Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion

Describe the brand in three words.
Doctor. American. Clinical.

Who is it for?
Dehydrated/combo/dull - pretty much all skins.
Good for perioral dermatitis, used on top of hyaluronic serums.

What’s in it?
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octadecane, Glyceryl Behenate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phospholipids, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Acrylates/Carbamate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isododecane, Ceteareth-20, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA-Copper

What's not in it?
parabens
mineral oil
shea butter
animal by-products

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
fragrance
silicones

Suitable for pregnancy?
Yes

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
Vegan, man-made

Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that require testing?
No/No/No

How does it smell?
It doesn't really have one, it's extremely mild. It smells like skincare, if that makes sense?

How do you use it?
Apply after serums or oils. Under SPF. This is best used however, on top of similar products like hyaluronic acid serums. Lush.

Can it be taken around the eyes?
Yes

Best for winter or summer?
Either - whenever you're dehydrated or want an oil-free moisturiser.

How long did I test it for?
A few months.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
£50.50/$58.00 for 50ml. Should last a couple of months depending on whether you use am or pm, or both.

Works well with?
Hyaluronic acid serums underneath.

What’s the website like?
Brilliant. Loads of info, ingredients, interviews etc. drdennisgross.com

How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?
Space NK/Cult Beauty/Sephora etc - not bad

What’s good about it?
I bloody love this moisturiser. Keeping with the hyaluronic acid focus, it's light, yet hydrating. Absorbs beautifully, feels soft on the skin. It's not in any way sticky, and most importantly, it works absolutely brilliantly on top of hyaluronic serums. Skin feels literally cushioned with moisture, probably hence the name..
If you find that your skin needs 'something else', but a heavy moisturiser breaks you out, this might be what you are looking for. It has a teeny bit of glycolic and lactic, and not just as preservative levels, which gently exfoliate (absolutely no sting), thus allowing the HA to penetrate even further. It's not too heavily siliconed, as a lot of oil-free moisturisers are, meaning that you can layer products without the threat of 'rolling'.

What’s not so good about it?
Not much to raise as a negative. It's honestly a lovely moisturiser. If you're super dry, you may need a moisturiser with oil.

Would I purchase/repurchase?
Absolutely. It's a gem.

Do you need it?
Yes. Especially if you are dehydrated, really oily, really confused, really anything to be honest.

Similar products?

Bliss Fabulous Drench'n'Quench

BioEssence Hydra Tri-Action

Sunday Riley Tidal

Pixi H2O Skindrink

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion is:

£50.50 from CultBeauty.co.uk

$58.00 from Sephora.com

$58.00 from DrDennisGross.com - but there's currently a 20% Friends & Family discount online!

*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. I do not use affiliate links with brands that I work with on a professional basis, such as Dennis Gross.
See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Atopalm Moisturizing Skin Revitalizing Complex

Who is it for?
'Dry or sensitive skins in need of anti-ageing.'

What’s in it?
Water/Aqua, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Myristoyl/palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide MEA, Octyldodecanol, Sorbitan stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Camellia sinensis seed oil, Dihydroxyisopropyl capryloylcaprylamide, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Niacinamide, Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, PEG-15 glyceryl stearate, Portulaca oleracea extract, Squalane, Sunflower oil decyl esters, Tocopheryl acetate, Sucrose cocoate, Phytosterols, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Panthenol, Carbomer, Crithmum maritimum extract, Poria cocos root extract, Stearic acid, Xanthan gum, Fragrance, Arginine, Sodium hyaluronate, BHT, Mannan, Sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan, Ascorbyl phosphate succinoyl pentapeptide-12, Serine, Alanine, Glycine

What's not in it?
parabens, mineral oil

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
silicones, fragrance

Suitable for pregnancy?
Yes

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
Man-made

Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that require testing?
Unknown, and not listed, but legally they are not able to in the EU.

How does it smell?
Of nothing really, which is odd, given that it contains fragrance. I can only imagine that the natural unfragranced version ponged.

How do you use it?
Apply after acids or after oil/serum as a moisturiser.

Can it be taken around the eyes?
Yes

Best for winter or summer?
Winter

How long did I test it for?
A few weeks on and off

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
£30.00 for 30ml

Works well with?
Anything serum-wise

What’s the website like?
Not great, the UK one os better than the US one

How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?
Limited

What’s good about it?
This is soothing, and definitely something to look at if your skin is compromised in any way. It doesn't block your pores (see below), the formula is sophisticated for a good price, it's hydrating and softening. Works well over any serum or oil (that I've used with it) such as Vintner's Daughter, Zelens Treatment Drops, without interfering with the process. One to think about for the current weather (winter!).

