Melvita Organic Rose Shower Gel

RRP: €14 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Organic Rose Shower Gel is soap-free and contains all the freshness of three wild rose extracts collected by hand. This shower gel gently cleanses skin and turns into a foam with a light floral scent like a shower of petals on the body. 99% of the ingredients are natural; 10% of the ingredients are organic. Made in France; certified organic by ECOCERT. Organic Rose Shower Gel is ideal for:
• Women wanting an organic shower gel which is both gentle and lovely to use 
• Gently cleansing skin 
• Its fresh, subtle rose scent for instant well-being
• Its light foam texture
• Its sulphate-free formula
• All skin types"

--Packaging--

Mine was a travel version in a dark pink squeezy tube that stood up on its lid (as part of a Christmas gift set, the Mini Coffret Rose, available in France but not the UK). The full-size version is in an equally pretty but pale pink translucent bottle, accented by the dark pink lid, dark green Melvita logo, and botanical line drawing that emphasises the brand's valuing of natural ingredients. .

--Application--

Just lather up in the shower as usual, apply to wet skin, and rinse. Job done.

--Appearance--

Despite the pink bottle, the gel itself is clear, and leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Thanks to the use of damask rose, French rose, dog rose and sweetbriar rose (also known as eglantine), the scent of this shower gel is gorgeously intense and multilayered. Put simply, I loved it.

--Texture and consistency--

The gel foams into a fine white lather that feels luxurious on the skin, yet washes off easily when you need it to.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin feels beautifully soft after use and the scent lingers wonderfully. Reviewers on the Melvita website also report a reduction in skin redness.

--Value for money--

This makes a lovely gift (as mine was, from my sister-in-law this Christmas just past) and a luxurious addition to any bathroom. Highly recommended!

perfect partners

Organic Rose Body Milk, €15.50

Organic Wild Rose Eau De Toilette, €36

Organic Rose Soap, €5.90

Organic Rose Hand Cream, €6

Organic Rose Floral Water, from €7

Organic Rose Micellar Water, from €14.90

Organic Rose Cleansing Milk, €14.90

Organic Rose Multi-Use Balm, €11

Organic Rose Lip Balm, €6.50

Organic Rose Limited Edition Extraordinary Water, €29

Organic Rose Milky Cleansing Oil, €20.90

Organic Rose Face Mask, €19.90

Delicate Roses Gift Set, €34

Melvita Moisturizing Rose Nectar

Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.

RRP: £24
*also marketed as Melvita Rose Day Cream. Don't worry - it's the same thing!

--What does the promo say?--
"Ideal for dry and dehydrated skin, this sheer, comfortable cream intensely moisturises the skin for 24 hours. Rose floral water acts as a direct source of hydration, while extract of fresh roses, obtained by enfleurage, helps to hold in the skin's natural moisture by maintaining the hydrolipidic film. To help diffuse this moisture at the heart of epidermal cells, wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) helps to stimulate the synthesis of aquaporins – true "water channels". Rose Nectar is made with 100% organic active ingredients and provides 24-hour hydration. Perfectly moisturized throughout the day, the skin feels soft and supple again – and the complexion looks beautifully rosy!"

--Packaging--
The same style as for the micellar water, except with a white instead of see-through bottle and a pale pink lid that pops off easily to reveal a push down dispenser nozzle. It has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Gelée fraîche désaltérante’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and the same lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar, and so on. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. The dispenser means that the product is not contaminated and that just the right amount is ejected each time. However, this also means that you cannot see how much of the product you're using and so have to go by the weight of the container in your hand to know if you're running out. The solid container also means it can't be cut open to get the last dregs. Naturally, though, you can't have everything, and the fact that these dispensers don't topple over (unlike Melvita's old tubes) is a big plus.

--Application--
Apply in the morning to cleansed face and neck.

--Appearance and texture-- 
A lovely smooth and silky cream that goes on well.
 
--Scent--
If you like roses…fabulous!  Floral and feminine.  I could put this on all over!  

