Bioderma Hydrabio Gel/Creme and Creme

I'm grouping these two together as it is simply a case of picking which texture or description you prefer.

Describe the brand in three words.

French. Pharmacy. Affordable. 

What are they?

'The patented biological complex Aquagenium™ generates intense hydration, immediately and lastingly.'

Moisturisers

Who are they for?

Across both moisturisers, all skin types.

What’s in them?

Gel: 

AQUA/WATER/EAU, GLYCERIN, ISODODECANE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, SQUALANE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, C14-22 ALCOHOLS, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, AMMONIUM CRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, C30-45 ALKYL CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, CARBOMER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, C12-20 ALKYL GLUCOSIDE, STEARETH-21, DISODIUM EDTA, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, HEXYLDECANOL, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, RHAMNOSE, MALACHITE EXTRACT, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) SEED EXTRACT, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (RAPESEED) STEROLS, TOCOPHEROL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)

Creme: 

AQUA/WATER/EAU, GLYCERIN, ISODODECANE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE, DIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, XYLITOL, CETYL PALMITATE, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, NIACINAMIDE, TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE, ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIBEHENIN, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ARACHIDYL GLUCOSIDE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, GLYCERYL BEHENATE, DISODIUM EDTA, SQUALANE, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, MANNITOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HEXYLDECANOL, TOCOPHEROL, POLYSORBATE 60, RHAMNOSE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) SEED EXTRACT, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (RAPESEED) STEROLS, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)

What's not in them?

mineral oil

parabens

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

silicones, fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man made

Tested on animals/sold in territories that require testing?

No/Yes

How do they smell?

Extremely faintly. The scent is light and dissipates very quickly.

How do they feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

They feel great and absorb very nicely, but you don't feel a lot of residue on the surface of the skin. If you're someone who like to 'feel' your product, they may not be enough for you.

How do you use them?/Where to use in your routine?

They're both moisturisers, so obviously after your serums etc.

Can they be taken around the eyes?

Yes

How long before you should see results?

You'll feel immediate hydration and the skin will plump.

How long did I test them for?

I've had them since they launched and tested them for a few weeks.

How much are they? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?

A bargainous £14.50 for 40ml (tube) and 50ml (pot) although it's currently on offer for under £10.00. Read on.

What’s good about them?

I've found these moisturisers to be really good, especially at the price point. I like a beautiful, expensive moisturiser as much as the next skincare junkie, but as I've stated numerous times in the past, if you want to keep your budget in check, spend on your serums/serum-oils, and save on your moisturiser.

The gel is extremely light, does not sit on the skin and absorbs almost immediately, perfect for those of you with an oilier skin. Also great as a makeup base/primer. 

The cream is slightly heavier, but not greasy or sticky in the slightest.

Both creams are designed to give radiance and lift dullness, although in fairness, you would expect that from any moisturiser, that's kind of the point of them no?

They both contain niacinamide, which is great, but the pot also contains sodium hyaluronate so if you're dehydrated maybe opt for that one. 

Having said all of that, I would recommend checking these out if you are struggling to find a moisturiser as the seasons change. (More of which tomorrow) 

If you are really dry, I would go for the cream in the pot. 

If you're excessively oily, obviously the tube. 

If you're somewhere in the middle, aim for both a texture preference, and look at what you use under it.

If you don't like serums/oils, I'd go for the pot and the extra protection.

If you have combination skin and like a good serum or oil, go for the tube. 

If you get dry in the colder months, it's the pot. The tube will be too light.

What’s not so good about them?

You may find some 'rolling' if you use these with other heavily silicone-based products. If you experience rolling, use less product. Of either the serum or the creams...

Used lightly, as all moisturisers need to be, you should be fine.

Works well with?

They've worked particularly well for me when used over oils during the day.

What’s the website like?

Good. Full of information and they list the ingredients. YAY! www.bioderma.com

How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?

In the EU and the UK, it's widely available. For all other countries, including the USA, search here: www.bioderma.com/choose-country

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Yes. The tub for me, the tube for Ava and her brothers.

Similar products?

