We all know the mantra: cleanse, tone and moisturize. But is the last step really necessary for everyone? Contrary to popular belief, no. Not everyone needs a moisturizer. But what is a moisturizer anyway? A moisturizer is a product especially designed to improve the moisture levels of the skin and repair its natural protective layer thus keeping it hydrated and soft. Now, our skin already produces its own moisturizer, which is called sebum, but sometimes this alone just isn’t enough to keep skin naturally moisturized and a moisturizer is needed. But when? And who needs to use to it?

Who doesn’t need a moisturizer

If you have normal skin, then your skin is already producing the right amount of sebum it needs to keep it moisturized and thus, using a moisturizer isn’t really needed. The only exception is when, under extreme environmental conditions (like when the weather is too cold for instance), the skin’s protective barrier gets damaged and skin becomes unable to retain the moisture it needs. In this case, you need a moisturizer to replenish the moisture that’s been lost and repair the skin’s barrier. Those with oily skin too don’t need to use a moisturizer. That’s because oily skin produces too much sebum on its own and, as annoying as that may be, it ensures that your skin already has all the moisture it needs. Using a moisturizer in this case, may make skin worse and greasier, not better.

Who needs a moisturizer

People with combination skin need a moisturizer only on those areas of their face that are dry. That’s usually the cheeks, so they should apply a moisturizer there and skip the oilier T-zone. It’s those with dry skin who need moisturizers the most and it’s mainly for them that these products are designed. Dry skin simply doesn’t produce enough sebum to keep skin naturally moisturized, is often flaky and feels tight. People with dry skin need to use a moisturizer daily to keep their skin in good condition.

Don’t confuse moisturizers with antiaging products

There seems to be a popular belief that moisturizers are formulated to prevent and fight premature aging. That’s not true. Not always anyways. The ingredients that help fight the signs of aging are retinoids, antioxidants and sunscreen agents and most moisturizers on the market either don’t contain them or contain them in concentrations that are too small to be effective. Thus, most of them are just basic formulas that replenish lost moisture and repair the skin’s protective barrier, which are important functions, but not needed by everyone. If you have oily or normal skin, you’d want to skip a moisturizer and invest in a good antiaging serum instead.

The bottom line

Moisturizers are products designed to improve the skin’s moisture levels, and as such they are needed only when skin doesn’t produce enough sebum (its natural moisturizer) on its own. Some people may never need a moisturizer, others may need it only in winter but not in summer, while others may need to slather it on only on some areas of the face and not on others. As a general rule, you should apply moisturizer only when (and where) your skin feels dry, tight and looks flaky. Otherwise skip a moisturizer and only use an antiaging serum instead. You’ll save money and your skin will thank you.

Do you use a moisturizer?

Name: Prime Rughe Crema Multivitaminica Idratante ACE Plus
Brand: Venus
Size: 50ml
Price: €5,20

From the packaging:
Longlasting hydration. Fights first wrinkles and free radicals. Creates a special microclimate on the skin that protects against UV rays, pollution and fluctuations in temperature. Contains a special optic corrector that minimizes first wrinkles and evens out skin imperfections.

What I liked:
- moisturizes skin for hours
- makes skin brighter and firmer
- good formula full of vitamins and niacinamide
- the price

What I didn’t like:
- jar packaging is not hygienic and can compromise the efficacy of the ingredients
- contains bad preservatives
- the smell is horrible

Can I just start this review by saying that I’m shocked that Venus doesn’t have an online website? I mean, it’s 2011 and this Italian brand has been around ever since I can remember and they still don’t have a website?! WTF?! How are people supposed to be up-to-date with all their latest news? Don’t they realize what great opportunity to promote their brand and engage with their fans they’re missing out on?

Now that I got that out of my system, let’s get started with the proper review. Venus Prime Rughe Cream Multivitaminica Idratante ACE Plus (Venus First Wrinkles Multivitaminic Hydrating Cream Ace Plus, what a long name, huh?) is a pale yellowish salmon color and has a lightweight and velvety consistency that spreads easily on the skin and absorbs immediately without leaving any oily or greasy residue behind. It also has a strong and horrible smelly scent that lingers for a while, which I hate, but you get used to it after a while.

