Is it possible to become addicted to your cleanser? Because I would say that I’m addicted to my cleanser. Like crazy.

I’ve gone through a lot of cleansers before. So when I say that Alorée’s Sweet Purifier Cleansing Milk is by far my favorite, I am not exaggerating. After that horrible experience I had with the Alorée CC Cream Second Life, I’m so happy to shed a positive light on a different Alorée product.

This cleansing milk proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Alorée truly is a top notch skincare brand.

Alorée, Le Safe Spirit

Alorée is a young and promising organic french skincare brand.

The brand launched in 2011 during the Beyond Beauty Expo in Paris. That year, Alorée won the Beauty Organic Award for its innovative use of chlorophyll as an active ingredient in its products.

The main active ingredients in Alorée products are in fact a complex of anti-oxidants, which includes chlorophyll, polyphenols, oligo-elements and omega-3. These ingredients work to slow down signs of aging by reducing the level of intracellular oxidation induced by UVB rays. In short, the anti-oxidant complex of ingredients help to boost cellular metabolism and oxygenation in the skin.

Abiding by “Le Safe Spirit”, Alorée products are made with a high content of natural ingredients. They are free of preservatives and synthetic perfumes and are therefore suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types.

The Sweetest Cleanser, Ever

The Sweet Purifier Cleansing Milk by Alorée gently removes makeup and impurities from the skin’s surface. At the same time, the main active ingredients work to oxygenate and detoxify the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, especially for normal to dry skin.

How To Use It: You can apply this directly on your face or with a cotton pad, then rinse with water. It’s gentle enough to use for both mornings and evenings.

My Experience:

Let me tell you! I have been using this cleanser for a month. And oh my goodness, I am positively addicted to it!

I think it’s mainly the scent that I’m addicted to. To me, the scent is so sweet to the point that it’s intoxicating. It’s a very natural scent actually, like green apples. And whenever I catch a whiff of it, I want to run to the bathroom and wash my face!

I also really love the soft, milky texture of this cleanser. When I apply it to my face, it feels incredibly soothing. I don’t hesitate to use this over my eyes, as it never stings. This cleanser also works well with my Clarisonic.

But what I really love to do is to give my face a massage with this cleanser. I swear I was lost in the bathroom for what seemed like hours, just enjoying the scent and the feel of this cleanser while massaging my face!! Okay, granted, this was while I was in Amsterdam and I may have been under the influence of a few things…

Really though. This cleanser always makes me want to take my time and give my face a therapeutic cleansing massage.

By the way, if you don’t know about the benefits of massaging your face or you don’t know how to go about giving your face a massage, I highly recommend watching this DIY Face Massage video by Kristen, an esthetician and founder of Holistic Vanity skincare.

The Results: Clean, soft and pampered skin. Howerver, this is not the most powerful of cleansers. So whenever I wear makeup, the only way I feel like my skin is sufficiently clean is if I use a l’Eau Micellaire beforehand.

What I like about Alorée’s Sweet Purifier Cleansing Milk:
- The sweet, intoxicating scent!
- The gentle, milky texture
- Feels very soft and soothing on my skin
- Does not sting, gentle enough to use on my eyes
- Effective at removing light makeup
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Oxygenating properties of chlorophyll

What I don’t like about it:
- I can’t rely on this cleanser alone. I usually have to use it with a l’Eau Micellaire beforehand. Or in conjunction with my Clarisonic brush.

How Much: €16 for 125 ml at Mademoiselle Bio

Would I Buy It Again: Yes, yes, yes! A thousand times YES!!! I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get back to the U.S. and will no longer be able to find this cleanser (T_T)

Ingredients:

HORDEUM VULGARE (BARLEY) SEED WATER*, AQUA (WATER), SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCERIN, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM LEVULINATE, HORDEUM VULGARE (BARLEY) EXTRACT*, SODIUM ANISATE, CITRIC ACID, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, HORDEUM VULGARE (BARLEY) LEAF EXTRACT*, CI 75810 (CHLOROPHYLLIN-COPPER COMPLEX).

*Ingredients sourced from organic agriculture

Certified organic by ECOCERT
100% of total ingredients are from natural sources
59.6% of total ingredients are from organic agriculture

Concluding Thoughts

For such a gentle cleanser, I’m rather surprised at how well the Alorée Cleansing Milk works at removing makeup. But if you tend to wear heavy stubborn makeup everyday, it’s best to use this cleanser with another makeup remover.

