THERMAL SPRING WATER SPRAYS - A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF AVÈNE, URIAGE & LA ROCHE-POSAY

THERMAL SPRING WATER IN BRIEF

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* These three products reviewed are sourced from natural, thermal springs in France that are rich in vitamins, anti-oxidants, minerals and trace elements.

* Can be used to moisturise, soothe and refresh the skin whenever needed.

* Healing and anti-inflammatory.

* 100% natural and bacteriologically pure.

* Generally fragrance, paraben and preservative-free.

* Suitable for all skin types, particularly those with sensitive skin or eczema prone skin, redness psoriasis and acne.

* Suitable for both infants through to adults.

TESTING

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I reviewed these products based on my own personal experience (as are all my reviews posted on my blog :) ).  Others may have different views depending on their skin type, specific skin conditions, environmental conditions and personal preferences.  For reference, I have tested these three products on my dry to combination skin condition and used them in both cold, dry weather and hot weather conditions.  I apply thermal spring water sprays to the usual exposed areas of my skin such as the face, neck, lower arms and calves.  I have no sensitivities on my face, but have more sensitive skin on the rest of my body.  I don't suffer from any other skin condition.

HOW I USE THERMAL SPRING WATER SPRAYS

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Having said all that, what do I use thermal spring water sprays for personally?  I often use it as a setting spray over makeup, particularly after applying powder products to help meld them seamlessly onto the skin for a more natural effect and avoid any unwanted "powdery" finish.  It's also great to keep any flakiness at bay - on me, this is often around the tip of my nose.  But, in general, I love using it to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day whether I'm outdoors or inside the office (where the air-conditioning can often dehydrate the skin) without having to touch my skin (and potentially ruin any existing makeup).  Further, I use it to help cool and soothe my skin during and after sun exposure on a hot, summer's day.  I have also used in particular the Avène one when I tried a new face mask for the first time and made my skin sting like mad and as soon as I sprayed the Avène thermal water on, it instantly calmed and soothed my skin! :)


OTHER DAILY CARE USES

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* Sooth and moisturise the skin after hair-removal
* Calm razor burns
* Immediate relief from diaper/nappy rashes.
* Toner


OTHER DERMATOLOGICAL CARE USES
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* Calm facial redness
* Sooth itchy skin
* To help sooth and protect sensitive skin after surgical procedure

AVAILABILITY

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All three French brands are now available in Australia at Priceline stores, but for a full list of stockists, visit: Cosmetiques de France.

PRICE COMPARISON IN AU$

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RRP comparison (current as at the time this post was published):

* Avene : $24.95 / 300 ml | $9.95 / 50 ml

* La Roche-Posay : $21.95 / 300 ml | $8.95 / 50 ml

* Uriage : $26.95 / 300 ml | $18.95 / 150 ml | $10.95 / 50 ml (note, the 150 ml size is limited edition to celebrate its 20th anniversary).

PACKAGING

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All three come packaged in a pressurised spray can that dispenses the thermal water in an even and very fine mist.

SOOTHING QUALITY

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I found all three brands to feel soothing on the skin, but Avène's being at the top of the my soothing chart.

COOLING & SOOTHING PROPERTIES

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All three instantly feel cooling and soothing on the skin upon application, but Avène's had the most lasting effect.

HYDRATING PROPERTY

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I personally found Avène's to feel the most moisturising of the three - leaving my skin feeling noticeably soft, supple and smooth.  La Roche-Posay left my skin feeling a touch tackier, which I'm not really partial to.  Uriage felt pretty much like normal water and it seemed to just evaporate instantaneously.  Unfortunately, it did not leave my skin feeling any different.

Update (30/07/2014): I have been informed by a Cosmetiques de France representative that the reason for this is that Uriage is "the only isotonic water on the market which means it respects the size and integrity of the skin cells" - that is, it doesn't affect or dry out the skin.  Apparently, there is a biological process with the skin where when you apply something on it, it automatically rejects something else, unless it is isotonic.  This is also the reason why unlike Avène's (which is "hypotonic"), you don't need to pat the Uriage mist dry on the skin.

ANY SKIN REACTION?

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I did not have any adverse reaction on my face or the more sensitive parts of my exposed body to any of the three brands.

LONGEVITY OF BENEFITS

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I found Avène's to have the most long-lasting effect in terms of hydrating and soothing my skin during the day.  La Roche-Posay's benefits were felt minimally for a shorter period.  It's difficult for me to tell Uriage's benefits, because there's no residue left behind or anything like that.  It feels as though it just evaporates away into nothing due to its isotonic property.  I will probably still continue use this to set my makeup though.

VERDICT

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My first ever thermal spring water spray I purchased and tried was Avène's and have since loved it and repurchased it a few times in the travel-convenient 50 ml size.  I've also just purchased it in 300 ml as it's better value for money for use at home.  Having now tried all three brands, my personal preference remains to be Avène's and will therefore, continue to repurchase it. :)  Its price is in between the La Roche-Posay's and Uriage's (the latter being the most expensive) and most of all, I l prefer the way Avene's feels on my skin by leaving it noticeably softer, more supple, hydrated and the longevity of these effects.  I can really feel the product settle on my skin and it feels very comfortable.

Hope this was helpful.


Thanks for stopping by! ^_^ xo

Disclaimer: La Roche-Posay and Avène Thermal Spring Water Sprays were purchased by me, while Uriage Thermal Spring Water Spray was sent to me for consideration.

Have you tried any of these products? If so, what did you think? Do share in a comment below! Would love to hear. :)

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