Name: Hydra Complete Multi-Level Moisture Creme
Brand: Estee Lauder
Size: 50ml
Price: €40.00
From the packaging:
For normal to combination skin. Instantly quenches skin’s deepest thirst, giving it a feeling of endless hydration.
What I liked:
– hydrates skin
– makes skin very soft and smooth
– temporarily reduces the appearance of wrinkles
– long-lasting
What I didn’t like:
– doesn’t sink in instantly
– doesn’t control oil production too well
– the scent
– the packaging
– the price
Estee Lauder Hydra Complete Multi-Level Moisture Creme is available in two versions: one for normal to dry skin and another for normal to combination skin. Because my skin is combination (oily t-zone, dry cheeks), this review is about the cream for normal/combination skin.
I have to admit that I had high hopes for this cream. I know that moisturizers aren’t miracle products and all they do is hydrate and make skin soft. Maybe provide some anti-aging benefits if they contain a good concentration of antioxidants.
But from an expensive moisturizer, I expected more. After all, if I have to splurge €40 for a cream, it’d better make my skin flawless. Instead, while this is a good product, it’s no better than cheap creams you can find at the drugstore.
White in color, it has a gel-like consistency that is easy to spread on the skin. It takes a few seconds for it to sink in and when it does, my skin feels so smooth and soft, like that of a baby. My skin also feels hydrated for most of the day and the appearance of fine lines is temporarily reduced.
However, there are a couple of things I don’t like about this cream. After application, my dry patches feel tight for several seconds, which is a really uncomfortable sensation. Also, it doesn’t control oil production too well and after a few hours, my t-zone is shiny again. In addition, it has a strong, chemical scent I don’t really like.
I’m not too keen on the packaging either. The cream comes in a blue, see-though jar with a golden lid that looks very classy and glamorous. But I would have preferred if it came in an opaque tube so that I wouldn’t have to put my fingers in the jar every time, risking to contaminate it with bacteria.
Summary
Overall, this is a good moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated and feeling soft for hours. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but the effects are only temporary. However, it leaves dry patches feeling tight, doesn’t control oil production well and is expensive.
Rating: 3.5/5
Disclaimer: years ago, I signed up to receive the official EL newsletter. Sometimes, in them they send you offers to redeem samples of their products, like this cream. The review is based on my own personal and honest experience with the product. For more information, please see my disclaimer.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Yikes, the scent you mentioned will be enough to keep me far from this product.
All Women Stalker, the scent isn’t pleasant. I wouldn’t mind if the cream worked wonders, but it’s just average
Eons ago, I got a sample of this moisturizer during a GWP event. While it is very moisturizing, it gave me nasty pimples. The pink moisturizer from Estee Lauder (sorry I forgot the name), worked better though.
.-= Dao´s last blog ..Pampering Your Puckers with Chapstick Fresh Effects =-.
Dao, it’s a shame it gave you pimples. Now that you mention it, I got a couple of zits recently when using this cream too. They appeared towards the end of my period so I thought it was due to hormones (although it was weird, cos I usually get them a few days before I start and sorry for being so gross), so I didn’t mention it in the review. I wonder if it was due to this cream now but I guess I’ll never know since I’m definitely not purchasing the full size. I’m curious to try the pink one though if I manage to get a sample of it.
for EL, I’d stick to makeup. most high end stuff is best in mu not skin care.
oh…I haven’t tried Estee Lauder skincare product, thanks for sharing this review
.-= Nikki´s last blog ..AMW Reviews: BaByliss Mighty Mini 6-inch Straightening Iron =-.
Jojoba, I agree with you. When I try high end skincare, I usually end up being disappointed. It’s not because the products don’t work, they do, but not better than less expensive products.
Nikki, you’re welcome. This was my first ES skincare product and unfortunately it hasn’t impressed me