Caudalie Beauty Elixir

A Few More Skincare Empties Feb 2025

- Vicki Leave a comment

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

What an iconic product, I have been using it for over 15 years and have been through so many bottles.  The scent is beautiful, botanical and reminds me of Summer holidays, as I always take a mini bottle away with me for refreshing my skin on flights and after a day in the sun, I also really like to use it to freshen up my makeup. Caudalie always use the best natural ingredients in their skincare and this mist is jam packed with them. There is no better way to give your skin and mood an instant boost, this is a must-have product in your beauty routine and I love it, the blend of essential oils, plant extracts, and antioxidants, really work wonders.

Green grape: Hydrating and radiance boosting and protects from free radicals.
Rose essential oil: Hydrating and soothing.
Rosemary essential oil:Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial.
Orange Blossom: Calming and soothing

You can use it as a toner, a setting spray, or a refreshing spritz throughout the day. I think it’s one of those product you always have and always go back too, it is simple, but effective.

*Teoxane Eye Cream

If you haven’t heard of this brand, you have to go and read my more in depth review of them here. This eye cream is highly regarded in the skincare world for its innovative use of TEOXANE’s patented RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) technology, which is often found in injectable treatments but seamlessly integrated into this eye cream for at-home use. It is nothing short of fantastic, I am not exaggerating. Years of scientific research and innovation have gone into all their products. This product targets the early signs of ageing and works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark circles, and minimise puffiness. I like the cooling metal applicator which not only feels refreshing but also helps to de-puff the under-eye area, it is like a spa treatment.

RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid): Provides long-lasting hydration, plumps the skin, and smooths fine lines.
Dermo-Restructuring Complex: Nourishes and protects with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals.
NovHyal: Stimulates natural hyaluronic acid production for skin regeneration and repair.
Escin (from Horse Chestnut Extract): Reduces puffiness and improves micro-circulation.
Caffeine: Helps diminish dark circles and reduce under-eye swelling
Arnica Extract: Soothes and reduces inflammation, calming the eye area.

It has a fragrance-free formula that ensures even the most sensitive skin types can benefit from this eye cream without irritation. I also like that the formula is lightweight and silky in texture and I find it absorbs quickly, I used it morning and night. I am sad I have used it all up, but despite the high price tag, I will be repurchasing as I have seen great results.

UpCircle Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide

This was such a lovely product to use, the scent is beautiful, and the cream has a rich texture which leaves your skin feeling velvety smooth. I had seen this brand a lot over the past few years but had never tried anything from them before, this was a great first product to try, and now I have a list of things I want to from their range.

Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates, plumps skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Balances oil production, evens skin tone, reduces redness, and minimises pores.
Upcycled Blueberry Extract: Rich in antioxidants, protects against free radicals & promotes skin repair.
Rosehip Oil: Nourishes, hydrates, and supports skin regeneration, reducing scars and fine lines.
Shea Butter: Provides intense hydration, soothes dry skin, and improves skin elasticity.
Aloe Vera: Calms irritation, hydrates, and helps heal and soothe sensitive or inflamed skin.

So if you are looking for a night cream that is fantastic for hydration, soothing and radiance, this is the one.

L’Oreal Age Perfect Toner

One of my favourite affordable skincare products, it is such a staple in my routine. It gently exfoliates and helps give your skin a healthy glow. I prefer to use it in the morning as it helps smooth skin, calms redness and combats fatigue, so your skin looks fresh, plump and radiant. I have been through countless bottles and always buy it for my mum too, she loves it. It contains some great ingredients,

Magnesium: Reduces inflammation and combats fatigue
Vitamin C:  Brightens skin and helps even out skin tone
Witch Hazel Extract: Soothes irritated skin

This toner is antioxidant-rich and helps protect against environmental stressors, it’s hydrating and helps refresh skin to give it that and healthy glow. It is just a great product.

*Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Serum

This cream is so luxurious and the scent of Jurlique’s rose products is so familiar and soothing to me that I just love them. This eye serum was so hydrating and nourishing around my eye area, it helped me to look refreshed and more awake. It is also great at reducing dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and dehydration, so quite the powerhouse product.

