Vichy Aqualia Thermal Skincare Review

As the seasons change, the weather in Toronto fluctuates from one extreme to the next. There are short cold spells with chilling wind followed by sun, thundershowers and high humidity. Drastic temperatures combined with pollution and lifestyle choices can deplete the skin of essential nutrients and moisture.

To prevent dryness and prepare your complexion for autumn, Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal Collection is infused with mineralizing water (from French volcanoes), plant mannose, hyaluronic acid and fruit oils to intensely rehydrate in extreme conditions for up to 48 hours. The formula is 97% natural, allergy tested, safe for sensitive skin and scientifically proven to strengthen, rejuvenate and protect.

The Rehydrating Water Water Gel ($39.95) melts in instantly to plump fine lines and blur wrinkles. The cooling sensation refreshes and invigorates parched skin while the lush texture makes my face feel silky, soft and replenished with no greasiness. It also layers well under makeup and makes a great daily moisturizer.

The Rehydrating Serum ($42.95) is very similar to the Cream with the same nourishing ingredients, lovely scent and dewy texture. Both formulas seem to yield similar results but when layered, they form a velvety moisture barrier that quenches the thirstiest complexions for enhanced smoothness, radiance, suppleness and youthful vitality. I will definitely be using these when winter rolls around and in the summer they don’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Vichy is available at drugstores nationwide and online at vichy.ca

Vichy Idéalia Skincare Review

If you’re 30 or over and haven’t started an anti-aging regiment it’s time to give your beauty routine a makeover. My motivation to invest in good skincare comes from growing up and watching my mom habitually slather on sunscreen, moisturizer and masks. She is always on top of her game which is probably why at age 55 she has the skin of a 30 year old with no wrinkles, sagging or harsh lines (let’s hope I inherit those genes). I began using preventative anti-aging products in my early 20’s and I’m happy to report that I have no visible signs of aging!

To help get you started Vichy had released a luxurious line of  paraben-free skincare infused with the power of blueberries (high in antioxidants), fermented black tea extract (also known as Kombucha) and mineralizing thermal water to shrink pores, smooth fine lines, prevent wrinkles and soften. Blueberries also contain essential vitamins to fight free-radicals, heal sun damage, diminish age spots and brighten skin tone for an even, healthy complexion.

After cleansing I like to start with the Idéalia Peeling Radiance Activating Night Care. The formula contains 4% Glycolic Acid which gently exfoliates and stimulates cell regeneration to smooth skin texture and enhance vibrancy. The concentration is safe for sensitive skin and can be applied with a cotton pad daily. The light water based formula refreshes with no residue and overtime dark spots, acne scars and wrinkles fade. The peel retails for $39.95.

I’ve also been using the Idéalia Smoothness & Glow Energizing Moisturizer which comes in two formulas: one for dry skin and the other for normal to combination. This potent, hypoallergenic blend combines the freshness of a gel with the lightweight suppleness of a cream and it makes my skin incredibly soft, silky and luminous! Upon application I experience an instant boost of hydration and radiance plus the wonderful fragrance has subtle hints of white flower and delicious tea extract. The lush texture eliminates dryness all day and at night I layer it with serum to create a nourishing sleep mask! The moisturizers retail for $45.00 each.

Although I love the Energizing Creams, the ultra silky texture slightly reduces adhesion of my foundation so under makeup I opt for the Smoothing and Illuminating Gel-Cream instead. The non-greasy, antioxidant rich formula makes skin feel smooth and soft while controlling shine, and shrinking pores. The matte finish is suitable for combination to oily skin and creates an even canvass for makeup application. It retails for $39.95.

The Radiance Booster Serum has an extra blast of citrus, licorice root and energizing ingredients that combine with the berry extract to speed up results and transform your skin in just 8 days. The light texture absorbs quickly and seeps deep into the epidermis for long lasting moisture and a beautiful glow. It retails for $49.95.

