I am constantly on the hunt for that perfect skincare product. Whether it’s a face mist, a night cream or a face wash, I get easily distracted by the next big thing to adopt into my everday skincare routine. Of course, with the changing seasons comes a slight update in your routine, favouring lighter formulas over the heavier products we gravitate towards in the winter time. But just because it’s humid out, doesn’t mean my skin can forego the hydration it constantly craves.
When the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream SPF 15 landed on my desk, I knew I had to give it a shot. Gel creams are one of the latest beauty trends that we can’t get enough of. Lightweight, fuss-free and packed full of ingredients (think of them as more hydrating serums, so to speak), this one was calling to me, especially because it had “hydro” and “SPF” in the name—two words that are music to my ears.
The product has purified hyaluronic acid to help lock moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated all day long. Plus, it’s got glycerein and olive extract for an extra dose of moisture and to fortify skin’s protective hydration-hugging barrier. For those that need it, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means those with sensitive skin can enjoy, too.
Before even reading the ingredients, I gave this a shot. A small pea-sized amount is surprisingly all you need to cover your whole face and the lightweight formula dries almost instantly. I love products that offer a priming effect for my makeup, and within seconds of applying this, my skin was already looking smooth and more vibrant but felt like there was nothing on my skin (even though there was most definitely a toner, serum and this).
It kept my skin quenched for most of the day, but, admittedly, I did notice some of the flaking on my face creeping back later in the afternoon—not necessarily a testament to the product so much as my lack of water intake. All in all, it felt nice to know that my skin was protected with an SPF of 15 without the feeling of a sunscreen.
It kept my skin quenched for most of the day, but, admittedly, I did notice some of the flaking on my face creeping back later in the afternoon—not necessarily a testament to the product so much as my lack of water intake. All in all, it felt nice to know that my skin was protected with an SPF of 15 without the feeling of a sunscreen on my face. The fresh, almost imperceptible scent was just the icing on the weightless beauty product cake.
This will definitely become a summer skincare staple for me.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream SPF 15 ($25, available at mass drugstores nationwide)
