There she glows

Avene Thermal Spring Water Range

Avene Eau Thermale is a cult favourite and a regular on Instagram feeds all over the world. They are perhaps most well-known for their thermal water spray; but of late, many of their other products have been receiving their dues - and rightly so.

See what I mean? Do you recognise any of these Instagram accounts? Just search the hashtag #avenesa and you'll see just how often it pops up on newsfeeds!

While I was at beauty college, French houses were heralded as being the epitome of luxury and quality skincare; think Gatineau, Clarins and Decleor; and French women’s skin was admired for its youthfulness and vitality. Although skincare enthusiasts are leaning towards a more scientific approach to skincare these days, you can’t deny that the French approach is enduring, and that they remain luxurious and continue to create quality products that are backed by Science. French brands have also been synonymous with a hefty price-tag.

But Avene has revolutionised this concept, making the luxury and scientifically-backed quality of French skincare available to everyone at an affordable price point. Avene’s vast range is available at both Clicks and Dischem, and armed with a little bit of knowledge, you can go in-store and select a product that is suitable for your skin. True to form, both Clicks and Dischem often run specials on the Avene products making them accessible to even those on a tight budget.

So who is Avene?

According to their website their story began in the Orb Valley at the Sainte-Odile spring when the Marquis de Rocozel’s horse was healed from stubborn pruritus (itchy skin) after a few swims. That is how the soothing, anti-irritating properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water were discovered.

Following a journey of over 40 years, Avène Thermal Spring Water wells up, clear and pure, is collected and directed towards the production plant where the Avène Dermatological Laboratories products are manufactured. They design formulas and develop innovative techniques to soothe the most sensitive skin.

My main skincare concerns are hydration, sensitivity and anti-ageing and Avene products have become a firm favourite in my bathroom cabinet. I’d love to empower you with some knowledge about the products I reach for often so that you feel equipped to find something that works for your own skin.

I also use it daily in my evening routine after cleansing and toning with alpha-hydroxy acids. It is widely known that absorption of serums is improved on damp skin and it helps soothe the tingle that comes with using acids. I also love to spritz it onto a fresh face of make-up to achieve that fresh and dewy complexion we all lust after.

PhysioLift Serum

I initially reached for this product because of its promises to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but have loved it for so much more than that. This product has a place in my morning routine after using a facial mist.

It hydrates your skin which ultimately plumps it out, smoothing wrinkles, protecting it from free-radicals which is why I choose to use it in the morning.

Hyaluronic acid is a buzz word in the industry as it is a humectant that brings moisture to the top levels of your skin, giving your skin a plump and dewy appearance. This product combines two types of hyaluronic acid which work to firm and plump the skin.

Additionally, the product contains another active which is a pre-cursor of Vitamin E which is essential for protection against free-radicals that we’re exposed to during the course of an average day.

I have a fresh canvas for make-up application each day, my skin feels hydrated and I can rest easy knowing my skin is protected throughout the day.

Do you use any Avene products? I'd love to hear below which are your favourites. Maybe they'll feature in the next part of this series.

Stay tuned for There She Glows - Part 2 - coming soon!