My Votre Vu French Skin Care Six Month Challenge

The Challenge Begins in 6 Days!

2012-07-18T14:03:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, June 1, 2010 I will begin an experiment with a line of beauty products that are relatively new to the United States. Why does this matter? Well, to understand this, you need to know a bit about me. I'm a middle-aged woman who has been lucky enough to be graced with a genetic composition (from both my mother and father) that has always allowed me to look at least 10 years younger than I actually was. Recently though, I've undergone a lot of very stressful things (who hasn't) and the genes seem to be receding - along with the pliability of my skin.

I've never been really into cosmetics or top fashion. Skin care routine? What's that?! So time has simply hammered itself onto my face and neck in ways that are truly disturbing. Additionally, I've never been too much of a "girlie" girl, and I haven't had a lot of women in my life to guide me. That is until recently. Though I have to admit that as hard as they've tried to girl me up, I've resisted - mostly out of laziness and lack of interest. So, sick and tired of being referred to as "Sir" when I'm at a drive-up window, and totally freaked out by the cavernous wrinkles that stay on my face long after taking a shower in the morning, I've finally succumbed and am taking the advice of the ladies that encircle me.

They've asked me to try using products from Votre Vu, a company that is out of France and is making a splash in the United States with a line of products that are touted to be spa quality without the cost. They swear by these products and say that I should be able to see results relatively quickly. I'm not so sure, but I'm willing to give it a try.

So, over the next couple of days before my "Votre Vu challenge" begins, I have to figure out what product to use when (here comes that "beauty routine" thing) and will make a thorough assessment of areas that I would like to see improvements in. More will be posted as these are ready.

I also plan to take pictures (closeups no less!) and may even document this with videos as well.

Am I scared? Yep - but mostly of what the camera lens will show me that my almost 50-year-old eyes can't see (even with a 14X magnifying mirror). Will I quit? I will try my best not to. Laziness, or more like lack of routine, will be the hardest thing for me to overcome.

Wish me well!

Votre Vu Products That I'm Using

2012-07-16T23:24:00.001-04:00

I received my basic set of Votre Vu products today. It was packed in a beautiful box and I'm very excited - mostly because the size of each item seems to be a lot for the cost. I've been told that it doesn't take much of any one of these products on a daily basis and that they should last for quite some time.

Here's the list of what I've received from Votre Vu. Click through for more information about any one of these.

These were selected because I opted for the set for Mature Skin based on the Face Chart assessment that Votre Vu provides to help you figure out what would work best for each individual.

Preparation for My Votre Vu Challenge

2012-07-16T15:38:00.001-04:00

In preparation for what I was about to embark on, I wanted to weed out some room in my medicine cabinet for the products I'm going to be trying out. Here's the kicker:

My husband takes better care of his skin than I do. One look in the cabinet tells the story. He has all kinds of things to keep himself well-attended to. So much that, of a three-shelf cabinet, his stuff occupies 2 1/2 shelves, while the rest is community property. He's metrosexual for sure!

I was about to receive 5 different products from Votre Vu and had no idea where to put them. The thought of having to rearrange (and clean, obviously) the cabinet had me distraught, so I gave up and put the products on the windowsill until such time as I felt I could summon the strength to stake my claim!

I Have Claimed My Turf!!

2012-07-16T15:36:00.003-04:00

So, as you can see, I have made a space for myself and my Votre Vu products. I had to move quite a bit of my husband's lotions and potions out and left him with the top and bottom shelves plus a small section of the middle one that I didn't need.

At least for now I have everything in one place - and I'm really hoping that this will help to keep me on track. I've opened up each of the products and I have to say, boy do they smell good. I'm really looking forward to getting going!

Sea Water

2010-07-18T09:53:00.002-04:00

Simple and effective, Sea Water is a natural ingredient that can penetrate cell membranes and promote much needed hydration. In a facial crème or sèrum, the effect is long-lasting moisturization that assists in skin renewal!

~Votre Vu Power Ingredient: Full Benefits Anti-Aging Tonic

Vegetable Glycerin

2010-07-18T09:51:00.001-04:00

Vegetable Glycerin is typically derived from coconut or palm oil. It is invaluable as an emollient, and is gentle enough even for children’s skin. It is hypoallergenic, highly moisturizing, and is “hygroscopic”, meaning that it actually absorbs water from the air. Use this natural ingredient to soften and moisturize your most tender, delicate areas.

~Votre Vu Power Ingredient: Full Benefits Anti-Aging Tonic

Collagen

2010-07-18T09:47:00.002-04:00

To help protect younger skin from the ravages of age and to help mature skin look its absolute best, Collagen is a MUST. As the main protein of connective tissue, it is critical to the structure of skin cells. As collagen degrades, fine lines and wrinkles take over. Give skin the strength and elasticity it needs to stay firm, soft and smooth by supplementing with collagen.

