Exfoliating Cleansers I Love

I am a big fan of Exfoliating cleansers because I like the feeling of a smooth skin. Gone are the days when anyone ever used the St Ives Apricot Scrub on the face as people are now more aware of what's best for their skin and I think social media may be a part of that awareness. When it comes to exfoliating cleansers,  I look for products that contain ingredients  that work well for exfoliating the skin which are not abrasive and drying. I have three exfoliating cleansers that are on rotation and I have enjoyed using them. They are gentle on my skin and my skin feels smooth after each use. Some of these exfoliating cleansers can be used everyday because they are gentle but it's always best to do what works for your skin.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Range Review

Back in October, I was very kindly invited for a Hydro Boost Facial with A-List Celebrity Super Facialist Nuz Shugaa (check out her Instagram). I was excited because I love facials (who doesn't?) and it was going to be my first Neutrogena Facial. I chose the Tokyo Hydroboost Facial and I had such a great time. I loved the venue and I felt  super relaxed despite having a somewhat stressful/manic day at work. Nuz Shugaa is such a lovely lady and I absolutely enjoyed my facial with her because she made me feel at home. We chatted away like old friends even though we had not met before.




I can't remember all the steps to the facial (even though she explained each step all the way) . However, I know a good facial when I am fully relaxed and that's exactly how I felt. After the facial, my skin felt very hydrated and supple and I just wanted to go straight to bed. She used all the products from the Neutrogena Hydrobost range and I could not wait to try out the range for myself.




I was very kindly gifted almost all the products from the range. I also purchased a few more products so I could fully experience the entire range. I have been trying out this range for a while and I want to share my thoughts on each product. It's going to be a long post and I hope you enjoy this long read with a nice cup of your fave drink......



Brief Overview of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Range
As the name suggests, the Hydro Boost range is designed to boost the hydration of your skin and maintain it through the day. According to the Neutrogena website, the range replenishes water and helps improve the skin's moisture barrier resulting in smooth hydrated skin. To achieve this claim, the range is infused with a unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix which instantly locks in intense hydration in the skin and releases it through the day. Of course, I was intrigued by this description and I dedicated an entire month incorporating as many products as possible to see how well the entire range worked for my skin. For reference purposes, my skin is combination-oily, dehydrated and prone to blemishes and hyper pigmentation. I love how there's a good number of products within the range to help you stick to a complete skincare routine. The products in the Hydro Boost range include the Hydro Boost Gelee Milk Cleanser*, Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser*, Hydro Boost Exfoliator Smoothing Gel*, Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser*, Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturiser*, Hydro Boost Micellar Water, Hydro Boost Cleansing Facial Wipes*, Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Lotion* (with SPF 25) and Hydro Boost Eye Awakening Gel Cream. I wish they had a toner or essence and a serum as that would have completely nailed this entire collection. However,  I am still happy they covered many products that are used in a regular skincare routine. The range has a slight fragrance which I actually really like but I think it is important to always mention that in reviews for people who are sensitive to fragrances. I do have to mention that it is not overpowering or overwhelming at all; it's just a lovely subtle scent.




Packaging
Can we just give a round of applause to Neutrogena for the lovely packaging for this range? I think anything blue makes me feel serene and relaxed. The blue shade reminds me of a blue ocean or maybe a blue sky in Spring. The individual packaging of each product is very practical, travel friendly and non-messy. My favourite packaging has to be the Water Gel and the Gel-Cream. They are sturdy and well made yet very light and travel-friendly. The pumps on the cleansers have a lock system to prevent any mess when you are travelling or if you have small kids who want to play with your skincare products. I really like the packaging and it feels a little more luxurious than the other Neutrogena products I have tried.




