AVENE HYDRANCE AQUA-GEL {REVIEW}

Several years ago the French brand Avène arrived in South Africa and has become

everyones' favourite, affordable skincare range, regardless of whether you 

have a sensitive skin or not.

Over the years I have used so many of their products and to date only one has

disappointed.Click on the Pink Link if you would like to read all my previous

Avène reviews

Just to recap on the brand:

Avène Dermatological Laboratories offer a range of treatments specially developed for sensitive skin, and recommended by dermatologists. Avène Thermal Spring Water, with a unique biological and mineral heritage, whose efficacy has been demonstrated in more than 150 scientific studies, is at the heart of all their products. This remarkable water is renowned for its soothing, anti-irritant and softening properties.

Recently launched the

Avène Hydrance AQUA-GEL

is all-in-one hydrating skin care solution, inspired by Asian skincare innovation,
formulated in Japan and made in France.

It can be used as a day cream, a sleeping mask and around the eye contour. 

The Hydrance range targets dehydrated/sensitive skins and is a range that my skin 
enjoys, especially the Hydrance OPTIMALE Hydrating Serum and I've lost count of how many, 
I have both used and recommended to followers and friends, over the years.

My hubby is currently using the serum and he's a new fan.

The AQUA-GEL offers the dehydrated and sensitive skin:

24H HYDRATION*
Cohederm™ complex restores the skin's water resevoirs, boosts radiance 
and restores suppleness.

ANTI-FATIGUE AND ANTI-OXIDANT
Dextran Sulfate & Pre-tocopheryl work together to decongest the skin 
while protecting it from the harmful effect of free radicals.

SOOTHES
A high concentration of Avène Thermal Spring Water (75%) offers intense
 soothing and softening benefits.

Some immediate observations when you first apply

the Aqua Gel:

1. Smells divinely aqua fresh and clean. 

2. It feels cooling on application

3. The texture melts into your skin.

4. Completely and quickly absorbs.

5. Leaves no sticky or greasy layer on the skin

Being a multi-tasking hydrating product, that can be used by all skin types

 I have been extensively testing this product over the past few weeks on my

 normal/dry/mature skin.

As a daily moisturiser I found this product to not be enough for my skin, especially

 now in Winter. However it maybe a product I'll reach for more in 

Durbans extremely hot humid Summer months. 

As a moisturiser this product would be perfect for anyone with a

sensitive or compromised skin, dehydrated skin and it's also ideal for those looking 

for a lightweight, fast and easy application, non greasy, no fuss, morning product 

that can also be applied around the eye area.

Combination/oily skins would no doubt adore this formula.

I did layer with my Hydrance serum, applying the serum before applying the 

Hydrance AQUA-GEL and that duo felt more comfortable for me.

I found the AQUA-GEL it to be a perfect soothing and calming product applied 

post exfoliation.

Applied in a thick layer overnight as a sleeping mask was my preferred

way of application and it was convenient that one product could be used

on the face, neck and around the eyes. 

As a mask it's gentle enough to use several times during the week.

I used this product often as an eye treatment as occasionally I wanted a rest

 from the active anti-ageing eye products that I normally use and this provided

 a neutral cooling, soothing alternative.

This new product from Avène will no doubt be hugely popular, as the formula will

please many, including men, but for me, as a day treatment it was lacking.

Where I did thoroughly enjoy the AQUA-GEL was as an overnight mask 

and eye treatment.

This AQUA-GEL as an ALL-IN ONE product is effective, affordable and easily

 available in Clicks & Dischem and is one that I would highly recommend if

you suffer from a dehydrated/sensitive skin, if you're looking for the convenience 

of one product "does it all" or if you are looking to introduce skincare 

 into your busy lifestyle for the first time or like me, you're just looking for a calming,

soothing, hydrating product alternative in your skincare line-up.

AVENE

HYDRANCE

AQUA-GEL

50ml

R

349

£

20

$

36

After recently reviewing and falling in love with the

 LUMENE NORDIC HYDRA AERATING GEL MASK

to read my full review

The Hydrance AQUA-GEL sounded very similar and I my expectations were high

and whilst this product is very similar, on several counts, to the LUMENE Mask 

that I love so much, the LUMENE NORDIC HYDRA AERATING GEL MASK is

"next level" in terms of hydration and offers that much needed moisturisation.

