Vichy Purete Thermale Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

RRP: £10

--What does the promo say?--

"A gentle make-up remover for sensitive eyes that removes all traces of make-up and soothes the eye contour. Enriched with ultra-gentle cleansing agents and with hydrating and soothing active ingredients, this make-up remover is kind to the most sensitive eyes: allantoin soothes, cornflower extract combats irritations of the eye and eyelid, and vitamin B5 hydrates the eye contour. Your sensitive eyes are effectively and gently cleansed and the eye contour soothed. Tested on sensitive eyes under ophthalmological control. Hypoallergenic, with soothing and fortifying Vichy Thermal Spa Water. Non-comedogenic, suitable for contact lens wearers, and paraben-free."

--Packaging--

The cobalt blue plastic bottle has a white flip top and is transparent, so you can always see exactly how much liquid you have left and which also adds to the idea of 'pureness' inherent in the product line name. The blue and white colour scheme is not overly girly and information is kept minimalist but still useful. Opens and closes easily when needed without spillage during travel.

--Application--

Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and rub over eyes to remove eye makeup. There's no need to rinse after use.

--Appearance--

Even though the bottle makes the liquid appear blue, once out of the bottle it's obviously clear. No visible residue is left on the face.

--Scent--

Smells of cornflower, cotton and elderflower without being sugary or overpowering; is generally inoffensive.

--Texture and consistency--

Blissfully simple: there are no glittery or exfoliating particles, and as this is just essentially a micellar water, there's no stickiness or lotion-type qualities either, so there's no qualms about putting this near your eyes. 

--Effects on the skin--

This product removes eye makeup swiftly and effectively, with the possible exception of some exceptionally stubborn mascaras. It also really helps to calm the eye area, which is handy on waking, after sun exposure, after work, or just when feeling tired. However, it is useless at removing any other sort of makeup, although on the plus side it does double up as a handy toner. I don't wear contact lenses, so can't comment too much on this aspect of the product's promises, but as I experienced no irritation while using this product, I would verge more on the positive side.

--Value for money--

This is a high-quality product that does as it promises. However, it's not really 'for me': it's fine if you only ever wear eye makeup, but if I'm going to buy a makeup remover, I want it to remove all types of makeup, not just that used around the eyes. I also unfortunately didn't see its effects as a toner: while it's pleasant and refreshing to use, I had hoped that its non-comedogenic qualities would have improved my skin if I used it as a toner, but it didn't. In short, I wouldn't buy it again for myself, but would not hesitate to recommend it to others if I thought it was suitable for them.

perfect partners

3-in-1 Calming Cleansing Micellar Solution, £11

3-in-1 One-Step Cleanser, £11

Soothing Cleansing Milk, £11

Hydra Soothing Toner, £11

Hydra Perfecting Toner, £11

Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes, £10.50

Purifying Exfoliating Cream, £11

Cream Mousse, £11

Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser, £11.50

Vichy Capital Soleil Protective Cream for the Face

RRP: £13 from www.garden.co.uk
SPF: 30 (others available)

--What does the promo say?--
"Protective Cream for face and particularly exposed areas. SPF 30 Cream. Contains Mexoryl XL. High coverage technology. Vichy thermal spa water. Preservative-free. Prevents sun-induced skin damage. Fights onset of pigment patches. Moisturizing. Matt result. For fair and sensitive skin in less intense sunlight and for dark skin at the start of a holiday. Photostable. Hypoallergenic. Water-resistant. 50 ml tube."

--Packaging--
Uses a white and orange colour scheme, though this isn't really distinctive from other similarly-priced suncare brands' colour schemes, such as Dermalogica's suncare range. The tube itself is a plastic flip top and doesn't leak.

--Application--
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of sunblock from the tube, and rub gently into the skin, either on its own or mixed with your usual moisturiser.

--Scent--
It smells lovely. Not that traditional coconutty smell, but still slightly sweet and yet sophisticated. I'll think on a better description.

--Texture/consistency--
To my delight, unlike most sunscreens designed for the face, this isn't greasy in the slightest. It absorbs quickly and well, and isn't too lumpy or runny.

--Appearance--
No residue is left on the face, and the cream itself is almost perfectly white.

--Longevity--
You only need to apply this once all day long (perhaps twice in very hot climates), and it protects brilliantly against the sun. You won't see even a hint of sunburn with this. I have very fair skin, so this is important to me, and it completely achieves its aims.

--Value for money--
This is an extremely fair price for what is arguably the best facial sun cream on the market. Go out and buy it now - it comes in higher and lower SPFs too, so there's bound to be one to suit your needs.

perfect partners
Vichy Self-Tan Wipes for Fair Skin, £1.50
Vichy After-Sun Milk Gel, £10
Vichy Capital Soleil Ultra Fluid SPF50, £13.50