Not really, CeraVe, Cetaphil and such like would come under this umbrella for the price point, but not really on the efficacious scale.

Bioderma Hydrabio Gel/Creme and Creme are normally priced £14.50 but are currently £9.66 on Escentual.com








*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

SPF BODY Recommendations Round-up

I've had some urgent requests on social media and in the comments section from people going away on holiday imminently that want SPF recommendations 'NOW'. LOL

So let's make like speed-dating and run through some of my favourites - I don't want to get shouted at for being too slow! ;)

It is worth remembering that:

SPF items are the most widely-varied legislated beauty products on the market. An ingredient that I mention in a product might be completely different in the US or Australia. Do your research in your own country before you buy. The main differences are between Australia, Europe and the US. For the rest of you it will depend where the brands that are sold in your country are made. 

Things to look out for: fragrance or alcohol really high on the inci list - probably best avoided if you're sensitive.

Try and avoid methylisothiazolinone if you can see an ingredients list and are particularly sensitive - it's one of the biggest allergens around at the moment in leave-on products and although Europe is ahead of the game, it's still readily used in the US in particular. I tried to include Ulta own-brand SPFs in this overview because they look good from the outset but they all contain it so I left them out.

Once-a-day formulas. Not a fan of promoting once-a-day SPFs. And frankly, using them on children and actually not reapplying them throughout the day is tantamount to child abuse. What I would do, is use them in the morning and top up with a spray. But only applying SPF once a day and never reapplying is too dangerous, especially on children.

Supermarket/chemist (Boots/Superdrug/Sainsbury's etc in the UK) products are incredibly cheap, but can come with more fragrance and higher levels of alcohol - do your research - and by all means if you find a great one, share in the comments! The huge exception is below in the overview as a Star Buy.

If in doubt, don't go over a 50. I personally tend to stick to 30 on my body these days as I know I have to reapply it, whereas a 50 makes me think 'It'll be ok'. The difference in strength between a 30 and 50 is between 1% and 4% depending on the product - its not an 'extra 20'.

This is an overview and obviously won't be in-depth, but if you are happy to roll with my recommendations (plus boring stock pictures) and check the details out for yourself - I'll provide links - then off we go:

What I take on holiday for me:

Clarins
I know they've been on the blog already with the face, but this is an evergreen product range for us. We've never burned or had any issues. Broad Spectrum. This SPF30 is the best IMO. It's £19.50 for 125ml.

There is also an SPF20 that comes in a 200ml size for £21.00. Both great and available here. 

Clinique

Ava has just been dispatched on her hols with this SPF35 stick by Clinique - fragrance-free and perfect for kids as they seem to find it easier to apply that a lotion. She has creams as well of course, but she actually enjoys using this and with children/teens, that's half the battle right there.

Clinique SPP body products are especially great for those of you with fragrance issues. Being Clinique, all of the sun products are fragrance and oil free (check your region) and Broad Spectrum (across the board). Available here.

Marks & Spencer - *STAR BUY*

This is the exception to the own-label warning in the bullet points at the beginning. Good old M&S list their ingredients, have all the appropriate warnings, are Made in England, in an eco-factory, BUAV approved (cruelty-free) at source, vegetarian and HALF PRICE at the moment. 

UK people: run, do not walk, to your local M&S and clear the shelves. Also available here.

Decleor

Decleor have long made great sun products and I know it's not relevant, but their red, soft touch packaging is easily my favourite. The 50 for body is a good place to start. It's £24.00 for 150ml and available here.

Hawaiian Tropic

I include this as I've probably used a bottle of some sort of Hawaiian Tropic every year of my life. What we won't do is talk about/recommend the SPF4/6 etc because that's just crazy talk. Stick to the 30s and 50s, enjoy the scent and reminisce and laugh about my generation that would lie on foil and use baby oil. Or you know, don't. *fries* Available here.

Coola

Coola has one of the best websites I've seen for descriptions, warnings and clear ingredient listings. It puts everyone else to shame. They're clear about nano, fragrance and give true water-resistant times. The 30 in the picture above is particularly lush. Available here. 