The instructions say to apply the cream every morning, but because it contains retinol which is broken down by sunlight, I prefer to use it as a night cream. It could be used during the day too as long as you you wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (which is something you should do anyway). After about a month of use, I can safely say that I’m very happy with how this cream has performed on my skin. When I wake up in the mornings, my skin is still very soft and hydrated. In addition, fines lines appear temporarily reduced while my skin looks brighter and has actually become firmer. Very impressive, especially since the price is so cheap!

The reason why this cream works so well is because of its formula. It is silicone-based but contains Vitamins E and C (Tocopheryl Acetate and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) to fight free radicals and help prevent premature aging, and Vitamin A (Retinol), which is one of the very few ingredients that has been proved to reduce overtime fine lines and wrinkles while also exfoliating skin. In addition, it also contains Niacinamide, which does pretty much everything from hydrating skin to reducing water loss to improve elasticity. And none of them is listed at the very end of the ingredient list so their concentrations are just about enough to do something!

However, I have a major issue with this cream: the packaging. Antioxidants, and Retinol in particular considering it is not a very stable form of Vitamin A, need to be packaged in a tube for them to work properly. These ingredients, when packaged in a jar and are thus exposed to light and air, will degrade overtime and lose their efficacy. So, even though after a month, the jar is still almost full as you need so little, by the time the product runs out, its antiaging benefits may have disappeared. I really don’t understand why companies bother to come up with great formulas if they then comprise them with such horrible packaging.

Another problem I have with the formula is that it is uses Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone as preservatives, which can be irritating. I didn’t experience any negative reactions but still there are milder and still effective preservatives out there that could have been used instead. All in all, though, I think this is a great cream badly packaging. If they changed the jar to a tube I would definitely repurchase but as it is, I’d rather try something else next time.

Available at: Italian supermarkets

Summary
Venus Prime Rughe Crema Multivitaminica Idratante ACE Plus is rich in Vitamins A, C and E and Niacinamide that will hydrate and firm skin, help fight premature aging, make wrinkles and fine lines appear smaller. However, the jar packaging compromises their efficacy overtime. The texture is lightweight and quickly absorbs but the scent is horrible. Because not everyone can tolerate Retinol, I think that considering the price, this cream is an inexpensive way to know if this ingredient can work for you or if it will just irritate your skin. But if Retinol works for you and you’re just looking for a good product that contains it, then you’d be better off with a product packaged in a tube which will keep it stable and effective overtime.

Rating: 3/5

Name: Skin Repair Moisturizer Normal/Combination
Brand: Liz Earle
Size: 50ml
Price: $17.60

From Liz Earle’s website:
This perfectly balanced moisturiser softens, smoothes and conditions skin for a naturally healthy glow.

What I liked:
- very moisturizing, leaves skin soft and hydrated
- absorbs quickly
- didn’t make me breakout
- lovely scent
- available in several sizes and packaging
- the price

What I didn’t like:
- doesn’t control oil production
- doesn’t contain SPF

I’m still looking for a HG moisturizer to take proper care of my combination skin and, being a huge fan of Liz Earle products, I was very happy when I was given the chance to try their Skin Repair Moisturizer. It is available in several versions (normal/combination, oily/combination and dry/sensitive) and I have the normal/combination one.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer Normal/Combination is a pale yellow in color and has a consistency that’s not light but not too thick either. Those that have a particularly oily t-zone may find it a bit too heavy to use during the summer months, but now in winter I don’t have any problem with the consistency at all, especially since the cream absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind.

I find the cream to be very moisturizing, leaving my skin soft, smooth and hydrated for the entire day. Although I cannot say this moisturizer has visibly improved the appearance of my skin, it didn’t make it worse either. It didn’t irritate my skin nor cause breakouts, but simply does what any good moisturizer should: it hydrates skin, preventing it from drying out, and keeps it soft and looking good. It also has a lovely floral, clean scent that’s not too strong.

However, I have one gripe with this moisturizer: it doesn’t control oil production at all. After a couple of hours, shiny patches in my t-zone start to appear and I have to use oil-blotting sheets several times throughout the day to remove excess oil. I also wish the cream contained SPF, but I apply sunscreen daily anyway, so the lack of sun protection in this product isn’t a big concern for me.

