Review: Caudalie Divine Oil and Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum

Not sure how many of you actually heard of this French skin care brand, CAUDALIE but we were recently introduced to it by Glambox and we really can’t thank them enough. The 2 travel size products we received from them in the October Glambox were the Caudalie Divine Oil and the Vinosource Thirst Quenching Serum. After 3 weeks of testing these products we wondered why we did not discover them earlier!

To provide a bit of background on this brand, the Caudalie success story began in 1995 when husband and wife duo, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, met Professor Vercauteren, the world’s leading expert on polyphenols, in the family’s chateau in the south of France.

The Professor revealed the amazing antioxidant powers of the grapeseeds, which are among one of the most powerful antioxidants in the vegetal world. Since then, three new patents, anti-ageing resveratrol, brightening viniferine and radical fighting polyphenols were registered allowing the brand to rank number one for radiance products and number two for anti-ageing products in France.

If those accomplishments were not enough, since 2005, the company has also removed harmful preservatives like parabens, and artificial colorings to help protect the skin and the environment.

CAUDALIE DIVINE OIL

What is it?

A luxurious dry oil that provides nourishing moisture and lasting comfort to body, face, and hair.

What it is formulated to do:

Divine Oil contains a blend of 4 vegetable oils (60% of the formula) grapeseed, hibiscus, sesame, and argan oils combined with patented grapeseed antioxidant polyphenols to leave skin soft, firm, and radiant. Perfect as a post-sun product, its glamorous texture is instantly absorbed, imparting a subtle, floral, and sunkissed fragrance with woody notes.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens - Sulfates - Phthalates What else you need to know:

This product does not contain animal ingredients and is not tested on animals.

How to use

Massage onto the skin using a circular upward motion. Also ideal for use on the ends of hair.

Price

USD 49 for 100ml

Experience

We usually avoid oils because either they are too heavy in texture or in fragrance or some can even get kind of messy but this multi-purpose oil proved to be very different.

As a night time moisturizer on the body it has worked wonders. We woke up with moisturized and healthy looking skin which is great for the current weather especially if your skin is prone to drying and flaking. We also use it during the day if we need a quick boost of moisture on dry parts of our elbows and legs.

We also tried this on our dry cuticles and we were pleased with how quickly it absorbs and honestly kept our hands and cuticles in much better condition.

But we have to say, on our hair, it's been nothing short of magic and we don't go anywhere without it in our totes. It tames fly-aways and frizz, leaves damaged and dyed ends shining and doesn't weigh any of it down.

After having used this product for 3 weeks now, the most important thing to mention is that it has not caused breakouts. We are always wary about trying any new face products as we both have extremely sensitive, dry and blemished-proned skin making anything with a perfume in it or an "oil" sound like the absolute worse idea ever.

The effect of the oil lasts all day and the smell is gorgeous, it's sophisticated, sweet, warm and almost a little soapy which WE LOVE because it makes you smell naturally perfumed.

Conclusion

This is one of the few products that really impressed us. It has the freshest overall feel compared to regular Moroccan argan oils. It's refreshing and soothing and wears well with any perfume. The scent is medium lasting and towards the end of the day a slight fragrance still lingers.

True, it is a bit pricey but a little goes a long way. The best part about this oil is it sinks in quickly hydrating the skin but leaving no sticky residue. We couldn’t judge if it actually corrects signs of aging but if you are looking for an alternative solution to dry skin therapy it is worth giving this ‘divine’ oil a shot.

CAUDALIE VINOSOURCE S.O.S THIRST- QUENCHING SERUM

What is it?

This lightweight oil-free serum continuously captures and diffuses water deep within skin to restore moisture balance and leave skin refreshed, hydrated and comfortably soft. Fast absorbing formula. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. What it is formulated to do

Organic grape water is the key ingredient for reactivating the skin’s hydration mechanisms and replenishing its water reserves, while polyphenol antioxidents provide protection against UV rays and free radicals. This serum is an ideal base for moisturizer, allowing for deeper penetration that will leave skin refreshed, hydrated, and comfortably soft. What it is formulated WITHOUT

- Parabens - Sulfates - Phthalates What else you need to know

This hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and oil-free formula is perfect for all skin types. For best results, use with Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet.

How to use

For dry skin, use as a base and follow with moisturizer. Apply morning and evening to a cleansed face and neck. Avoid the eye contour. Price

USD 49 for 30 ml bottle

Experience

Quite a unique serum that is able to cater to lightly dry and dehydrated oily skin at the same time. The liquid is not heavy but in fact quite runny in consistency - it doesn't make the skin oily yet it provides everything it lacks. We liked the fact that the serum sunk right away without leaving any kind of residue on our skin.

The amazing thing about this product is that it does what it says; it hydrates without stinging, burning or making the skin red. It really works great as a hydrating base and plays well with others - We use it before putting on moisturizer, primer and foundation and did not experience any peeling, patchiness or breakouts.

It has a light scented spa smell which is quite relaxing especially when you to apply and sleep with it overnight.

Apart from the hydration, we did not see any other remarkable difference.

Conclusion

Unless you're not dehydrated much and oily all over, you still need a moisturizer on top! Luckily this stuff pairs well with mild face washes, all kinds of moisturizers and makeup. Ultimately, this serum (which has more of a thin lotion texture) is a great option for normal to slightly dry skin. Truly dry, thirsty skin will be left wanting more.

Overall the serum is pleasant to use, provides good hydration, a soothing sensation and makes the skin look nice and glowy - High quality product for quite an affordable price.

Where can you purchase Caudalie products?

• Bin Sina pharmacies (main malls* in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

• Boots pharmacies (main malls* in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

• SuperCare pharmacies (main malls* in Dubai)

• Community pharmacies (Dubai)

• Mediclinic pharmacies (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

• The Medicine Shoppe (Mushriff Mall, Abu Dhabi)

* Main malls in Dubai include Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Deira City Center, Mirdiff City Center, and Ibn Battuta Mall and Abu Dhabi include Marina Mall and Galleria

We know we are late to the party, testing these so we'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you have any favourites from this brand?

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