Vichy Normaderm Skin Care Routine for Oily, Acne Prone Skin feat. Normaderm 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask

In Malta, most skin types fall into the oily skin category and consequently, there are a lot of individuals who have had to deal with acne at one point or another in their life. I guess I was one of the lucky few who never got acne despite my oily skin but I still get the odd inflamed pimple(s) every now and then which is when I switch up my skin care routine specifically to tackle them.

My latest discovery in the quest for clear skin, comes in the form of a 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask courtesy of the lovely people at Vichy who have kindly sent over the product along with some samples of the Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel and Corrective Anti Acne Treatment. I have used the products for the past month as I usually like to do with skin care products before I can share my opinions about them. 

The Vichy Normaderm range is specially formulated for treating frequent acne breakouts, blackheads, enlarged pores, pimples and excess shine. The three products in this post are only a small part of an extensive range of products within the Normaderm range.

I'm going to start with the Normaderm 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask which has recently been re-formulated. The product comes in a 125ml tube and as name implies can be used as a scrub, cleanser and mask. In each case, it ensures a deep clean to unclog pores, minimize their appearance and mattify the skin for up to 3 days. If you have very oily skin, the mattifying effect may last less. To use as a cleanser/scrub, all I do is just lather some of the cleanser onto damp skin and rinse it off with plenty of water. To use as a mask, I apply a thick layer and leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly with warm water. I usually apply the product as a mask once a week and seeing it only takes 5 minutes, it's perfect for busy lifestyles. It is recommended to use this product once or twice a week whereas for the rest of the week, the use of a gentle cleanser is advised.

I usually prefer gel cleansers so I found Normaderm 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask to be a little too rich for me to use as a cleanser. As a mask, however, this works brilliant! I can still reap the benefits of the product as a scrub while rinsing it off. The product contains 25% Kaolin clay, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Zinc, pumice and 5% Mineralizing Thermal Water to make the formula an effective one. I notice that after using this product, my skin stays matte for longer and skin looks much brighter and smoother.

I have also tried the Deep Cleansing Gel and Corrective Anti Acne Treatment to get rid of my pimples and I am happy to say that the routine works well. The spots were gone in less than a week after using this routine. I really like the Deep Cleaning Gel for it cleanses my skin thoroughly without drying it while the Corrective Anti Acne Treatment ensured that no pimple marks are left on my skin! Oh and one last thing, the Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel is excellent for taking off Vichy Dermablend and Dermablend 3D Correct foundations so it doubles up as a makeup remover as well!

Picture courtesy of Vichy Facebook page

Vichy Normaderm can be found in all pharmacies around Malta & Gozo.

PR Samples

Review | Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] Foundation

Vichy's Dermablend line has already established as the makeup line of choice with people who want to cover up acne and certain skin conditions yet still be able to achieve that perfect, natural look. Recently, the same Dermablend range has expanded a little more with the launch of a revolutionary foundation.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to attend the launch of the new Dermablend foundation, the [3D Correction]. After witnessing with my own eyes, what this foundation is capable of doing, I really couldn't wait to try it out myself. I had already tried the Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation but this new whipped cream texture of Dermablend 3D really got me curious to try it.

Vichy Dermablend 3D comes in a black box that matches the 30ml tube the product is supplied in. I really like the matte, satin finish of the tube for it really conveys the smooth application of the product. (As a side note, Vichy is changing the Dermablend range packaging to black so all the products will now be supplied in black tubes instead of white).

The Dermablend [3D Correction] foundation comes out of the tapered end of the tube and I have to admit I really like this way of dispensing the product as you have complete control over how much product comes out. 

The whipped cream texture of this foundation is what makes it so revolutionary and unique - it aims to level and cover indented scars and acne bumps in 1 layer. Now, personally I do get the occasional hormonal breakout but I don't get anything serious and I have no scars and bumps but I still wanted to see how it will cover up these occasional breakouts.

Having always used fluid foundations, I have to admit I found it a little difficult to work with this whipped cream texture at first. Taking out just a little bit of foundation on a palette and building coverage as I go is what I found to work best for me. Also, a flat foundation brush is your best bet when working with this foundation. Denser brushes don't really work well with this foundation as it will otherwise cake on. One layer of foundation is enough for me and I was positively surprised at how natural it looks - you can barely tell I am wearing makeup! It dries to an ultra matte finish which is what I look for in a foundation.

left: no makeup; right: wearing Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] foundation

Another definite plus to this foundation is the staying power. On my oily skin, it lasted for more than 9 hours (it is supposed to last a total of 16 hours but I didn't wear it that long), thus it is perfect for workdays as it will see you flawlessly throughout the day. Vichy claim that Dermablend [3D Correction] treats acne and gives a more uniform complexion with each use but I cannot really attest to that as my breakouts go down within a couple of days.

Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] is available in 4 shades:

Vichy Dermablend [3D Corrrection] Foundation swatches - first swatch: 15 Opal; third swatch: 35 Sand
Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation swatches - second swatch: 25 Nude; last swatch: 45 Gold
{top in natural light; bottom with flash}

Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] is oil-free, non comedogenic, dermatologically and ophtalmologically tested and it is non-acnegenic. It is also suitable for sensitive skin and contains no parabens and has an SPF of 25.

Due to the thicker nature of this foundation, I prefer to use it when my skin really needs help to look its absolute best but since the finished look is still very natural, I wouldn't mind using it everyday. I would especially recommend the Dermablend [3D Correction] for people with oily skin types.

Here is a little swatch comparison between both formulas of the Dermablend Foundations in shade 15 Opal:

Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] foundation swatch (left) vs Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation (right)
{left photo in natural light; right photo with flash}

The Fluid Corrective Foundation looks a little lighter in the pictures but in reality, both shades are identical when applied on the face.

I have said it multiple times before and I will say it again now, Vichy Dermablend foundations are hands down the best on the market and best of all, they retail for only 18 euros each. The full Vichy Dermablend range can be found at various pharmacies around Malta and Gozo. Like their Facebook page to stay updated with upcoming products and competitions!

PR Sample

Event | Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] Launch

Last Friday, a rather chilly and rainy evening saw me excited to get to the Xara Lodge in Rabat, one of the most lavish settings on our islands for the launch of the newest foundation to join Vichy's Dermablend line, Dermablend [3D Correction]. I have to admit that I was really excited and curious to see what it is all about following my experience with Dermablend 16hr Fluid Foundation, so I braved the rain and cold and made my way there.

Upon arriving, a glass of red wine was waiting to warm me up, and of course, I gladly accepted it. We were then shown to the main red carpet area, where the presentations took place. Mr. Peter Apap, one of the directors of Prohealth Ltd., made his introductions which were followed by a brief yet thorough presentation by Ms. Jackie Vella, the brand manager for Vichy in Malta. The event also marked the first year of Vichy Dermablend line in Malta.

Mr.Peter Apap (top) and Ms. Jackie Vella delivering their addresses and presentations

Here is a brief introduction to Dermablend 3D. If you are familiar with the Dermablend range, you would know that is aimed at being more of a solution to a better quality of life and self-esteem.  It all started in 1981, thanks to Dr. Craig Roberts, who created a full coverage foundation with high tolerance to help improve the appearance of skin suffering from a variety of skin conditions. We all know how important and what a confidence boost it is to look and feel good, and for this reason, Dermablend has proven to be the perfect solution for people suffering from vitiligo, rosacea, dark spots, angioma, birth marks, scars, etc. Moreover, Dermablend provides a natural finish despite its full coverage - something not many foundations have mastered yet.

Apart from skin discolouration and uneven tone, one of the most common skin problems is acne, where the individual usually presents with raised, red pustules and pimples that are otherwise very difficult to cover up and still have a natural look. For this reason, Dermablend 3D was introduced.

This foundation, with its whipped cream texture, is capable of turning 3D imperfections into 2D in three steps - cover, level, treat. The foundation is composed of purified minerals that give it an airy texture and permit it to cover imperfections while maintaining a natural finish. Dermablend 3D is also the first foundation that is capable of levelling the skin surface immediately and day after day thanks to its Alliagel Technology (resurfacing gel mix). Lastly, Salicylic Acid and Eperuline contribute towards treating the spots.

Next, it was time for Ms. Allison Depriestre to work her magic on her three models for the night - we got to see how acne is completely covered up with Dermablend [3D Correction], full coverage of vitiligo where she also used the Dermablend Concealer Stick and lastly, we got to witness the last model's secret; she rubbed some Purete Thermal 3 in 1 Cleanser on her arm and shoulder, and two tattoos were revealed! Yes, the Dermablend Total Body Foundation, even covers up tattoos!

Tattoo cover-up

A reception rounded up the event where me and fellow blogger  Maya enjoyed sampling this innovative foundation texture and other products from the Vichy Dermablend range and we even had a Polaroid taken ;) I am really looking forward to give this foundation a go asap!

Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] is available in 4 nuances and will be for sale in pharmacies. For more information, go like the Vichy Facebook page.

