Vichy Normaderm

I figure a good way to properly introduce ourselves to this blog is by continuing to share some of the things we love (like we did with beauty gurus last week).
So... I want to talk a bit about a brand I really like...
Vichy is a pharmacy brand which, in Denmark at least, is pretty affordable. Not cheap, but affordable. I believe it's available in many parts of the world but most popular in Europe. Vichy is one of those "thermal water" brands like Avene and La Roche-Posay, and I do find those three comparable and I enjoy them all.

From Vichy I mostly use the Normaderm product line which also contains these products:

This first one is one of those so-called "micellar" liquids. Even though it seems to me that many cleansers are "micellar" (at least many water-based ones) and so I don't quite understand what's special about this, I still really like this cleanser. Now, it's not the kind of cleanser that will remove everything from your face in one wipe. So if you're wearing a full party face of theater makeup, you might want to use something else. However, this cleanser is very mild and I find it feels great on my skin, which is why I like it. It doesn't dry out the skin or sting if it gets to close to the eyes. So for lighter cleansing, I definitely recommend the 'Micellar Solution'.

The next product is a toner. It contains 0,5% salicylic acid plus other ingredients that are supposed to help against acne and redness. If your skin is very sensitive I do not recommend this. The main ingredient is alcohol which makes it a pretty harsh toner, and it can dry out your skin. So remember to moisturize properly. I really like it on my skin though and I will indeed be repurchasing this '3-in-1 Unclogging Purifying Toner'.

Speaking of moisturizing...
This next one is my favorite. The 'Triple Action Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion' is wonderful!
It contains both alpha hydroxy (glycolic) and beta hydroxy (salicylic and also a lipo-hydroxy) acids, all with the purpose of treating blackheads and blemishes. The formula is light and oil-free and it feels absolutely great. It claims to mattify too, though I don't find it very effective in that aspect. So if that is your main concern, you might be better off with something else.
But I really love this moisturizer, and it is definitely one of the best oil-free formulas I've tried!
This is also allergy tested on sensitive skin, and free of parabens, in case those are concerns of yours.

In general I really like the Normaderm line from Vichy and I definitely recommend trying it.

- Nicci

Lash Accelerator Mascara

I recently bought the Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara in 002 Brown/Black, and thought I would share my thoughts on it. 




I usually prefer a large wand with many and really long bristles to better separate the lashes. The Lash Accelerator has a thin wand with short bristles but I wanted to try it because it only picks up a little product, which is something I like.

It claims to stimulate lash growth (to be honest I have no idea how that is supposed to work, and since it didn't come with a list of ingredients, I can't look into it) and to strengthen the lashes. However, I am perfectly satisfied with the strength and length of my lashes, so I don't really care...

Before and after one and two coats 

Simply put:
I like the formula because it's easy to control but I'm not crazy about the wand, just because I prefer a different kind.
As always, I wish I could get a brown instead of brown/black, but I have yet to find a mascara that actually looks brown when you put it on. (So if you know of one, please do let me know!)

-Nicci ¤