  • Glycerin and avocado oil: ensures that the skin around your eyes remains hydrated, moisturised and smooth.
  • Botanical extracts: such as viola tricolour, yarrow, and Japanese cedar bud provide antioxidant protection, promote elasticity, reduce signs of ageing.

I think the Herbal Recovery range from Jurlique has had a revamp, as I can’t find this specific product to link to. It appears they now offer two eye products in that range. I especially like the sound of the eye oil roll on. I can honestly say there is not a product from this brand that I have not enjoyed, they always put quality ingredients into their entire range.

*L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Le Duo Serum

This is quite a new release from L’Oreal and I love the concept & the clever formula – you get two serums in one, which means double the ingredients to help with wrinkles, firmness, and radiance. On one side, there’s a collagen peptide booster serum that really helps rebuild firmness and smooth out those wrinkles. On the other, it’s packed with Vitamin B3 and C to boost radiance and even out the skin tone. I took it with me on my recent trips to Amsterdam, London, and Manchester, and was so impressed with how my skin stayed glowing and hydrated, even with all the recycled plane air and hotel AC. The formula is rich but not heavy – it nourishes and hydrates from the first use. Loved it, I have repurchased it and haven’t stopped using it.

Have you tried this yet, or spotted it in stores? If you’re missing a targeted anti-wrinkle serum in your skincare routine, this is definitely a must-try.

Miller Harris Peau Santal

This is honestly a fragrance I can’t get enough of. I’ve been through countless (pretty pink) bottles of it, and it still remains my absolute favourite from the brand. I’ve tried quite a few of their other offerings, and while they’re all stunning, Peau Santal just has that something special. It is without a doubt my most worn scent, the one I feel the most confident wearing, and without fail, it’s always the fragrance I make sure to have in my collection. There’s something so comforting yet sophisticated about it, with that beautiful balance of warmth and elegance. It’s definitely a signature scent for me.

Head Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Saffron
Heart Notes: Sandalwood, Olibanum, Violet Leaf, Papyrus
Lasting Impressions: Sandalwood, Cashmere Woods, Crisp Amber, Vanilla

•this post contains PR samples and affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

July 2014 Empties

- Vicki 10 Comments

What I used up in July 2014

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser* – I really like to use this in the evening as my first cleanse because Its great at removing every trace of makeup, decongesting your skin and it was gentle enough to take around my eyes. Its creamy and hydrating and left my skin very soft. Full review of this here

dr Organic Vitamin E Deodorant – This has been my go to deodorant for about a year now. It does a good job, its gentle and leaves my underarms soft. Its also free of any harsh chemicals which I like. I have many backups – a girl can’t be without deodorant.

No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser – This is my favourite budget friendly hot cloth cleanser. I always stock up on this when Boots do their No7 vouchers. Its a bargain but it is also gentle and you get a lot of product for your money 200ml last me a good couple of months. If you haven’t tried this yet give it a go, I highly recommend it.

Organix Teatree Mint Shampoo* – I finished the conditioner in this range last month. My husband really liked this shampoo & conditioner duo. I thought it was hydrating and left my hair manageable but not flyaway & it smells so minty & invigorating. Perfect for the mornings. When I can get to a Waitrose I will be replacing them & they last for ages as you get 385ml of product.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir – I have a love hate relationship with this face mist. I really dislike the scent but I like how refreshing it feels on my skin. I like using this when I fly (which isn’t that often) as it a really nice way of keeping hydrated on a flight. Im always torn about buying it & tend to purchase it when its on sale.

No7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner – This was my morning toner & it felt like it took forever to use up – this 200ml bottle lasted for about a year. It is a gentle toner that helps hydrate and sooth the skin. I did really like it & would repurchase it again.

REN Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel  – I loved using this eye gel and really liked it for my overnight eye treatment. It helped tighten (but not dry out) the skin around my eye and left the area looking bright and well rested. It was so gentle and felt cooling too. It lasted me about 3 months so thats a big plus.