This collection is also great for women who have busy schedules and suffer from lack of sleep. The nutritive elements help perk-up the complexion and diminish dullness to reduce the signs of fatigue and stress. Vichy is available at drugstores nationwide and online at vichy.ca

Vichy Face Mask Review

Summer is winding down and it’s time for some serious skin restoration! If you’ve been frolicking in the sun and enjoying the patio parties, backyard barbecues and beaches, then you’ve probably been exposed to skin irritants, pollutants and lots of UV. Thankfully Vichy is here to rescue your complexion with their new water and mineral enriched masks.

Each mask has it's own unique texture and blend of ingredients that target different skin concerns and add a pampering twist to your beauty ritual.

The Double Glow Peel Mask has a fresh, watery gel texture that smells like delicious peach, white musk and black tea. The light formula is infused with volcanic ash and AHA - (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) derived from fruit sugars and used to deeply penetrate the skin to gently peel off dead cells. Along with brightening benefits from Vitamin C, it also exfoliates for a smooth, polished finish. After 1 month skin is rebalanced, radiant and more resilient.

As the weather cools down and skin becomes dehydrated, many of us are going to need the Quenching Mineral Mask. This cooling blue gel soothes thirsty, uncomfortable skin with a light fragrant blend of green tea, jasmine, vitamins and bamboo. It instantly moisturizes, calms irritation and leaves skin feeling soft, supple and refreshed.

The Pore Purifying Clay Mask uses Kaolin Clay to cleanse the skin of complexion damaging irritants. It detoxifies and refines pores with an invigorating minty fragrance and absorbs dirt and excess oil to help reduce acne flare-ups. After long nights or stressful days, it makes skin feel fantastic!

You can find these masks at drugstores nationwide and they retail for $34.00 each. For more info visit the website by clicking HERE.

Vichy Ideal Body Aqua Sorbet Review

When you have a busy schedule jam packed with meetings, events and errands skin can lose that feeling of freshness and become dry. For me the last few weeks have been very busy, I had a press trip to humid Fort Lauderdale, another press trip to frigid Quebec, a vacation to Florence, Fashion Week and never ending beauty events. All the traveling, extreme climate fluctuations, long drying flights plus lack of time and sleep has taken a toll on my skin. When you factor in the effects of winter I definitely need products that can effectively revitalize so I’ve been using the nourishing Aqua Sorbet by Vichy.

One of the first things I notice when applying this lightweight, non-greasy lotion is an instant burst of coolness. This unique formulation automatically decreases skin temperature for an invigorating sensation of freshness. 

The name is quite fitting because the cream does have a subtle sorbet fragrance that lightly scents the skin without bring pungent enough to overshadow your perfume. The smooth gel texture distributes well and leaves skin silky, hydrated and supple with no residue or oil.

The key ingredients- Ginko Biloba, natural oils and Hyaluronic Acid protects and moisturizes while the mineralizing water sourced from French volcanoes rebalances, fortifies and regenerates for that confident, just showered feeling all day! It also promotes micro-circulation and tissue drainage to prevent the feeling of “body heaviness” and bloat.

The natural oils – jojoba, apricot, sunflower, macadamia, passiflora, rose, coriander, corn oil, black currant and rice bran work beyond the surface of the epidermis to harmonize skin tone, firm and smooth. After a hectic month my tired, lackluster skin is revived, supple and luminous!

To deliver the most informative article possible combined with my personal results I read through the impressive research which Vichy has been perfecting for 5 years! The thermoregulation benefits are fabulous especially since the weather will be warming up soon and it softens and soothes rough, peeling sensitive areas affected by harsh climate. 

From young to old and every skin type in-between I think many people are going to enjoy this new blend. Although it was formulated to keep you fresh through your grueling day, the cool texture is also very calming before bed. The Aqua Sorbet retails for $29.95 and Vichy can be found in major drugstores worldwide. You can visit the website by clicking HERE.