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I think hating the word ‘moist’ is quite common in the English language, and yet we still talk about Moisturiser without flinching. Weird.
This was initially part of the Serums and Sprays post but I decided that shorter bursts of content would be a much easier way to read my ramblings.
Moisturisers and oils together are pretty new additions to my skincare routine – you may be noticing a recurring theme here; there was no routine!
I mentioned before that I don’t generally have a loyalty towards one brand when it comes to skincare, I don’t believe that more money necessarily equals better quality so what I use changes based on whatever’s on a Boots 3 for 2 or occasionally a new release comes out and a reduced price and it’ll try it out.
Firstly, the obligatory mention for Superdrug’s Vitamin E Daily Moisturiser, for a while this was my go-to as it’s so thick and creamy – it really makes you feel properly hydrated. However this has been relegated more recently and will often just be used as a night cream or a staying at home day where I’m layering up on skincare to beat the dryness. That’s not to say I don’t like it, it’s just not what I’m feeling right now.
Right now my favourite moisturiser is the No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream for drier skin. That’s a pure mouthful and every time I write it I need to check the tub for reference. I like No7 products, and like that each range keeps the same shape and just changes the colour, it makes it easy to spot at a glance. I hadn’t tried this beforehand but ordered this with the Micellar Oil Cleanser which you can read my thoughts on HERE but I’ve been really pleased with it.
It’s a called a Gel Cream, but I’d say it’s definitely in the Cream territory – I love the feeling of Gels but they just never feel as though they’re penetrating deeply enough into the top layers of skin. This has been a saviour for lockdown dry skin, it’s thick but also doesn’t feel heavy on skin once it’s been applied. It sinks in and leaves skin ready to be primed or just applied straight on to.
When I’m at work I am based on a site within a park in Glasgow, it’s beautiful but you’re exposed to the elements quite a bit. You’ve got a walk from the car park, then once you’re onsite the office is a different door to the kitchen, which has a different door to the bathroom which in turn has a different door to the classrooms… you catch my drift.
So often you’re going from a cold and wet outdoors to the dry heat of the office then back out for each cup of coffee – it takes a toll on your skin. I don’t wear a lot of makeup to work, unless I have a meeting or delivery, so often I’ll do my skincare at home, then let it sink in and when I get to work apply a thick layer of Nivea’s Daily Essentials 24H Moisture Boost + Nourish. I’ve used lots of Nivea products in the past and have never had any issues, but I particularly like this cream and how heavy it is.
Lastly, the moisturiser I was using prior to purchasing the No7 one is the Boots Vitamin C Day Cream. I was using this with the corresponding Night cream – which I still use most nights If I don’t fall asleep with a mask on – and can’t rate these highly enough. Each tub is just £4 and lasts forever, it claims to brighten skin within 14 days and to be honest I’m not going to dispute these claims, lovely and light with a fragrance to match I actually really enjoy using these creams.
For such a low price point I wasn’t expecting too much, but my skin is left soft and glowy with no dryness to be found. This I probably would repurchase as it’s so effective and affordable, in fact I find that boots have really knocked it out the park with their own range promoting affordable skincare.
When it comes to facial oils I’m still a little dubious. I tried using Bio Oil on my face as a teenager and the breakout that followed isn’t worth thinking about.
I have however ventured – albeit tentatively – into this world with Superdrug’s Squalane Booster.
I’ve heard a lot of talk about Squalane, primarily from one of my favourite skincare gurus Baby.Skin, so I tried this out and actually really like it. It aims to nourish and smooth while improving tone and radiance; I can say with my hand on heart that since spending more time and putting effort on my skin each of these claims are true.
I no longer feel that my face has super high colouring or patches where the tone bothers me – so for another super affordable product, I’m happy with it.
What do you think of my product recommendations so far? Have you tried any of these or are you considering – let me know!