One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about beauty blogging is the wealth of information at the proverbial fingertips. It has opened up my eyes to so many new brands and products out there that I would never have paid attention to. There’s also a knock-on effect when reading other blogs. I start getting caught up in everything new and wonderful out there and one of the new and wonderful things I spotted getting a lot of interest last year was a new-to-me brand, Caudalie.
I never really had the chance to check it out, mostly because it was stocked in Sasa and unfortunately, that’s a store I rarely go. However, I recently was invited to learn a little more about Caudalie and their new Vinexpert anti-aging skincare range (Goodness! Did they realise I am erring on the wrong side of youth?!) and also learnt that the local distributor is no longer Sasa but Ken’s Apothecary. Now, that’s a much more palatable store to go to 😛
Caudalie (I love the way the French say it – so sexy 😛 ) was born in a French vineyard in Bordeaux and uses extracts of grapes, grapeseed, vines and everything grape related. The vineyard of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte (here) is still in business if anyone is into wine, and Caudalie actually has Vinotherapie Spas which I’d absolutely love to try! As the name implies, it involves a lot of grapes including a Vinosource facial with fresh grapes. Now, how freaking cool is that?!
I personally have not yet used anything from Caudalie but I’m quite sure many of you have so come on then – tell me what you have tried and what you like (or don’t!) and I’ll brief you a little on the new Vinexpert range.
The Vinexpert range is an anti-aging skincare range with its primary ingredient Resveratrol-Oleyl (a Caudalie patented ingredient) being a form of resveratrol extracted from grapevine stalks. Resveratrol, if you have been following health news in recent years, is an ingredient found naturally in the skin of red grapes, and has been touted as having anti-aging and health benefits. It would seem like a great excuse to drink lots of wine, but it doesn’t quite work that way 😛
In the Vinexpert range, the Resveratrol-Oleyl provides the skin with Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and protects skin from pollution while regenerating it. Hence the anti-aging benefits.
The product in this range with the highest concentration of Resveratrol-Oleyl is the Vinexpert Firming Serum which as the name implies works to firm up and lift sagging skin. The texture is quite light but I don’t know as yet how it fares on skin. I generally find that I personally don’t see much results with many firming serums or creams which I’d like to think is because I don’t have the jowls of a bulldog. But it could also be that it just isn’t working LOL! I’ll report back when I’ve given it a go.
Accompanying the face serum is the Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum which as the name implies, can be used around the eye area and lip area. Lip serum – I’ve been seeing this pop up a lot lately. As if I need one more thing to worry about! 😛
The other products are the Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid with SPF15 and Vinexpert Radiance Day Cream with SPF15 which is the day moisturiser that comes in 2 formula for oily skin and dry skin. It is a light textured cream that absorbs quickly into the skin and feels lovely and comfortable when I tested it on the back of my hand.
Rounding up the range is the Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream which is the night cream and is a heavier texture cream. It does sink into the skin quite quickly based on the quick trial I had but since I do have drier skin now it will be interesting to see how this one fares. This is an anti-aging range so it would be more suitable for those who are seeing signs of aging or for those who have more mature skin. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t subscribe to the “use an anti-aging skincare when you are 20” school of thought. I say use whatever you need, whenever your skin needs it.
Well, since I’m new to Caudalie and all, here are some of their bestselling products. Have you tried any of them? I haven’t 😛
Caudalie Divine Oil – a dry oil for face body and hair. The bottle is very interesting as you can see, as it has these indentations at the back which gives it texture and the cap is wood. I love body oils and this does smell lovely and woody and warm but I don’t generally like dry oils so I’ll pass on this one.
The Hand and Nail Cream is a non greasy hand cream with anti-aging and anti-oxidant benefits. It is quite true that its not sticky nor greasy and has a nice light scent. At least I did not find my knife slipping out of my hands during lunch, to stab me in the thigh after I had applied this hand cream so its a good thing.
A product I didn’t photograph is the famed Beauty Elixir that I remember lots of people raving about last year. Its a spray that you can use under moisturiser and over makeup to cool skin, set makeup and is supposed to have astringent benefits and rejuvenate skin.
The final bestseller is the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. This, like many anti-dark spot treatments is supposed to treat existing spots, prevent new ones and even out complexion and making it look more radiant. I have to say I’m a wee bit concerned if this one will work for me because I noticed that it contains olive squalene and my last experience with anything olive in it did not go well at all.
Have you tried anything by Caudalie? Have a fave product?
