About a month ago I posted an introduction to Avène Tolérance EXTRÊME. It’s a really exciting launch and one that is very different to many of the other things that come across my desk. If you want a more in depth look at the thinking behind the range then you can read my introduction post HERE. As I’ve now been using the products for over a month I wanted to give you a more in-depth review.
*Sponsored post in association with Avène.
Let’s have a very quick recap, shall we? Avène have long been a brand that people can turn to when their skin has rejected many of the other ranges on the market. As you’ll know if you read my blog, I have rosacea which means I have incredibly sensitive skin that reacts to many ingredients in skincare products. It can also be triggered by certain formulas: thick consistencies can sometimes make my skin react as it feels smothered, and most products that contain gritty or rough bits are a no-no.
I’ve been an Avène fan girl ever since I first started taking my skincare seriously, so it’s as though this new range was made for me. It’s an unusual offering in the current skincare market as it prides itself on using the minimum number of ingredients (no more than seven in the final range: FYI the cleanser currently available has eight ingredients but is being replaced by one with seven in January ’17). This dedication and innovation is mind-blowing to me and it shows that they are committed to helping even those with the most picky and temperamental skin.
Avène Tolérance EXTRÊME Cleansing Lotion – This is the stand-out product for me because it can be used in two ways. The first is the traditional way: apply the light gel to your face, massage into skin to remove make up, oil and dirt, and then remove with a flannel or muslin cloth. The second way is a revelation for people with awkward skin like me: you apply it to the skin as above, but then remove with tissue or a cotton pad. When I’m having a flare up even water can aggravate my skin, so the fact this cleanser is just as efficient at removing make up and daily grime without getting water near my face is a lifesaver.
A small warning: the DEFI cap (a magical and very clever invention that stops germs and contaminants getting into the product which means that the ingredients don’t include any preservatives which can be very irritating to sensitive skin) can mean that the products fires across the room until you learn how much pressure is too much pressure when squeezing it!
Avène Eau Thermale Spray – I’ve raved about this so many times on this blog. It’s perfect to throw in your handbag and a light spritz can cool down hot, irritated skin in seconds. I actually saw these sprays being made in Avène (you can read about that HERE) and it was amazing to see how much effort goes into keeping them sterile. One time when this product really comes into its own is on flights – I can’t be without it now!
Avène Tolérance EXTRÊME Emulsion – As I mentioned in my original post there are two moisturisers in the range: an emulsion and a cream. The latter is aimed at drier skin types, so I have been using the former as my skin is as oily as it comes. It is a very light and fluid moisturiser which means it’s comforting and soothing to apply, sinks in very quickly and makes a lovely base for make up. I can’t be bothered with skincare that takes too long to sink in as I’m usually running about trying to get ready in 20 minutes every morning!
Avène Tolérance EXTRÊME Mask – I love face masks but sometimes having a product sit on my skin for a period of time can make my skin irritated as it feels smothered and heats up. This one is light and soothing so absolutely no adverse reaction here. It provides a lot of moisture but isn’t so heavy that you would need to limit its use – I would happily use this every day if my skin was really dry and irritated (hello, unavoidable mid-winter skin disaster!) I’ve been using this as an overnight treatment and because it’s so light, you don’t end up with grotty pillows!
In case it wasn’t clear from all the raving, I ADORE the Avène Tolérance EXTRÊME range. I had no irritation, no reaction, no discomfort from using it, and it definitely made my skin feel happy and calm. At first it felt strange to pare back my skincare so much, but I was really surprised at how well this simple and minimal routine suited my skin. My skin feels so much happier and less prone to external stresses. During the past month I went on holiday (highs in temperature of 39 degrees), took flights, moved house… all of these would usually have made my skin so unhappy but, as usual, Avène had me covered.
I think many people with skin conditions can benefit from reducing the potential irritants in their skincare, whether that’s by keeping an eye on ingredients or by selecting the fewest, but most efficient, products.
You can buy the Avène Tolérance EXTRÊME range HERE. Which of the products are calling out to you the most?
