - 103 Brun
Rouge Coco Shine Chanel Sampler
Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv
Stila Convertible Color in Peony
Sumptuous Bold Volume Mascar by Estee Lauder

 

 

 

A must have for dry weather, Vichy Eau Thermale Thermal Spa Water spray is rich in 15 rare minerals, 100% pure, and paraben-free. The spray is packed with iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, silicon, copper... Vichy Thermal Spa Water soothes and protects sensitive skin against the irritations of everyday life. This product is great pick-me-up after a long day at work - I happen to use it regularly after purchasing it a few weeks ago. The verdict? I'm surprisingly impressed at how well it works.

Vichy Thermal Spa Water is a completely natural, unique ingredient recognized and used in pharmacology for its soothing, fortifying, and regenerative properties.

Vichy's Commitment:
- Hypoallergenic.
- Fragrance-free.
- No preservatives.

How to Use:
Use on perfectly cleansed skin before applying your usual skincare products.
1. Hold bottle 30 cm away from your face, then mist in a circular motion.
2. Leave on for a few seconds. Dry by gently blotting with a tissue.
Can also be used to refine makeup, and can be applied as many times as desired during the day.

Makeupalley.com Review:

• Average Rating: 4.1
• 80% would buy again
• Package Quality: 3.9
• Price: $$$

PROS

• helps calm sensitive and dehydrated skin
• contains minerals
• works perfectly as a makeup setting spray
• price is relatively cheaper compared to La Roche Posay & Avene
• convenient spray bottle

CONS

• some may not experience any changes right away

Value: 4.5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$

Overall: 4.5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!