little white truths

You may remember that I unboxed a Caudalie set a while ago (see here), and this is the last item I have left to review.

I've been using it for around six weeks, and I did have a week's break at the one-month mark so I could try another essence and see how my skin reacted to stopping this product and also starting it again.

While I do think it's ok, it hasn't done anything amazing for me so it's not one I would buy - and I've also used other essences I prefer so I wouldn't return to this. More on that below.

Caudalie claims/product details:

• A prep-step brightening essence
• Reap the full benefits of your serum by first using this essence
• Prepares the skin to receive the active ingredients of your serum and maximise their effectiveness
• Gently sweeps away dead skin cells and reveals the skin's original radiance in a flash
• Taking inspiration from ultra-glow-giving east Asian skincare routines, this lightweight, concentrated essence is gentle yet effective
• Smooths, plumps and illuminates jaded complexions
• Glycolic acid works to eliminate dead skin cells, while white peony extract revitalises dulled skin to reveal an even, healthy glow
• RRP $51 AUD for 150ml, but do wait for specials

Verdict

This is a good product and I'm enjoying using it, but it hasn't grabbed me as much as other essences I've tried so I wouldn't buy it. For example, I preferred May Coop's offering (reviewed here) and there's an Origins essence I was using before I started testing this Caudalie one, which I really enjoy and plan to review later on.

It's a thin, clear liquid that's like water in texture and it has a fresh, fruity/floral scent that I don't mind because I barely notice it. It spreads and applies well, and a little goes a long way so the bottle should last a good while.

You can apply this either with your hands or with a cotton round, and I prefer to use my hands: otherwise I'd waste too much product. While I'm ok to soak a cotton round with my toner because the round also helps wipe away dirt, I don't think it's necessary to do that with this product so I'd suggest opting for hands so you get the most bang for your buck and don't lose half the bottle to cotton heaven.

I apply this both morning and night, after my toner and before my serum. I'm not sure if you're meant to wait a couple of minutes before applying your serum because the instructions are silent on that, but I normally try to do this - just to give the essence a chance to work its magic before adding anything else on top.

As for what this does, I think it does hydrate, tone and brighten a little bit but it doesn't do so as effectively as the essences I've mentioned above. And while I do think it adds something small to my skincare routine (any added moisture is going to be good for my dry skin), it doesn't add enough to entice me to buy it.

On the claims: I think it brightens a little bit but not a lot; I think it does prep the skin for my serum a bit, but again, not much; I think it does a small amount for radiance and smoothing the complexion; I don't think it plumps the skin; and I do think it has a tiny effect on removing dead skin cells but not enough that it's really noticeable.

Overall I think this product is ok and it does meet some of its claims, it just doesn't do so enough to make me want to buy it. In my view, an essence needs to be pretty incredible for me to want to add another step into my already detailed skincare routine, and this one doesn't quite hit the mark.

Fine but not my favourite.