Caudalie Beauty Elixir

In a Class by Itself

Every once in a while, a beauty product comes along, and you don’t know how you made it that far without it.

Almost four years ago, I became good friends with the wife of a co-worker who inspired me to overhaul my relationship with beauty and personal care products. I’ll leave my previous relationship with cosmetics for another time, but suffice it to say, she brought me into the current decade where skin care, makeup, and bath and body things were concerned. Now, let’s be honest, it wasn’t that difficult of a task, but I had a lot to learn.

I found out about new products (contour powders, highlighters, setting sprays), new brands (Hourglass, Urban Decay, Benefit), and new skin care (cleansing balms, lip masks, bath truffles). I learned new techniques, current trends, and navigating the ins and outs of getting the best deals while shopping.

Some products have been life changing. Well, maybe just beauty life changing, but still. Face primers are generally everything they claim to be and more. Lip plumpers may not make me look like an 18-year-old runway model, but they sure do give me some crazy full lip action. Dry shampoo is like fairy dust in a bottle and addresses a host of issues, putting me back in control of my often unruly hair. And then there’s this lovely product called Beauty Elixir, from French luxury brand, Caudalie.

Created just over 20 years ago, Caudalie is the new kid on the block, relatively speaking. Developed with grape seed extracts from a winery in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France along the Garonne River, the products offered by the family owned brand claim significant anti-aging properties. That quality, in and of itself, would at least pique your interest and prompt you into finding out more.

But in this line of otherwise phenomenal products, the Beauty Elixir still stands out. The website describes the product:

“Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s elixir of youth, this powerful plant based anti-dull complexion treatment smooths away fine lines, tightens pores and gives the complexion an instant boost of radiance. A Caudalie cult product favored by make-up artists, beauty addicts and celebrities, the elixir also works wonderfully to help set make-up.”

The Caudalie line is formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Of the 22 ingredients in their Beauty Elixir, 20 are plant based and all are 100% natural. The essential oils are not only good for the skin, they also have aromatherapy properties to calm the mind.

It’s difficult to articulate why this facial spray is so fantastic, but there are many things to love about it.

The subtle, fruity smell.
The light silky texture.
The hydrating effect.

Beauty Elixir is perfect for all skin types, from my dry, sensitive skin to combination and even oily skin. You’re able to get a nice, even application and it soaks in immediately, giving you a dewy glow. The lovely texture never leaves an oily or sticky residue. You can use it as a light moisturizer on its own or in conjunction with another moisturizer for more intense hydration.

I use it in a variety of ways:

• after a facial mask
• before a face primer
• after applying base/foundation/tinted moisturizer
• before using a setting spray
• to refresh throughout the day

I first tested this product out with a travel size I bought at Sephora, and it went quickly. I used up a few more until I went to Paris where I picked up a large bottle at a drugstore on the Champs-Élyseés. Since Caudalie is a French brand, it was considerably less expensive than buying it in the States, and the fact you can get it at the drugstore is even better.

In the States, you can buy Caudalie’s best selling Beauty Elixir at Sephora. The frosted glass bottles come in a convenient travel/purse 1 oz. size, $18, or a generous 3.4 oz. size, $49

My top 5 favorite things about this product are:

1) the cooling, refreshing feel
2) subtle grape and citrus scent
3) natural ingredients
4) silky texture
5) the way it enhances other facial/makeup products

Make no mistake, at this price, Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir is a pure luxury item. But it is SO worth it.

Do you have that special splurge item that you refuse to do without? Tell me about it in the comments.