Like all Liz Earle products, this moisturizer also comes in different sizes and packaging types. If you don’t like your skincare products to come in jars, then instead of purchasing the 50ml version that I have (which retails at £17.60), you can opt for the 50ml tube (£17.50) which is more hygienic. And if you wanna try a smaller version to see how it works for you before buying the full size, you can purchase the 15ml tube for only £6.65!

Available at: lizearle.com

Summary
Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer Normal/Combination is a nice moisturizer for those with normal/combination skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, hydrated and moisturized for the entire day. It smells lovely and doesn’t cause breakouts either. I also love that it is available in different sizes and packaging types. However, it doesn’t contain SPF and doesn’t control oil production well.

Rating: 3.5/5

Name: Age Perfect Day Cream
Brand: L’Oreal
Size: 50ml
Price: about €12.00

From L’Oreal website:
Age Perfect’s 1st day cream which helps improve the appearance of skin before, during and after the menopause. The rich, non-greasy texture sinks into skin for immediate and long-lasting hydration.

What I liked:
- rich and dense texture spreads easily and absorbs quickly
- moisturizes skin well
- skin feels soft and smooth for hours
- didn’t make me break out
- contains SPF
- the price

What I didn’t like:
- didn’t significally improve the appearance of my skin
- jar packaging

A few weeks ago, I went to the supermarket with my boyfriend to pick up a few essentials when we bumped into his cousin. She was in the skincare department to illustrate to customers the benefits of some of the L’Oreal creams available and give out some samples as part of a promotion. So after we chatted a bit she handed me a small jar of the L’Oreal Age Perfect Day Cream to try.

Now, the cream is designed for mature skin and I’m only 28 so I may not be the best person to write a review about it but in case any younger ladies want to try it, here are my thoughts about it. The cream is a pale peachy rose in color and has a rich and dense, almost waxy consistency. Because of this, I thought it would be difficult to apply but instead it glides on very smoothly and it’s easy to spread. It also sinks in rapidly into the skin.

I find the cream very moisturizing. It keeps my skin hydrated, soft and smooth for hours and even makes fine lines look smaller. But of course, the effects are only temporary. However, on me personally, this cream performed just like any other good moisturizer does. I liked it a lot but it didn’t wow me. Although this could be because I’m too young to fully experience all the benefits this cream is supposed to have.

One of these is supposed to be its ability to reduce age spots, for example. The cream contains Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate and the small research done so far has proved that this ingredient can inhibit melanin production. Because of this, it can prevent age spots and has skin lightening properties. I don’t have any spots on my skin so I can’t vouch for how well it works but it is reassuring to know that there is some research showing it works.

In addition, the cream contains SPF: Drometrizole Trisiloxane, also called Mexoryl XL and used only in products from brands owned by L’Oreal, absorbs UV radiation and protects both from UVA and UVB rays. However, while I love that this cream has SPF which is always a plus, remember that no cream can completely substitute a good broad spectrum sunscreen so don’t skip that important step!

Available at: supermarkets and drugstores

Summary
Overall, L’Oreal Age Perfect Day Cream is a good cream that moisturizes skin for hours, leaving it soft and smooth. It also contains some sun protection and ingredients that can lighten and prevent age spots. However, this cream didn’t improve my skin that much, but that could be because I’m too young to see any other benefits on my skin.

Rating: 3.5/5

Name: L’Aloe Refresh & Tones Fresh Moisturizing Cream
Brand: L’Erbolario
Size: 50ml
Price: €19,00

From L’erbolario’s website:
A wide variety of external factors can cause redness of the skin of the face: the Aloe juice present in this light cream helps soothe the discomfort, also minimising the affects on appearance, and simultaneously brings its extremely important moisturising and toning effect. On each application, the skin will feel immediately and intensely moisturised, with a pleasantly refreshing sensation which will accompany it throughout the day.

