The latest product that I’ve been testing out as part of my ‘Preventative Measures’ feature is Chanel’s Beauté Initiale Energizing Multi-Protection Fluid. Beauté Initiale is Chanel’s dedicated ‘first signs of ageing’ range, which also includes a thicker-textured cream and a spray-on serum.

The Energizing Fluid is an interesting addition to the ‘Preventative Measures’ recommendations because I really consider it to be a dual-action product. Triple-action in fact! Firstly, it fulfills the usual ‘early signs of ageing’ requirements; it helps to protect the skin from free radicals, protects it from everyday sun damage (SPF 15) and helps the skin to renew and rebuild. Secondly, it energises the skin and seems to give it a slight ‘radiance boost’, not dissimilar to the kind of glow that you’d get if you mixed a very small amount of an illuminating fluid in with your moisturiser. Thirdly, and (I think) most impressively, the fluid contains mattifying powders, so that your complexion is left looking amazing. It’s almost a primer and moisturiser in one!

I have found this product invaluable during the hot weather recently – it’s kept my skin nicely matte throughout the day, and if I’ve worn makeup over the top, it has been more ‘fixed into place’ than usual. It’s light and fresh and absorbs very easily – overall a really excellent day cream. From a model’s perspective, it’s great for using before a long day of castings – it keeps the skin looking cool and dry, fresh and radiant!

It’s priced rather higher than the average premium moisturiser, but I think that the price reflects the fact that you’re getting several different products ‘in one’. The convenience of using a primer, SPF and ‘first signs of ageing’ moisturiser all in one application can’t be underestimated, especially in the summer, when you want as few ‘layers’ of product on your skin as possible! Take a look at the video for more details.

Beauté Initiale Energizing Multi-protection Fluid, £52 from Chanel.