If you play word association games, chances are the word vineyard will lead to a wine related association – that’s not just me, right? Well give it a few more Caudalie launches and I might very well switch my brain to associating it with skincare. The French beauty brand originated in the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards in Bordeaux, where husband and wife duo Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas discovered, with the help of a pharmacy laboratory director, that they could recycle the grape seed oil usually thrown away during harvesting to produce natural formulas high in antioxidants. Many of the brand’s products are inspired by the vineyard, and my favourite recently re-formulated Vinoperfect serum is no exception, containing vine stalk sap to help fade dark spots. Caudalie’s latest collection to get a revamp is Vinosource, the hydration range rich in grape water to drench skin in moisture, like a big glass of water for your skin. Here I review a selection from the range, hoping to achieve a thirst-quenching feeling for my dull and dehydrated complexion.

Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S Thirst-Quenching Serum

This serum arrives at the perfect time: not only is my skin in need of hydration and a light formula during the summer months, but I have also just finished my Vinoperfect Serum so this neatly fills a gap. The Vinosource S.O.S Serum claims to ‘capture and continuously diffuse water to restore skin’s moisture balance and to leave it feeling refreshed and supple’. Vegan, 97% natural and oil-free, it comes in a super light texture complimented by an even lighter scent: mandarin blossom, lemon tree leaves, cucumber water and fresh mint sounds like a cooling cocktail I’d like to drink under said lemon tree. Does it refresh and hydrate? Absolutely. It’s a great hydration boost if your skin feels in need of a drink and you’re not looking for a more complex serum. If it’s particularly stifling weather I’ll use this serum as part of my evening routine straight after an essence and leave it at that so my skin looks refreshed – but not clogged up – the morning after. Recycling-wise, don’t forget to separate the pump from the glass bottle: the glass is easily recyclable with the rest of your household glass, the pump can be returned to a Caudalie store to be recycled via the Terracycle scheme. 30ml RRP £29.00

Vinosource Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturiser

I love the French name of this product: gelée. A cross between a gel and jelly texture, it conjures a light, fresh and easily absorbed moisturiser. There are actually three different moisturisers in the Vinosource collection: a gel-to-water sorbet (another beautiful term), a rich cream and this light gel. Ideal for sensitive skin, this hydration booster targets dry and dull complexions thanks to grape water and organic aloe vera. Quickly absorbed and with zero greasy residue, it’s the perfect base for applying makeup straight after, and keeps skin feeling balanced throughout the day. This is fast becoming my go-to summer hydrator. 50ml RRP £26.00

Vinosource Hydra Moisturizing Mask

Unsurprisingly masking has been all over Instagram these last 18 months: what else was there to do during the multiple lockdowns that have dominated our lives? Plus the constant use of face masks has wreaked havoc with many complexions. One of my new year beauty resolutions is to use masks more regularly, and with the addition of this hydrating one to add to my collection, I have no excuse. Featuring the range’s hero ingredient organic grape water, it feels just right for my dehydrated skin. It comes out looking like a cream but feeling much lighter. I apply a thick layer and leave on for 10 minutes before wiping off with a damp flannel. My skin looks and feels hydrated and balanced, no oily residue in sight, just refreshed skin. It also works as an overnight treatment so there’s no risk of keeping it on for too long as you may find with the more active masks. No life changing claims or wacky add-ons for show here, just a solid all-rounder. The only thing I would change would be the wood effect mixed material cap which makes it more difficult to recycle. The only way you can do so is through the Terracycle scheme which Caudalie is part of, but this is definitely not a kerb side recycle-from-home component. 75ml RRP £23.00

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