I received these products free for review from Influenster but all opinions are my own
Over the last few months I've been downsizing my makeup, beauty and skincare products, something regular readers of mine may already know from all my round-up posts and challenge updates. But what this DOES mean is that I don't always replenish my basics if I have something similar that "does the trick" in the meantime that I want to use up. But lucky for me, I was sent Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Light Cream & Serum to test out RIGHT when I'd finished similar products in my skincare regimen. But would they live up to their predecessors? Find out!
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream
As a person with combination skin, I always have a variety of moisturizers on hand in case my skin decides to lean one way or the other, and this light cream fell into my hands at JUST the right time. The middle of summer is really tricky because even if you hydrate properly and use sunscreen to protect yourself, combination skin can go from being really oily to being really dehydrated in a day or two for no reason.
To combat my skin, I tend to use thicker creams at night to help keep my skin quenched, but prefer lighter products in the daytime as I'll inevitably be covering them in SPF or foundation/primer with SPF in it. And luckily, Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Light Cream has the texture down perfectly. It's a true light cream formula that absorbs rather easily and despite a slight fragrance, acts as a wonderful base for sunscreen, tinted moisturizer or for a full makeup routine. And it feels so lovely to apply on the skin.
My only real complaint is that I truly hate potted moisturizers, I prefer pumps. Luckily I have a perfect little spatula that I use to dole out a small amount of product so my fingers aren't digging in it. Otherwise, this is a perfect light cream to add to your retinue of skincare products, offering enough hydration for the day and leaving your skin replenished and supple.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rehydrating Serum
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rehydrating Serum
On first glance, I thought this would be my favourite product of the two because I generally prefer serums with hyaluronic acid in it, as it works very well with my skin. I don't have THE most comprehensive skincare routine, but I always incorporate a serum before I put on my eyecream and moisturizer at night, and while I do have some favourites at varying price points (from The Ordinary to Dr Roebucks) I'm not TOO picky. I'd just finished another serum when this Vichy product came into my lap, so it was a good time to test something new.
My first impression was that Vichy's serum was a tad runnier than the other ones I'm used to, more watery and less slightly 'sticky', it did absorb quickly however, leaving it easy to put moisturizer on afterwards. But other than that I didn't notice much of a difference in efficacy from other products I've used in the past.
So unfortunately I don't think you should have to pay this much for a serum that really only has hyaluronic serum and some "Vichy waters" to offer. This $42.99 serum is just about as good as an any other hyaluronic serum and you can get comparable ones for $10-18. Despite the fact that this serum does make my skin feel good, it doesn't feel really any DIFFERENT than other ones I've used and it doesn't do enough to justify the price point.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream can be purchased at Vichy.ca and other retailers for around $39.99, while the Thermal Serum retails for $42.95.
