Caudalie have relaunched their Vinexpert range with some very swish new packaging. It really stands out from the other ranges; it looks much more modern and high-end – with the exception of the Premier Cru serum and eye cream, which have always been very swooshy. It certainly takes a more attractive picture – I’m quite pleased with my atmospheric still-life!

So what’s changed? Not just the packaging. The new Vinexpert products have been super-boosted by Caudalie’s new patented ingredient, Reservatrol Oleyl, which adds oleic acid to the existing Reservatrol, thought to be a potent antioxidant. The new ingredient is said to help stimulate collagen production and protect the collagen fibres so that skin is firmer, less wrinkled and more lifted. I had an amazing facial at Les Sources de Caudalie recently – the signature treatment at the spa used the new Vinexpert products, but I was so relaxed that I forgot to ask in which order! The facial culminated in this (quite weird and amazing) heated mask that was painted on over some kind of mesh or gauze that had been laid over my face. You can’t buy this mask, but if you go for a Caudalie facial then do look it up – it’s the professional Firming Mask. When the therapist went to remove it, to my surprise she simply wiggled the mask about and lifted the whole thing off! Unfortunately I didn’t know how to say “please leave the mask on the side so that I can go downstairs, fetch my iPhone, come back up and photograph it” in French, so I have no photo. I could probably re-stage it if Mr AMR would paint my face with ModRoc, but I don’t trust him to leave any air-holes for me to breathe through. (Joke.)

 I love the textures of the Vinexpert products – a tiny amount of the serums (one for the face, one for eye and lip) go a very long way and they’re a perfect little pre-moisturiser addition to any regime. Perhaps, though, the most beneficial product in terms of long-term protection would be the Creme Bonne Mine SPF15. Sun protection really is key for keeping the skin looking youthful (and healthy) and this daytime moisturiser is more than adequate for a typical British day. It sits well beneath makeup, but if you have oily or combination skin then try the fluid version instead – it has an instant glowy sheen without looking greasy.

In summary, I’d say that this re-launch is a nice addition to Caudalie’s ranges – tackling lack of firmness and providing ongoing protection, it could be a good option for those hitting their thirties (or later) and feeling a slight loss of tone. There are no exfoliating products in this range but that could actually make it a nice one to fit in between days when you use peels or overnight exfoliants.

The Vinexpert range is available with free worldwide delivery at FeelUnique.com