Vichy Mineral 89 Booster and NEW Mineral 89 Repairing Eye Fortifier

Since its debut a few years ago, Vichy’s Mineral 89 Booster ($49.95) has become a Canadian bestseller and one of the most popular products of its kind on the market. I’ve been using it to enhance my skincare routine and fortify my cells for years but it is also very helpful during cold winter months.

Boosters should be applied after cleansing and toner. They lock-in moisture and increase the efficiency of your other skincare products for faster results and a youthful glow.

Mineral 89 with hyaluronic acid contains 89% mineralizing thermal water from deep within French volcanoes. The concentrated gel hydrates dry skin and protects against visible signs of stress, fatigue, pollution, sun damage, aging and dullness.

With repeated use skin appears plump, tone, smooth, luminous and even with no greasiness or sticky residue. In fact, the refreshing formula absorbs so well that I don’t even feel it. For very dry skin and during winter, I recommend layering it with serum and moisturizer. Before bed I also use face oil so my complexion looks amazing in the morning.

Since the effects last 24 hours, it is a good idea to apply a few drops under makeup as well. For long flights, I pack the bottle in my carry-on to prevent dehydration, excess oil and breakouts – what I refer to as vacation skin. The formula is free of oil, alcohol, fragrance, parabens and silicone so it should be safe for all skin types.

If you really want to get the most from your booster and look like you’ve just returned from a relaxing retreat, pair it with Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal Night Spa ($44.95). This velvety, lightweight sleep mask quenches and rejuvenates haggard, dehydrated skin so you look absolutely radiant. It contains Vichy’s signature thermal water with 15 potent minerals and the maximum concentration of hyaluronic acid to strengthen and regenerate. You will never have to worry about flaking or itchy dry spots again! In less than a week my skin was soft, smooth and renewed so now I use it every night.

If you love the effects of the booster you should also try Mineral 89 Eyes ($34.95). The gel contains similar ingredients – 89% mineralizing thermal water, hyaluronic acid and pure caffeine to brighten dark circles, deeply hydrate and reduce puffiness.

After using the treatment for a few weeks, my eye area is refreshed and smooth but there have been no significant improvements in dark circles. To reduce bags and signs of exhaustion, keep the bottle in the fridge so the gel remains cool.

Vichy is available in drugstores nationwide and you can visit the website at vichy.ca

Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist and Hyalu Mask Review

Aging is an inevitable part of life but there are many ways to mature gracefully while looking and feeling your best.

Growing old is an accomplishment – a precious gift that should be celebrated and appreciated. Unfortunately it is also a gateway to sagging skin, wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation – the undesirable side effects that creep up while you’re living life to the fullest.

Genetics, pollution, stress, UV damage, improper care and hormones are key factors in how well skin ages but we all have one thing in common – gradual collagen loss.

The Importance of Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the body, providing strength and structure for connective tissue. It is essential to the healthy functioning of skin, blood vessels, muscle, tendons, bone, ligaments and the digestive system. At age 20, collagen starts to deteriorate and by age 40 we lose about 1% each year.

I always tell my readers that early prevention is the most effective way to outsmart Mother Nature but certain products can also fortify and protect your skin.

Vichy’s new LiftActive Skincare is infused with 2 types of peptides capable of targeting collagen synthesis. It also includes 15 replenishing minerals and powerful anti-aging ingredients.

Collagen in Creams and Serums

There is a lot of controversy and contradicting theories about how our bodies absorb, breakdown and use collagen, but after doing some research, I understand how it all works.

When applied topically, collagen molecules are too large to absorb directly into the skin but they can produce superficial benefits that visibly diminish common signs of aging. When used daily, the peptides seem to fill in gaps and spaces between lines and wrinkles to blur their appearance, plump and firm.

For long-lasting results I take Sproos Dietary Collagen Supplements mixed into a berry smoothie. I also apply collagen enriched skincare with a Jade Roller to tighten and lift. These methods target skin concerns from every angle. 

The Benefits of Vichy

LiftActive Collagen Specialist ($59.95) is a fragrant lightweight cream that smooths, moisturizes and tightens slack skin to improve sagging, texture and discoloration. The silky finish works well under makeup and creates a non-greasy barrier that shields against external aggressors. When used frequently, blemishes begin to fade and your profile may appear toned and defined. I don’t have wrinkles or fine lines but my complexion definitely looks even and hydrated.

The LiftActiv Hyalu Mask ($59.95) combines the regenerating power of Hyaluronic Acid and Agave Extract for instant replenishment, suppleness and radiance. If your complexion is dry, dull or fatigued, apply a thin layer of gel on clean skin, wait 5-10 minutes and remove the excess with a cotton pad (no need to rinse). Occasionally I layer the mask over the cream before bed and wash my face again in the morning. The rejuvenating layers lock-in moisture so I awake with a fresh dewy glow.

Vichy is available at drugstores nationwide. You can also visit the website at vichy.ca

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 Normaderm Skincare & NEW Mineral 89 Booster

Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to refresh your skincare routine. Warm weather = heavy sunscreen, greasy skin, pore clogging impurities and more time spent outdoors exposed to daily pollutants. All these factors can contribute to more breakouts so Vichy has formulated the Normaderm Collection to balance, hydrate and prevent pimples.