Hydro Boost Cleansing Facial Wipes* //Link // £4.99 (on offer for £2.49)
I had to actually purchase a second pack of the wipe because I really enjoyed it. I only like about 2 or 3 Makeup Wipes out there and this has now entered the list of my favourite makeup wipes. Neutrogena describes it as a soft wipe infused with a cleansing lotion that removes makeup including waterproof makeup while quenching the skin with a vital boost of hydration. I absolutely agree that it is great at removing my makeup including my waterproof eye makeup. It does not leave my skin stripped or dry which usually happens with some makeup wipes. I do have to use at least two wipes to take off my makeup and eye makeup. However, I think one wipe may be enough if you don't wear eye makeup. I love that the seal/lid at the top sticks well to prevent the wipes from losing their moisture. I find that some wipes have a weak lid/seal so the wipes end up losing their moisture and become a pain to use. However, that's not the case with these Neutrogena wipes.



Hydro Boost Micellar Water // Link  //£7.99 (on offer for £3.99)
I purchased this product because I love Micellar waters. I do have my favourite Micellar Waters but I was keen to try out the Hydro Boost one especially for its hydrating properties. Neutrogena describes it as a unique cleanser that gently removes makeup while quenching the skin with a boost of vital hydration. I love how slim the packaging is and you get a decent amount of product in it (200ml). I find it very hydrating and refreshing to use which is just what I need after a long day at work. I never use a micellar water or wipe as my only cleanser as I don't believe my skin can feel clean with just one method. No matter how tired I am, I always opt for a double cleanse. However, this is a good makeup remover. It is not great at removing my waterproof eye makeup but it does a pretty good job at removing the rest of my makeup. I have to use quite a few cotton pads to take off all my makeup and I only ever use one or two. I would say it will work best for anyone who does not wear makeup or a lot of makeup. With the added hydrating boost it gives, I think it is worth a try if you have dry skin.



Hydro Boost Eye Awakening Gel Cream // Link // £12.99 (on offer for £8.66)
I was looking out for a new eye cream so when Nuz Shugaa used this on me during the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Tokyo Facial, I was completely sold. I went straight into Boots after the facial to purchase this and I am such a big fan. I love the compact packaging and it lets out the right amount of product I need. Neutrogena describe it as a shot of instant hydration that instantly replenishes the skin around the under eye area using their Hyaluronic Gel Matrix. I love the gel texture which feels really refreshing on the skin. It is lightweight (which is expected for eye creams) and applies smoothly around the eye area. It feels very silky and it definitely provides much needed hydration to my under eye area. When I use it in the morning, it really helps my concealer apply smoother with less creasing. For the price, I think it does a good job and I have been reaching for it a little more than my regular eye creams.


Hydro Boost Gelee Milk Cleanser* // Link // £7.99 (on offer for £5.33)
I was excited to see that Neutrogena had included two different cleansers in the Hydro Boost range. They do look quite similar especially as they come in very similar packaging. However, they work for different purposes. Neutrogena describes the Gelee Milk Cleanser as an innovative cleanser which combines the lightness of a gel with the efficacy of a cleansing milk. It is basically a gel/cleansing milk hybrid and I found that very interesting. I tend to reserve this cleanser for my morning cleanse as it really soothes my skin leaving it very fresh, soft and ready for the day. I don't think it is great at removing makeup compared to the Water Gel Cleanser which is why I prefer it for mornings or pamper days. I love how it feels against my skin and I tend to use my fingers compared to my usual beauty tools. With my fingers, I am able to work it into my skin and massage my skin. I rinse off with either warm water or cold water and I am ready for the rest of my skincare. It does not leave any greasy residue on my skin which I love because some cleansing milks tend to do that. I actually enjoyed using this more than I thought I would. If you like the Glossier Milky Gelly Cleanser, you would totally love the Neutrogena Gelee Milk Cleanser.



Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser* // Link //£7.99 (on offer for £5.33)
This is one of my favourite products from their entire range. I love the simple and practical packaging complete with a pump. Whenever a cleanser has a pump, it totally wins my heart because it means I have greater control of the amount of product I need to use. Neutrogena describes this cleanser as an innovative lightweight gel that activates with water to lather away dirt and makeup while providing a boost of hydration. I absolutely agree with this description because it really captures how this cleanser works. I am all for gel cleansers because I personally feel they are better suited for my combination-oily skin. Although my skin is combination-oily, it tends to feel dehydrated so I prefer hydrating cleansers that don't strip of my skin of any moisture it has managed to cling onto. I am so pleased with this cleanser because it is easy to use and it works well with both my fingers or with a cleansing device (mainly my FOREO Luna Mini). It lathers well (but not in a crazy way) and it feels great on the skin. My skin always feels clean and hydrated after each use and I look forward to using it everyday. I tend to use this more in the evening because I feel it works slightly better at cleansing my skin than the Gelee Cleansing Milk which I use in the morning.


Hydro Boost Smoothing Exfoliating Gel* // Link // £7.99 (on offer for £5.33)
I am a huge fan of anything exfoliating but I am more into chemical exfoliating lotions rather than physical/manual ones. However, I recently started getting back into gel exfoliators or exfoliating cleansers and I am loving them. I was really excited to try this Hydro Boost Smoothing Exfoliating Gel because it reminded me of the Murad AHA/BHA Cleanser which is my all time favourite cleanser. Neutrogena describes this exfoliating gel as an innovative gel with soft, naturally derived microbeads that gently exfoliates and removes impurities while providing a boost of hydration. I tend to use this twice a week or more depending on how my skin is feeling. The microbeads are very gentle so if you have sensitive skin you would love this as it is not abrasive at all. This is also one of my favourite products because it is easy to use, you can feel results (soft and smooth skin) and it washes off easily. You don't feel any microbeads residue on your face which is plus for me.



Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser* // Link //£12.99 (on offer for £8.66)
This was the first product I was drawn to when I initially heard about the range. It must have been on a USA YouTuber's channel and I told myself I need to try it when it launches in the UK. I am so glad Neutrogena has two options for moisturiser in this range and they are both super hydrating. Neutrogena describes as a refreshing water-gel moisturiser that contains a unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix that instantly locks in intense hydration and releases it through the day. I love the packaging so much and it looks/feels expensive. The texture is absolutely beautiful and sinks in so well into my skin. It feels like my skin is having a nice drink of water whenever I use it. My skin feels really soft and smooth and ready for the rest of my skincare or makeup. It does not feel tacky or greasy (it is oil-free) at all; it's just straight up hydration. I prefer to use this during the day because it feels lightweight and does not interfere with the rest of my makeup. If anything, it helps prepare my skin better for my makeup.




Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturiser* // Link // £12.99 (on offer for £8.66)
The Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturiser is very similar to the Water Gel Moisturiser but they do have different textures. They come in similar packaging which is nice. It would have been great if there was a slight difference to separate them from each other. It has the same description as the Water Gel Moisturiser and I believe they work in a similar way. The main difference is their texture. The Gel Cream feels slightly thicker than the Water Gel Moisturiser however it is lighter than many other cream moisturisers that I own. I love using it at night because I feel it locks in more moisture to my skin. It also feels refreshing when you apply it which is what I need for my night time skincare routine. Although it feels slightly thicker than the Water Gel version, it does not sit uncomfortably on the skin at all and it is also oil-free. If you have extra dry skin and you want any extra boost of long lasting hydration, I will highly recommend checking this out.



Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Lotion* // Link  //£12.99
Lastly, I have got the Hydro Boost City Shield Lotion with SPF 25 which I was surprised to see because I did not know the Hydro Boost range had a sunscreen. I am so pleased that they do. Neutrogena describes it as a hydrating lotion formulated with hyaluronic acid which replenishes the skin with a boost of hydration that improves the skin's barrier against aggressive external factors. It also contains antioxidants which helps protect the skin from pollution. For sunscreen, it is developed with Helioplex which delivers superior protection against UVA and UVB damage.



The lotion itself has a light blue colour which made me slightly apprehensive as I did not want to have a blue or white cast after I applied it. Thankfully, it sinks in smoothly and I don't get flashbacks or white/blue cast. I am not sure how it would behave if you have very dark skin but I think it would be okay. The reason I love it is because it is non-greasy, non-tacky and does not sit heavy/greasy on my skin. I can apply it in the morning and do my makeup straight after because it gets easily absorbed. If you wanted to get an all in one product from this range, I will suggest checking this out because it provides hydration, moisturises and protects the skin.



