Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
Some samples of the Caudalíe skin care cosmetics. - PHOTO BY BARBARA ELLINGTON
GRAPES ARE usually eaten and if you are so inclined, a glass or two of red or white wine - the fruit's by-products - works wonders from time to time. In recent years, we have heard of the healing properties of red wine but 10 years ago, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas took that fact a step further when they founded Caudalíe, a cosmetics company in the South of France after learning that discarded grape seeds contain polyphenois, which when stabilised, has great benefits to the skin.
The substance which is an anti-oxidant, has the capacity to protect skin from free radical damage and thereby reverse signs of ageing and stimulate cell renewal. And as with many other cosmetics that have developed a good reputation over time, the Caudalíe product line has become the choice of many of the entertainment industry's most famous personalities.
Allison Bowen account co-ordinator of Caudalíe Los Angeles Inc., shared some product knowledge in a skin care workshop with women at the recent Mind, Body and Soul retreat in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. The retreat which was held for the fifth year in the north coast resort town, is organised by Karen Clarke of An Elegant Affair.
Ms. Bowen told the gathering that the products were originally used and tested at a beauty oasis, Les Sources de Caudalie in the centre of the vineyard of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte close to Bordeaux.
"The line has a great cross-over appeal and is loved by people of all races. It is not tested on animals, has no colours or flavours and the manufactures have placed emphasis on wellness and a wholistic approach to beauty," Ms. Bowen said. She said the high-end products are available in special stores like Barney's New York, Saphora on the West Coast and online by visiting their website: www.caudalie-usa.com. There are over 50 items in the line including teas and vitamins.
Ms. Bowen who has been with the company for over two years, travels extensively to these stores to train managers and other personnel on how to sell the line. Her preparation for the job included several lessons in understanding the wine-making process, tours of the vineyard in France and intensive research - all making her very effective in her delivery.
Participants came away from the workshop with not only samples of the line but with a deeper appreciation for the seeds, pulp and skin of the grape. The routine for cleansing and moisturising the face is the same as with other lines but what differentiates Caudalie from the other cosmetics is that the cleansers and moisturisers have a dual function, that is, moisturisers also cleanse the skin and some of the cleansers can also exfoliate.
Ms. Bowen separated the group into skin type categories of oily, combination and dry, so as to better demonstrate the products. Women were also encouraged to use the colour coded samples during the retreat and report on the results of samples placed in their welcome packages. Some women reported noticing the fast-acting exfoliating and detoxifying ability of the moisturising/rejuvenating cream. This product when left on the skin for a few minutes, brought black heads and other impurities to the surface in a short time.
TIPS
Ms. Bowen said:
Caudalie mask can be left on at night or left on during bath and removed afterwards
Products can be kept refrigerated for best effect
Toners level out the skin's PH balance after washing or makeup application
Never leave makeup on overnight
You can exfoliate daily but twice weekly is good
Prices
Prices vary from revitalising face treatment for US$51.00, complexion correcting radiance serum for US$75.00, to lip conditioners for US$12.00