What I liked:
– moisturizes skin and makes it soft
– gives skin a refreshing feeling
– moisturizing action lasts most of the day
– light consistency, absorbs easily
– hygienic packaging that also mentions the expiration date

What I didn’t like:
– didn’t do anything from my skin (apart from hydrating it like all moisturizers do)
– made me break out really badly

I’ve recently had the chance to try a sample size of L’Erbolario L’Aloe Refresh & Tones Fresh Moisturizing Cream thanks to my boyfriend’s mum. She was given it as a GWP by a SA but, after trying it, she decided she didn’t like it so she passed it onto me to see if the product worked better on my skin. After all, we don’t all react the same to a product and what one hates h, another can love. It wasn’t the case this time. Unfortunately, I didn’t like this cream either.

My experience
L’Erbolario L’Aloe Moisturizer is white in color and has a very thin consistency that applies easily and absorbs rapidly into the skin. When you first put it on, it will give your skin a very pleasant refreshing feeling. This is thanks to Aloe Vera, which is the main ingredient in the cream and also has soothing, anti-irritant and antioxidant properties. During the first week of use, I noticed that my skin was hydrated and softer for most of the day, but sadly that was the only benefit I experienced. My skin didn’t feel or look better, was just moisturized, which let’s face it, it’s something that all moisturizers do.

Still, I thought that maybe the cream needed more time to perform its magic, but instead things got worse. Much worse. After the second week, my face was covered in pimples. It was definitely one of the worst breakouts I’ve ever had and consider that I don’t break out easily. Usually the only ingredients that cause me to get pimples are the Palmitates and Myristates (like Isopropyl Palmiate and Myristyl Myistate), but since I’ve stopped using products with those, breakouts almost never happen to me anymore.

And this cream doesn’t even contain those ingredients. Actually it doesn’t contain any ingredients that are considered to be very comedogenic so I’m not sure why it broke me out so badly. But this cream is definitely the culprit as it was the only new product I introduced in my skincare routine and after ceasing its use, my skin is back to normal again. You can find the ingredient list below so you can see for yourself:

Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Aqua, Dicapylyl Ether, Polyglyceryl-3 Methyloglucose Distearate, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hordeum Vulgare Wax, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Glycine Soja Oil, Rosmarinus Officinal Extract, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Palmitic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

Let’s talk about the formula
As you can see, it’s an average formula that is good at moisturizing skin but doesn’t have any other benefits. Yes, a couple of ingredients have antioxidant properties but in my opinion, there are much better formulated products on the market if you’re looking for antiaging products. Also, you probably noticed that the formula isn’t as natural as L’Erbolario products claim to be, although it’s one of the best from L’Erbolario in that respect. Most L’Erbolario products contain more synthetic ingredients. That’s not something that bothers me as I don’t think that natural products are necessarily better than synthetic ones, but if you’re looking for something organic, L’Erbolario products aren’t for you.

The packaging
Finally, a note on the packaging. I like that the cream comes in a tube which makes it more hygienic to use as the product won’t get contaminated with bacteria. In addition, on the side of the tube, you can find the expiration date of the cream and not just the symbol that indicates the cream expires in 6 or 8 months, which is useless if you don’t know when the product was actually made. And how are we supposed to know how long it was on the shelf before we picked it up? No, this cream has the exact expiration date, in this case 03/12, printed on the tube, which is a lot more helpful as you’ll know exactly when it’s time to throw it away.

Available at: L’Erbolario shops

Summary
Overall, I didn’t like L’Erbolario L’Aloe Refresh & Tones Fresh Moisturizing Cream at all cos it broke me out really badly. But even if that hadn’t happened, I doubt I would have given it more than a 3 rating as, apart from moisturizing and giving my skin a fresh feeling, it didn’t do anything else. It’s just an average moisturizer in a hygienic packaging.

Rating: 2/5

Disclaimer: This product was given to me by my boyfriend’s mother as a present (and because she didn’t like it either). The review is based on my own personal and honest experience with the product. For more information, please see my disclaimer.

Hello everyone,

today I thought we could take a look back at some of the topics we discussed this time last year. Enjoy:

Why are preservatives used in cosmetics?: preservatives are a controversial topic in the beauty world as some of them have potential harmful effects. So, why are they used in so many products? Click the link to find out.

