Just in time for summer, Vichy has released two new shine-fighting products into their acne-prone skincare line, Normaderm.  Vichy realized that not only oily skin can get shiny- everyone can under certain conditions like stress, heat, humidity and physical exertion.  These two products were developed to target both sebum and perspiration under extreme conditions to keep you matte, fresh and shine-free all day.

Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask (left) and Total Mat (right)

Total Mat

The Vichy Normaderm Total Mat ($27.95 CAD) is an anti-shine and anti-humidity fresh hydrating gel.  It’s the first powder gel on the market and it’s designed to withstand heat, humidity, stress and other factors that lead to shiny skin.  It also contains glycerin to hydrate the skin, because we all know that even oily skin needs some moisture!  Vichy claims it is suitable for sensitive skin, and even though I do agree because I didn’t find any adverse reactions to it, I’m not happy about the strong fragrance in it.  The fragrance is a cool, fresh scent that I like, but I still don’t believe it should be in facial skincare.

The semi-translucent gel has a white tint to it- you can actually almost see the powder. It glides on smoothly and instantly dries to a matte finish.  I prefer to use it as a primer before my makeup, but it can also be patted on top of makeup throughout the day.  Vichy claims that it is so effective, you can easy use it on your hands to prevent clamminess (!).  The product works in two ways; first with an anti-sebum blotting effect with the micro-powders which absorb excess oil for an instant matte finish. Secondly, it uses an absorbent molecular called Perlite, which can absorb 3x its weight in water (5x greater than talc, the common ingredient in blotting powders), to absorb sweat.  Additionally, it contains salicylic acid to exfoliate skin for a more even skin tone.

I must say that I’m quite happy with this product, and I’m definitely going to keep using it throughout the summer!  Even through working out, I find that my makeup looks better longer and I haven’t had any issues of it melting away or breaking up from sweating.  Granted, I do use high quality foundations and concealers, but I feel like the combination of this product with those will help to withstand the great summer heat that is about to come. I don’t think its the dream product it sounds like, but it definitely does work a little magic.

Vichy Normaderm Total Mat

Vichy Normaderm Total Mat

Vichy Normaderm Total Mat

Vichy Normaderm Total Mat

Vichy Normaderm Total Mat

Vichy Normaderm Total Mat Ingredients

Tri-Activ Mask

The Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask ($19.95 CAD) is a triple functioning product meant to purify, exfoliate and mattify skin.  Cleansing masks have become ultra popular recently, because of their multi-functional properties and uses.  This product can be used either as an exfoliating cleanser by massaging it on to damp skin and rinsing immediately, or it can be used as a purifying and mattifying mask by applying a thin layer to clean skin, letting it dry for five minutes then rinsing it off.

The mask combines clay, salicylic acid and glycol acid to purify and mattify skin for up to three days- I definitely think that’s a stretch. While I do find that it mattifies my skin, I wouldn’t rely on it for several days. I found it helped with oil production, but I think putting on makeup “unpurifies” your skin immediately.  I also found it to be quite abrasive as a cleanser- the beads are quite big and rough, so I’m definitely going to stick to using this product as a mask only.  Lightly rinsing it away exfoliated my skin enough.

I did like the feel of the mask and it dried super fast.  By the time I brushed and flossed my teeth, it was set and ready to come off… so it’s quick and convenient (unlike some masks that you have to leave on for 20+ minutes).  My skin did feel quite dry after, and needed a moisturizer, but I would expect that from an oil-absorbing and purifying mask anyways.  It wasn’t uncomfortable, but I couldn’t go without extra hydration.

Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask

Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask

Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask

Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask

Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask Ingredients

Summary

• Price: $27.95 CAD (Total Mat) and $19.95 CAD (Tri-Activ Mask)
• Availability: Drugstores and other Vichy retailers
• Overall: While neither of the products are miracle workers, I definitely think they both help a little bit to normalize skin and keep it looking more fresh and matte throughout the day.  I love using the Total Mat as a primer, and even though I’m not a fan of it being scented, it didn’t bother my skin.  It helped my makeup to look better and more fresh all day, even through working out. The Tri-Activ Mask was too harsh to use as a daily cleanser, but I’ll continue to use it as a weekly or bi-weekly mask to help purify my skin and soak up excess oil.
• Rating: A- (Total Mat), B+ (Tri-Activ Mask)