Cosmecology Paris // Hydra Skin Hydrating Face Cream

As much as I adore and appreciate the appeal of prestige French skincare, the reality is that I am not always able to indulge in it. I am currently completing my post grad at university, and the pressures of buying a new home and planning a wedding often take a toll on my cosmetic addiction. When I found out that there was an affordable French skincare brand by the name of Cosmecology Paris, I was intrigued.

No outer packaging demonstrates how much the company prides itself on being environmentally aware, and the clear white tubes splashed with colourfully classy ingredient symbols is an attractive addition to my skincare loot. At the Cosmecology Paris launch in South Yarra I had a good sniff of most of the haircare, skincare and bodycare, and I am happy to report that everything smells deliciously fruity and divine!

I have been using the Hydra Skin*  facial moisturiser for quite a long time now and I am about to run out, so I thought it time to sit down and share this product with you. Fruity and nourishing, this aloe + hyaluronic acid filled moisturiser is thicker than a lotion but still sinks in quite fast. I use a pea sized amount each morning and night (though in the PM I use it in conjunction with a serum or facial oil) and though I feel as though it could sink a little deeper, I’m content with how much it moisturises my face. It leaves a slightly shiny finish to the skin, but because I always put it on before bed or under makeup it doesn’t faze me at all.

 

Priced at only $28 for 50ml, this is a good every day skin moisturiser for all skin types that brings a touch of French skincare to your cabinet, without hurting your purse. I would ideally prefer a matte finish, so those with extremely oily skins may want to look to the Cosmecology Paris Mattifying Face Cream instead.



Cosmecology Paris is salon only, for stockists please ring 1300 300 954. 
What French skincare do you adore?

 

*This product was provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

 

Triple Threat Facial

Sitting in front of the laptop with an hour or two to spare, it’s often quite nice to treat your skin to a wee bit of pampering. Rather than going for the everyday serum-eye cream-moisturiser routine, I like to plump up my skin every once in a while with what I call the ‘triple threat facial’. No credit can be taken for this by me, as I was completely inspired (as in thispost) by Vivianna Does Makeup (who got the idea from Caroline Hirons, skincare gem) An idea so genius that I can’t believe it hadn’t popped into my head already, I’m now getting a lot more use from more of my face masks and my skin seems to be thankful for it. For the record, my skin is a real mixed bag and has lots of issues, from dry patches and a shiny forehead to hormonal breakouts and general dullness. Choose masks that suit your individual needs, and start achieving better skin!

First things first, the facial begins with a clay-based detoxifying mumma jumma, for which I bring out my mighty Queen Helene Mint Julip mask. Bright green and minty, this clarifies the skin and I like to apply it with a paddle foundation brush for even coverage that doesn’t waste any of the minty goodness. As Anna points out in her post, this digs down deep into pores and cleans them right out, so that the next two steps can work to their full potential without any grime in the way. After leaving Mint Julip on for 30 mins and removing with a damp muslin cloth, step two of this process can begin.

Radiance is the next thing you want to slap on your mug, and at the moment I am using the Guinot Instant Radiance Moisturizing Mask*. Wafts of lavender and rosemary are key features of this greige face treat, and I leave this on for 15-20 minutes before whipping it off with a tissue. I like the look of the REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask that Anna used and was eyeing it off in Mecca Cosmetica the other day, but I just can’t take the plunge until I’ve used up some other face masks first. I’m trying to be good, you see?

Final step is my favourite, not purely because the long process is drawing to a close but because this mask is my very favourite. The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask* is clay based and uses a bunch of classic hydrating ingredients to soften and plump up the skin. I love the way it tingles, and that it actually does what it promises to do, and does it well. Using these three dedicated masks in a single evening is a real treat for the skin, and I see it as ensuring I have some brownie points stored up to trade on those days when it threatens to act up on me.

 

 Let me know what face masks you love in the comments below, and if you ever have time for this sort of at-home pampering.

*Marked items were provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

*Interested in the Queen Helene? iHerb stocks it for $3.84 here, and if you use my discount code BEJ649  you can save extra! $10 off every order $40+, or $5 off if order is below $40. Happy shopping!