--Effects on the skin--
To be honest, since I have the hydrating facial gel, I am tending to use this product at night instead of in the morning.  I don’t see the point in using two products in the morning to do the same job.  When I tried them out, I felt that this one was the thicker, creamier product and that, of the two, it would be more effective overnight than the gel.  It would, however, still be perfect as a day cream because it is not too heavy. I would generally use something more ‘robust’ and deeply penetrating/nourishing as a night cream (I obviously need to try the Extraordinary Night Cream £29 with moonstone, argan and rose for this…)….but the only way to test this product out was to use it separately to the gel in order to able to observe the effects of each.  One wonders if one is meant to use BOTH in the morning or if it is just a question of personal choice for the texture. The skin is left looking and feeling supple and moisturized - given the choice, I prefer this to the gel.
 
--Value for money--
An excellent product that does what it says. Again, as you only have to use a little of the product each time, I reckon it is good value.  Compared to the other ‘beauty giants’ Melvita’s products are reasonably priced.


perfect partners
Fresh Micellar Water, £15
Rose Hip Oil, £20
Rose Extraordinary Water, £16
Fresh Cleansing Milk, £16 

Melvita Hydrating Facial Gel

 Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.

RRP: £25.00/40ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Ideal for dry to combination skin, this gel as fresh as the morning dew lightly moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. Rose floral water acts as a direct source of hydration, while Rose seed milk helps hold in the skin's natural moisture by maintaining the hydrolipidic film. To diffuse this moisture at the heart of epidermal cells, wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) helps to stimulate the synthesis of aquaporins – true "water channels". Enriched with mattifying rice powder, this gel is immediately absorbed and leaves skin shine-free. Its thirst deeply quenched, the skin stays soft and fresh all day long! Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT GREENLIFE according to ECOCERT Standard available at http://cosmetiques.ecocert.com . 99% of the ingredients are from natural origin; 36% of the ingredients are from Organic Farming."

--Packaging--
The same style as for the micellar water, except with a white instead
of see-through bottle and a pale pink lid that pops off easily to reveal a push
down dispenser nozzle. It has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Gelée fraîche désaltérante’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and the same lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar, and so on. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. The dispenser means that the product is not contaminated and that just the right amount is ejected each time. However, this also means that you cannot see how much of the product you're using and so have to go by the weight of the container in your hand to know if you're running out. The solid container also means it can't be cut open to get the last dregs. Naturally, though, you can't have everything, and the fact that these dispensers don't topple over (unlike Melvita's old tubes) is a big plus.

--Application--
Apply in the morning to cleansed face and neck.

--Appearance and texture--
I have never really been a fan of gels but this one has a nice texture. It is a creamy white and smooths over the face easily.

--Scent-- 
Divine. Rosey-posey!

--Effects on the skin-- 
What surprised me was how quickly it was absorbed into my skin…my face just said ‘WOW’ and soaked it up. Must be doing some good then! It didn’t leave my face shiny and provided a good base for make-up.

--Value for money--
Compared to the other ‘beauty giants’ Melvita’s products are reasonably priced and not over the top. As you only have to use a little of the product each time, I reckon it is good value.

perfect partners 
Fresh Micellar Water, £15
Moisturising Rose Nectar, £25

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water

Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.
 
RRP: £15

--What does the promo say?--
"This fresh and delicately perfumed 3-in-1 formula removes make-up, cleanses and tones, thanks to the action of micelles, which trap impurities. Enriched with wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) and moisturizing rose floral water, the Fresh Micellar Water cleanses skin perfectly without any drying effect. Within moments, skin is soft, fresh and radiant. In a single, simple step, skin is free of make-up, perfectly clean and fresh!"

--Packaging--
The bottle is clear and slightly frosted, showing the level of micellar water as you use it. It has a white screw top lid. The bottle has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Eau Fraiche Micellaire’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and, new for Melvita, a lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar etc. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. It is a lovely addition to the array of lotions and potions women normally have on their bathroom shelves.

--Application--
Apply morning and evening to face and eyes in circular motion, using a cotton pad. No need to rinse.

