For most, their introduction to Caudalie comes with the Beauty Elixir (which I have tried but unfortunately am not a fan of) but for me, my introduction to this affordable French skincare brand came with VinExpert, the anti-aging, firming skincare range. I did tell you I gravitate towards anti-aging skincare didn’t I?
I’d been using both the Vinexpert Firming Serum and Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum for about 3 months now and am just almost finishing them, which is quite a feat, considering how I pander to my skin and how lax I am with eye creams. At the beginning, I used the Firming Serum twice a day but after about 2 months, I now only use it in the day as I’ve gone back to Estee Lauder ANR2 and face oils and other serums at night.
According to Caudalie, the Vinexpert range, a slightly pricier range is targeted at anti-aging concerns and contains resveratrol-oleyl, the active ingredient in the range extracted from the grapevine, that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and stops the glycation process that causes deep wrinkles to form.
I’ll give you a run down on each of the serums here to give you a bit of an idea on why I like them or what I may not like about them.
Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum – RM264/30ml
Serums, as we know, usually contain a high concentration of active ingredients and that’s what the Vinexpert Firming Serum does. It contains the most resveratrol-oleyl active ingredient in the range and is therefore technically the most effective.
Call me superficial but I like the bronzed brown packaging of the Vinexpert range. Paired with the metallic touches, it actually imparts an impression of luxury. The serum comes in a pump packaging which is useful and one pump dispenses just about the right amount of product per application. If I use it at night, I sometimes am generous and use 2 pumps instead.
The serum has a light texture and absorbs very easily into the skin without leaving any residue. There is a significant citrus scent which you may or may not like, so I recommend taking a sniff. What I found most effective about using this serum is in how my skin took to it. My skin just feels smoother and the texture is better and it feels softer. I base my observations on my early use of it, before I started incorporating other stuff here and there, but I said so on Instagram almost 2 months back how impressed I was with this serum, and I stand by it.
The only thing I’d say is that I didn’t notice much “firming” action. Might it be because my skin is as firm as it gets for my age? I don’t know. But I like the way my skin felt smoother, which was quite discernible after about 2 weeks of twice daily use and that, I like. This is a serum, so you do have to apply a moisturiser but you knew that didn’t you? 😉
What I may not like as much is the scent which I find a bit sharp. Also now that I’m nearing the end of this bottle, it seems like my skin may have plateaued so it’s probably maintaining my skin, but I’m not seeing improvements, as such. Still, the light non-oily texture appeals to me so unless I find another serum to use in the day, this is on my list to repurchase. It must be said, that repurchase list is quite a long one LOL!
Caudalie Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum – RM220/15ml
This is interesting because it is a serum that can be used around your eyes and around your lips too. There is a little diagram in the box showing you how you can apply it around your lips. Take note, it is to be applied AROUND your lips, not ON your lips. I made the mistake because I didn’t read the instructions and erm… just don’t try it eh? Haha! 😀
But I like this serum for use around the eyes. I detest using eye creams but for some reason, this one does help depuff if I’m having puffy eyes, and also if I’m diligent enough to use it twice a day, seems to lift eyes a little so I don’t end up with hooded eyes.
The texture is very light and a little runny. Much lighter than the face serum and I usually just pump out half a pump of product, rub my 4th fingers together and apply the serum around my eye area. Because it’s such a light textured serum that absorbs so quickly, I don’t mind using it in the day because it doesn’t mess with my eye makeup.
If I’m diligent, then I see results. If I”m not (I’m usually not) then whatever puffy or droppy eyes come back. So like everything, looking good takes a lot of hard work and it’s a lifetime commitment! 😛 There is also a scent, but less sharp than the face serum. But I like the pump packaing it comes in which is less messy than a tub or a tube, so when I travel, I carry this eye serum. It refreshes tired eyes after a long plane ride too! 😀 I actually prefer this one to the Vinosource SOS Morning Eye Rescue because the packaging is better and because I actually seem to SEE some results.