I would highly recommend Alorée’s Cleansing Milk if your skin tends to become inflamed and irritated. This cleanser will gently clean your skin while giving you a sweet and soothing experience!

When I say that the sun is our frenemy, I’m kind of joking. But kind of not.

The sun is a life-giver! Without the sun, life on this planet wouldn’t even be possible. On an everyday basis, the sun can brighten our day and provide warmth. But, at the same time, the sun is also sneaking in a lot of long-term damage to our skin.

Our skincare routine should always include some kind of sun protection.

Most people are happy to just slather on some kind of product containing the highest number of SPF that they can find, without a clue as to what that number means.

So, today I’m going to quickly break down the important things you need to know about SPF in sunscreens.

And why a higher number isn’t always necessarily better…

• 1) SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.This was a number introduced in 1962 to measure a sunscreen’s effect against UVB rays, the type of UV ray chiefly responsible for sun burn and skin cancer.

• 2) The SPF number stands for how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned.The idea is, if you tend to burn under the sun within 10 minutes of exposure, using an SPF 10 product will multiply the time you can stay out in the sun by 10 without getting burned (in this case, 100 minutes).

• 3) SPF number indicates protection only against UVB rays.It’s important to look for a “broad-spectrum” label which will protect against both UVB rays and UVA rays, the other type of UV ray that can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term photo damage.

• 4) Increasing the SPF number does not exponentially increase your level of protection.For example, an SPF of 15 absorbs 93.3 percent of UVB rays, but an SPF of 30 absorbs 96.7 percent. Even though the SPF number has doubled, the UVB absorption rate has increased by only 3.4 percent.

• 5) Suncreen’s effectiveness decreases when exposed to water or sweat. Even if it is waterproof.All types of sunscreen break down over time, especially after exposure to water. So re-apply every 2 hours to keep your skin safe.

• 6) No matter how high the SPF, sunscreen can protect only the skin it covers.Your whole body is vulnerable to skin cancer, not just the areas that burn easily or wrinkle faster. Areas that tend to be overlooked are the lips, the backs of your hands and ears, and the tops of your feet.

• 7) After applying sunscreen, wait 15 to 30 minutes before stepping out into the sun.This gives chemical sunscreens enough time to be fully absorbed into the skin.

Other important things to remember:

To have well-rounded coverage, SPF protection should be combined with protective clothing and sun avoidance during the hottest and brightest parts of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm, when UVB rays are strongest.

SPF strength is less important than frequent application!!

And finally, you should be protecting your skin from the sun on a daily basis, no matter what the season! You do know that, right??

I know that summer is the season when people love to get their tan on. And for those people, I’m going to leave you with a very powerful image of what the sun can do to your skin over time.

Maybe you’ve already seen this? But if not, this is a photo from a New England Journal of Medicine study, about a 69-year-old man who drove a truck for 28 years, and was exposed to the sun only on the left side of his face.

Eep! The sun really is our frenemy.

I first discovered the Oliv’ Radiance Face Mask in the Ma Boîte À Beauté (MBAB) December box.

This is a lovely face mask. I was impressed with the quality of the product and how well it worked for me.

So when MBAB recently had a 50% flash sale in their online store, I immediately looked for this mask. Then I threw in another product into my cart, the Oliv’ Smooth Day Face Care Moisturizer (50% promo is kind of hard to pass up )

ABOUT OLIV’

Oliv’ is a Made In France Natural and Organic skincare brand. I emphasize “Made In France” because this is a feature that French people seem to be quite proud of.

The main active ingredient in their products are extracts from the olive tree leaves, which contain oleoeuropeine and other polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenols have been shown to protect against free radicals and slow down the aging process.

Oliv’ prides itself in creating highly natural products from locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.

Their olive leaves are collected from the Haute Provence area in France. Oliv’ boasts that all their formulations and packaging are made according to “Locavore” ethics. Meaning everything is locally done within a 160km radius.

Oliv’s respect for ecological sustainability is pretty awesome. But I also imagine that’s what you pay for when it comes to the steep prices of these products.

Radiance Face Mask

What It Is: A face mask that is rich in Kaolin white clay. It works to detoxify, tighten and brighten the skin while providing it with essential minerals and trace elements. This mask is suitable for all skin types.

How To Use: Apply an even layer over the entire face. Leave it for 10 minutes or massage with the fingertips by using smooth movements on the whole face and neck. Avoid applying on the delicate eye area. Rinse with water.