What’s not so good about it?
I can't use it for more than a few days at a time, although on reflection, this could be because it works, repairs your acid mantle, and then you don't need it anymore, so the formula builds up your skin and you (I) get a couple of teeny whiteheads overnight, and then stop!

Would I purchase/repurchase?
Yes, affordable and a good moisturiser

Do you need it?
If your acid mantle is compromised, if your skin sensitised or reactive, yes. Consider it.

Similar products?

La Roche-Posay Hydreane Riche

Eucerin Anti-Redness Soothing Care
Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream


Atopalm Moisturizing Skin Revitalizing Complex is £30.00 and available from www.atopalm.co.uk and Amazon.



*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturiser

Describe the brand in three words.
Drugstore. Body products.

Who is it for?
Combination/oily/acne/younger skins.

What’s in it?

What's not in it?
oil, mineral oil, parabens

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
fragrance, polyacrylamide

Suitable for pregnancy?
Yes.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
man-made

Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that require testing?
Unknown/No/Probably
So: it's labelled as having a 'drug' ingredient in the form of salicylic, so it's highly possible it is tested in the US. If anyone knows for sure, let me know in the comments.

How does it smell?
Fresh, citrus.

How do you use it?
One pump, all over, on top of serum or oil.

Can it be taken around the eyes?
I wouldn't, I'd go as far as the orbital bone.

Best for winter or summer?
Either. Summer for people who are combination, both for acne/oily.

How long did I test it for?
I've had it a month, and also tested it on my teenage girl.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
$13.49/$14.99 for 4ozs. It's a good size, this will last a good few months. You only need a little.

Works well with?
Oddly enough, being oil-free, it works well over an oil serum. It's light, so you can use it to seal in other products without it being sticky and heavy.

What’s the website like?
Pretty basic, pictures of the ingredients as opposed to lists (hence the picture here!): www.aveeno.com

How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?
Well it's in Amazon and Target, so pretty 'out there'.

What’s good about it?
I usually think of body products when I think of Aveeno. I bought this with Ava in mind, but ended up playing with it myself. I like it. It's light, absorbs well and you only need a tad. It smells fresh, works well with other products, and is a perfectly good moisturiser. If we needed any further proof, Ava has since sought it out and stolen it back.

What’s not so good about it?
It's pretty chemical-heavy, so if you're a 'natural' person, you won't be a fan.

Would I purchase/repurchase?
Yes

Do you need it?
If you have a problem skin, yes, check it out. If you have hot, sweaty days were you feel like your cream is stuck to your face and won't absorb, maybe check it out.

Similar products?

Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturiser

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturiser 

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturiser is $13.49 from Target.com aka Hirons Home Planet 







*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Bioderma Hydrabio Gel/Creme and Creme

I'm grouping these two together as it is simply a case of picking which texture or description you prefer.

Describe the brand in three words.

French. Pharmacy. Affordable. 

What are they?

'The patented biological complex Aquagenium™ generates intense hydration, immediately and lastingly.'

Moisturisers

Who are they for?

Across both moisturisers, all skin types.

What’s in them?

Gel: 

AQUA/WATER/EAU, GLYCERIN, ISODODECANE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, SQUALANE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, C14-22 ALCOHOLS, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, AMMONIUM CRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, C30-45 ALKYL CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, CARBOMER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, C12-20 ALKYL GLUCOSIDE, STEARETH-21, DISODIUM EDTA, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, HEXYLDECANOL, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, RHAMNOSE, MALACHITE EXTRACT, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) SEED EXTRACT, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (RAPESEED) STEROLS, TOCOPHEROL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)

Creme: 

AQUA/WATER/EAU, GLYCERIN, ISODODECANE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE, DIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, XYLITOL, CETYL PALMITATE, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, NIACINAMIDE, TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE, ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIBEHENIN, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ARACHIDYL GLUCOSIDE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, GLYCERYL BEHENATE, DISODIUM EDTA, SQUALANE, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, MANNITOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HEXYLDECANOL, TOCOPHEROL, POLYSORBATE 60, RHAMNOSE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) SEED EXTRACT, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (RAPESEED) STEROLS, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)

What's not in them?

mineral oil

parabens

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

silicones, fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man made

Tested on animals/sold in territories that require testing?

No/Yes

How do they smell?

Extremely faintly. The scent is light and dissipates very quickly.

How do they feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

They feel great and absorb very nicely, but you don't feel a lot of residue on the surface of the skin. If you're someone who like to 'feel' your product, they may not be enough for you.

How do you use them?/Where to use in your routine?

They're both moisturisers, so obviously after your serums etc.

Can they be taken around the eyes?

Yes

How long before you should see results?

You'll feel immediate hydration and the skin will plump.

How long did I test them for?

I've had them since they launched and tested them for a few weeks.

How much are they? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?

A bargainous £14.50 for 40ml (tube) and 50ml (pot) although it's currently on offer for under £10.00. Read on.

What’s good about them?

I've found these moisturisers to be really good, especially at the price point. I like a beautiful, expensive moisturiser as much as the next skincare junkie, but as I've stated numerous times in the past, if you want to keep your budget in check, spend on your serums/serum-oils, and save on your moisturiser.

The gel is extremely light, does not sit on the skin and absorbs almost immediately, perfect for those of you with an oilier skin. Also great as a makeup base/primer. 

The cream is slightly heavier, but not greasy or sticky in the slightest.

Both creams are designed to give radiance and lift dullness, although in fairness, you would expect that from any moisturiser, that's kind of the point of them no?

They both contain niacinamide, which is great, but the pot also contains sodium hyaluronate so if you're dehydrated maybe opt for that one. 

Having said all of that, I would recommend checking these out if you are struggling to find a moisturiser as the seasons change. (More of which tomorrow) 

If you are really dry, I would go for the cream in the pot. 

If you're excessively oily, obviously the tube. 

If you're somewhere in the middle, aim for both a texture preference, and look at what you use under it.

If you don't like serums/oils, I'd go for the pot and the extra protection.

If you have combination skin and like a good serum or oil, go for the tube. 

If you get dry in the colder months, it's the pot. The tube will be too light.

What’s not so good about them?

You may find some 'rolling' if you use these with other heavily silicone-based products. If you experience rolling, use less product. Of either the serum or the creams...

Used lightly, as all moisturisers need to be, you should be fine.

Works well with?

They've worked particularly well for me when used over oils during the day.

What’s the website like?

Good. Full of information and they list the ingredients. YAY! www.bioderma.com

How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?

In the EU and the UK, it's widely available. For all other countries, including the USA, search here: www.bioderma.com/choose-country

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Yes. The tub for me, the tube for Ava and her brothers.

Similar products?

Not really, CeraVe, Cetaphil and such like would come under this umbrella for the price point, but not really on the efficacious scale.

Bioderma Hydrabio Gel/Creme and Creme are normally priced £14.50 but are currently £9.66 on Escentual.com








*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

Apologies for the stock photo. I'm not at home.

Well you did ask. :)

Describe the brand in five words.

Affordable. Recognisable. That's about it.

What is it?

'Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is specifically formulated to soothe your chronically dry skin. Once applied, your skin feels soft and smooth. It is non-greasy, non–irritating and non–comedogenic (won't clog pores), leaving you feeling more comfortable in your own skin.'

A moisturiser. Although I've talked about the term 'non-comedogenic' before. It's meaningless and unregulated, so take no notice of that.

Who is it for?

'Chronically dry'. I personally don't think this would be enough for a 'chronically dry' skin - and it also isn't hydrating enough to do any harm to an oilier skin. 

What’s in it?

Purified Water, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Macadamia Nut Oil, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Stearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Farnesol, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid

What's not in it?

mineral oil

parabens

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

silicone

farnesol

The alcohols listed are fatty alcohols, not 'booze' alcohols (just fyi) that are traditionally drying. They are all halal.*

*I am regularly asked about halal alcohols. This comment was not a joke.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man made.

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

Yes/Yes

How does it smell?

It claims to be fragrance free, but it contains farnesol, most commonly used to fragrance products/hide smelly products whilst still technically claiming to be 'fragrance free'. It's also used in pesticides (in much higher %s obviously) but that's neither here nor there. *face to camera*

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

Feels light and moisturising, absorbs easily.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

It's a moisturiser so last before SPF/makeup.

How long before you should see results?

It will hydrate immediately.

How long did I test it for?

I won't personally use it, but I've tried it, been aware of it and advising on it for years.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?

£8.99 for 236ml

What’s good about it?

It contains glycerin as a second ingredient, which will moisturise. Also contains panthenol and macadamia nut oil to hold moisture in the skin, although for the price and where it's listed, it won't be a high %.

What’s not so good about it?

It's not awful, but it's a very basic formula, the farnesol may cause you an issue (being fair, equally it may not). 

Works well with?

You can stick a moisturiser on top of anything. It should act like a coat.

