Summer Skin with Avant Skincare

*Advertisement information: this post discusses items gifted to me by the brand, with no obligation to share them

It’s been a while since! In the months of May and June, I visited Greece and whilst the weather was glorious, it has left my skin parched and needing that extra moisture hit more than usual. I was sent a package from Avant skincare and have been using it for the last four weeks. The brand pride themselves on being cruelty free, with all formulas free from animal derived products and never tested on animals. Avant deems itself as genderless and for everyone, which is reflected in the clean packaging and formulas. 

Being a double cleanse gal, I like to remove makeup first with a micellar water, before going in with a second cleanse. Avant Bi-Phase Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Micellar Water (£72.00 for 200ml) is formulated with Hyaluronic acid, Tonka bean and Brazil nut which work to hydrate and target fine lines. I apply directly to a cotton pad and sweep over skin to remove makeup. It leaves skin feeling fresh and not at all dry, with a noticeable glow after use.  

Gel cleansers have never been top of my list as I always tend to lean towards a cleansing balm or oil. I’ve been using the Avant Blue Volcanic Stone Purifying & Antioxidising Cleansing Gel (£77.00 for 100ml) which is mild and surprisingly not drying. The gel removes makeup but also goes deep enough to clean the dirt beneath makeup. The antibacterial and antioxidant rich ingredients salicylic acid and vitamin e help prevent breakouts, whilst soothing any irritation. 

Starting the hydration hit is the Avant Collagen Intense Radiance Activator Serum (£92.00 for 30ml) which I press into damp skin after cleansing, allowing to absorb for around three minutes before I go in with moisturiser. The serum provides a real hydration hit and unlike some serums doesn’t leave my skin sticky after application. I notice my skin is illuminated after use and looks glowy, but sinks in enough to allow moisturiser soon afterwards. All of the Avant products I’ve tried recently and over the years have impressed me, but this is possibly one of my favourites. You really only need a pea sized amount to use all over the face and the hydration hit it gives is impressive. A little definitely goes a long way, so although it is in the higher price bracket it’s worth it. 

Teaming the serum with Avant Pro-Intense Hyaluronic Acid Illuminating Day Cream really provides a final hit of moisture and an ideal base for makeup or a skincare only day. The ingredient list boasts Hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, soy lecithin and sea water, providing the perfect blend of hydration for dry or mature skin. I was intrigued to learn how sea water worked as ingredient, it contains calcium, potassium and magnesium which helps to retain moisture levels. The product really melts into my skin leaving a radiant glow. 

There are some mornings where my eye cream just isn’t going to cut it. For those particular AM’s I like to apply under eye patches prior to my skin care. Avant Hydra-Bright Collagen Eye Restoring Pads (£59.00 for five pairs) are to be used as a weekly treat for the under eyes. They aim to hydrate the area and minimise the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles. My favourite way to use these is post cleanse, I apply the pads and sit with them on for 15 minutes whilst I drink my morning coffee. Then I remove the pads, smoothing in any remaining residue. I’ve used a variety of undereye patches and these are the best I’ve tried, in terms of instant results. My eyes immediately appear lighter in terms of darkness and smooth.

This certainly is a high end skincare brand and something I wouldn’t deem as easily affordable to most. They hold some standout products which are worth the extra splurge and as a treat, I would purchase perhaps a serum or moisturiser. It definitely feels like self care as opposed to just daily skincare, which makes it a real treat - and it looks gorgeous displayed in the bathroom cabinet.