Review by Superhero Plumpie
I received the products first thing Monday 29th September and started using them that morning. I have rather dry, very sensitive skin which does not agree with a lot of ingredients and especially does not like rapid change when it comes to skin care ranges so I was apprehensive about starting a new skincare regime, but curious to try something new as I have previously been using Nivea and Olay products as that is what my skin seems to tolerate the best. Throughout the trial I have used the same cleansing technique with my usual cleanser (Ponds cold cream and muslin cloth) for consistency. Since I have been approaching 30 I also feel it may be time to try something new for my changing skin so this trial has been good timing for me, especially with the change of season and warmer weather we are experiencing. I have a mixed history with Neutrogena products – some I have loved but majority of my experiences with their products have resulted in negative reactions for my sensitive skin. I was dubious on whether the results would be positive with this line, but I am glad I have persevered and rigorously tested these as most have turned out to be great products for my skin. I used the day cream in the morning, then in the evening applied the Water gel as a mask, and used the Night concentrate and eye roller to finish – here is my verdict after 10 days trial of all 4 products:
Water Gel Spf 15 Day Lotion
This is the stand-out product for me, a super hydrating yet lightweight gel-cream formula with sunscreen which unlike many sunscreen day creams on the market doesn’t irritate my skin. I can definitely feel the hyaluronic acid at work here as the gel/cream glides on and sinks in instantly leaving a velvety after-feel. This lotion also works fantastically as a pre makeup cream/primer as it makes my pores vanish, sinks into dry patches and leaves a satin smooth base for makeup. I have tested with BB cream and Foundation over the top and have found it to work well with both products. I like the pump bottle for hygienic reasons and knowing that the active ingredients are locked inside the tube (not exposed to air) like the jar products. I am pleased that out of the 4 products this one (that I love the most) is also paraben free. My only concern is with how much product I needed to use – about 6 to 7 pumps per application to cover my face/neck sufficiently which I feel is quite a lot of product and I will go through this very quickly. Otherwise I really adore this lotion and would repurchase once I finish my trial bottle.
Night Concentrate
I really wanted to like this product but the texture is unusable for me. I used this for the first 7 days but I have since discontinued and my skin is thanking me. I find the texture very off-putting, this product unlike the rest of the line does not sink into the skin at all, and it seems to sit on my skin leaving a sticky, slightly tacky feeling layer offering no hydrating properties just an irritating after feel. I feel as if I am sticking to the pillows with this on my face and want to wash it off as soon as it is applied. I also noticed after 7 days of use that I was developing small pimples around my hairline. I stopped using the product for 48 hours and they went away so it must just be this product. I feel that this product is un-necessary when the Water Gel is a very similar concept and offers better hydration plus has several uses which I will describe below.
Hydro Boost Water Gel
I find this to be a multi-purpose wonder product. It is very similar (if I am allowed to mention names/competitors) in texture and formulation to Clinique’s Moisture Surge Hydrating gel, and is a very good dupe for a long discontinued favourite of mine ‘Avon Maximum Moisture super hydrating gel’ – the only difference is I can really feel the hyaluronic acid at work in this product – it leaves an incredibly velvety smooth after-feel and is absorbed into the skin instantly. A thick layer makes an incredibly moisturising mask, it also feels amazing applied around the eyes, can be applied thinly under makeup on dry skin days, and I was originally using it as a booster under the night concentrate. Personally I feel this product is a much better value/much more effective alternative to the night concentrate. After 10 days of use my skin is feeling super smooth and I find this to be a luxurious night treatment which is cooling, soothing and a nice alternative to my traditional heavy night creams for the warmer weather approaching. I will continue using until I finish the jar and would reconsider repurchasing.
