The Cure for Winter Skin

Morgan McCann, Staff Writer

I’ve been writing creatively since probably age 3, so I can say with authority that I know how to pile on the cheese. In thinking of how I wanted to review two cruelty-free face creams Jen commissioned me to try, I of course mentally went through a vast number of ideas for a creative intro and title, including…

– The classic pun route: “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Face Cream.” All together, now: [groan].

– They’re both French, so I conjured up my elementary French skills, which dead-ended with the alphabet and a song about a frog and a rainbow.

– I then thought it might be clever to just unexpectedly get down and dirty to the basics with something like “On White Face Creams” or “What’s White and Rich and…” which is basically where I stopped myself, because as you can see, it’s taking me (and all of us) down a path upon which we perhaps would prefer not to travel.

So, I finally decided–let’s just get to the bottom line. If I was exploring a new face cream, I’d simply want to know what it was, what it felt like, and how it worked. Thus, behold: a simple analysis of two rich, luxurious face creams.

Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Creme

WHAT IT IS: Claims to calm and “rebalance” skin that is “hyper-reactive” or sensitive. Classified as a “skin correcting/calming creme.”

WHAT IT’S LIKE: Cool, not heavily scented, light, non-pore-clogging. I do wish there was a bit more in the jar, though (contains 1.01 oz).

HOW IT WORKED: I used it at night, post-cleansing and before bed. My skin seemed to really enjoy it–I have tried creams that seem to clog my pores and cause more harm than good, but this was great at providing enough moisture without subsequently causing breakouts. I don’t have overly sensitive skin but if I have a blemish and it’s agitated/messed with, it does tend to get a little red; however, this worked as claimed and definitely seemed to counteract that redness. I also would say I needed less moisture the following morning pre-makeup, which I would say attests to the claim that it helps “stabilize” the skin–e.g. gives it more radiance/evenness overall.

Payot Paris Hydratation 24
[Note: I keep wanting to type “hydration,” but yes, it is actually “hydratation.”]

WHAT IT IS: Instructions read, “Apply morning and/or night to face and neck after thorough cleansing.”

WHAT IT’S LIKE: Made in France and just has an expensive feel about it. In a nice glass jar. A little heavier-feeling than many past creams I’ve used.

HOW IT WORKED: I applied this before bed as well. Moisture-rich, but seemed to be a little heavy for my pores personally. My skin did feel softer, but overall I think this may would be better for someone who needed deeper moisture than perhaps my skin and pores generally need. It does say “morning or night,” too, but I think it would likely be a little weighty under makeup–I like applying such during nighttime, too, because I think it gives your skin a chance to really just absorb all of the moisture benefits possible without foundation and/or the weather removing some of what you just applied as soon as you walk out the front door.

Votre Vu products can be purchased from their online shop. Payot’s website is rich in information; however, in order to purchase the products, options appear to be (A) locating the “stockist” near you via their search tool or (B) searching online for a third-party seller.