What’s the website like?

As yesterday, it's what you'd expect, but it's irrelevant really as everyone will buy this from their drug store/chemist/supermarket.

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Probably not. Again, there are products out there that are as affordable and more pleasant to use without using functionality/efficacy.

Similar products?

Personally, I'd stick with CeraVe if you're normal/dry.

Neutrogena if you're oily.

*no affiliate links and I am not affiliated with CeraVe in any capacity. Worth a mention. ;)

See my full disclaimer here:

http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

A quick one-two for Summer from January Labs

After the recent Fave Fives videos, I had so many comments asking about skins that are combination/oily/acne/sensitised/dehydrated and budgets that needed to be well under £40, that it made me look at the stash of blog posts I had prepped and rearrange them. So the reviews from the Instagram update of a couple of weeks ago are coming this week, but for now, those of you in the aforementioned categories could do worse than look at January Labs.

The Mist is old news to regular readers, but the range contains other great, simple-yet-efficacious products that won't break the bank.

The pricing is sporadic, with the more high-end eye cream, exfoliants and day and night creams pushing the top end. However, the Mist, Moisture Balancing Lotion and Pure & Gentle Cleansing Gel are all between £18.00 and £24.00, making them great value, especially for the sizes. 

The Cleansing Gel is not foaming, and is one of the few that does not strip or dry out my skin - and is a whopping 237ml/8fl ozs for £24.00. Combo skins and boys, this one is definitely worth looking at.

The main reason for the post is the lovely Moisture Balancing Lotion, which I have found myself recommending to quite a few people this summer. It rehydrates and rebalances, literally like it says on the pack, and does so without causing further irritation or clogging pores. Working on literally all skins, I tend to reach for it when I'm using a particularly active serum or pardon the phrase, sweating like a horse (sorry). A little goes a long way, and for £21.00, the 60ml is a good 20% larger than average for moisturisers.

January Labs is one of the brilliant up-and-coming independent brands based out of California and as such is not as easy to get hold of as some, but if you're daft like me, that makes you want it all the more. I know I know. I really should see someone about it. But it's FUN.

January Labs is available in the US from www.januarylabs.com and in the UK from CultBeauty.co.uk who do ship internationally to a lot of countries.

Cult Beauty lists all ingredients.

*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :) For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis. (I do not work with January Labs)

See my full disclaimer here:

http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Describe the brand in five words.

Doc. Water. Derm. Acne. American.

What is it?

'A luxurious, yet lightweight cream that provides 24-hour hydration to restore suppleness and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.'

A moisturiser.

Who is it for?

Murad say this is for dry/dehydrated skin. They have an essence for oily/combo skins, although I have used this on clients with oilier skins with much success.

What’s in it?

Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eiosadioate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Shea Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearic Acid, Oat Kernel Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Yeast Amino Acids, Betaine, Inositol, Taurine, Trehalose, Soybean Sterols, Corn Starch, Olive Fruit Oil, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Polysorbate 60, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Panthenol, Jojoba Alcohol, Potassium Jojobate, Polysorbate 80, Urea, Glucosamine HCI, PEG-8, Bisabolol, Sorbitan Oleate, Cetearyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol

What's not in it?

Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates 

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Shea butter - but it is far enough down the inci to not cause me an issue.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man made 

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/Yes

How does it smell?

Fragrance-free

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

Feels lovely on the skin, absorbs nice and slow.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

After serums, am and/or pm.

How long before you should see results?

It's a moisturiser, so immediately.

How long did I test it for?

I used up the entire jar. 

How much is it? /Size

£55.00/$72.00 for 50ml.

Lasted me a couple of months, and I'm heavy-handed. 

What’s good about it?

This is a great, solid moisturiser that not only works brilliantly on its own but allows the serums you use underneath it to work as they are supposed to, without interfering with their action.

It's fragrance-free, so suitable for people with those specific sensitivities, yet not unpleasant or 'functional' to use. Feels luxurious on the skin but leaves no residue or greasiness at all. 

I've used this on the majority of clients in treatments, finishing off fairly aggressive treatments (under SPF) with great results. It hydrates, nourishes and moisturises, exactly as it says on the pot.

What’s not so good about it?

Nothing. Not one complaint.

Works well with?

Every single serum I have trialled in the last two months (or thereabouts) was used with this moisturiser. In fact the only time I strayed, I got spots. That review is coming.

What’s the website like?

It's good. A bit of a trek to find all the ingredients listings, but at least they do have them - I would've expected a Dr's site to make them more accessible though. Other than that it's fine. A bit basic, but fine.

