Moisturizer Madness
I have recently gone on a rampage testing out new moisturizers. Until this point, I have been a dedicated user of ProActiv's Green Tea Moisturizer, but I am now in my mid-20s and feel as if I should switch to a more well-rounded product with other benefits.
I tried 8 new products and have provided some detailed information on them below - plus my two cents! I tried a variety of ones I have heard of, ones that have won awards, high-end products and cheaper products. They can all be found at Sephora, Ulta or Birchbox. I have decided on two winners; one for a lighter, summer product and one for a thicker winter cream. The boscia Sake Balm took 1st place for the daily/morning use and the fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Cream won me over as a thicker, winter product!
boscia Sake Balm $46
This is a gel-textured moisturizer enriched with sake. It has hydrating and brightening benefits and reduces wrinkles without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, color or preservatives!
I was so skeptical of putting sake on my face (I hate the way it tastes!), but this was my favorite of all the ones I tried!
Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet $39
This is a cream that moisturizes sensitive skin without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. It uses grape seed antioxidants and chamomile along with peptides for a painkilling effect.
I liked this one a lot, and I use this brand's face wash, makeup remover and hand cream. It's good for a light moisturizing day cream but it is not thick enough for a night cream.
Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Hydrating Gel $24
This is a lightweight gel moisturizer with green tea and cucumber extracts along with vitamins C and E. It is supposed to have a cooling sensation as well to soothe skin.
I thought this smelled really good, and it was a nice, light gel moisturizer. I love green tea and cucumber, but it is full of ingredients I am unfamiliar with.
Ole Henriksen Truth Creme $48
This is a thicker creme that is supposed to brighten, firm and moisturize. It has vitamin C and boosts collagen - promoting cell turnover to minimize wrinkles. It is free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. This has orange and vanilla but it smelled like sunblock and oranges to me. It was a nice moisturizer and lasted a long time; however, I did develop a blemish after using this.
DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew $42
This is lightweight and is supposed to replace moisture without clogging pores and is even for acne-prone skin types. It has aloe vera, vitamins A, C and E and grape seed extract.
It has no scent and is a light gel for good summer moisture without leaving you shiny. It does contain alcohol to battle shine, and it also gave me a blemish.
Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream $12
This is a heavier night cream that is thick and has a fresh scent. It is free of sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes and phthalates.
This is great for harsh winters, or if you are trying to save instead of splurge.
belif The true cream - aqua bomb $38
This is a gel- cream is supposed to minimize pores for normal to combination skin. It is lightweight and is a blend of apothecary herbs to help neutralize free radicals. It is free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It is also free of synthetic preservatives, dyes and fragrances.
I thought it was a nice, light moisturizer I would consider using in the summer. However, to me this smelled like a cross of Pine-Sol and toothpaste.
fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream $42
This is an anti-aging, 24-hour moisturizer the is meant for all skin types. It is supposed to minimize aging with its Super 7 Complex to boost radiance and hydration while working against wrinkles and to preserve collagen. It is free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
This is very thick and rich and a little goes a long way. It smells like an odd cucumber scent, which i generally love but i was unsure on this one. It really did work for 24-hour hydration. This was my top pick for a winter/anti-aging product!