Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skincare

I wasn’t especially excited when I heard about the fact that Neutrogena had some new launches arriving as I haven’t really tried much from the range before as nothing as grabbed me.  I’ve seen some great products from Neutrogena that are inexplicably only available in America, whereas we seem to get a very basic, pared down collection from the brand, which is annoying as they have quite the reputation as an affordable, accessible and effective skincare line in The States…maybe that’s all off the back of the new Hydro Boost range as it’s absolutely fantastic and I’m very excited to share it with you!   There are five new products in the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range (the line is more comprehensive in America, go figure) which consists of wipes (boo, hiss), two cleansers – one wash-off, one micellar – and two hydrators; a water gel and a gel cream.  The range has a strong focus on hydration, hence the name, but what’s particularly exciting about the range is that it’s very light, yet very hydrating.  Annoyingly, there are silicones a’plenty in the hydrators which might make some people with especially tricky skin breakout, but as someone who only has to “side eye” certain ingredients to leave with a full face of fresh spots, I can happily report that I’ve had no problems with any of the range.

I have basically ignored the Hydro Boost Cleansing Facial Wipes so far, although I will give them a go at some point as I sometimes like to wipe off my make-up as soon as I get in before going for a full cleanse in the evening, but I haven’t had a chance to try them yet, but if you fancy checking them out they are £4.99 here – link.  The rest of the range I’ve given a good go and I will say that the Hydro Boost Micellar Water is one of my absolute favourites by a mile – it’s great on heavy make-up, melting through everything in it’s path with a few simple swipes, it feels lovely and hydrating on the skin, so if you’ve got to work through heavy duty products with some serious rubbing, you won’t dry your skin out and lastly, it smells really nice! It’s kind of bubblegum-like which I’m guessing is added fragrance, but it’s light and inoffensive. It’s a seriously, seriously good buy for £7.99 here – link. The final remover product is the Hydra Boost Water Gel Cleanser which is nice enough and certainly has it’s place for anyone who likes lightly foaming, wash-off cleansers and it leaves skin feeling lovely – clean and lightly hydrated without any tightness – but I’m someone who loves a balm and I don’t think there’ll ever be a wash-off cleanser that persuades me away from these textures.  It’s £7.99 here – link.

Other than the micellar, the really exciting products are the hydrators.  There’s a lighter one and a slightly heavier one, but to be honest, I think as long as you’re okay with the silicones then even the very spot-prone would be fine with either and these really remind me of the Clinique Moisture Surge range.  The Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser is the lighter of the two and it’s so much like Moisture Surge in that it’s a light gel that really hydrates and can be layered for more impact.  I like to acid tone, then apply a thick layer of this, let it sink in and add another layer.  It’s £12.99 here – link. The final product is the Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturiser, which, as the name accurately suggests, is a richer cream that still has the gel-like feel and finish.  It’s described as suited to extra-dry skin, but I think very dry skin wouldn’t receive a huge benefit from this unless they had layered up on the serums and oils first.  What this is an amazing choice for is those who are dehydrated, post-treatment and generally struggle with getting a good hit of moisture without making other skin problems worse.  I honestly can’t pick between the two as I find them both great for my tricky skin, but as a general rule, I’d say the water gel is best for oily and/or younger skins (or as a sleep mask layered on other products) and the gel cream works for combination types who have a hard time finding balance for their skin.  It’s £12.99 here – link.  The Hydro Boost range is an extremely impressive collection from Neutrogena that really does deliver on it’s promise of hydration and, most importantly, is particularly well suited to awkward skin types that struggle with a multitude of issues.  Nicely done, Neutrogena!

*PR Samples