Ayuna Velo[x] review

If you have been around for a while, you know that Ayuna is hands down one of my favorite clean and luxury beauty brands. Velo, Ayuna’s skin care and protection love child, just got an upgrade and I was impatient to get my hands on it. Velo has gone through two iterations already and, although I was not a fan of the first version, I fell hard for the second from 2020, and I purchased it for myself and as a gift for others numerous times over the past few years. Imagine my excitement when I found out there was an even newer version coming out! But I admit I was anxious too as it already was a dream product for my combination to oily skin year round, whether it was hot and humid or winter in Dubai. This last statement is not to be taken lightly! It is very hard for one product to function well year round for my skin while taking the fluctuation in temperature and humidity into account.

Is it still matte? Will the new formula suit my skin? Do I have to start looking for a replacement? So many questions ran through my head! Oh well, I couldn’t do anything but wait to get my hands on Velo[x], the newest version of Velo.

Now that I have been using it exclusively for the past few weeks, I am in awe of how Ayuna was able to transform an already amazing product into an even better one! Just like its predecessor, Velo[x] leaves the skin feeling supple and hydrated while still looking matte. It performs well as a primer, keeping makeup in place and enhancing its longevity, with or without setting powder.

The difference between the two versions? I would say this imparts a glow to the skin. This iteration does not need activation, or rubbing between the palms before use, so it is more user-friendly in that aspect. Also, If pilling was ever an issue for you with the previous version of Velo, it is now a thing of the past. Velo[x] glides on ever so smoothly and leaves a thin and weightless skin-like veil of protection that also subtly perfects and preps your canvas for the day. Whether you opt to wear it alone or with a few touches of concealer, blush, and mascara, Velo[x] won’t disappoint!

The older Velo is marketed as a 6 in 1 protection for the skin, Velo[x] an 8 in 1, covering protection from various factors of the exposome, or external aggressors to the skin, like UV rays, pollution, stress, allergens and toxic material in the environment. While I cannot vouch for all the claims, I can say that after years of using Velo, I feel my skin is always protected from the sun; I do not burn or develop dark spots when I use it, so it is one of my sunscreens of choice when I know I will be exposed to the sun for a long time.

Although I love everything about the new formula, I honestly loved the sleek packaging of the older version better. The new one is heavier and bulkier, but it IS glass, the pump on it dispenses a measured output, and the cap is removable so it feels this would help get every bit out. I guess all in all it is more eco and user-friendly so it’s not the biggest of deals for me. One thing worth mentioning is that although it looks great on my medium skin tone, the tint it imparts may look chalky on darker skin, which can be mitigated by using it as a do-it-all primer underneath makeup.

Velo[x] renews my vows of love for Ayuna, I respect all what the brand stands for and its new launches will always be on my radar.