I may try some items from the Vinexpert range in time to come and I’ll share my thoughts on them when the time comes 🙂 In the meantime, I know all you savvy ladies out there are quite familiar with the brand or may have tried some of their items before. So come on then, share your stories! 😀
Paris B
Caudalie will be available exclusively at Ken’s Apothecary stores – Empire Shopping Gallery, Bangsar Village 2 and hopefully online at kensapothecary.com.my
I love the Beauty Elixir! Reminds me to get some more haha!
As for the rest of the skincare, I’ve only tried samples and at the time they all seemed to heavy for my skin. But now I also wonder if it would be ok since my skin is drier! Although I’m scared to try anything new now that I’ve gotten my skin under control again!
I know exactly how you feel, Tracy! I am less inclined to mess around now and am in fact not trying anything new in the interim simply because my skin is now behaving itself and I don’t want it dying on me again! The Beauty Elixir seems to be really popular. I have to know whats so good about it!
Oh no–the Vinoperfect Radiance serum is my absolute FAVORITE Caudalie product (and that’s saying a lot because all their products rank really high on my list)! I know it won’t matter if you’re sensitive to the olive-derived squalene, but if it makes you feel better, I am VERY very prone to clogged pores and/or acne and do get cystic acne but this serum does not trigger any kind of negative reaction from me. It really smooths and plumps the skin, makes it brighter and more even-toned, and is just wonderful all-around!! 😀 But if you don’t want to try that one, I would also suggest the S.O.S serum (this stuff is incredible! SO rich and hydrating without being heavy/sticky/greasy) and the Day Perfecting Fluid! Oooh I hope you try something soon and let us know what you think!! 😀
Eeps! Becca, you make it sound so good and so amazing that I want to run out and try it immediately! LOL! 😀 I could do with smoothing and plumping and brightening the skin, honestly. I will definitely consider trying it, (never mind that I have this horrible fear that the olive extract would break me out) and if I do, you’d all hear about it 😀
I’ve tried several of their products and I recommend you try these three out as they are some of my favorites:
1. Hand Cream
2. Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream (I have dry skin and this applies beautifully. It feels lightweight, blends so easily and absorbs well yet leaves my skin very moisturized and soft)
3.The des Vignes fragrance (purpley-pink gradient colored bottle); it’s my favorite of the three they have
Extras I really enjoy like but aren’t *must-haves* (not in order):
1. Beauty Elixer (for the scent and to refresh my face on hot summer months; the scent is really herbally and slightly minty so smell it first to see if you like it)
2. Grape Water (to set powdery makeup or just for a refreshment because it’s fun, I admit; neutral barely-there scent)
3. The Vinexpert Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Radiance Day Cream (lovely texture, feel, and is moisturizing but way too expensive for its purpose. If you already have an antioxidant serum and a sunscreen, all you need is a good moisturizer. It’s not good enough as applying all three separately.)
Just okay/good:
Lip balm (hard consistency that softens after you use the top layer),
Didn’t like:
Deep Cleansing Exfoliator (way too harsh on the face as there are little particles that feel like sand!)
I’m taking notes as I go, Janessa! 😀 Thank you so much for the nice and comprehensive run down of what you like and dislike. It’ll help me avoid the not so good ones and keep an eye out for the good ones! I discovered a bottle of Caudalie Cleansing Water that I’d picked up a while ago, and am only now trying. Its pretty nice stuff! I seem to actually like it better than Bioderma which is a good thing since we don’t have Bioderma here yet 😀
Yes, the SOS serum is very nice too and I wanted to mention that I’ve tried two or three of their day fluids/creams and they are just extra little luxuries and if they fit the bill, by all means go for them. 😀
You bet I will, after all the positive affirmations of the brand. Excited to try something from it now LOL
I tried their brightening serum but it broke me out. 🙁 Might be the squalene.
A pity since I loved to mix it with my GA Maestro foundation for a more luminous finish.
Ooh yikes! breakouts! I was just reading about someone who broke out from the Vinoperfect serum too.
Oh I am very tempted by Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum, I read some good things online. Ladies who are raving abt this, can you share the smell of the product? I really cannot stand the smell of Beauty Elixer! Its so strong and artificially fragranced (doesnt smell natural) and I would’nt dare to apply this anywhere near my face. I owned Caudalie Divine Oil mostly use it on my legs and arms, nothing to shout at.
