[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] I don’t often feature Gatineau because they tend to focus too hard for my liking on youth chasing and don’t really speak to older women in the way that I feel they should. However, sorry to say, I caved when I saw their Defi Lift Volumising Peptide Lip Treatment in Bisou despite the fact that it manages to highlight two failings in one title. Le sigh. Their lastest skin care product – Age Benefit (hello – that’s a bit better) came in a box that made me wonder if the brand has finally had a re-think about being more modern with their target audience (older women).
Now, this is more like it. Two beautiful models who actually represent the audience they’re talking to. I mean, it is clearly baby steps because the product packaging is very much about ‘anti’wrinkle’ and so on, but you know, it’s one of the most relatable press boxes I’ve received in quite some time.
Bisou is a neutral shade – little bit pink, little bit taupe, little bit peach, but trust me, it’s a very easy wear on all tones. There’s a little bit of a tingle provided by Menthyl when you first apply – presumably to give weight to the plumping claim – but it mercifully isn’t followed by a whack of peppermint. It contains peptides, hyaluronic acid and Shorea butter which together make a very, very hydrating blend but I’ll pass on the extract that ‘helps’ to reduce the look of vertical fine lines and wrinkles. Shh. If you want to know, as I did, what’s so special about vertical lines, it transpires that vertical lines run up and down and are associated with frowning and making one appear sad or tired. OH RILLY! Horizontal lines can be more associated with positive emotions such as smiling – so we can, apparently, leave those alone.
I think it looks really good for day to day – the product is definitely hydrating and that hydration lasts long after the colour is gone. It’s softening and anything glossy always makes everything look smoother so it does deliver there. On the plumping, it’s hard to say. I have quite full lips to start with and plumpers never seem to make any difference but I am enjoying the smoothness and having lips that don’t feel anywhere near dry. I find brands like Gatineau problematic because while I don’t doubt that their products are good, it’s a beauty cabinet built on fear of ageing and that, to me, is extremely short-sighted and boring. Their website is a great example of how not to talk to older women – slackness, sagging, dark circles, expression lines, thinning, fragile, puffy – they’ve used the entire dictionary of how NOT to speak to older women. Age Benefit is a start but there is still a way to go. Begrudgingly, I do recommend the Peptide Lip Treatment if you have perpetually dry lips or lips that immediately go dry the moment the weather turns colder. It is £32 HERE.