In a nutshell
The Caudalie Vinexpert skincare range is targeted at anti-aging and lifting of aging skin. So, unless you are starting to see evidence of fine lines or sagging skin you could hold off using this for a while. Having tried a few products from the line, my personal favourites are the 2 serums – the Firming Serum and the Eye & Lip Serum. Both are lovely non-oily, non-sticky, easily absorbed serums that appear to do what they claim. I notice smoother skin with the Firming Serum although not any visible “firming” and the Eye & Lip Serum which I use only around the eye (because I’m lazy about the lip bit) does help refresh my eye area when it feels tired or dry, and also depuffs and lifts my eyes a little. These, along with the Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream are I feel worth a go. I wasn’t too impressed with the Day Cream. But I’m impressed with my first introduction to the Caudalie skincare brand.
Pros: Both serums have a light non-oily easily absorbed texture, Pump packaging makes product very portable and dispenses the right amount of product easily, Facial skin feels and looks smoother with regular use of the Firming Serum, The Eye & Lip Serum depuffs puffy eyes and appears to lift eyes and refresh tired eyes
Cons: Scent is a bit strong and sharp, Did not notice visible firming action even after months of using the Firming Serum, A little pricey to start
Who will like this: Anyone starting to see first signs of aging, Anyone who doesn’t like eye creams and wants a light formula for use around the eyes
Here is the ingredient list for both serums featured.
Left: Vinexpert Firming Serum Right: Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum
As the label implies, Caudalie skincare does not contain parabens, phenoxyethanol, phtalates, mineral oil, SLS and ingredients of animal origin. Yes, apparently, I do read French!
I had a little sample of the Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream which is nice too although I didn’t like the day cream much. The night cream isn’t heavy, isn’t oily and feels so comfortable on. Enjoyed it till it ran out 😛 Was contemplating picking up a tube but will wait for a bit till I’m done with my current night cream. Am on a mission to use up as much skincare as I can! 😀
Have you tried any products from the Caudalie Vinexpert range? What’s the next Caudalie product I should try?
I have Vinosource on standby I think. So many people have told me they love it! Oh and I didn’t like the Beauty Elixir you know. I should remember to review that one!
Paris B
Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum Price: RM264/30ml Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum Price: RM220/15ml Availability: Ken’s Apothecary stores, Isetan KLCC
I have tried their thirst quenching serum, despite the name, I think the product is not hydrating at all.. I honestly think ANR is the best so far.. hahaha
Is that the Vinosource serum? I’m thinking of trying it next 🙂 ANR is awesome I’d agree – for me that’s a staple, but I don’t like using it in the day. Weird right? 😛
Yeap that’s the one 🙂 Me too, but I’ll still use it during the day if my skin is really dehydrated…
Hi Paris! Great post as usual and I will put the serum under my radar when I am purchasing my next one! On another note, how come you no no like putting on eye cream? I use the Hada Labo eye gel, it is really light and has the same magic ingredient they are famous for, and is just generally really fuss free. I don’t know about firming/wrinkles reduction, but my skin is not super mature yet at 29, and it just keeps my eyes nicely hydrated. And at the very reasonable price-tag (esp for eye creams!), it is worth giving a shot!
Hi Irene, I’m just not very regimented when it comes to using eye cream. Not sure why LOL! I guess sometimes a lot of it has to do with texture, where I prefer a lighter gel type texture but it’s one of those things I forget because I also sometimes just run my moisturiser over my lids. Works just as well for me 😛 I did try the Hada Labo one but didn’t like it. Found it too sticky 🙁
Good timing. I’m just about done with my current ANR Eye jar. A perfect excuse to try something new. 🙂
Do you use the eye serum alone, or underneath another eye cream? And I’m assuming it’s safe for the eye lids too?
