Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub

RRP: £21.50 for 150g
 
 --What does the promo say?--
"A professional treatment used in Caudalie’s Vinothérapie® Spas in Bordeaux, France, this natural, grape-rich body scrub made with exfoliating grape-seeds, rich honey, softening brown sugar and 6 essential oils, leaves the skin smooth, ultra soft and silky. For anyone looking for deep exfoliation combined with slimming action. 99% natural ingredients."

--Packaging--
As mine came as part of a gift set from my sister-in-law, it was in a tiny kilner jar. This appears to be in a plastic tub with a black screw-top lid. The advantage of both is that you can get right in there with your fingers to scoop out the last dregs (as opposed to, say, a tube). However, the opening mechanism of the kilner jar may be easier to grab hold of in the shower when you're trying to open or close it with slippery fingers.

--Application--
Caudalie's website recommends usage twice a week on damp skin. I was using mine every day to attack the dry skin on my feet and didn't suffer any ill effects from this, so you probably could use it more frequently on really tough areas. Twice a week, however, is probably a good idea if you are just trying to maintain normal skin condition.

--Appearance--
A brown, grainy scrub in which the crushed grape seed and sugar granules can be easily seen.

--Scent--
Despite all of the essential oils this contains, the only scent I could pick up on was the bitter, anti-oxidant smell of the crushed grape seed. Luckily, this isn't overly bitter or overpowering, so perhaps the essential oils used serve mainly to balance this out, rather than to be the stars of the show themselves.

--Texture and consistency--
Very good for a gentle yet effective attack on dry body skin. However, it might be too harsh for use on your face, just in case anyone was thinking of trying it: as mentioned, the exfoliating agents used are clearly visible and exist in quite large granules. The essential oils make the scrub smooth, not sticky, and the scrub as a whole is easy to rinse.

--Effects on the skin--
Clearly diminishes the quantity and appearance of dry skin, and then subsequently manages skin condition. Skin is smoothed and moisturised simultaneously, leaving you feeling like you've had a luxurious yet effective experience.

--Value for money--  
While the price may initially seem a little steep, here are some thoughts to consider: a) you get the desired results; b) the experience of using this product is spa-like rather than purely utilitarian; c) if you want high-quality ingredients, then you have to pay; and d) even my tiny jar lasted ages, so this cavernous and heavy-duty pot should endure for an eternity. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Contouring Concentrate, £24
Draining Herbal Teas, £10
Nourishing Body Lotion, £20

Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion

RRP: from £18 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Packed with extremely nourishing active ingredients, this product immediately and moisturizes the skin, which regains its softness and elasticity. Grape-seed Polyphenols prevent premature ageing of the skin, gingko biloba activates microcirculation. Protected and revitalized, your skin is firmer and more luminous for all day moisture. Its luxurious texture is quickly absorbed and wraps the skin in a delicately perfumed, velvety veil."

--Packaging--

The opaque plastic allows the white body lotion to be clearly seen, meaning you've always got an idea of how much you have left. The pump-action is easy to control (although offers no extra protective lid for travel) and visually it's clear yet understated, with the grapevine imagery fitting well with the rest of Caudalie's products and philosophy. The white and green colour scheme helps to make this a unisex offering.

--Application--

Massage into clean dry skin in the morning and/or at night and leave to soak in. It's as simple as that!

--Appearance--

The white lotion leaves no visible residue on the skin once the product has been rubbed in.

--Scent--

Clean without being chemical; along the lines of cotton and soap, so it should appeal to all. A shame none of the main ingredients seem to be detectable. A neutral scent that doesn't interfere with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and completely luxurious. Not at all greasy. Sinks into skin extremely well.

--Effects on the skin--

Definitely reduces dry skin on the body and leaves you feeling soft and stroky :)  No comments from the beautician during my waxing sessions at how dry my skin is (which they have commented on in the past). Now, if I could just find something so balancing for my facial skin, all would be well!!

--Value for money--

At £18 for 250ml (and £26 for 400ml) it's certainly not cheap, but it's still an affordable treat for sure, giving your life a little bit of salon luxury every day. L'Occitane is the main competitor in this price bracket and I feel Caudalie have pitched their product well here. The scent may not be that exciting, but it's a simultaneously luxurious and effective product. Wrap yourself in a big white fluffy towel and enjoy!

perfect partners

Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel, £9

Hand and Nail Cream, £12

Caudalie Vinotherapie Vine Peach Shower Gel

RRP: £7.65/200ml from www.feelunique.com

--What does the promo say?--

"Caudalie Vinotherapie Vine Peach Shower Gel is for those who want to transform their shower into a moment of total relaxation. Its intoxicating fragrance blends the sweetness of vine peach and almond milk with the invigorating freshness of mint leaves. Soap and sodium laureth sulfate free, with a plant-derived base, this shower gel respects skin’s natural pH balance."*

 --Packaging--

 We are promised what the name suggests in a pink-orange plastic tube, which stands alone in the shower. Complemented by dark green script, it fulfils the image we expect of the product and fits in well with the rest of the Caudalie catalogue.

--Application--

Simply lather up in the shower and spread over wet skin before rinsing off.

--Appearance--

A pale pink gel that doesn't appear lurid or unnatural in any way (despite the apparent lack of actual peach in the product). Works up beautifully into a white lather that doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Beautiful, rich and natural-smelling; completely conforms with what we expect, in the most positive of ways (although all we're told about it in the ingredients list is "Parfum (Fragrance)". Grrr.).