~Votre Vu Power Ingredient: Full Benefits Anti-Aging Tonic

Lichen Extract

2010-07-18T00:09:00.005-04:00

Despite its odd nickname, Lichen Extract - or “old man’s beard” - is a wonderful ingredient in certain skin care products where it acts as a protective and antibacterial agent. In a toner, for example, it is an effective yet gentle antimicrobial agent, destroying pesky microorganisms that are not healthy for your skin.

~Votre Vu Power Ingredient: Full Benefits Anti-Aging Tonic

Elastine

2010-07-17T23:37:00.003-04:00

A critical protein responsible for the elasticity of the skin, Elastine is composed of multiple amino acids which allow the body tissue to return to its original shape and size. Incorporated into lotions and crèmes, it helps moisturize and soften while toning and rejuvenating
tired, dry skin.

~Votre Vu Power Ingredient: Full Benefits Anti-Aging Tonic

One Month Check-in & My Humble Apology

2010-07-17T22:47:00.002-04:00

Well, to be honest, I have had a hard time getting going on my Votre Vu challenge. I started out strong on the first few days - made sure to use everything that I had received twice daily. I wasn't sure if I was noticing any improvements, but I kept at it none-the-less.

At the end of the first week I received unrelated but very good news. I was offered a new job with a company that I was very interested in working at. I decided to take the position and made preparations to start about a week and a half later. Then panic set in.

Not only was I going to have to work on my beauty routine for my face, but now I was going to have to work on my unruly hair every day (thick and curly) AND I was going to have to get my work wardrobe in order. I had spent the last 7 years getting ready for work by doing the following: get up, brush teeth, splash water on my face, brush back hair into a ponytail if I just showered or just pull it up if I had showered the night before, throw on jeans and a shirt, run out the door.

Now I was going to work at a place that has business casual and I had to get my act in gear to make sure I looked civilized (the days of working a a dot com were over!).

So, between mentally detoxifying myself from the last two and a half years with the last employer, getting up much earlier to get to this new job, attempting to revamp myself visually, and getting familiar with a new company and my new job, I have been exhausted and haven't had enough stamina to keep up with my posts here. I hope to do better from now on.

I can say one thing about the products that I'm using. I have been consistently using the eye cream and the face wash and I do notice a difference. I'm getting less breakouts and the awful bags under my eyes are really different (in a good way). More on that to come.

Votre Vu's Lait Pour Le Visage

2010-06-01T04:29:00.000-04:00

This is Votre Vu's Anti-Aging Milk Cleanser.

To maximize your skin's great potential and minimize its less adored characteristics, apply Full Benefits Cleansing Milk and get all that you desire. This gentle, soap-free cleanser dissolves make-up and impurities while encouraging moisture retention. Well-suited for the cleansing of dry and mature skin, Full Benefits Cleansing Milk creates a feeling of freshness and clarity. With its regenerating blend, it may help eliminate traces of fatigue. Discover suppleness and firmness on the skin's surface with this nourishing blend of essential oils and amino acids designed to infuse skin with antioxidant and cell regenerating benefits. Luxuriate in the richness of avocado and jojoba oils blended with vitamin E and experience the healthy benefits of marine collagen and elastin providing elasticity and moisturizing care. Skin is left feeling soft, clean and comfortable. Breathe Easy.

The list of Votre Vu Power Ingredients includes the following (click to see what the benefits of each are):

Votre Vu's Full Benefits Anti-Aging Tonic

2010-06-01T04:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I thought this one was going to be like an astringent (sort of like the stuff called SeaBreeze that I used when I was a kid). I was very wrong. It has a cooling property, but not one that comes from alcohol like so many "tonics" that I had tried back in the days when I did something about my skin. I was happily surprised to find it refreshing yet not drying in any way. Maybe this is why:

According to Votre Vu, "A combination of marine collagen, elastin, water and lichen team together to stimulate your natural synthesis of skin lipids (+45%), thus encouraging moisture from within."

It's used to help tone what they term as "tired skin...showing signs of fatigue" while promoting both suppleness and softness of skin.

The list of Votre Vu Power Ingredients includes the following (click to see what the benefits of each are):

Votre Vu's Full Benefits Crème de Jour Mature Skin

2010-06-01T04:25:00.000-04:00

Anti-Aging Day Crème for Mature Skin

To maximize your skin's great potential and minimize its less adored characteristics, apply Full Benefits Day Crème and get all that you desire. The fountain of youth, as it turns out, is really an underappreciated vegetable. The yam, specifically the Japanese wild yam, has come to our rescue! Talk about a super food! The captivating Japanese wild yam has been proven to stimulate hormone production naturally - remarkable news for mature clientele. It has been shown that both collagen and elastin fibers can be revved up by hormonal treatment (excellent for women in menopause because it has DHEA, used for hormone stimulation). A virtual time machine to reverse the clock and improve tone, texture and moisture, wild yam has tremendous antioxidant attributes. Other star ingredients in our favorite "secret weapon" are the vegetal peptides that act deep within the cells to maintain their moisture balance and stimulate cellular metabolism. Evening primrose oil helps repair and regenerate epidermal tissue, while shea butter nourishes and provides protection. Additionally, the grape seed extract works to reinforce the anti-aging action of this intensive treatment. Bravo! Our pride is showing again. This crème acts as a mild sunshield, but remember to always wear sunscreen. Soft Skin, Not Soft Spoken.