AVÈNE HYDRANCE AQUA-GEL #TBT REVIEW

A throwback to July 2020 with this review on the

 AVÈNE HYDRANCE AQUA-GEL

I have re-purchased and it's still my go to for all the reasons I mention below. 

Avène has been such an effective, affordable French skincare brand

 and one that I recommend often.

~~~~~~

Several years ago the French brand Avène arrived in South Africa and has

 become everyones' favourite, affordable skincare range, regardless of 

whether you have a sensitive skin or not.

Over the years I have used so many of their products and to date only one

 has disappointed.

If you would like to read all my previous Avène reviews 

Just to recap on the brand:

Avène Dermatological Laboratories offer a range of treatments specially developed for sensitive skin, and recommended by dermatologists. Avène Thermal Spring Water, with a unique biological and mineral heritage, whose efficacy has been demonstrated in more than 150 scientific studies, is at the heart of all their products. This remarkable water is renowned for its soothing, anti-irritant and softening properties.

Recently launched the

Avène Hydrance AQUA-GEL

is all-in-one hydrating skin care solution, inspired by Asian skincare innovation,
formulated in Japan and made in France.

It can be used as a day cream, a sleeping mask and around the

 eye contour. 

The Hydrance range targets dehydrated/sensitive skins and is a range that

 my skin enjoys, especially the Hydrance OPTIMALE Hydrating Serum 

and I've lost count of how many, I have both used and recommended to followers and friends, over the years.

My hubby is currently using the serum and he's a new fan.

The AQUA-GEL offers the dehydrated and sensitive skin:

24H HYDRATION*
Cohederm™ complex restores the skin's water resevoirs, boosts radiance 
and restores suppleness.

ANTI-FATIGUE AND ANTI-OXIDANT
Dextran Sulfate & Pre-tocopheryl work together to decongest the skin 
while protecting it from the harmful effect of free radicals.

SOOTHES
A high concentration of Avène Thermal Spring Water (75%) offers intense
 soothing and softening benefits.

Some immediate observations when you first apply

the Aqua Gel:

1. Smells divinely aqua fresh and clean. 

2. It feels cooling on application

3. The texture melts into your skin.

4. Completely and quickly absorbs.

5. Leaves no sticky or greasy layer on the skin

Being a multi-tasking hydrating product, that can be used by all skin types

 I have been extensively testing this product over the past few weeks on my

 normal/dry/mature skin.

As a daily moisturiser I found this product to not be enough for my skin, especially

 now in Winter. However it maybe a product I'll reach for more in 

Durbans extremely hot humid Summer months. 

As a moisturiser this product would be perfect for anyone with a

sensitive or compromised skin, dehydrated skin and it's also ideal for those

 looking for a lightweight, fast and easy application, non greasy, no fuss, 

morning product that can also be applied around the eye area.

Combination/oily skins would no doubt adore this formula.

I did layer with my Hydrance serum, applying the serum before applying

 the Hydrance AQUA-GEL and that duo felt more comfortable for me.

I found the AQUA-GEL it to be a perfect soothing and calming product

 applied post exfoliation.

Applied in a thick layer overnight as a sleeping mask was my preferred

way of application and it was convenient that one product could be used

on the face, neck and around the eyes. 

As a mask it's gentle enough to use several times during the week.

I used this product often as an eye treatment as occasionally I wanted a rest

 from the active anti-ageing eye products that I normally use and this 

provided a neutral cooling, soothing alternative.

This new product from Avène will no doubt be hugely popular, as the formula

 will please many, including men, but for me, as a day treatment it was lacking.

Where I did thoroughly enjoy the AQUA-GEL was as an overnight mask 

and eye treatment.

This AQUA-GEL as an ALL-IN ONE product is effective, affordable and easily

 available in Clicks & Dischem and is one that I would highly recommend if

you suffer from a dehydrated/sensitive skin, if you're looking for the

 convenience of one product "does it all" or if you are looking to introduce

 skincare into your busy lifestyle for the first time or like me, you're just 

looking for a calming,

soothing, hydrating product alternative in your skincare line-up.

AVENE

HYDRANCE

AQUA-GEL

50ml

R

349

399

£

20

21

$

36

38

AVÈNE MICELLAR LOTION {REVIEW}

Over the past couple of years I have become a huge fan of Micellar waters and there are now plenty on the market to choose from.

To read my previous reviews on Micellar Waters proceed to the pink links at the bottom of this page.

Being someone that wears full make-up on most days I really enjoy being able to use a Micellar water or lotion as part of my double cleanse. My normal evening routine is to use a make-up removing cleansing milk first, followed by a no rinse Micellar water on cotton wool. 

In the morning I often just use a Micellar water to do a quick cleanse.

Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer to use a specially formulated eye make-up remover to remove my eye make-up and mascara, but Micellar waters are great again to just whisk over the eye area to ensure that there are no remnants of make-up left behind and to provide a clean eye area before applying an eye treatment. 

Another handy use of a Micellar water is to remove lipstick and cleanse the lip area, and they are a convenient multi tasking product to take on your travels, so in my opinion a Micellar water is a "must have" in your skincare regime.

Avène Micellar Lotion 200mls R199.95

The Avène Micellar lotion has been formulated for sensitive skins, with a discreet fragrance, it also contains a very low number of ingredients, which is important to a sensitive, delicate skin.Its also paraben and alcohol free and has a new DOUBLE ACTION formula, with enhanced MAKE-UP REMOVING POWER and HYDRATING action:

1.Micellar cleansing agents capture the impurities and even remove waterproof make-up.

2.The naturally soothing properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water and the gentle emollient action from the cleansing agents both respect the hydrolipidic film and leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

I recently put this Micellar Lotion through its paces in the polluted atmosphere of London and whilst it was pleasant to use and very effective at cleansing, I personally feel that this product category is swamped with many good and more affordable Micellar Waters.

However that being said if you are a loyal Avène user or have a compromised sensitive skin then this is not only a product but a range to seriously consider.

Avène is sold exclusively at selected Clicks countrywide and to find out more or order online visit www.clicks.co.za 

To read my previous reviews on Avène products:

Avene Physiolift Precision Wrinkle Filler Review

Eau Thermale Avene Lip Cream with Cold Cream Review

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Review

Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser Review

To read my previous reviews on Micellar Waters:

GarnIer Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water Review

La Prairie Cellular Cleansing Water Review

EAU THERMALE AVÈNE THERMAL SPRING WATER {REVIEW} #TBT

I have lost count, as to how many of these Avène Thermal Spring Water sprays

I have used over the past 4-5 years.

Its been a constant in my beauty regime and I really can't see it ever not being.

They now have a selection of sizes available from a perfect 50ml handbag size 

up to the giant 400ml option and I have them all.

Avène is perhaps my most recommended French skincare brand, whenever you guys 

send me a DM or e.mail asking me for advice on skincare products.

If you would like to read more reviews on Avène products then Click Here

Since originally writing this review back in 2016 we do have a far wider selection 

of similar products available in South Africa and I recently wrote a blogpost 

on my Top 3 Facial Waters

Click Here