Active Ingredients and Their Role

• Kaolin white clay 20%: absorbs sebum.
• Olive leaf extract 15.5%: anti-radical, antioxidant.
• Aloe vera juice 10%: moisturizes*, stimulates the production of collagen, heals and fights against aging.
• Sesame oil 5%: rich in essential fatty acids, restructures, eases and prevents drying of the skin.
• Jojoba oil 2%: nourishes, rehydrates*, and softens.
• Macadamia oil 1%: nourishes, moisturizes*, and restructures. Soothes and softens.
• Shea butter 1%: nourishes, protects from drying, and heals the skin.
• Edelweiss extract 1%: anti-oxidant, slows down the action of free radicals.
• Carrot extract 1%: anti-oxidant, fights against wrinkles.
• Green tea leaf extract: powerful anti-oxidant, also contains vitamin C.
• Lemon peel essential oil: tones skin.
• Cedar essential oil: heals, cleanses.
• Palmarosa essential oil: anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
• Gluconate Manganese: stimulates the synthesis of the collagen.

* Upper layers of the epidermis

INCI Ingredients

AQUA (Water) – KAOLIN (White Clay) – ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE** (Aloe Vera Juice) – CETEARYL ALCOHOL (Texturizing Active Ingredient) – GLYCERIN (Hydrating Active Ingredient) – BENTONITE (Agent for Controlling Viscosity) – SESAMUM INDICUM SEED OIL** (Sesame Oil) – ALCOHOL** (Solvent) – SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL**(Jojoba Oil) – BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII ** (Shea Butter) – MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL**(Macadamia Oil) – SQUALANE (Hydrating Active Ingredient) – SODIUM CETEARYL SULFATE (Emulsifier) – OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF EXTRACT (Olive Tree Leaf Extract) – BENZYL ALCOHOL (Preservative) – GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE (Hydrating Emulsifier) – PARFUM – DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA EXTRACT** (Carrot Extract) – TOCOPHEROL (Vitamin E) – DEHYDROACETIC ACID (Preservative) – CAMELIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT** (Green Tea Leaf Extract) – LINALOOL (Fragrance) – LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM EXTRACT** (Edelweiss Extract) – CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL (Cedar Essential Oil – CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM PEEL OIL (Zest Of Lemon Essential Oil) – CYMBOPOGON MARTINI OIL (Palmarosa Essential Oil).

** Ingredients from organic farming.

99% of total ingredients are from natural origins.
99% of plant ingredients are from organic farming.

[1 Minute After The Mask Is Applied]

[10 Minutes After The Mask Is Applied]

My Experience: This mask is quite easy and pleasant to use. The scent is very subtle. And yes, it mostly smells like clay. But there is a hint of sweetness too.

When I first apply the mask, it looks like an ashy, flaky layer over my skin. But as it’s absorbed, I can feel and actually see how my skin becomes more tightened (toned).

I can literally see my skin being transformed.

Ten minutes later, after the mask has been completely absorbed, my skin has a very smooth and toned appearance.

Results: After rinsing off the mask, my skin feels fresh, smooth and looks brighter. These effects take place immediately. And they last until the following day.

What I Like About It:
- My skin feels super smooth
- My skin is brighter
- The mask helps detoxify my skin
- Great quality ingredients
- Natural and organic
- Good ethics behind the Oliv’ brand
- The glass jar it comes in is reusable
- You don’t need to use much

What I Don’t Like About It:
- Nothing
- I love this Oliv’s Radiance Face Mask!

How Much: Usually it’s 29€ for a 100 ml bottle (3.4 fl oz)

Would I buy it again: Yes! The 100ml jar will last me for a while, so to me it’s worth it. Even at the full price.

Smooth Day Face Care

What It Is: A soothing moisturizing day cream that nourishes the skin and optimizes the production of collagen. It makes the skin softer, more supple and radiant. And it also protects the skin against external aggressions. Works well as a base for makeup. Suitable for all skin types.

How To Use: Apply with gentle, light massaging motions starting from the lower neck, upwards and over the entire face.