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Absolutely.

Similar products?

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream

Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is £55.00/$72.00 for 50ml and available from various outlets including:

UK - Murad.co.uk
UK - Lookfantastic.com
UK - FeelUnique.com


USA - Sephora.com

bliss fabulous drench'n'quench Giveaway

Good news from the lovely people at Bliss. To celebrate their fabulous drench'n'quench being back in stock across the land, they are giving five lucky readers the chance to win their very own pot. When I originally posted about the moisturiser here, I was unaware that the brilliant India Knight had also positively reviewed it a few days before in the Sunday Times, hence it was already hard to find. Sorry!

To enter, simply follow the instructions in the rafflecopter widget below. (Leave your email and that's it)

T&Cs

• entry via rafflecopter only
• giveaway ends Tuesday 29th at 11.59pm
• you can enter once a day
• UK only
• prize will be sent directly from the brand
• your details will not be kept, nor passed on to the brand, they are for contact purposes only
• no purchase necessary

www.blissworld.co.uk

@blissspauk

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Not a sponsored post. CH has received no payment for this giveaway, no affiliate links.

Bliss fabulous drench 'N' quench

What is it?

'A tranformative cream-to-water moisturizer.'

Who is it for?

Anyone wanting/needing moisture without that heavy, greasy feeling.

What’s in it?

water (aqua/eau), cyclopentasiloxane, glycerin, butylene glycol, dimethicone, hydrogenated polyisobutene, passiflora incarnata seed oil, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, silybum marianum seed oil, tocopherol, porphyra umbilicalis extract, algae extract, commiphora mukul resin extract, rosa multiflora fruit extract, dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer, sodium chloride, nylon-12, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, potassium sorbate, fragrance (parfum), guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, polysorbate 20, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, sodium citrate, chlorphenesin, linalool, butylphenyl methylpropional, alpha-isomethyl ionone, limonene, citronellol, blue 1 (CI 42090)

Possibly acne/troubling for some ingredients?

fragrance

silicones (although they are crucial to this type of formula)

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

man-made

Sold in territories that advocate/require animal testing like China?

Yes

What's not in it?

mineral oil

parabens

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

After serums/before SPF or foundation

What’s good about it?

This is a really lovely moisturiser. Clearly drawing its inspiration from the Far East 'water droplet' technology, this applies as a light cream/almost lotion and then upon patting/gently rubbing the droplets start to appear on the skin, which are then absorbed. The formula does contain marine extracts, which is probably why my skin in particular, enjoys it.

Unlike some of its counterparts, the silicones in this formula work with the ingredients, as opposed to what feels almost 'independently' in some formulas. And by that I mean that there is no 'rolling' a couple of minutes after applying. The formula feels more sophisticated, and Bliss seem to be taking their technology a little more seriously these days. Lovely. Works well when making product 'sandwiches' with more expensive products.

Check it out. If you can find it. More of which below.

What’s not so good about it?

With the product? Nothing much. Good, solid cream that does exactly what it says on the box and is not extortionately expensive.

Here's a repeating winge of mine, so much so that I've added a new category to the reviews that you'll see from now on:

How's the website?

At first glance the website was great - namely because they have a full ingredients list. Here's the problem that is costing them money:

Bliss Spa launched 20 years ago this year, although it has changed hands a few times since then.

Why in the name of INSANITY is the UK website not transactional? 

Blissworld.co.uk is essentially a marketing landing page.  

If you want to actually 'buy' a product, you have to: 

1. click 'Where to buy' which takes you to their separate stockists page. You presumably would click on a stockist, then be taken to the product yes? 
2. No. Click a stockist of your choice and you are taken to a generic page where every Bliss product is listed in no particular order which means you start searching again. 
3. Dutifully search again in the left hand column. It's out of stock on the first three I tried, including M&S.
4. If you end up on 'Time to Spa', the parent company's website, it's not there either. And even better, in the middle of your search, an Elemis offer pops up. Elemis is owned by the same company. But that's not why I landed on your page. Talk to me in Bliss terms please.

Still with me? No? Me neither. Because I would've already thought 'sod it' and gone off to make a cup of tea.

Similar products?

Bio-Essence Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask

Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

Pixi H2O Skin Drink

It's easier to find in the US.

Fabulous Drench N'Quench is $38.00 and available from Skinstore.com  in the USA.

The only place I found it in the UK is M&S and they're sold out: M&S/Bliss - it's £29.50. 

Sorry. I tried to give you a useful link. Bliss aren't co-operating. GREAT CREAM THOUGH.