Hahaha yes I have to share your sentiment about the Beauty Elixir – the smell is so strong! I’m not quite sure what makes it wonderful but the smell didn’t agree with me either. I have read many good things about the Vinoperfect serum too and based on my vague memory, the scent isn’t very strong. Don’t take my word for it though! The ol’ memory isn’t what it used to be 😛
Caudalie is one of the three brands that occupy my bathroom for 3 months now (the other two is Lush and Nuxe). I decided to give it a go after reading soooo many ravings about their skincare ranges. Since I have oily skin I was pretty much afraid that they will be heavy on my skin but Caudalie has a choice in every series for oily and drier skin types, even for sensitive types in some series.
Right now I am using Vinosource series, mattifying day fluid for day and SOS serum for night (or colder days). They are quite ok, though I had to give a stop to day fluid since I am really reactive to silicone nowadays I believe I am going to get the one for sensitive skin.
Also I am using their clay mask (GREAT!!), Divine oil (Not bad, though I like the smell of Nuxe better), creamy cleanser (so-so), teint divin (liked it too but gonna stop for silicone again!) and I am planning to get Vinoperfect serum, the women in the apothecary told me that even though it is a brightening serum (they are usually not recommended in summer) they are always selling Vinoperfect serum in the summertime with a good spf product to be used underneath to get an even tan!! A useful hint if anyone is interested 🙂
Casey, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on your favourite and not so favourite Caudalie products! I still haven’t tried them but its good to know that some of the products are working well for your skin. I might have to try that Vinoperfect serum soon. So many people are raving about it!
I love Caudalie skincare products! I have the Vinoperfect serum and the night cream. Absoloutely love both!! I have to say though, that the night cream also contains glycolic acid in its composition, which I was used to using previously, and I did have sort of ease my self into it and not use it every night (now I use it pretty much regularly). Do tell us what you think when you do start using the range 🙂
Hi Sofia, thank you for sharing your views on the Caudalie products! Also thanks for the note on glycolic acid in the night cream. I’ll bear it in mind should I find it too strong. I will definitely share my views once I start digging into them 🙂
i never bothered with Caudalie because I never really liked going into Sasa, the SA scares me off! And I always have this idea of it being some weird but pricey skincare brand.
I think it’ll better to be in Ken’s Apothecary rather than Sasa, for the sake of brand image.
i am eyeing the one that Tine reviewed earlier, i think it was for oil control or something.
You and I both, Plue. I get stressed just walking into Sasa thanks to the over zealous SAs in there 😛 Am very much happier to see some of the brands I like finding a home with Ken’s Apothecary.
I absolutely loveeeee the vinoperfect radiance serum. I have tried so many types of radiance/brightening serum and I always end up with caudalie’s. I have been using it since 2008 and then, it was my mum who brought a bottle back from the US for me to try. If u have a chance to go to EUrope, it is much cheaper there. I have recently stocked up at Vienna and can’t wait to try the divine oil.
Gosh, another vote for the Vinoperfect serum! Thanks for sharing your views, Yi Chin. You do know that this makes me terribly keen to try it out, don’t you?! 😀
Caudalie!!! *fangirl moment* I’d love to hear your experience with the new products in due time, Paris! I’m on my second bottles of Divine Oil (use it for my hair as pre-shampoo treatment. Works 100 times better than the “hair oils” which are really just silicone. It can of course be used on the body as well) and Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. I don’t think it fades my spots, but it does keep my skin hydrated and radiant! The body lotion is nice as well.
Generally speaking you can’t go wrong with Caudalie. The only product I’m meh about is actually the Beauty Elixir. It’s great to have around for a quick pick-me-up after lunch, but it contains quite a bit of alcohol so using it more than a couple of times a day or as a toner might not be the best idea.
In short, welcome to the world of Caudalie and I really hope this brand works for you! I’ve been using it for 10 years, and still it remains one of my favorite skincare brands 🙂
Hahaha a fan of Caudalie! 😀 I love hearing all the recommendations from people who have tried the brand and what they like from it. This Vinoperfect Serum has gotten so much love, I’m now itching to try it! I sampled the Beauty Elixir at the relaunch and although it felt nice, I found the scent too strong so it did not quite appeal to me. But I’m excited now to step into the world of Caudalie and try something new! 😀
Ive only tried their gentle scrub and its amazing.Ive tried their bestseller Beauty Elixir, it is refreshing and cooling but it does contain alcohol, so I gave it to my friend.
Oh u must try their divine oil, its selling like hot cakes here!They said its amazing for hair!
I have read loads of raves for the Divine oil but my skin doesn’t like dry oil very much. It does smell very “warm” though which I can imagine must be very nice in winter 😀
I like the organic grape water and the divine oil. I like the beauty elixir too but finds it too pricey and it performs so-so. Doesn’t break me out, my skin looks quite nice after use but i can achieve better results with other products too. I like the scent though…rather therapeutic.