~~~~~~

This seems to be the perfect time of the year to tell you how much I am loving the 

Thermal Spring Water Spray from the French brand Avène. 

This French face,body and suncare brand is a familiar sight on the shelves of pharmacies in France and Europe,

 but relatively new to us here in South Africa, as it was only launched, in the early part of 2015,exclusively to Clicks

(Since 2016 available at selected Dischems countrywide)

This lovely video introduces you to the Avène story.

The star product in the Eau Thermale Avène range is the 

Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water and I believe one is sold every

10 seconds, which just goes to prove how loved this product is around the world.

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray 150mls R169.95

Natural Spring Water sprays for use on the skin are by no means a new discovery and overseas you will find a larger selection available, unlike South Africa, which actually amazes me as this type of product suits our climate and lifestyle perfectly.

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray is particularly recommended for sensitive, hypersensitive, intolerent, 

allergic or irritated skin.

It not only hydrates, soothes and comforts the skin, but it cools and refreshes, especially if you keep the spray in the fridge. Great to calm the skin and reduce redness and it can be a great asset for use after facial surgery, shaving, waxing, sunburn and can even be safely used on nappy rash.

My spray has been reached for on so many occassions during the holidays, as I just love to spritz my face during the hot days and this anti-irritating product won't interfere with my SPF or disturb my make-up. I have even got into the habit of doing a quick spritz post make-up.

Many years ago when I was training to be a beauty therapist in the UK we were encouraged to have weekend jobs in salons. I worked for a couple of years in a busy salon that also had a sunbed. 

In the beginning my job was to clean down the sunbed, straighten the cubicle and explain to the clients the do's and don'ts and set the timer for their session to begin. 