Active Ingredients and Their Roles

• Olive leaf extract 23%: anti-radical, anti-oxidant.
• Aloe vera juice 10%: hydrates*, stimulates the production of collagen, heals and fights against ageing.
• Jojoba seed oil 2%: smooth, firms, softens, hydrates* and improves the elasticity of the skin.
• Macadamia  Oil 1%: nourishes, restructures, heals and calms, strengthens the hydrolipidic film and protects cells.
• Shea butter 1%: nourishes, heals, protects from drying.
• Pink coralline seaweed extract: moisturize, anti-oxidant.
• Cucumber fruit extract: improves the hydration* of the skin, gently removes excess sebum and impurities.
• Edelweiss extract: anti-oxidant, slows down the action the free radicals.
• Lemon peel essential oil: tones skin.
• Cedar essential oil: heals and cleans up.
• Palmarosa essential oil: anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

* Upper layers of the epidermis

INCI Ingredients:

WATER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE** (Aloe Vera Juice), GLYCERIN, DICAPRYLYLETHER (Oily Compound) – C12-16 ALCOHOLS (Stabilizer) – SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL** (Jojoba See Oil) – OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF EXTRACT (Olive Tree Leaf Extract) – HYDROGENATED LECITHIN (Co-Emulsifying Agent) – PALMITIC ACID (Hydrating Agent) – BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII** (Shea Butter) – GLYCERYL STEARATE (Emulsifying Agent, Hydrating) – MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL** (Macadamia Oil) – SQUALANE (Hydrating Active Agent)- ALCOHOL** (Solvent) – BENZYL ALCOHOL (Preservative) – COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE (Spreading Agent) -TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (Anti-oxidant Active Ingredient) – CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT (Pink Coralline Seaweed Extract) – PARFUM – XANTHAN GUM (Gelling Agent) – UNDECYLENOYL GLYCINE (Cleansing Active Agent) – CUCUMIS SATIVUS FRUIT EXTRACT (Cucumber Fruit Extract) – TOCOPHEROL (Vitamin E) – DEHYDROACETIC ACID (Preservative)- CAMELIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT ** (Green Tea Leaf Extract) – CITRIC ACID (Ph Regulator) – LINALOOL (Fragrance) – SODIUM HYALURONATE (Firming Agent) – CITRONELLOL (Fragrance) – LIMONENE (Fragrance) – LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM EXTRACT** (Edelweiss Extract) – CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL(Cedar Essential Oil) – CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM PEEL OIL (Zest Of Orange Essential Oil) -CYMBOPOGON MARTINI OIL (Palmarosa Essential Oil).

** Ingredients from organic farming.

99% of total ingredients are from natural origin.
99% of plant ingredients come from organic farming.

My Experience: I have the impression that this works just like the mask. Except it’s more hydrating.

The scent is still subtle. Not as clay like , and a little bit sweeter. The texture is light and absorbs easily.

When I put it on my skin, it feels cooling and soothing. This would be great for people with sensitive skin.

It doesn’t become greasy later on. So just as it says, this moisturizer works very well under makeup.

The only minor inconvenience is that I’m not used to having to scoop my moisturizer out of a jar. So I’m a little paranoid about the hygiene implications. But I’m sure if you keep your hands clean, it should be alright.

Results: I get soft, smooth, hydrated skin throughout the day. It doesn’t get greasy later on.

I’m not sure though that this moisturizer works to brighten and firm my skin. That happens more with the mask.

What I Like About It:
- Soft, smooth, hydrated skin throughout the day
- Works well under makeup
- Great quality ingredients
- Natural and organic
- Good ethics behind the Oliv’ brand
- Feels soothing when I apply it
- The reusable glass jar it comes in

What I Don’t Like About It:
- Nothing!
- I love Oliv’s Smooth Day Face Care Moisturizer!

How Much: Usually it’s 34€ for a 50 ml bottle (1.7 fl oz)

Would I buy it again: Yes! Especially if I find another great deal on this =)

Closing Thoughts

I really LOVE these products!

These two Oliv’ products are packed with TOP NOTCH plant derived ingredients. And they do not contain any of the questionable ingredients like parabens, silicones, phenoxyetanol, or GMO’s.

They are very pleasant to use. And most importantly, they are incredibly good at what they do! I cannot rave enough about how excellent the quality of these products are!!

Also, I admire the ethics behind the brand. I like how they focus more on the quality of their ingredients rather than packaging and marketing.

What is odd about Oliv’ is that I don’t see the organic label (BIO in french) anywhere on their products. Though they claim that a high percentage of their plant derived ingredients are from organic sources.

Maybe they are still in the process of working out all the paperwork to obtain the Organic label?

I don’t know. But in any case, I am going to get in touch with Oliv’ and ask them about this.

To learn more about Oliv’ visit their official website.