Barcelona. It’s one of my all-time favourite cities to visit and considering the last time I went was three years ago, I am definitely well overdue a return. So why have I mentioned Barcelona? Well it’s linked to a cosmetic and skincare brand by the name of Belle Azul, which originated in the Catalonian capital. Belle Azul is an affordable range of products which use natural-based ingredients such as Argan Oil and cell regenerating Argan Stem Cells. Both of these are sourced from their own fields across the waves in Morocco.
I was sent a couple of their products to try which are the Dual Facial Cleanser and the Pure Swiss Pro Hydrating Sorbet. I’ve been using these for approximately six weeks so I feel that’s a sufficient period to form an opinion.
First up is the Dual Facial Cleanser, which is a 2-in-1 cleansing solution with purifying gel and soft exfoliating brush. Suitable for all skin types, the cleanser comes in a big squeezable tube with a soft silicone brush. To activate, you twist the nozzle open and gently squeeze to release a small amount of gel which comes through on the soft bristles. Twist back to shut it and apply the gel to the face, with the brush gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells and impurities. The cleanser contains cucumber extract, Vitamin C, K, and B-5 to revitalise, cleanse and moisturise the skin, as well as organic Argan Oil to help regenerate skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. It’s also free of parabens, phthalates and dyes and isn’t tested on animals. However, it contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (the stuff that foams), which is my only reservation.
In the interest of reviewing this product fairly and honestly, I found this cleanser was fine – I didn’t experience any break-outs or dry patches. In fact it left my skin looking clean and clear. I can’t remember the last time I used a skin cleanser with SLS in it…probably before I started taking skincare seriously since starting this blog nine years ago. I know it’s a cheap ingredient and this will explain why this cleanser is under a tenner and I’m guessing the argan oil and cucumber extract balances out the potential dryness. Any way, I thought I should point this out in case it’s an issue for some.
The Pure Swiss Pro Hydrating Sorbet is just what’s needed in the current, sticky climate. It’s a cool and refreshing gel-cream moisturiser which also double ups as an overnight mask to recharge the skin and leave it looking dewy. Packed with low-molecular Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Argan Stem Cells, it protects the skin from free-radicals and hydrates, softens and plumps it up too. The gel-cream has a light texture and absorbs into the skin easily without leaving any kind of greasy residue.
The quality and look of the packaging gives the idea that this is premium product but in line with Belle Azul’s promise to keep their products reasonably priced, this pot is under £15 for 50ml. It is one of the nicest moisturisers I’ve used.
If you like the sound of these or want to explore more from Belle Azur (they do face masks by the way!), visit their website www.belleazul.com. Their products are available directly from Amazon with the Dual Facial Cleanser priced at £9.90 and the Pure Swiss Pro Hydrating Sorbet for £12.90.
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