Sparkled Beauty

Another aqua burst of colour and more innovative products today!

If you are familiar with the traditional blue and white packaging of Vichy Purete Thermale products, get excited as the line is being revamped with this gorgeous aqua theme and a solid V logo on the front.

There are 2 brand new cleansers launched in the line that I could not wait to tell you about but we can't forget great existing cleansers either, so this post will be a mix of both.

A note to start: All 3 cleansers carry a light fresh scent that I personally enjoy but test them in advance if you are scent sensitive.

The current product that gets the new look is the 3-in-1 One Step cleanser. It is truly a multi purpose product - a cleansing milk, an eye makeup remover and a toner.

I was surprised to realize it is a no rinse cleanser, applied with just a cotton pad. I was all for that but wondered how well it would work.

Well wonder no more after the first few tries. The milk gel texture is very pleasant to use, light and soothing. Makeup comes off and the face is left feeling comfortable, clean and non greasy. I can sing raves about this cleanser all day!

Ingredients: Water, Paraffinum Liquidum/ Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Potassium Phosphate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium Edta, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii/ Shea Butter Seedcake Extract, Fragrance.

It is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The tube is 6.7oz/ 200ml, retails $19.95.

On to the brand new stuff.

This is the Fresh cleansing gel that is designed to remove impurities (dust, sebum excess and pollution particles) and reduce the discomfort caused by hard water.

The formula is enriched with moringa, easy to use. It is a bit runny (see below) and does take a bit to rinse off thoroughly, but the comfortable feeling afterward is the same.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Chloride, Dipropylene Glycol, Lauric Acid, Triethanolamine, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Fragrance.

The bottle, with a pump, has 6.7oz/ 200ml, retails $19.95.

Here are the textures of the 3-in-1 One Step cleanser (left) and the Fresh cleansing gel (gel).

Within that one minute while I tried to take pictures, the gel was running down on my hand :) Not a big deal when you actually use it though, cause you would be pumping it into your balm.

The milk gel fared better, staying put on my hand, so you will have time to spread it out on the cotton pad before application.

Lastly, the Beautifying cleansing micellar oil. Finally, Vichy makes a cleansing oil. Wish granted!

If you are new to cleansing oils, they are to go on your dry hand, then massage onto your dry face. Add a few drops of water to emulsify the oil, then rinse off with water.

The short and sweet verdict: I like everything about this oil. I did not test it on my eye makeup and mascara, cannot confirm that aspect.

Before you wonder, I prefer Vichy (125ml, $19.95) a tiny bit than L'Oreal Sublime Radiance Sensational cleansing oil (150ml, $14.99) which I also like. It takes less product (one pump) to cover my face, spreads out a tad easier and the scent attracts me more. If you like Sublime Radiance, there is no reason to stop though.

The ingredients [Paraffinum Liquidum, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isohexadecane, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance] are almost identical to L'Oreal's, with the exception of Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, which has moisture retaining and emulsifying properties.

So there are quite a few options for you, depending on what texture you look for in a cleanser and the weather you use it with. Have fun with it!