How Does Oil Free Moisturizer Work?: oil-free moisturizers are very common on the market and very recommended for those with oily skin. But have you ever wondered how they work and how they are different from regular moisturizers?

How to treat a sunburn: did you spent too much time in the sun without using sunscreen and now have a sunburn? Folllow these simple tips to treat it. And remember sunscreen next time!

Product Review: Labello Star Fruits Strawberry Tinted Lip Balm: this is one of my fave lip balms ever. It’s moisturizing, glossy and gives lips a nice but sheer red tint. And the scent’s wonderful too.

6 Sunscreen Myths Busted!: sunscreen is an essential product all year round but even more so in the summer. But to get the most out it, it’s important to set the record straight on some common misconceptions to make sure you’re using it in the proper way.

How Do Depilatories Work?: depilatories are a common, pain-free way to remove unwanted hair. But do you know how they work and what ingredients are used to dissolve hair? Find out by clicking the link.

Source

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

Name: Shielding Lotion
Brand: Skin MD Natural
Size: 120ml/4oz
Price: $18.00

From Skin MD Natural’s website:
Skin MD Natural is a shielding lotion helping the skin restore its integrity, enhance its protective functions so that the skin is able to heal naturally and regain its youthful appearance. Skin MD Natural works by bonding with cells of the skin’s outermost layer to form what works as an invisible shield. This layer of protection prevents environmental irritants and pollutants from penetrating the skin, while sealing in the skin’s own natural oils and moisture, helping resolve the dry skin condition.

What I liked:
- lightweight
- moisturizing
- makes skin soft
- long-lasting
- no greasy residue
- can be used all over your body
- fragrance-free
- the packaging

What I didn’t like:
- a bit pricey if you consider shipping too

Everyday, I use several moisturizers: one for my face, one for my body, another one for my hands and obviously sunscreen too. So, I’m always on the lookout for a multi-tasking product to save me both time and space in my beauty cabinet.

And Skin MD Natural Shielding lotion does just that as it can be used everywhere on the body, face and hands included! And if you like sunscreen in your skincare products, this Shielding Lotion also comes in a version with SPF 15. But today, I’ll talk about the basic version, without sunscreen, which I truly loved.

The lotion has a very light, gel-like consistency that spreads effortlessly onto the skin, sinking in immediately without leaving any greasy residue behind. Upon application, it gives skin a pleasant soothing and refreshing feeling.

I’ve used it for a whole month on hands, face and body and it leaves my skin silky soft and smooth, like that of a baby, and hydrated for hours. It didn’t irritate or cause breakouts and it worked particularly well on my hands.

I wash them about 50 times a day, so the skin there is often red, cracked and sometimes, bleeding, esp in these cold winter months. But after only a couple of days the lotion soothed and healed my skin, leaving it hydrated and moisturized.

I also like the product is fragrance-free. The lotion still has a light and subtle scent but that’s because each ingredient used in a product has its own odor, so that’s what you are smelling. But no synthetic fragrance was added to the lotion to make it smell in a certain way.

The lotion is water-based and the main ingredient is Aloe Vera which has several benefits for the skin. It has antioxidant and moisturizing properties, improving hydration and binding water in. In addition, it also soothes skin and provides a refreshing feeling when applied.

The product also contains Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone, two silicones that create a protective barrier on the skin, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss. Vitamin E, which is considered a powerful antioxidant, is also present in the formula.

Those who don’t like parabens will be happy to know this lotion is free of them. Instead, it contains a preservative called Phenoxyethanol, which is considered to be mild and doesn’t release formaldehyde.

The packaging is really simple and not particularly appealing but I love that it comes in a bottle, which is more hygienic. And because you only need the tiniest amount the bottle will last for ages. After 1 month of use my bottle is still more than halfway full.

You can purchase the lotion online on Skin MD Natural website for $18.00 plus shipping. They ship worldwide and, for the holidays, you can get up to 30% off on selected purchases.

Summary:
Overall, I’m loving this lotion, which can be used on face, body and hands. It is lightweight, not greasy and absorbs really fast. It soothes skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated for ages. However, some people may think it is a bit expensive, especially if you buy it online and add shipping charges.

Rating: 4/5