Eye Roll-on
Another stand-out for me – cooling, soothing and refreshing – lightweight and readily absorbed into the skin. Works great for under makeup, during the day for a pick me up, at night to soothe tired eyes. Brilliant first thing in the morning to wake up, refresh and de-puff the eye area. I am very sensitive to eye products with many creams causing me to develop milia under the eyes or gels which sting my eyes and I usually stick to using regular lotion around my eye area. I am pleased to report no ill-effects from this product and am really enjoying this product. The metal ball is cooling and soothing (like applying a chilled teaspoon to the under eye) and helps with the overall effect. I will continue to use this product and will consider purchasing once finished.
Summary
After just over a week of using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range I have definitely noticed that my skin has a softer more velvety feel. My under eye puffiness and fine lines appear reduced and my skin is definitely a lot dewier/balanced during the day but doesn’t seem to draw moisture from my foundation/BB cream as it usually would. I have to use a bit more powder during the day than I usually would as my skin is no longer as dry and seems to be more balanced. I will continue to use the Water Gel, SPF day water gel and the eye roller – I have discontinued using the night treatment for now as it appears not to agree with my skin type. I will most definitely purchase the eye roller and the SPF water gel when I run out. I will reconsider purchasing the Water gel once I have used up my jar but I am only using it as a booster/occasional treatment for now so it should last me a while longer. I have gone back to my regular night cream (Nivea) just because I like something heavier for night-time use but I do sometimes apply the gel underneath some nights and I always apply the eye roller around the eye area first.
Thanks Beauty Review, for the opportunity to trial this great range!
The packaging of these products are spot on, the blue glass packaging just screams " I will hydrate you" without saying a word, you can tell that they spent alot of time thinking about how to make these luxurious and sophisticated products without slapping an expensive price tag on their products. They make a beautiful decor for your bathroom counter.
The water gel (Day cream) comes in a heavy glass jar, the cream is thick and creamy, you only need a small amount to cover your face and neck. Your skin is instantly hydrated as soon you apply this to your skin, it gives your skin a natural and dewy finish. I prefer to use this cream when I'm at home when I'm carrying out my duties as a mother of 2 and house wife. This is the same packaging as the night cream so its easy to mix up the 2 but the night cream has small blue beads in it which leads me to the second product I trialled. The day cream leaves my skin feeling hydrated through out the day and there is never a sign of dryness in sight when i use this cream.
The night concentrate (Night cream) comes in a very similar jar as the Day cream. The cream is thick and creamy with tiny blue beads inside. When you apply this to your face and neck the beads dissolve into your skin effortlessly, and you are left with a soft and smooth face and neck. Waking up the next day your skin looks and feels plumper and luxuriously smooth, the results really amazed me on the first day of trialling this product. Out of all the night creams I have used since joining Beauty review this one is number 1.
The water gel SPF15 is a great and versatile product, it comes in a long glass bottle with a pump head. 2 pumps is enough to cover my face and neck. I like to use this gel as a makeup base (primer) before applying my liquid or powder foundation, it gives a flawless foundation and a smoother application when I'm applying my makeup. Knowing that it contains SPF15 makes me reach for this product everyday. I also like to use this after I exfoliate my skin, its hydrates and protects my skin leaving it smooth for at least 10 hours. Don't let the small amount of cream that comes out fool you, its a fantastic product.
The eye roll-on was the product I couldn't wait to try, I had never tried these prior to doing this trial, it comes in a small tube with a metal ball attached to it, when applying this to under my eyes I have to squeeze the tube to get any product out then I use my ring finger to gently dab the product into my fine lines. After the first time using this I noticed a difference, my fine lines weren't as noticeable and the puffiness had decreased. I like to use this product before applying concealer under my eyes or eye makeup. This is my go to if I don't have time to apply makeup before going any where and its compact to keep in your handbag. The photo I have attached is before and after using the eye roll-on.
Trialling these products has been an eye opener for me, I always thought for quality you had to pay a high price but after using these it completely changed my mind. The packaging is beautiful, the formula of these products is fantastic, I am a new big fan of Neutrogena!
Love the way this is worded. Excellent