--Scent--
If you like roses, and I do, then it is divine!

--Appearance--
A completely clear liquid.

--Effects on the skin--
It removes make-up very efficiently and smells lovely afterwards. Nice going to bed smelling of roses! I tend to use this only at night to remove make-up but the smell is a bit addictive, and I could see myself using it in the morning as well to simply freshen up the skin before putting moisturizer on.

--Value for money--
Seems to be lasting quite well so far. Can’t say yet how long a
bottle will last but I have been using it for at least two weeks non-stop and only a quarter of the liquid has been used. Would repurchase.

perfect partners
Argan Oil, £18
Hydrating Facial Gel, £25
Moisturising Rose Nectar, £25 

La vie en rose: introducing Melvita's new range

I always love meeting new bloggers and seeing new products. So whenever a press event comes up that I'm able to attend (which invariably involves combining these with two of my other loves: free stuff, and free food), I'm delighted to get stuck in, and this was certainly the case with French organic beauty brand Melvita's launch of its new line of rose products, which took place in Paris on the evening of May 3rd, 2012. 

I'd never tested Melvita's products, but my aunt is a big fan, and she's also very knowledgeable, living in the vicinity of  Melvita's headquarters in the south of France and having attended a few of their events from time to time as well. To get the chance to try out the products for myself, then, and to get to know the brand better, was an important thing. And Melvita definitely give a very good first impression: they surely know how to entertain their guests, welcoming them in style at an exclusive cake shop in Paris' luxurious 16th arrondissement, La Pâtisserie des Rêves.

The brand had really gone the whole nine yards with this event. Not only were full-size samples of the products available to take home, but a professional florist had been hired to help us make our own flower arrangements of five roses, a photographer was on hand to take pictures of us (not-so-)artfully chucking rose petals in the air, and the patisserie had taken the theme completely to heart by serving us rose shortbread and rose nougat, as well as chewy sweets tasting of rose and lemon that seemed scarily addictive. En plus, this was all washed down with rose water and rose lemonade.
 
But what of the products themselves? After we'd been filled with delicious cake, it was time to take off the rose-tinted glasses and critically analyse the products. We'd each been given three full-size products from the new Nectar de Roses line: Gélée Fraîche Désaltérante (a light moisturiser), Eau Fraîche Micellaire (a 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and makeup remover), and the standard Nectar de Roses (a moisturiser for drier skin types). All are worth roughly €20 each and are completely organic.

The product that appealed most to me was the Eau Fraîche Micellaire, even if I didn't fully understand what 'micelles' actually are or what they in fact do. (It turns out, science buffs, that they're molecules diffused within a liquid that keeps them all together. There are two types, water-in-oil and oil-in-water, of which the Eau Fraîche Micellaire appears to be the latter. This creates a soapy solution which allows lipids and vitamins A, D, E and K to be retained - always handy for more youthful and less dry-looking skin!) In any case, a 3-in-1 product which can help save time, money and space, particularly when travelling, is always a plus.

I've also been testing the light moisturiser, which has a heavenly fragrant smell and seems to absorb with ease. The heavier moisturiser will be sent to my auntie, who has drier (and - sorry - older!) skin, for testing. More detailed assessments of these products will therefore be available shortly.

The Nectar de Roses range allegedly provides a full three-step regime no matter what your skin type. Firstly, you need to clean your skin - with the 3-in-1 product mentioned above if you have oily skin, or with their cream cleanser and makeup remover if your skin is dry. You then tone, either using rose flower water or rose oil. Finally, hydration is provided through the two moisturisers I already talked about.

Ultimately, I left the event with an excellent impression of the brand and its products, which are clearly crafted with care and attention. This care and attention is evidently also lavished on its bloggers, in the hope of providing the most positive launch possible. Even if I don't end up using Melvita's rose range long-term, their other products for oily and acne-prone skin, especially the anti-blemish roll-on and their tinted healing concealer, look very tempting too. As do all the cakes and biscuits and sweets that I ate at the launch. (Note to self: drag husband to said patisserie for tea on Saturday.)