If you've ever watched a UK Beauty Guru on YouTube, you would have heard them mention this product at least once. I heard about it from Anna & Essie, who each gave different reviews on it. Anna is absolutely obsessed with it and swears by it, whereas Essie didn't like it originally, but ended up repurchasing it because it grew on her. Since they're two of my favorite gurus, I had to give this product a try. Caudalie is sold in Sephora (usually) and retails for $18 for the small bottle and $48 for the bigger bottle. I bought the small bottle because I was just trying it out, obviously.
I originally was kicking myself because I just spent basically $20 on fancy water, but as I used this "elixir" more and more, the more I fell in love with it.
Let me start this review off by saying that the packaging is gorgeous. It's in a slim "dirty" glass bottle with green and black writing and a silver cap, which looks very elegant and clean while sitting on your vanity or dressing table.
The little spray thingy is also really well done, for lack of a better word. It's sturdy enough that it won't pop off of the bottle, and it sprays a really nice fine mist that covers your entire face in a few sprays.
The Caudalie website describes this product as:
Inspired by the "elixir of youth" used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this treatment smoothes features, tightens pores, and gives the complexion a burst of radiance. an excellent base for make-up, this water awakens the skin in the morning and livens it up before a night out.
SKIN SOLUTION: For all skin lacking radiance. Beauty Elixir is an exceptional anti-dull complexion treatment and a wonderful after-shave for men.
This product absolutely "livens" up my skin and is a good cooling mist for hot days. I have pretty smooth skin to begin with so I didn't really see any texture improvement. This makes my skin feel nourished without making it feel "wet", which is nice if you're using it as a setting spray. It smells of peppermint, but it fades away after a minute of sitting on your skin.
I absolutely love this stuff and it's something that I would like to have on me at all times.
However, I've had this bottle for less than 3 weeks and I'm almost finished with it, as you can see in the photo below. I actually have less product in this now because I used this spray after using a face mask, and the amount of product I have sits right under the numbers on the bottom of the glass, so it's on its way out.
As much as I love this, I can't shell out $18 every 2-3 weeks for a toner. This is something that I'd like to have in the winter as a "pick me up", but I really can't justify spending that amount of money on it.
Yes, I could buy the $50 one. But if I finish the 30ml in 2-3 weeks, I would probably finish the 100ml one really quickly.
Pro's
the product itself
packaging
smell (for me)
Con's
the gosh darn PRICE.
All in all: I love this stuff. If you have the money to spend/blow, definitely pick it up. I'll be repurchasing this, but not right away.
xxx,
Ashley
