If I had to choose between high end designer skincare that’s heavily fragranced in luxe packaging, or French pharmacy skincare in basic packaging, that’s mostly fragrance and colour free, the French pharmacy skincare would win every time.
I’ve been a beauty editor for long enough (22 yrs) to know that fancy packaging and a designer name does not necessarily equate to a great formulation – one that’s gentle & efficacious on the skin.
One of my favourite French pharmacy brands is Avène – a brand both my family & I use regularly. I was thrilled when they reached out a few weeks back asking if I’d like a restock of some of my favourite products.
And here they are, my four favourites from Avène:
Specifically formulated to soothe and nourish dry, tired skin that gets easily dehydrated, the Avène Revitalising Nourishing Cream Ultra Rich Ceramide Cream R390 (BUY) is another skincare staple for winter. This super luxe, ceramide rich crème is non-greasy and oil free and should be used on face & neck. It’s ideal for dry, sensitive & devitalized skin and can be used day or evening.
I like having a good hydrating serum on hand, loaded with ingredients that restore moisture levels in the skin. The Avène Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum R370 (BUY) does just that. I love the texture of this serum that leaves an invisible, instant veil of moisture on the skin. It works to fortify the skin, plump up fine, dehydration lines and restore the skin’s water reservoirs (called porins). The formula is so gentle, even sensitive skin types that usually can’t use serums can use this.
To hydrate and protect my skin during the day, the Avène Hydrance UV Light Emulsion SPF 30 R315 (BUY) is my go-to. I like the rich, velvety texture of this emulsion that ensures the skin is soft & supple. The formula also offer protection against pollution & free radicals while protecting the skin with an SPF 30. It’s best for normal or combo skin types. The key ingredients include Shea butter, Vitamin E & the Avène Thermal Spring Water.
The Avène Soothing Radiance Mask R280 (BUY) is my FAVOURITE mask. I often use it the same way I would a night cream – because the formula can be left on overnight.
You can also apply a layer, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then remove the formula with a cotton pad of facecloth. It’s one of the brands best sellers too and is just the treat for normal, combination, dry, sensitive, red, rosacea-prone or dehydrated skin types. I also ALWAYS have one on hand when I travel (LOL remember traveling?!) because aside from deeply moisturising, it soothes any skin discomfort. The formula contains a Red Fruit Extract that strengthens the skins barrier & boosts cellular energy. Antioxidants protect skin from free radicals, while Safflower Oil hydrates. As with all Avène formulas, this contains the brands iconic Thermal Spring Water.
GIVEAWAY
Win an Avène hamper containing all 4 products featured with a value of R1355
To enter, leave a comment below this blog post telling me which of the four products featured you are moist excited to try. And, if you have a favourite Avène product, tell me which one it is.
Please ensure you include your email address (only I can see it) – This is to ensure I’m able to contact you, should you be the winner of this giveaway.
The winner of this hamper will be announced on In My Bag’s Facebook page – FOLLOW HERE – on Monday 12 July 2021
This giveaway is only open to residents of South Africa.
