I have a confession: I’ve never watched Love Island. Not a single episode. In fact, I sometimes feel like I’m the only person alive who hasn’t been swept up in the drama, romances, and villa antics that dominate group chats all summer long. On my own editorial team, I’m definitely the odd one out.
But here’s the twist—I may not know the ins and outs of Casa Amor, yet I’ve become a fan of one of the show’s stars, Leah Kateb. Earlier this year, Leah sat down with us for our Love on TV cover story, and I was struck by how refreshingly relatable she was. She didn’t just show up with her glossy TV persona; she came armed with makeup and skincare picks, the contents of her everyday purse, and a willingness to share the beauty staples that keep her glowing.
And that’s where I realized: despite not watching her on screen, Leah and I actually have a lot in common—namely, our devotion to a certain French pharmacy icon.
The Cream That’s More Than Just a Moisturizer
If you’ve ever wandered into a French drugstore (or, let’s be honest, the skincare aisle at your favorite online retailer), you’ve likely heard of Avène Cicalfate+. It’s not just another moisturizer—it’s one of those cult classics that beauty lovers whisper about with reverence, the kind of product that seems to work miracles on skin that’s dry, stressed, or just plain in need of TLC.
Leah swears by it, and so do I. The texture is thick, almost reminiscent of a diaper cream (stay with me here), but once it melts into the skin, it leaves behind this supple, dewy finish that makes you look like you’ve just had the best facial of your life. It’s equal parts comfort and glow, which is probably why it has earned its reputation as a skincare staple across continents.
Why It Works
The magic of Avène Cicalfate+ lies in its formulation. It’s intensely emollient, which means it creates a protective barrier that helps skin repair itself. At the same time, it’s infused with soothing ingredients that calm irritation and restore balance. Think of it as a safety blanket for your skin—one you can reach for when your complexion feels tight from cold winds, raw from too much retinol, or just generally out of sorts.
What I love most is that it’s truly multi-purpose. I’ve dabbed it on chapped lips, massaged it into dry cuticles, and even used it as a makeshift highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones (dewy finish, remember?). It’s not flashy, but that’s exactly what makes it so enduring: it just works.
The Power of Relatable Beauty
One of the reasons I find Leah Kateb so charming is that she could easily stick to a lineup of prestige products with price tags that make your eyes water. But instead, she mixes in accessible, reliable staples like this French moisturizer. It’s the kind of choice that makes you nod and think, Yes, she gets it.
Skincare can sometimes feel overwhelming—there’s always a new serum, essence, or overnight mask vying for attention. But cult classics like Avène Cicalfate+ remind us that simplicity often wins. The fact that both a TV star and a skincare enthusiast like me swear by it is proof enough of its staying power.
How I Use It
Leah may keep hers tucked in her everyday rotation, but for me, Cicalfate+ tends to shine in very specific scenarios:
- Post-exfoliation nights: When I’ve gotten a little too enthusiastic with acids or retinoids, I slather on a generous layer and wake up to skin that looks calm instead of angry.
- Winter mornings: Cold air and central heating are a brutal combo, and this cream is like a shield against both.
- Travel emergencies: Whether it’s a long-haul flight or just forgetting to pack half my skincare bag, Cicalfate+ is the one product that can cover (literally) everything.
It’s the kind of cream that turns a skincare misstep into a skincare success story, which is why it always has a spot in my own cabinet.
More Than a Trend
In a world where new launches appear almost daily, there’s something comforting about a product that has stood the test of time. Avène Cicalfate+ isn’t buzzy or gimmicky—it’s not packaged in millennial pink or marketed with over-the-top promises. Instead, it’s that quiet, dependable friend you can count on when your skin decides to throw a tantrum.
Leah Kateb’s love for it just validates what so many of us already know: skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. Sometimes, the best products are the ones that have been sitting on pharmacy shelves for decades, quietly gathering loyal fans one jar at a time.
So no, I may never be a Love Island devotee. But if being a fan of Leah Kateb means embracing tried-and-true skincare favorites like Avène Cicalfate+, then I’ll happily claim that badge. Because at the end of the day, the real love story here is between my skin and this little French miracle cream.