Vichy Dermablend is changing the colour of the tubes, and all products in the range will now have a black tube instead of white.

Monthly Favourites | April

Excuse me for being late with the usual end-of-month posts ladies but lately there has been quite a lot on my plate. I will not be publishing an empties post this time because I didn't finish any products so I will start by sharing my favourite products for April. Also, stay tuned for a Fashion Week related post later on ;)

Overall, I have been using mostly the same products as past months so I will not bore you with those and I will show you just the new products that I have been reaching for repeatedly.

Starting with skin care, I have a new favourite toner from Skin Food which is sold at Wangbii in Sliema. It is their lettuce and cucumber watery toner ad it feels really cool fresh on the skin - perfect for the hotter days. It cleanses away all traces of makeup and leaves my skin thoroughly hydrated. My new favourite cleanser then comes courtesy of Vichy and it's their Purete Thermale 3 in 1 Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. It cleanses my skin thoroughly and even removes makeup without drying out the skin.

To keep within the face theme, I have been trying out two new foundations this month, namely the Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16H in the shade 15 Opal which is a high coverage foundation and the Catrice 12h Matt Mousse Makeup in the shade 010 Soft Ivory which is more of a light-medium coverage foundation. Both of these foundations perform exceptionally well and depending on how my skin looks on a particular day, I reach for the one with the coverage I want. They both last very well and neither of them has a cakey feel.

Lastly, I have some lip products. I have been meaning to try Essence Lipliners for quite some time and when I was last in OVS, I decided to get two shades. My favourite so far has been the shade 05 Soft Berry which I like layering under lipstick as much as I like wearing it alone as my main lip colour. I have also been loving Essence Nude Lipstick in 03 Come Naturally and this Primark Matte Long Lasting Lipstick in Whisper.

Review | Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Good afternoon lovelies, today I have the one product to end all excuses for taking off makeup at the end of the day! Enter Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser for Sensitive Skin.

I have been testing out this cleanser for the past couple of days and I can vouch that it really does what it says...it cleanses the skin, tones it and removes makeup. It is also effective against waterproof makeup.

It is basically a paraben-free, white cleansing milk that comes in a 100ml tube. The texture is a little runny and you only need the size of a 1 euro coin to fully cleanse your face. I like to start cleansing my makeup away with it first then proceed to using makeup remover if need be and after I rinse everything off, I just need to moisturize my skin and I'm done! One thing worth mentioning is that my skin and eyes don't burn while using this cleanser and my skin feels super soft and clean!

I would definitely urge anyone with sensitive skin to go pick this cleanser up and give it a go! You can find Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 Cleanser from leading pharmacies, a list of which can be obtained from the Vichy Facebook page.

PR Sample

Review | Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr in 15 Opal

What if a foundation could change your life? Sounds impossible to believe yet at one point or another, I am positive we have all wished for a single product that covers all imperfections and evens out our skin tone whatever the problem.

When our skin looks good, we feel good and we feel more confident and this is exactly the concept behind Vichy's new corrective foundation Dermablend, which promises 16 hours wear without that cakey feeling you get with full coverage foundations.

The packaging is very simple and I like the hygienic tube which enables me to control how much product I use without having to dip my fingers or anything in the product. A little word of caution - a little goes a long way with this foundation so I suggest you start with a small amount and build it up if necessary.

My shade is 15 Opal, which is the lightest out of the four available. Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation is especially indicated for uneven skin texture, dark under eye circles and diffused redness - all three of which I have in different degrees.

Left: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 15 Opal
Right: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 35 Sand
{photo taken in natural light}

Left: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 15 Opal
Right: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 35 Sand
{photo taken with flash}

I always like it when skin care brands come up with their own range of makeup as I know my skin will fully benefit. In fact this foundation is 100% suited for sensitive skin, it is non comedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance and paraben-free.

I have worn this foundation last Saturday for a total of 10 hours and it still looked good at the end of the day and I really like the matte finish and full coverage minus the mask effect you usually get with such foundations. It also has SPF35 so it is perfect for daytime use. I really like the flawless look this gives my skin and applying it really simple - prepare the foundation on the back of your hands, apply with your preferred method and blend for a smooth, flawless finish!

Overall, I would definitely give this foundation a thumbs up and look forward for the rest of the Vichy Dermablend range to be launched locally. For more information and to stay updated, check out the Vichy Facebook page.

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr is available at authorised pharmacies for €17.90 for 30ml of product.