One nice touch that was available in the cubicle was a very large pink can of Evian Water Facial Spray and a bottle of Clarins "Corps Soyeux" (as it was called in those days) and I would encourage clients to spray the Evian, if they felt hot and to use the body lotion after their sunbed session,

Oh my how things have changed.

This was my first introduction to Clarins and Evian and my first chance to sell...and guess what I was really good at it, selling the smaller Evians' for handbag and home use and the Clarins Body Lotion for maintaining that tan, it was for me an easy "add on" to the clients sunbed course, as they were both wonderful beneficial products.

Evian is just one of the many brands of natural facial water sprays available overseas and as you can see even 30 years ago these types of facial sprays formed part of a good skincare routine for many in the UK and Europe, but unfortunately not here in South Africa hence the limited selection available.

 For many years, even after moving to South Africa I continued to use the French Evian Spray, which was available in South Africa and then sadly it disappeared off the market, so personally I'm very happy to have discovered the 

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray!

I will also be reviewing three more Avène skincare products in the near future.

To find out more about the other products in the Avene range

AVÉNE PHYSIOLIFT EYES {REVIEW}

For several years now I have been a huge fan of the French skincare brand Avéne

and it's a brand that I recommend so often to people that have a sensitive or intolerant skin, 
but also to those that don't and several products are especially great for family use.

I will link my Avéne product reviews in the Pink Links below.

My personal favourite daily serum, and has been for around 3 years now, is their

HYDRANCE INTENSE Rehydrating Serum.

All Avene Reviews

Hydrance Intense Hydrating Serum Review

Avéne Precision Wrinkle Filler Review

I'm sure I don't need to tell you about the importance of using an eye cream 
at an early age and I've used eye treatments both night and day since I was in my 
mid 20's and unfortunately its one of those often neglected products, so its 
always better to introduce one earlier rather than later.

Over the past couple of months I have been using the 

Avéne PhysioLift Eyes

I was actually sent this product by the PR company a long sometime ago with the 

PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler 

which I reviewed several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed 

PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler

However the eye product somehow got lost in my skincare cupboard, 
that was until very recently and thankfully it hadn't yet expired.

PhysioLift Eyes has been formulated to smooth wrinkles and firm the delicate skin 
around the eye area, whilst helping to diminish dark circles and puffiness.

The product formula includes a unique "Patch" texture which mimics the skin 
and treatment is also enriched with the brand's soothing Thermal Spring Water.

I found the texture of the cream to be rich, it felt comfortable on my skin and above all 
it was quite a nourishing formula, but was easily absorbed. 
However I personally didn't find it to do too much to diminish my 
dark circles or reduce puffiness.

On the Anti-Ageing front it has the following line-up of active ingredients

ASCOFILLINE™ 
Helps to replenish collagen 

HYALURONIC ACID MONO-OLIGOMERS
Help smooth the appearance of deep wrinkles and firm the skin.

DEXTRAN SULFATE
Decongests to reduce dark circles and puffiness

RETINALDEHYDE
A Vitamin A derivative, has a rejuvenating effect which helps to stimulate 
cell renewal for younger looking skin

PhysioLift Eyes is suitable for all skin types.
To be used in the evening.
As always Avéne products are free from fragrance/parabens/gluten 
and is Dermatologist approved.

This eye product is packaged in a hygienic Airless Dispenser and contains 
15ml of product. I did enjoy that the measured amount dispensed
 with one pump and it was ample, as little went a long way.

 However my container stopped dispensing, yet it still looked full of product, 
but it was actually empty after 2 months of use and I have to admit 
I found this rather misleading, as I seriously thought my container was
 both full and faulty, sadly it wasn't.

If you have sensitive skin or just want to start using an eye product that helps
 to counteract those early signs of ageing and is "Free From" then 
I highly recommend this product as its an easy to use, no fuss 
nightly eye treatment.

It's also a good product to have in your skincare collection for those days where 
your eyes feel more sensitive and you feel like giving your skin a break from 
a more active anti-ageing eye treatment, which I often do.
However I was slightly disappointed with the eye product and I was hoping 
it would impress me as much as the Avéne Precision Wrinkle Filler did...

AVÉNE PHYSIOLIFT

EYES

15ml



R
399.95

$
46

£
22

Avéne is available at Clicks and Dischem's countrywide