Good point Sze Ling! If this works, it’s more affordable than EL ANR 😛 I hope you like it coz I like the light texture. I use it on its own, even though it’s a serum, I don’t apply anything else over it and yes, I apply it all over, under eye, on lids, around eye 🙂
Do you still practice using a hydration serum/moisturiser during the day and an anti-aging serum/moisturiser at night? This one looks interesting but if I already plan to use ANR 2 at night, this product will have to be use during the day.
Yep, I still do that Victoria 🙂 I tend to layer serums so I usually use about 2 serums at any given time. I know, it’s a bit kiasu 😛 I use a hydrating serum underneath or over, depending on how I feel and how my skin feels. Perhaps if you’re happy with ANR, wait till you’re done with it, then try this one. I like taking a break from my regular skin care now and again too.
Love this brand. I’ve had some of their products on my wishlist forever! I totally agree with you, the packaging is pretty.
They do make some nice items. This has been the first face product I’ve tried from them and I like it! Definitely want to try more 😉
Aww man I should have gotten this when I was in Paris. The reason why I didn’t think to get any products from the Vinexpert range was that it was a lot more expensive than the rest. I remembered thinking “ooh gold packaging! Yikes expensive!”. Sigh…now I regret.
Yeah, the Vinexpert is pricier than the regular products but I’m told there’s another one Premier Cru that’s even pricier! Would still have been cheaper in Paris although wait for the escentual.com sales 😀
Hmmmm the eye cream sounds interesting to me! Might try that someday, but right now I am so in love with my Tata Harper skincare that I don’t want to use anything else haha!
Aww Tracy there’s so much love for Tata Harper skincare online that I”m sorely tempted! But I took a look at the prices and the shipping and I’m having to pass on them. Sigh. Some day maybe, if I see them in real life, I”ll give them a go!
Hey Paris, I’ve tried a lot of products from Caudalie, but not yet from this line! I am tempted by the eye serum though. Depuffing is always good! I’m almost 30 now so it’s probably a good age to start with the more “anti-aging” stuff, and let’s start with the fussy eye area!
I like the Eye Serum! I think the pump packaging is absolutely wonderful because so many eye creams come in tubs or pots or tubes. If you’ve had good luck with Caudalie before, then you might like this one 😉
Honestly, I have noticed from the recent pics, your face looks smoother. Could it be this serum that is helping? The ingredients do look impressive but I think I am going to stick with my ANR cos that doesnt disappoint. Hehehe
Aww thank you Liyeun! It’s sometimes lighting too so don’t be fooled 😉 I actually attribute it to a few factors, not only this serum although I do believe it helps. I also use an exfoliating toner, AHA and glycolic products and I attribute most of the smoothness to the trusty face flannel 😀 You can’t go wrong with ANR if it works for you. I always go back to it as my old standby staple 🙂
As though you can read minds and wanted to prevent me from doing the same, at first glance, I thought the eye and lip serum was so versatile…works around the eyes and on the lips! Hahahaha, thank goodness you pointed it out. I hope your experience with the serum on the lips was not too unpleasant though. I am intrigued by the ingredients of Caudalie. I love grapes and perhaps using the products with grapes origins might not be too bad eh. When I am ready to migrate my skincare to another genre (now I am using Estee Lauder and Hada Labo, with minimal combination with Ren), I will definitely try Caudalie.
LOL I know, that’s what I thought when I saw it. Lip serum right? So just use it on the lips 😛 It just feels weird going on so it wasn’t terribly unpleasant. Still, as I always say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Caudalie is an alternative if you decide you want to try a new skincare but if you’re happy with what you’re using right now and it’s working for you, then don’t change 🙂
I’m currently using the Vinosource SOS Serum and love it! Still, though, nothing touches ANR. I was testing out Nuxe’s serum and it’s awesome, but if I’m going to repurchase anything, it’s still going to be ANR. However, Caudalie’s SOS is perfect for day use because it plumps the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. So much love!
I tend to agree about ANR – it’s quite untouchable in my books too!