PR Sample

Review | Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash

To the majority of people, men and women alike, the month of May translates to 'panic-because-summer-is-soon-upon-us' month. We all know that new year resolutions of eating a healthier diet and going daily to the gym are easier said than done but luckily, there exists an easier way to keep cellulite at bay that comes in a black squeeze-type tube and the consistency of a serum. Enter Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash. 

 

I was kindly sent this product by ProHealth, the importers of Vichy and La Roche Posay products in Malta and I have been testing it for two weeks so as to see if it stands to the claim that results are visible after 14 days of use. 

 

Like I said, packaging is pretty simple yet very convenient with respect to the intended use of the product as you just have to twist the silver cap and the product comes out of a small hole, enabling you to control how much product is dispensed. A carton box is part of the packaging and there are massaging instructions printed on the inside. Here I would like to suggest that I think it is better if the instructions were printed on a package insert rather than inside the box as that made it a little difficult to see them.

 

 

As for the product, it has the consistency of a serum and bears a caramel colour with light reflecting gold pearl pigments. The formulation is easy to work onto the skin and a euro-sized amount is enough for me to massage one thigh. Despite being tinted, the serum does not stain clothes and is rapidly absorbed, hence you don't have to wait for it to dry before dressing.

 

 

The serum is fit for use thighs, buttock, hips, stomach and arms - basically any area that lacks tonicity and is showing signs of cellulite development. In fact, it is aimed at targeting cellulite, stubborn volumes, tonicity, homogeneity and overall skin texture for an improved silhouette.

 

The key ingredients are 6% pure Caffeine (known for its action against cellulite), Hyaluronic Acid at a concentration of 0.4% (known for its re-plumping effect) and Salicylic Acid (to yield smoother, softer and more radiant skin).

 

It is recommended to apply the product twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks in massaging motions as explained below and after I have followed the instructions and tested the product for two weeks, I have noticed that my thighs do look more toned. I am now in the third week of treatment and I am still noticing an even more toned appearance.

 

I would recommend this product for a quick fix just before summer but always remember that a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are key to maintaining a healthy body all year round. Lotions and potions are there to help you preserve what you achieve ;)

 

Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash is now available at various pharmacies around Malta & Gozo and retails for €29.90. For enquiries, check out the Vichy Facebook page.

PR Sample

Monthly Favourites | May

With May coming to an end two days ago, here are the products I have used most during the month!

 

Starting with body care, I have three products, two of which are new discoveries. So on my last trip to The Body Shop, I bought a new version of body scrub, the Early Harvest Raspberry which has definitely gone down in my list of favourite products from the shop. It smells really good and since it is not that abrasive, it can be used on sensitive skin.

 

 

The next new product comes courtesy of ProHealth, the importers of Vichy and La Roche Posay products in Malta. They have kindly sent me the new Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash to review and after using it for two weeks, I can definitely see the results. I will not spend a lot of time on this product in this post, but you can read a full review tomorrow so watch out for that!

 

With all Fashion Week events and what not, I have reached for Dior L'eau Cologne Floreale for all events and it has somewhat become my signature scent. I love how it is not overpowering yet it conveys a nice floral scent that lingers on my skin for a long time.

 

Next up are some skin care products, again two of which are new discoveries thanks to ProHealth. Even when clouds are still high up in the sky, our skin needs adequate protection against UV rays and thankfully La Roche Posay also have a range specifically targeted for oily and combination skins. I have found Anthelios XL Extreme Fluid and Dry Touch Gel-Cream to be extremely good at offering the best protection and they don't make my skin greasy. Highly recommended!

 

 

Lierac Mesolift Serum has once again proven to be a skin saviour especially last week during a very hectic fashion week. It keeps my skin plump and looking fresh - I wouldn't change it for anything!

 

Obviously, Fashion Week calls for tip top makeup and the following were my favourite products for creating a flawless base, ready for pictures and looking good in general! Left to right, NYX HD Foundation HDF02 Soft Beige, Catrice Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder Waterproof, Catrice Camouflage Cream 010 Ivory, Inglot Under the Makeup Base.

 

 



More makeup, this time its all about eye products. For some reason, I was obsessed with blue eye makeup last month and consequently, these are the products I reached for the most, top to bottom, Pupa Milano Vamp! Mascara 300 Deep Night, Catrice Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen 080 I Like Blue Mondays, Rimmel London Soft Kohl Eye Pencil 021 Denim Blue and Wjcon Eyeshadow Stick 10 Sapphire.

 

 

As for the normal black mascara and eye pencil days, nothing beats the combination of Catrice Glamour Doll Volume and Curl Mascara and Pupa Milano Made To Last Eyes 100 Black.