Do you use the Dinine Oil on body, Lisa? I did not fancy the feel of it, but then I don’t really like dry oil to start. I recently discovered a bottle of cleansing water that I picked up a little while ago, and I quite like that one!
I’ve not used much dry oil to make a good comparison with. But it is definitely oiler/more moisturizing than the jo malone one i’m using concurrently. That one is really what a dry oil should be for me.
I use the divine oil on my arms, body, neck and hair. I find the scent comforting after a use of two and don’t induce a headache though slightly on the warm side. I like it on my legs too but it tends to grease up my floors or chairs etc. Hence, i’ve stopped using it on this part of my body. I’ve experimented using it on the face once. It didn’t break me out. But it don’t seems to do much the next morning. Perhaps i should experiment again.
Yay for Caudalie! It’s funny but before I started blogging I didn’t really knew this brand but it’s since I got to know their pr that I got to know it and I’ve been loving it a lot. Their products are packaged in such pretty bottles and the scent of each product is just divine! I’ll bet you’ll love it Paris!
Thanks, Teri, I hope to like it too! I too didn’t know a lot about Caudalie before this but last year, the brand was everywhere on every blog! So that’s about when I started paying a little attention LOL Isn’t blogging wonderful? 😉
I enjoy Caudalie products, especially the Vinoperfect Radiance line. I have tried the serum, mask, day and night cream. The serum was my fave. I thought the day cream was a tad bit rich for our weather. Other than that the rest worked well. It didn’t lighten pigmentation but I thought it kept my skin radiant and moisturized. I tried Beauty Elixir too. That didn’t do much except to give a really nice pick me up feel.
I also indulged in their Premier Cru cream but that also didn’t do much for me.
I hope you enjoy their products too.
LOL Yet another fan of the Vinoperfect serum! Ok I definitely have to give it a go soon. I’m just hoping it doesn’t break me out so I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on them
Lol good move for the distributor. SaSa scares me. I have read a lot of good reviews on Caudalie products but not sure which one suits me. Hope you’ve a great experience with your stash.
LOL You aren’t the only one scared of Sasa!
I have divine oil, pretty good but haven’t used it as frequently as I liked to.
Bought heals from Paris as it was a lot cheaper, my fav is the cleansing water, so convenient for removing makeup.
Ooh nice that you mentioned the cleansing water, EL! I discovered a bottle of it and have been trying it recently and I like it! I actually like it better than Bioderma 😛
Have you figured out why you like it more than bioderma? I just got a bottle and have been using it daily for 2 weeks. I still prefer Caudalie’s version yet I can’t figure out why since they both seem equally effective at doing the job and neither smells nice!
Hiya EL, I haven’t figured it out LOL! It just feels nicer to me – weird huh? 😛
weird but i can relate because that’s how I feel too!
I got to try this out after i’m done with my bioderma. Sounds like a great product. 🙂
About time Caudalie pulled itself from SaSa! Ken’s is a much more appropriate platform for their products 😀 I used to be obsessed with their Grape Face Mist until it became unavailable for a period of time and then I tried the Beauty Elixir (which stung my eyes and didnt work wonders for me). If you enjoy face mists, I suggest giving the Grape one a go- it soothed my very sensitive, red and tight skin so well.
I am actually quite curious about the Divine Oil which you passed on, but it says for “face, body and hair” and I’m quite wary of products like these haha, I can’t imagine putting the same thing on my face for my hair and vice versa!
LOL! Another non Sasa fan 😉 I tried some of the Divine Oil which is a dry oil that you spray out and like many dry oils, it feels… dry 😛 I don’t play well with dry oils but yes, this is supposed to be good for face, body and hair, rather like an argan oil I guess. I know its popular but its not something I’d go for 🙂
It looks and sounds great, I haven’t heard of it before, that is why I love it that you write about these things 🙂
I heard its quite popular in Europe and is found in some pharmacies there! Maybe the next time you stop by one you can take a peep? 😉
I have used a few Caudalie products and I must say – all are wonderful. I live in Prague and can’t find them anywhere locally, so ordering online with shipping and european tax ends up too expensive, so I just wait for the time I travel and can stock up there. The micellar water is really the best I have tried, so gentle and yet so effective. I also used a few creams, all different, but have quite the same effect – the skin is supple and wrinkle free (I only have fine lines). But, the result fades quickly when you finish the tube, so I don’t know if it’s really working, or just adds a strong lifting effect to keep us re-purchasing…
Oh hello Liz, not quite related to Caudalie but I visited Prague just very recently and it is such a beautiful city! 😀