Avene Hydrance Optimale Review

I've had a skincare routine that I thought was pretty good since i was 14. Cleanser, toner, moisturiser. However my skin was always super dry no matter how much moisturiser i put on! A month ago i bit the bullet and broought the whole Avene range and OMG am i impressed. This hydrater has changed my life. rather then sealing in moisture like a moisturiser, this hydrator pumps moisture into my skin. It's incredibly gentle and absorbs quickly ito my skin, which means im not waiting around forever to put on moisturizer and makeup. LOVE LOVE LOVE! And its non comodogenic so my pores are clear and wonderful!

I wanted a night time moisturiser that was thick and creamy and fragrance-free. This fit the bill, so I purchased it on special. It won’t help you achieve anything other than locking in moisture as an occlusive layer - so don’t expect a major skin transformation. As far as innovative skincare goes, this is really quite boring. But if you have dry and/or sensitive skin, I would still recommend it.

The Avene range is ideal for people who have sensitive skin as their products are gentle, yet very effective in targeting “problem areas”. This cream has been amazing for me - it is perfect for someone who has skin prone to being more sensitive, and who needs some extra hydration to plump up the appearance of your skin. I was also able to layer my Avene products effectively as this cream complemented other products such as exfoliators and serums. This is definitely a “go to” product for mw and will stock up on it soon.

I purchased this as I my usual cream was out of stock. I originally planned to have this as a normal day cream however the consistency is quite thick and I found it left my face quite oily looking despite waiting for it to soak in, so I am now using it as an evening/night cream. It keeps my face moisturised and doesn’t leave a tacky feel like some moisturisers do. The smell is very minimal and generally I like this product although I wasn’t able to use it as I hoped I would for during the day.

After using the Thermal Spring Water I was already sold on the beauty that is the French brand Avene. The Avene products are primarily for sensitive skin, and I have heard wonderful things from women who had tried 'every other' product before settling on the Avene range. I personally don't have sensitive skin, but I was on the search for a lightweight but hydrating day moisturizer that didn't make my skin red after applying. I picked up the Avene Hydrance Optimale moisturizer in the normal/combination formula and have used it ever since.

The packaging is simple and well, French. The fact that it is in a tube means that I will be able to savor every last drop. $49 for a 40ml is a little pricey, but for someone with sensitive skin I'm sure this would be worth it.

I cleanse, tone and then apply the Avene Hydrance Optimale first thing in the morning. It feels incredibly lightweight, with no stickiness or residue. Incredibly, this is also coupled with some serious hydration that lasts all day underneath my drying makeup. Because this moisturizer leaves no residue and doesn't make my skin red, I can apply my foundation straight away, which is a massive factor for me. The Avene Hydrance Optimale subtly hydrates my skin without interfering with my makeup application and therefore it will continue to be my morning moisturizer of choice.

I love so many Avene products, but this one just doesn't 'fit' me. I found it really thick and greasy and difficult to 'rub' in- I didn't enjoy applying makeup after I'd used it and my skin felt very oily. They're expensive products, but I felt for me this was better suited as a thick night cream rather than a daily moisturizer.

I used to use the version of this with no spf, but couldn't find it, so purchased this one instead. Avene has always worked well on my sensitive and sensitised skin. The only product of theirs that my skin has not liked is their spf range. Where the spf free version gets absorbed by my skin and makes it soft, moisturised and soothed, this version does the opposite. It sits on my skin, leaving a white cast that I can only think comes from the spf content. My skin feels aggravated and it's a bit 'sting-y'. I prefer the non spf version and then add a separate spf on top.