Avène Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream SPF 20

The hot and humid climate here in the Philippines stops me from wearing lotions on my body during the day, since I don't want to end up feeling like a sticky mess. I don't use SPF on my body (even if I know I have to), and when the sun's heat gets tough, I just reach for my umbrella. As for my face - it is another story: I don't leave home without SPF! Here's another sunblock review for you.

Avène Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream SPF 20

Lightweight daily facial cream specifically formulated to mimic the eye's perfect moisturizing system. The gentle moisturizer provides long lasting hydration and absorbs excess oil for a shine-free finish.

Key Ingredients:

• Avène Thermal Spring Water (71%) - Soothes and softens 
• Lipomucine - Patented complex prevents dehydration and provides optimum hydration 
• Meiboserine - Interacts with Lipomucin to act as a protective veil over skin; Prevents the evaporation of Avène Thermal Spring Water
• Oil-absorbing powders - Absorbs excess oil, mattifies

Pros:

Avène is a brand known to soothe and soften the skin given its Thermal Spring Water content. This moisturizer with SPF 20 is what I use during the day before I put on makeup. I love that it has an extremely gentle and light texture that's quickly absorbed by the skin. It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, and for the past month I've continuously used this, I've experienced no irritations and no breakouts. Since it's so light and the SPF is not too high, there's no white cast as well. It just blends into your skin. You can use this one on regular days to protect your skin as you go to work, and from indoor UV rays as well.

Cons:

It doesn't mattify my skin (as stated on the product facts in their site). On me, it has a slightly dewy finish after application. I still need to put on powder on top of it to make it sit and make my skin look truly matte. However, it does control my skin's oiliness since my skin's not too shiny during the afternoon, even if I don't retouch during the day.

Recommendations:

Avène Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream is recommended for normal to combination skin. It helps combat dull, lackluster skin, uneven texture, and fine lines. However, if you have dry skin, don't use this as its moisturizing power is not enough. On cooler days, my skin goes from oily all over to combination (dry on the cheeks), and I can still see subtle flakes on my cheeks when I use this one. But if you have oily skin, this one will work fine. It keeps my skin protected and healthy!

Price: P1,270 for 40ml

Like Eau Thermale Avène Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen