A couple of days ago, when I reviewed Bioderma, I mentioned that they were going to be launched in the UK – and that I would investigate further, so I did a little bit of research and found that they have indeed already been launched here (in March). Sold exclusively in selected pharmacies and online at Escentual.com, the products are actually more affordable to buy in pounds rather than euros, due to the conversion rate, so I quickly headed over to the website and picked out a few products to try.
You may remember that I picked up the blue Bioderma mini in Paris last month, (Sebium H20) which was actually for oily/combination skin, so I thought I would try out the bestselling Sensibio H20 product (red bottle) since it’s better suited for my skin type.
If you are new to Bioderma, like I was a few weeks ago, the basic background of the products is that it is a French brand, one that is heavily used by professionals and make-up artists and is specially designed around sensitive skin. The products are water based and are therefore very natural, gentle and scent free, however they remove all traces of make-up, cleanse and hydrate skin and really leave it feeling fresh, smooth and soft. I am not normally the kind of person to buy new products on a complete whim, nor am I the sort of person to buy products because there’s a huge hype surrounding it, however I am really pleased that I gave Bioderma a try, because it is honestly the most gentle yet effective skincare brand I have come across. It isn’t too much pricier than Simple, which I used to use, however I find it much more efficient in keeping dry or sensitive skin hydrated, without looking greasy.
The Sensibio H20 product that I have been trying out is every bit as good as I thought it would be. If I’m honest, it is very similar to the Sebium version, however I have found that this one leaves skin feeling just that little bit more moisturised. Having previously just used a make-up wipe to remove make-up, cleanse and tone, it is really handy to know that you don’t have to rinse Bioderma off, as I think that’s what has put me off using separate cleansers and toners before. You need around 2-3 cotton wool pads soaked with Bioderma in order to remove all of your make-up and to cleanse effectively, but it’s a telling sign that you’re all clean when the liquid on the pad starts to become clear.
The Micelle Solutions (which both the Sensibio and Sebium products are), are sold in two sizes online, the 100ml (£4.50) and the 250ml, which I have (£9.99). In France, you can easily pay up to twenty euros for a pack of two 250ml bottles, so if you factor in the conversion rate, it’s definitely cheaper to stock up online. There is something lovely about going into a French pharmacy and picking it off the shelf yourself though, so if you’d prefer to buy it in store – selected pharmacies dotted around the UK are selling the products too.
I also reviewed two other products in the Sensibio range, which aren’t written about so much in the blog-0-sphere but equally are definitely worth a try. The Sensibio Eye Contour Gel claims to soothe and moisturize eyes, in addition to preventing puffiness/dark circles. Scent free and really refreshing, I have been using this gel for a few days now and I absolutely love it. It works best if you pat it gently around your eyes with your ring finger, until you start to feel it sink in. Not only is it really hydrating, but it works as a great base for under-eye concealer, which I have found goes on so much better after using this product.
The Sensibio Light Soothing Cream also surprised me with just how great it was, as despite being very water based (it does feel quite watery and thin when applying), it soothes, hydrates and leaves skin really refreshed, ready for make-up or for bed. I was a little unsure how long it might last since it feels really light, however my skin stayed smooth for at least 12 hours. There is a ‘rich’ version, called Sensibio Rich Soothing Cream which is probably better if you want a thicker base, however I love the light version and will continue using it.
If you’re looking for a new skincare brand to try, or simply want to give your routine an overhaul, I can genuinely recommend (the products honestly speak for themselves). Having been someone who thinks a quick make-up wipe swipe is an acceptable way to cleanse and tone my skin and remove all the dirt that collects over a day, it has been really great to find a set of products that are so easy to use and fit in with my daily routine. I only have one face, so I really need to take better care of it – and Bioderma is definitely going to be a firm fixture in my new, refreshed routine.
Stockists:
Sensibio H20 can be found here.
Sensibio Light Soothing Cream can be found here.
Sensibio Eye Contour Gel can be found here.
(please note – this post is part of my skincare week series).