--Texture and consistency--

A smooth, creamy and totally luxurious lather; nothing thin or cheap about this. Truly adds to the idea of a spa experience at home.

--Effects on the skin--

With aloe vera and coconut oil I'd be surprised if it had no effect at all; it certainly made my skin feel baby-soft for hours when used in conjunction with the Nourishing Body Lotion.

--Value for money--

This product is a delight to use and it definitely restored my faith in the Caudalie empire, as hitherto I had not been terribly impressed with their offerings (particularly for skincare). Fits well within its category for the price (in this bracket you can find products by Korres, Roger and Gallet, and Neal's Yard, to name but a few) and definitely gives you a touch of luxury at home.

perfect partners

Caudalie Vine Body Butter, £16.95 (FeelUnique.com)

Caudalie Bath Trio Set, £20.50 (Debenhams)

Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa in a Bag, £33.15 (FeelUnique.com)

Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion, £21.50 (FeelUnique.com)

Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream

RRP: £17 for 60ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This rich scrub eliminates impurities, dead skin cells and excess oil while stimulating cellular renewal. Your complexion’s radiance is gently restored and your skin is soft and clean. For all skin types, even the most sensitive. Contains grape-seed oil, jojoba microbeads, honey, plant cellulose, liquorice, essential oils of sweet lime and sandal wood, and extracts of coriander, limette, lemon, guaiac wood, sweet orange, vetiver, sandalwood and lavandin."

--Packaging--
A very sweet-looking white tube with the custom Caudalie silver grapes logo. Plastic, with stand-alone screw-top lid.

--Application--
The Caudalie website advises use "on cleansed face, neck and décolleté once or twice a week using gentle circular movements. Rinse with warm water."

--Scent--
A very incense-heavy scent, with the sandalwood and coriander coming through most strongly. Lovely, though, and very unusual.

--Appearance--
A slightly yellowish, off-white cream, with the exfoliating particles visible only as tiny lumps.

--Texture/consistency--
Very creamy and rich, as promised by the brief. The exfoliating particles are very gentle (again, as promised) and feel good when the exfoliator is applied to the skin and massaged in.

--Effects on skin over time--
Short-term, skin does feel smoother, but I didn't feel that this effect lasted. Equally, I also noticed no difference in my skin condition over time: the recurrence of spots was in no way improved and dry patches kept returning, indicating that even if the buffing cream can get rid of these in the immediate period during and after use, there is no element of prevention or of long-term cure.

--Value for money--
This seems to me to be quite expensive for what it is. This is a shame, as it smells divine and I so wanted it to be effective. It seems this is just another case where you shouldn't trust anything claiming to be 'for all skin types' (where, yet again, it seems that this product would be best for normal or sensitive skin). Instead, I would recommend exfoliators by either Liz Earle (hers is cheaper too at £12 for 70ml) or Lush's Ocean Salt (£11 for 250g) for keeping things natural (at least Caudalie's products are chock-full of natural stuff, right down to the exfoliating beads themselves - can never understand why companies insist on using artificial exfoliating elements or beads when there are plenty of natural ingredients that do the job just as well). However, sucker that I am, I haven't given up on Caudalie yet. Their 'get your beauty prescription' tool on their website seems accurate and informative and I can't wait to try the products that the widget recommends - the Gentle Cleanser, the Beauty Elixir (toner), the Matte Finish Fluid (moisturiser) and the Purifying Concentrate (balancing complexion serum). Maybe there's hope yet...

perfect partners
Vinopure Purifying Mask, £17.50 for 50ml
Gentle Cleanser, £14 for 200ml

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser

RRP: £14 for 150ml; £7 for 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This gentle cleanser transforms into an airy mousse for delightful soap-free cleansing. Skin is left fresh and clear, but never stripped."

--Packaging--
A nice-looking opaque white plastic canister, with a silver logo featuring a bunch of grapes (presumably to underline the 'vinotherapy' that pervades the Caudalie philosophy). Pump-action; comes in smaller size for travel.

--Application--
The Caudalie website recommends that you apply this to damp skin morning and evening, massaging with circular motions, before washing off with warm water. You can also mix it with the Gentle Buffing Cream for mild yet rich exfoliation. However, I found that the quantity required is difficult to get right, with too little leading to inadequate cleansing and too much leading to wastage.

--Scent--
Being packed full of good stuff like sage and camomile as well as the token grape extracts, it naturally smells divine and fruity.

--Appearance--
A white foam which disappears and becomes transparent on the face, though encouragingly becomes a thicker, creamier and more luxurious foam when rubbed between wet hands.

--Texture/consistency--
A smooth foam that glides easily across the face and is easy to rinse off. However, I earlier mentioned that it is difficult to get the required quantity right, and this is exacerbated by the fact that if you apply too little, this dries very quickly on the face, meaning that while you can add more, it's a little counterproductive if what you've already applied has already evaporated.

--Effects over time--
Sadly, I noticed no improvement (although no worsening either) of my somewhat acneic skin during my use of this product, although I am willing to attribute this to the fact that this cleanser is allegedly 'for all skin types' and that I arguably require something more specialised. I also noticed no especial smoothening or softening effects.

--Value for money--
This didn't really work for me, though its pleasantness to use and its natural origins could tempt me to try another Caudalie cleanser (such as their Cleansing Water, which contains mint). For more apparent results at a similar price, I'd steer readers in the direction of Liz Earle or Garnier.

perfect partners
Gentle Buffing Cream, £17 for 60ml
Vinopure Purifying Concentrate, £25 for 15ml
Vinopure Matte Finish Fluid, £25 for 40ml