Bioderma – This was my first bottle of Bioderma & I always wondered what the fuss was all about. Now I know. This Micellar Water is SO good at removing makeup and leaving my skin very soft. It was gentle and you didn’t need to tug or rub to remove eye makeup, it didn’t sting my eyes at all. This bottle lasted me for 2 months & that was using it almost daily. I will 100% repurchase this.

Bee Good 2in1 Cream Cleanser* – This was so lovely and really good for my skin. Its creamy texture was soothing and left my skin feeling clean and fresh. Its kind on the skin, good to bees & a British skincare brand so it ticks all the boxes. This has been a lovely brand discovery & I have a few more products from them in my skincare routine. I’m really enjoying them all.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Face Masks – If you’re skin needs a boost of moisture then these are the masks for you. They’re sheet masks and look funny & a little scary when on but they work like little miracles. These leave my skin feeling plump, radiant and my makeup sits so much better after using them. After using the mask make sure you pat the excess product in to your skin. Shame to waste all that Hyluronic Acid goodness as they’re are quite expensive but if your have dehydrated skin they will be worth every penny.

Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets – These have sadly been discontinued but Home Bargains were selling them for 29p a pack (50 sheets in a pack) so you better believe I bought a butt load of them. I will never run out. These have been a staple in my handbag, on my desk & in my car during this crazy heat wave. They keep me looking shine free & don’t interfere with my makeup.

MUA Undress Your Skin Radiant Under Eye Concealer – This was a little meh & didn’t really do a lot of concealing. This would be better used as a highlighter in my opinion. Oh and this has a shimmer to it, not what I want in a concealer.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

Summer Beauty Favourites 2014

- Vicki 12 Comments

Great Summer Products

These are eight of my favourite Summer beauty products, my most reached for and the things I just can’t live without as the weather gets warmer.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Facial SPF 50 £16.50 for 50ml – I have poured out my love for this SPF on my blog quite a few times now & I won’t apologise for it. I have convinced all my family to purchase the one thats best for their skin type (there are 3 options). I have the Anti Shine one & that dries to a Matte velvet finish. I have worn it for the entire month of May & June – in all weathers, rain or shine. Its a fantastic broad spectrum SPF, giving you the highest protection from both UVA & UVB rays. It wears very very well under makeup & doesn’t have that fishy SPF smell that quite a few sun care products have. I love the protection this gives my skin & also the fact that it won’t leave my skin looking greasy or feeling sticky. Its part of my daily skincare routine.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir £9.95 for 30ml – I have a love / hate relationship with this product as I have had a few bottles of this now & I do like it when I have it, although some days the minty scent is a little much for me especially in the morning. I like spritzing this when I feel hot, Its a nice and refreshing, but I think I have come to the conclusion & decision that I just like facial sprays / toners and won’t go out of my way to repurchase this one. So this Caudalie one I do like (its a little pricey) but this product is more included in this Summer Products roundup as more of broader I love facial sprays in the Summer to cool down & keep my makeup / skin feeling refreshed.

Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets – I love these & I was sad to hear Kleenex have discontinued them (cries). If you like them too & have a Home Bargain shop near you, they are selling them in there for 29p a pack & you best believe I have stocked up on many many packs. I get very oily in the warm weather & no one likes that look so I carry a pack of these in my bag just to blot away that excess oil throughout the day. These ones are very good & don’t lift off my makeup and I find them to be really absorbent. Each pack has 50 sheets so they’ll last me a good couple of weeks. So handy to have in your bag for those very hot days. I also got some Essence ones at a recent launch event. So I am excited to try those.

By Terry Baume De Rose Lip Balm £38.00 for 10g – This is a mini sample pot & is sadly almost all but gone. This leaves my lips so soft, smooth & hydrated. Its been my day time go to lip treat. My lips have been spoilt & now have a taste of the high life. I’m going to have to do some saving in order to be able to afford the full size of this. It’s worth every penny though, my lips are in such great condition even matte lipsticks have been applying like a dream, thats got to mean its worth the hefty price tag.

