Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream (Review)

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a hard plastic container

-Contains 1.7 oz of product

-Available @ drugstores as well as Walmart and Target

-Retail $15-$20 depending on the place of purchase

FORMULATION:

During the hot summer months it can get pretty tedious to put on a moisturizer (even though you really need it). None of us want that heavy feeling on our skin. The solution a gel moisturizer! Neuttogena Hydro Gel Cream gives you just the perfect amount of moisture without the heavy feeling. The texture is a cross between a gel and a cream. It has the gel like feeling but the texture of a cream. It absorbs very quickly into the skin and doesn't leave any unwanted residue. This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring product in our bodies. Hyaluronic acid has many uses but it is known for keeping the skin hydrated. As we age our bodies tend to produce less and less of hyaluronic acid. It has a nice fresh scent that lingers but nothing too strong that would make you want to puke. While this product is designed for dry skin because of the gel texture those with oily skin can also use it. 

OVERALL 

5/5

Review: Shiseido IBUKI Softening Concentrate Lotion

Shisedio IBUKI Softening Concentrate Lotion

PACKAGING:

The product comes in a hard plastic see through bottle with a plastic pump. The bottle is very simple and beautiful like with most Shisedio products. I wasn't a fan of the pump. It isn't very sturdy and pumps out way too much product.

-Contains 2.5 fl oz of product (one size)

-Available at Shisedio counters and Sephora

-Retails for $24 (However depending on where you are and where you purchase this product prices are subject to change)

FORMULATION:

I have always been a huge fan of Shisedo skincare products (my favorite product from them is their sunscreen). They create beautiful and pure products that work with pretty much every skin type out there. 

The Softening Concentrate Lotion is designed to help moisture the skin for a softer and smoother feel. This is what I like to call a "supplement product" meaning that it is meant to be worn with other products. I have super dry skin and when I wore this alone without a moisturizer it felt a little too dry for my taste but worn with it gave my moisturizer an extra kick (works with oily skin as well). As per the instructions this product works best applied right after your cleanse your skin (I highly recommend you follow this instruction, do not apply anything else until after you put this on otherwise the product will not sink in as fast and won't work its maximum potential). It is a serum like consistency that sinks super fast into your skin. My skin immediately felt softer and smoother. It does have a very strong floral perfume scent but does fade (not completely) as you wear it. If you are sensitive to scents I don't recommend this product. This product isn't designed to replace your daily moisturizer or serum. It is best worn in the evening before bed to help it work properly.

OVERALL

4.8/6

Cera Ve Moisturizer Review + Update

Hey guys, long time no chat! I apologize for not posting as frequently as I normally do. My life has been taken over by finals and projects these last few weeks. For those of you who don't know I am currently in grad school pursing a master's degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Counseling. This is my first semester so I am just beginning to get in the swing of things (I took a year off after college due to health issues). Hopefully within the next couple of months I will have a schedule set out for everything. 

But anyways... I wanted to give you guys a little review on a product that I have been loving! Lately my skin has been acting up again due to weather changes and I needed and wanted to get a new moisturizer For me personally, when it comes to moisturizers I don't think it is necessary to spend a ton of money on one since it is one of those skincare products that runs out really fast. So I looked around my local CVS and decided to try the Cera Ve Moisturizing Cream.

PACKAGING:

Comes in a GIANT TUB like seriously one of the largest packagings I have ever seen for a moisturizer (16 oz).

FORMULATION:

This particular moisturizer is designed for normal to dry skin. The texture isn't too thick or thin and feels really light on the skin. You can use it as either a facial or body moisturizer. It contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates and moisturizers the skin and ceramides which are lipids that hold the skin surface together (this is a naturally occurring compound in your skin). It is a great day moisturizer layered with a SPF of course and on its own as an evening moisturizer. You can also mix it into your foundation to create a light tinted moisturizer. 