The list of Votre Vu Power Ingredients includes the following (click to see what the benefits of each are):

Parsol

Votre Vu's Tout le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelée

2010-06-01T04:22:00.000-04:00

A must for allergy prone, fatigued, overworked, under rested, puffy eyes everywhere. Enjoy the cooling and soothing effects of this fresh, transparent, aqua-blue moisturizing gel. Designed for the most expressive yet fragile part of the face, it hydrates, comforts, soothes and protects. Developed to improve the overall health, moisture level and quality of your skin, it firms, tones and tightens the entire eye area while reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles. Dark circles fade away into the sunset and puffiness deflates to reveal sleek, refreshed skin. It even helps make-up to stay put! With so many "super star" elements to mention, the formula list reads like a Who's Who of Successful Ingredients.

Power

Parsol

Roman Chamomile Extract

Sodium Acorbyl Phosphate

Votre Vu's Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme

2010-06-01T04:21:00.000-04:00

Moisturizing Lip Balm & Almond Pie Nutrient Rich Hand Crème

What a dynamic duo! Deeply moisturizing lip balm and decadently rich hand crème in one package.

Luxe Lips

This nourishing lip balm made from coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax gently protects, nourishes and softens lips in every condition. A deliciously light and natural coconut flavor delivers a guiltless treat to your mouth with every application. Intensively nourishing, your lips will become supple and shiny again. This formula is worth its weight in gold! Topped with UV filters to add extra protection to your luxe lips, you can indulge in dessert as often as you wish.

Luxe Hand Crème

This intoxicating hand crème leaves a soft veil of almond and coconut fragrance lingering on the skin. Beautifully absorbed, this special formula was developed to maintain the health, beauty and suppleness of your hands, while delighting your nose with a decadent aroma. This succulent recipe of nourishing and protecting sunflower, grape seed and jojoba oils combined with moisturizing and healing aloe, wheat proteins and natural sun filters develops into the perfect treat, anytime of the day. You'll never gain an ounce of fat, just one big serving of hydrating heaven! Luxe Hand Crème contains sun filters for UVA/UVB protection to maintain skin tone, while helping protect and keep hands soft, supple and younger looking.

POWER

Parsol

Assessment 4 - Man Hands

2010-05-28T15:27:00.000-04:00

Okay - so I'm not a small, delicate woman. I'm 5'9" and from a hearty stock of Irish and English descendants. According to my mother, my English relatives were some lesser class of nobility, but I think, based on the ultra-sturdy body type that I have, they were instead people who were "owned" by the upper crust and made to do hard manual labor like shoveling coal, tending the fields, stacking gold bricks or whatever.

So, that aside, I've spent my entire life working hard - sometime too hard. My mother always yelled at me "You're working like a man! You need to stop!" I guess that's why my hands are bigger and stronger than those of most women. They're not really like man hands (they are proportionally okay), but they have been roughed up over time. Calluses, chafed knuckles, and the like.

They, like the rest of me, could use a little TLC.

Assessment 3 - The Eyes DON'T Have It

2010-05-27T19:53:00.003-04:00

Well, here's the latest. A big fat set of luggage under my eyes. American Tourister could use this shot in an advertisement.

Dark circles, broken capillaries, heavy folds, mottled colors and who knows what else is going on there. Votre Vu, I'm counting on you for a miracle here!

Assessment 2 - Think Twice About Wishing You Were Younger...

2010-05-26T21:30:00.002-04:00

Ah, "mental pause" as my mother always called it. It's given me the breakouts on my face that I never had as a teen.

I guess this could be worse. I could also be suffering from teen angst as well. "Does he like me? How can I be more popular? Will Justin Bieber magically become my boyfriend if I write his name 20,000 times on my notebook." I actually knew a girl who believed stuff like this when I was a kid.

Anyhow, I've got clogged pores, blemishes, and blotchiness and hope like crazy that the Votre Vu products will help to make a lot of this will go away.

As a designer, I can honestly say that there are a lot of colors that are represented on a good color wheel showing up on my face right now. Eew!

Assessment 1 - Anybody Want Some Pie?

2010-05-25T21:27:00.001-04:00

My first self-assessment has opened my eyes up to something nasty - it's the deep creases in my forehead. To me, they look like channels that seeds could be dropped in for planting vegetables. Ugh.

I owe the two horizontal furrows to my father and the two marvelous vertical ones to my mother. Funny thing is, one day when I was working on fixing something above the medicine cabinet and was concentrating really hard, I caught a glance of myself in the mirror and realized that these two sets of wrinkles formed the symbol for pi (the greek mathematical symbol). So, of course I mention this to a couple of my friends, who now jokingly call me "pie-face." Thanks, girls!

Anyhow, if these could get smoothed out a bit, I'd be really happy. I'm not sure which Votre Vu product will help, but I'll keep you posted.