30 Day Skincare Test: Using Avril Cosmetics

Organic skincare formulated with natural ingredients, recyclable minimalist packages and with a very affordable price tag. What else can we ask for? Here’s my experience trying Avril skincare products for a month.

Sometimes you think you have all your needs covered and everything figured out. Then, lockdown happens. Your routines change. You’re not allowed to go outside and weeks go by without feeling the sun (or fresh air) in your skin. And no, our skin wasn’t ready for this extreme change either. At least, mine wasn’t.

Suddenly, my skin looked dull and fainted. It went from extra dry to oily within a couple of hours. And my dark circles were darker than ever.

I needed to do something about it. But there was a catch, well… two in fact: all the stores were closed, so I couldn’t talk to an expert and ask for a recommendation. Second, I didn’t want to spend too much money on a new routine - especially because I didn’t know if it was the right one for me.

I found Avril cosmetics on The Singular Olivia’s website. I’ve done some research on the brand and looked up for reviews online before taking the plunge.

Avril is a French cosmetic brand with certified organic skincare and makeup products (EcoCert). Made with natural ingredients and at least 10% of these come from an organic source. What surprised me the most? The price tag. 

Natural and organic beauty products are usually priced more on the high-end side. Surprisingly, Avril Cosmetic products cost around 5 to 10 euros. Which is incredible affordable. 

As I am a minimalist girl living on a tight budget, I’ve ordered only the products that I really needed at the moment: a face cream, eye cream and two face masks.

Let’s see how it went.

Eye Contour Cream

Anxiety and sleepless nights really paid a toll on my under eye area. It was dehydrated to the point that it felt a bit feverish. Ohh and my dark circles were more deeper and darker than ever. 

Avril’s eye contour cream brought some relief to my under eye area soon after I’ve started applying it. Leaving my under eye hydrated but not too dewey. Which was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, it haven’t done much for my dark circles. Which is a pity! 

But a little goes a very long way here as I just need to apply the teeniest tiniest amount of product to cover the whole area. Making the 7.50 euros spent on a 40 ml tub a fairly good investment, as I’ll be using this product for months. 

Does it have any scent? Yes, it does. A very faint one. I happen to be quite sensitive to scents in cosmetics or moisturisers, but I had absolute no problem (or allergic reaction) with this one.

Is it easy to apply? Absolutely. The cream is very fluid and will be quickly absorbed by your skin. So in case you were wondering, you can apply your makeup right away.

My verdict:

Even though it haven’t solved all of my concerns, I have to say that this product is quite good and that I’ll keep using it until I run out. What I loved the most? The fresh sensation it brings to my under eye area, especially when it’s particularly dehydrated. Also spending just 7.50 euros on a certified organic product that will last for months, it’s an absolute win!

7/10

First Wrinkle Cream

Let me be honest with you, I was a bit skeptic when I ordered this moisturiser. The reason is simple: I have combination skin and whenever I buy a moisturiser that wasn’t especially formulated for this complexion type… I end up giving it away to a friend.

Fortunately, that wasn’t the case here. Avril’s First Wrinkle Cream has a light gel-like texture that is rapidly absorbed by the skin, leaving it hydrated at the same time. But not with that dewy or sticky sensation, if you know what I mean.

Just like the eye contour cream, this moisturiser have a very light scent. And no, I haven’t suffered any sort of allergy or even the slightest headache. Which is great!

I was quite pleased to see how my skin improved after applying if for a couple of weeks. I can tell that its texture and appearance improved. And it’s impressive to see how a cream this cheap (8.50 euros) can work so wonderfully.

I dare say that the cream texture resembles a lot to the eye contour one. Which for me is a plus. However, if you’re looking for a face moisturiser that can work as a face primer… this isn’t the right fit for you.

What I love the most about this product? How effortless it makes my skincare routine. As I just need to clean it, apply the eye contour, this moisturiser et voilà. Ohh and, of course, my SPF if I am going outside.

My verdict: 

Even though I can’t really notice any difference when it comes to my fine lines, I am actually quite pleased with the overall result. 

My face feels hydrated but not dewy. I haven’t felt my skin tight at all while I was testing this product, which is quite surprising for me given the gel-like texture of this face cream. Also, I can tell that my face looks healthier and glowy. 

Even though I really love the products from The Ordinary (price tag and how I can customise something according to my needs), I absolutely love how simple it is to use this product from Avril Cosmetics. Making it my go-to those days when I am super tired or when I am traveling (even though I am not sure when that is going to happen again).

8,5/10

Face Masks

I’ve discovered face masks about a year ago, when I was working the social media of a well-known beauty brand. Even though I’ve never been the beauty-queen type, I’ve realised that it was about time to pamper my skin a little bit.

Given to what happened to my face during the lockdown, I needed a reliable and affordable solution that was aligned with my eco-friendly values. And these face masks from Avril Cosmetics really made the cut.

Yes, these aren’t as glamorous as the tissu face masks that you can find pretty much everywhere but… they last longer, are cheaper in the long run and are better for the environment.

As my skin was going from extra dry to extra oily, I’ve purchased two face masks from Avril Cosmetics: a moisturising and a purifying one (5.50 euros each).

What can I say about it? Each have a different purpose and, if you’re just like me, you’ll need both along the way. The best part? You can multi mask and create a skincare routine that suits your needs.

While the moisturising face mask is more like a thick version of the face cream, the purifying face mask is more those tub clay face masks that you can find pretty much everywhere. But with one big difference: this one from Avril Cosmetics won’t leave your face as dry as some more conventional clay masks available in the market.

Both formulas have a similar scent to the one you can find in the eye contour and first wrinkle cream. So, nothing new here. 

What I liked the most about these face masks? The value for money. Each of these cost me 5.50 euros. I usually apply these once a week and there is still a lot of product in the tub. Making it more affordable and a routine easier to keep when you live on a tight budget. Also these are way more eco-friendly than my beloved tissu face masks.

Of course, applying one of these masks will take you a couple of more minutes. Pretty much nothing. Also, your wallet and the planet will thank you big time.

Out of the two, my favourite would be the purifying one. Probably because of the experience and of how my skin feels afterwards. 

9/10