Lex
*This is a sponsored post in association with Avène and may include affiliate links. For more information please see the disclaimer tab at the top of the page.
==PIN ME!==
I am going to look out for this as my daughter has trouble with some products x
Author
It can be so frustrating to react to product, you have to be so careful. This is the most gentle range I’ve ever used, by far!
I have to admit I’m not tried much from Avene, after reading this however I really must you seem to adore it! x
Author
I’m so so picky with my skincare, but everything I’ve tried from Avène has been incredible. I recommend them to everyone 🙂
I love the sound of these products definitely something new for me to try
Author
I just can’t recommend them enough, I love them!
These sound so good and I have to admit every Avene product I have ever tried I have loved, I really don’t know why I don’t have any in my skincare routine at the moment x
Author
I couldn’t be without it, it’s just amazing!
I really like Avene and I keep the eau thermal for my hot flushes. This latest range sounds very interesting.
Author
The water spray is unbelievable – I couldn’t be without it! All hail Avène 😀
I have never used anything from this brand but it sounds really intriguing. The mask sounds great as I am always looking for things with a lot of moisture x
Author
That mask is definitely top of my list when my skin feels dry and tight. Plus it’s gentle enough to use every day if you need to!
I’ve been a big fan of Avene for many years, it’s the only brand that I’ve got on well enough with in terms of my skin and has even helped me feel confident enough to leave the house with no make up on X
Author
They are truly wonderful, one of the only brands I can always rely on when my skin is unhappy. I’m so glad you’ve found something that gives you confidence, that’s invaluable x
Products sound amazing. Would love to try them. Never used any Avene product.
Author
I cannot recommend them highly enough – love so many of their products!
I really love this brand, and their products always leave my skin so fresh.
Author
They’re probably my favourite, just such wonderful products!
I’ve always heard such lovely things about Avene – and with them using a minimum of preservative-free ingredients I AM IN!
Author
Their DEFI caps may not be pretty, but if it means their products don’t have preservatives I’m all over it!
Sounds intriguing as we’ve never heard of this brand before. My mummy doesn’t have sensitive skin so this might be a bit overkill for her. Glad the results were good xx
Author
It’s one brand that I would recommend to everyone, it’s so gentle but the results are incredible!
I really like these products, especially the mask x
Author
The mask is dreamy isn’t it! Such a lovely brand x
Lovely photos, this looks like a fab product!
Author
Thank you very much 🙂
I have yet to try any of this brands products but they sound nice.
Author
If you have sensitive skin, or just want products that don’t overload your skin, then they’re brilliant!
ive still haven’t tried this brand yet. this would suit my sister more than myself
Author
I recommend Avène to everyone I meet that has sensitive or intolerant skin. It’s fantastic!
Great to know there was no irritation, my skin can really act up with unknown products it isn’t used it.
Author
Same – it’s so tricky to find things that my skin doesn’t hate!
I will have to try these products! I am always interested in something new!
xoxo, Candice Nikeia
http://www.candicenikeia.com
I have only used the thermale spray which sounds really bad as a beauty blogger and even though I have heard of all these products x
I love the Avene thermal spray it’s my absolute fave, so I really enjoyed reading this it’s made me want to try more of the brand. Thanks for sharing k x
Author
You’re very welcome! The Avène thermal water spray is one of my faves too, it’s so calming!
Ah I have not tried anything from Avene! will have to give the mask a try I think.
Author
The mask is definitely a favourite – so calming and gentle. It’s currently in the escentual sale if you want some enabling…!
I’ve never tried this brand – crazy!! Thanks for sharing – definitely going to look into these products 🙂
Author
You’re welcome, thank you for commenting! I hope you enjoy the Avène products if you pick them up – they’re in the Escentual sale which finishes at the end of October… just in case you need some enabling! I’ve put links and more info on the Escentual sale in THIS POST x
Would avene products be ok for breakout prone skin also? I have rosacea but I also tend to get whiteheads and blackheads in the tzone!! Btw….I love your blog!