I am in love with Vichy’s Calming Cleansing Solution. I discovered it quite by accident. While browsing the drugstore shelves recently, I found the clear lit up bottles of Vichy. I had heard of this French skin-care line but had never tried it. Curious, I began to look at their Vitamin C and Retinol Line. Hmm…kind of pricey and I’m happy with my Neutrogena for now. Then I saw their pretty clear bottles of cleansers. After a week by the ocean and the sun, my skin needed some soothing. The sensitive skin cleanser is a Milk cleanser, which I dislike. I once spent a fortune on Clarins Milk cleansers and I did not care for the residue it left behind. I know that milk cleansers are beneficial and gentle for my sensitive, dry skin but I really do not like the texture. So I thought, hey- why not try the Calming Cleansing Solution by Vichy ($15.00).  It is clear, contains ultra-soothing Rose Phytophenol and is not sticky or leave a residue. I’ve been using this for the past week and I LOVE this cleanser. My skin LOVES this cleanser. And I have a feeling that by not using tap water to cleanse my skin (I am now using Evian mineral water spray), no harsh trace minerals are clinging to the surface of my skin. It has been 4 days since I’ve been on the Evian + Vichy and my skin looks plump and dewy. Wow! I keep looking at myself in the mirror and can’t believe it.

I didn’t expect much from this new cleansing routine, but I have to say, the mineral water and the gentle cleanser really, really makes a difference to your skin. I am now a sworn believer in hydrating your face with Evian and using a gentle non-soapy cleanser. Here is what I do:

1. Spray face with Evian generously to loosen up makeup and surface dirt. I sort of let the mist sit on my face for a while for extra hydration.
2. Moisten cotton pad with Vichy Calming Cleansing Solution. It is for the face and the eyes (no stinging!). If you are wearing eye make-up, use a gentle eye make-up remover along with the solution. Wipe gently over face. Look at pad to see how much has come off! Marvel.
3. Keep wiping until you feel your skin is clean.
4. Spray with Evian again. Let sit on your skin.
5. Apply (pat) your daily eye cream and moisturizer. (I use Eucerin CoEnzyme 10 or Korres Rose Cream, as well as Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream with Retinol)

I also want to try the Vichy Thermal Spa Water: It is a spray. It contains:

“A highly concentrated water with 15 mineral salts and trace elements, to soothe the skin and reinforce the skin’s natural protective function. Recognized by the French Academy of Medicine for its soothing properties, it is an essential complement to any skin care regimen.” ($7.00)

I am just about to the end of my Fresh foundation.

It’s strange but I don’t know anyone else that uses this product. I can’t imagine why. I am deathly afraid that noone uses it and it will be discontinued. That CANNOT happen. So I’m going to inform everyone. (or maybe just the lovely choice people who read this blog *smile*) how I cannot live without this small miracle. It gives me a dewy, natural glow.

Before I found this gem of a product, I was in a bit of a quandry. My full coverage foundation felt awful in the heat of summer and didn’t look so natural during the day. So– I started to experiment with different tinted moisturizers. Unfortunately, the sheer coverage was just not enough. I needed a bit more coverage so I reluctantly returned to my regular foundation but used a wet sponge. Then I found Fresh products! Wonderful! I am a big fan of their foundation which contains umbrian clay and other good for you botanicals. This is a great go-between product.

I consider this a staple in my make-up repertoire. I wear it in the summer and as daytime product. It is creamy, mind you, and not for the oiler skin set. My skin tends to be drier but does get oily patches in the summer. It gives enough coverage to mask the red around my nose and the shadows beneath my eyes (without creasing). Perfect.

To read more about Fresh products go to: www.fresh.com