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream £6.00 for 30ml – No one wants dry nasty feet in the Summer. I am all about the sandals & flip flops when its warm, keeping it casual and I have to have my feet looking their best. So I have been using this Elemis Foot Cream from my British Beauty Blogger: The Dream Box & Its been working a treat on moisturising and keeping my feet looking smooth & feeling soft. Its very nourishing and not greasy. I put it on before bed & sleep in some small cotton socks & I have sandal ready feet by morning. This is a Summer must have for sure!

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose £8.00 for 6g- I don’t like to wear too much makeup during the day when it is really warm as I always end up feeling like a hot sweaty mess, but I do like to wear something on my lips just to give them a little colour & its helps it to look like I have made more of an effort. These Korres Lip Butters are fantastic, not only are they hydrating but the colour pay off is pretty damn good too. These won’t hang around for hours & hours on your lips but still they will give you a pretty flush of colour & keep your lips moisturised too. There are quite a few colours but this Wild Rose one is a pretty red and is so easy too apply and looks great on. My go to summer lip product, it is always in my handbag.

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Colour in Blue Me Away – This is my most used polish for my toes, in the Summer this just looks so pretty and lasts a very very long time. I have got 3 weeks wear from it on my toes without it chipping or needing touched up. It reminds me of swimming pools, just a fantastic vibrant bright blue shade. I always get compliments on the colour & I love it.

dr.Organic Virgin Olive Oil Body Scrub £6.69 for 200ml* – I use scrubs all year round but in the Summer I get my (very white) legs & arms out a little more than usual & I like them to look as smooth & healthy as possible & this Olive Oil Scrub is so nice. It leaves my skin feeling soft & moisturised. Its a nice gentle but effective scrub and I use it daily as it helps to wake me up, get rid off all those dead skin cells and keeps my skin feeling very very smooth.

Let me know if you have been loving any of the products I’ve mentioned & also what your favourite Summer must have products are.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

Feeling Lucky : French Skincare Win

- Vicki 15 Comments

I am an avid reader of Claire & Nic’s blog Agent Smyth & was thrilled to discover I’d won their 500 Followers Giveaway, I thought you might be interested to see what goodies came in my prize. I was so thrilled as it was a French Skincare giveaway and I must be the only beauty blogger on the planet who has yet to really try much French Skincare. The only thing I’d tried was the Caudalie Beauty Elixir and the scent of that reminds me of San Francisco as I took it on the plane with me & sprayed it every half an hour like a crazy lady trying to keep hydrated.

A selection of French Skincare

Bioderma – I have wanted to try this for the longest time but I really don’t like shopping online. I’m more of an in store put your hands on it kind of shopper and I’ve never been in a shop that sells this. So to say I am excited to use this is an understatement. Im currently using the Garnier Micellar Water & it will be great to see how they compare. I think I already know the answer to that.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ This is another cult blogger favourite and I could really use some of it’s pore unclogging abilities right about now! Let me know if you have used this & how it worked best for you.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir – As I said I have had a couple bottles of this over the past 2 years and sometimes I love it & other times the scent of it is overpowering. Depending on what mood I’m in the minty scent is too much for me. I do think its a nice facial spritz and its refreshing. I like to take it traveling as its a handy in flight pick me up.

NUXE Reve de Miel Honey Lip Balm – This is quite possibly the most talked about lip product in the blogging community & I was too excited to wait to photograph this before I stuck my finger in it & smeared it all over my lips. It smells lovely and sweet and is quite thick in texture. I liked how it felt on my lips, not greasy but you can feel a layer of balm on there. My lips are currently smooth & very happy. I’m converted to the NUXE way of life now.

So thats my French stash of prizes and I’m treasuring each one & I’m delighted to have won – they’ve certainly come to a good home that will use them all up. So thank you ladies (Claire & Nic)  for the amazing prize & congrats on the 500 Followers. If you’re not already following them pop over & show them a little love.