Bioderma

Available everywhere in mainland Europe and not extortionate, stick with the 50s as the 20 and 30 only come in sprays. Available here. 

Hampton Sun

I've worked with Hampton Sun for nearly 5 years. Just putting that out there. I stay with them because I love the products. That's why they are listed here, not the former. This in particular, is wonderful as a baby body SPF OR facial SPF for an adult. I use it on Max, Ava and myself. Available here.


If you have any other quick yes or no questions do please leave me a comment below and I'll do my best to answer them in a timely fashion! :)

Clinic Lessons this week. The Recap.

I sometimes wonder after I've posted a Clinic if readers who just glance occasionally or have no use for the Clinic wonder why I disappear for a while. 

I'm still here - I'm just down there on the post below answering questions - have a look for yourself. On that note - every Clinic there are things that either arise as a concern or issues that are repeated by a few readers. Welcome to the Clinic recap. And a mini rant at the end.

• Liquid Gold is not a toner peeps. It's about as high a strength glycolic as you can get without a prescription. Once/ twice a week is fine. Calm down. Before your face falls off.
• You need to make sure you are getting enough hydration as well as oil in your products as the weather changes. Light Summer lotions need to be shelved to make way for slightly more hydrating and nourishing products.
• Please stop using foaming anything cleanser-wise. You want surfactants on your dishes, not your face.
• Bioderma is not a cleanser to be used every single day forever - ultimately its a makeup remover. It's certainly not up there as a product I would recommend for your AM cleanse. I know the hype is out there. But even though it says it is soap free, neutral PH etc - if you don't get some nourishment onto your skin it will show in the end. Even at the cleanser stage. Same goes for all micellar waters - but this one is having it's moment.
• Clarisonic - don't go mad. Don't. That is all.
• If a product is 'famous' or on every 'Beauty Must-Have' list in a magazine it doesn't mean it will be right for you. And if it's not right for you it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you. It just doesn't work for you. This is as true for Cleanse & Polish as it is for Advanced Night Repair. Neither of which do jack for me, or a lot of people on here. You are not alone!

There may be more as I'm still working my way through the Clinic - but this will get us going..

And finally, Victoria Beckham posted this tweet last week:

'Travel tip,after regimen put a layer of baby oil over face.Protects skin on plane, locks in moisture.'

I'm not even sure where to begin with this one so I'll just leave it at this: 

What a load of utter bollocks. Don't use it on your face. Don't use it full stop. And don't ever, ever, use it on your poor baby.

May in the life of the blog.

Amen.

Me, Mouldy Fruit and Priya Sonn hanging out with Kim K. Why? Because we could.

Kourtney and Khloe on their way to the launch. Why? Because we could. Muahahahahahaaa

Moonwalk

We were sodding freezing.

All that 'oh it was an amazing experience'...No. It wasn't. It nearly killed us. Next year I'm writing a fat cheque.

Where I spent nearly two hours after the Moonwalk.

Hardcore if you're feeling oily/congested. Like a cross between a cleanser and a clay mask.

Sorting. As always.

Fixing a bad reaction to a product.

LOVING the footie.

Adoring the animals. (Can't remember the source of this - sorry!)

Mental cat.

Amazing.

Luscious. 

Breakfast with Jo Malone.

Ah one of my babies meeting Mr Sheeran.

Loving the reminder of the Fun Lovin Criminals.

Word.

Loving Nars Easy Lover.

Brilliant DKNY marketing.

The boy.

The girl.

The cat. All enjoying the sun.

Feet in Kew. You know - when we had Summer for 4 days.

A rather ridiculously large tree.

The walkway. Utterly terrifying.

MORE skincare likes.

A day trip to Paris

Dior teaches the rest of the industry how to do a 'pop-up' shop

A little walk down Avenue L'Opera to my favourite chemist....

White Clay. On the shelf. Bliss.

Green clay next door to it. Before it went in my basket.

Embryolisse

Shedloads of Avene - naturellement

Baby Avene

My favourite bath salts. See that gap? That'd be me.

And finally - aah Bioderma. Or 'crack' as its known to makeup artists.