You can buy this at any drugstore near you as well as Targets and Wal-Marts. It retails for around $9-$12 depending on where you purchase it. It is a bit expensive for a drugstore moisturizer 

Current Skincare Routine Spring/Summer 2015

Disclaimer: I am in no ways a skin care expert. This is just what works for me every one's skin is different. If you have any concerns pertaining to your skin please consult with a dermatologist.

A little about my skin...
-Combination: Oily in the t-zone (forehead and down the nose) Dry everywhere else
-Acne Prone
-Sensitive

Cleanser:

Philosophy Purity Made Simple $11-$20

One of my favorite facial cleansers of all time. I tend to go back to this product a lot throughout the year especially if my skin starts to act up. It is super gentle but tough on oil, makeup and other skin residue. It also has a nice refreshing scent that isn't overpowering. Great for all skin types.

Moisturizer:

Trader Joe's Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 15 (Day) $5.99

Yes, Trader Joe's sells skincare items and they are actually pretty awesome. I was just as surprised as some of you out there. Their Enrich moisturizer is a great for the day. It contains SPF 15 and isn't greasy or heavy. Great for normal to oily skin as well as sensitive. I don't recommend this for super dry skin. 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream  (Evening) $26.50

You don't have to use a different moisturizer for the day and evening this is just something I prefer. I don't like to wear SPF in the evening and I like something a little more heavier at night. Kiehl's always makes great stuff and this is no exception. The Ultra Facial Cream is very moisturizing but doesn't weigh down your skin. This one is for dry skin but they do have for normal and oily skin.

Serum:

Lancôme Visionnaire $79

Serums are a big thing in Asia and has recently become a big thing here in the states. Serums are concentrated moisturizers that contain vitamins and minerals. The texture allows for all the vitamins and minerals to sink in and makes it easier for the skin to absorb. This particular one by Lancome is amazing. It makes my skin super soft and helps keep my pores at bay. It also contains anti aging ingredients. It is never too early to start using anti aging products as a preventive measure. I like to use this product in the evening right before I apply my moisturizer.

Eye Cream:

Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Cream $18

Eye creams are an essential product when it comes to skincare. The skin under your eyes are very delicate and needs its own product. This eye cream contains antioxidant rich Rose Hip oil that help reduce wrinkles and bags. It is a very thick eye cream a little goes a long way. Another added bonus it smells really good. 

And last but not least...

Lip care:

Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm $28

This stuff is ridiculously expensive for a lip balm but so worth the money. It gives the lips a smooth and plump look while moisturizing AND also contains SPF 10. I like to apply this both day and night. O I almost forgot this stuff smells AMAZEBALLS that is if you like the smell of roses. 

Review: Mario Badescu Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream

PACKAGING: 

Comes in the standard Mario Badescu simple white containers.

Contains 1/2 oz.

FORMULATION:

Made from a blend of vegetable, carnation and rose hip oil, this eye cream reduces the dry, tired, puffy eyes. It also helps smooth out fine lines and is super moisturizing. Great to use alone or under makeup. It is non-greasy and absorbs into the skin super fast. It also has a nice cooling effect when you apply it (TIP: put into the fridge for a nice cooling effect- this will reduce the puffiness even more!). 

Retail $18

Available @ Ulta stores and online

Mario Badescu Online/ Standing stores

Review: Murad Hydro-Dynamic Moisture

Packaging:

- Comes in a sturdy plastic container

- Contains 1.7 fl oz

Formulation:

This is one of the BEST hydrating moistures out on the market today. It is super rich, non greasy and is great for all skin types from the most sensitive to acne prone. Unlike a lot of other products out on the market today, this moisturizer works as soon as you put it on your skin. The thick texture is super absorbent yet doesn't feel heavy on your skin. The moisture locks in for about 8 hours. I prefer to use it at night but it is also good to use during the day with a sunscreen underneath. 

Price and Where to Purchase:

Because of how well this product works, it does not come cheap. It retails at $65, however because the product is so rich you don't need much at all so a bottle should last you about a month or so depending on how much you use. 

You can purchase this product at the following retailers

Murad

Sephora

Ulta