There are two cleansers (safe for sensitive skin) that foam away excess sebum, remove makeup and unclog pores with a blend of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and LHA – to stimulate renewal. The Purifying Gel ($19.95) has a refreshing lather that abolishes dirt with antibacterial properties while minimizing shine and pores. If you prefer a mousse texture, the Mattifying Foam Cleanser ($19.95) coats well and rinses away excess oil to treat and prevent pimples. Both formulas are hypoallergenic, paraben-free, alcohol-free and soap-free so they don’t leave your face feeling dry, tight or irritated.

The Normaderm Skin Balance Anti Oiliness Aquagel ($19.95) is your solution to a grease-free, matte complexion and smaller pores this summer. It can be applied under makeup and used as a silky base. I didn’t expect the gel to be so hydrating since it is a mattifying product but the cool, soothing texture is infused with thermal water which plumps and moisturizes for a supple finish. It also contains acne fighting ingredients to keep your complexion bright and clear.

The Corrective Anti-Acne Treatment 24H Hydrating Lotion ($29.95) helps reduce pimples, blackheads, shine and acne marks. Think of it as a recovery treatment that works around the clock to rejuvenate, replenish and undo some of the damage caused by blemishes and irritation. It also helps reduce oil production and correct discoloration. When used with the other products in the line, it makes a great defense against zits.

The Mineral 89 Booster ($39.95) is a daily revival treatment composed of 89% thermal water from French volcanoes and natural hyaluronic acid that locks in nutrients, quenches dry skin, plumps and fortifies. It also helps protect against pollution and other external aggressors while toning and improving elasticity for anti-aging effects. The cooling gel-serum formula is free of parabens, fragrance, oil and silicone but it does create a supple film so I prefer to use it at night. Overtime skin looks radiant, revived and healthy!

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.

Must-Have Skincare from Vichy

Today I am going to share some fabulous products from Vichy that can be incorporated into your skincare routine for deep cleansing, blemish control and revitalizing the complexion.

First let’s discuss one of the most important steps in skincare, especially for makeup lovers which is cleansing and more specifically deep cleansing. This step is imperative to preventing breakouts, clogged pores and unhealthy looking skin. That’s where the Normaderm Cleansing Mattifying Foam comes in; this fluffy, invigorating formula gets the job done without soap, parabens, alcohol or oil! I do see Sodium Laureth Sulfate in the ingredient list which is not the best cleansing agent for maintaining optimal moisture but the foam is formulated for blemish prone, sensitive skin.

I don’t always need a mattifying face wash during the winter since my skin tends to get quite dry this time of year but for pimples, excess oil and makeup build-up this product gets rid of the gunk and impurities while fighting zits. I like that the foam is light, distributes well and does a fabulous job prepping my skin for night treatments without any tightness. Just make sure to moisturize well after use. It retails for $19.95.

After thoroughly removing all that oil based makeup it’s time to rehydrate with the Aqualia Thermal Boosting Essence Water. You apply this refreshing gel formula after cleansing and allow it to dry before applying moisturizers and serums. It works to soothe, regenerate and “enhance the efficiency of all skincare products by promoting the penetration of ingredients and boosting their overall benefits.”  I recommend using it sparingly to cut down on drying time as the texture is a bit slick. The Essence Water can be used morning and night but I prefer applying it before bed, prior to layering my serum and night mask for best results. It retails for $29.95.

After prepping skin for bed, a boost of hydration is a must, which is why I love the Idéalia Skin Sleep Night Gel-Balm. I’m one of those people who can’t shut my brain off in bed so I don’t always get enough beauty sleep. This smooth, creamy formula goes to work while you snooze and mimic’s the skin’s natural regeneration process to improve dull, uneven, rough texture so you awake with a radiant, rested complexion. The cream feels refreshing and cocoons skin in a layer of lightweight moisture that melts in and eradicates dryness. Combined with a facial massage this is the perfect balance of rejuvenation and relaxation for tired looking skin. You can pick it up for $52.00.

I am going to move on to BB cream since I’ve been having more luck finding formulas that work! At first I wasn’t completely sold on the idea of another correcting product but lately I’ve been enjoying the extra layer of camouflage to create that flawless finish.

The Normaderm BB Clear takes it a step further with a built-in acne treatment! When a bad skin day strikes and you want to hide and treat those pesky pimples while still wearing some makeup this is a great option. The formula contains salicylic acid + mineral pigments to blur imperfections, mattify to control shine, unify texture, reduce the severity of blemishes and promote radiance. Although I didn’t notice a huge improvement in the appearance of my pimple I do like the added protection and the soft coverage helps conceal blemishes and brighten.

Shade: Medium

The BB Cream is only available in 2 shades: Light and Medium (which is the one I have) and although it blends in seamlessly and works well with my skin tone if you have a deeper complexion there isn't really a shade option. The cream retails for $29.95.

You can find Vichy at most major drugstores and online by clicking HERE