Where to buy // Link
You can find out more about the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range on their website and it is sold in various drug stores including Boots, Superdrug, etc. You can also find the range in Sainsbury's, ASDA, etc. I tend to buy any repurchases from any store that has a reasonable offer. Most times, it's usually half price, buy one get one off or 3 for 2. There is always an offer going on so keep an eyeout for them. I just noticed that Boots (at time of posting this) are currently having a 1/3rd off offer which is amazing. This is such a great time to stock up and I have linked to Boots below. Even at full price, I think they are reasonably priced for the quality you get (majority of them are under £10 and a few are under £15).


Overall Thoughts
I love all the products I got to try from the Hydro Boost range but I certainly have my favourites. The Water Gel Cleanser, Water Gel Moisturiser, Smoothing Exfoliator Gel and Awakening Eye Gel Cream are my favourites and will repurchase those when I run out. I hope you have enjoyed this post and thanks for sticking with me through this long post. Have you tried the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range?
*Gifted PR Sample + Affiliate Links used, read my full disclaimer here

Neutrogena Spot Proofing Range

I have had a backlog of posts in my drafts so do bear with me if this week 's posts are just skincare. Majority of the products I will be talking about this week have been tested and tried since May but I am only getting around to writing about them now. Today's skincare is a brand that I love and some of these products have been featured already at some point. It's none other than Neutrogena. When my Acne was getting on my last nerves, Neutrogena Visibly Clear range was one of the skincare brands that helped my skin. I have spoken about some of these products here, here , here and here. They kindly sent me some products from their revamped Spot Proofing range and I was keen to see what had changed. I have tried out this range for more than a month now so I want to share my thoughts.

Overview of the Neutrogen Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Range
Neutrogena has always been a very innovative beauty brand that develops products that work for different skin types. They have a good number of products but the Visibly Clear range will always be my favourite. Neutrogena has combined cleansing innovation and powerful spot fighting technology to develop their Spot Proofing Range. The range is designed to prevent the skin from breaking out and treating the skin if any spots manage to show up. The great thing about this range is that it is gentle enough such that most of the skin's essential nutrients are still left intact even while it is protecting the skin against spots. The range consists of five products which include: Spot Proofing Daily Wash*, Spot Proofing Daily Scrub, Spot Proofing Purifying Toner,* Spot Proofing Daily Moisturiser* and Spot Proofing 2-in-1 Wash-Mask*. Some of the spot proofing ingredients the products in the range contain include Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid which I love on their own or combined in products because they are very effective. You can find out more about the range here. I was very kindly sent almost the entire range and I incorporated them into my skincare routine to see how well they worked.



Packaging
Neutrogena Visibly Clear range packaging has always been simple and easy to use which is what I like. I love the orange colour theme and for some reason, it reminds me of summer. I love that the Facial Wash has a sturdy pump which makes it easy to dispense/use. The pump has a lock on it which I have put to the test by travelling twice with it and there were no accidents or splillages. I won't say all the products are travel friendly with regards to their size (not the design) as they are at least 100ml or more. However, I think this works out as a good thing because you get more for your money. The only exception is the Daily Moisturiser which is only 50 ml and slots well into my travel skincare bag so I would classify it as travel-friendly.  Overall, I think they have very practical packaging. I also love their packaging of the other products including their Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash with lovely illustrations (I refill this bottle because this is my favourite packaging they have done).



Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Daily Wash* //Link //£4.99
The only Daily Wash I had tried from Neutrogena was the Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash which I really enjoyed. I was very open to trying another Daily Wash from Neutrogena and I have to say I have been really impressed with this one. I already mentioned that it comes with a pump which I love; in fact anything with a pump is a winner in my books. It has a slight fragrance (quite pleasant) but it does not linger and has not irritated my skin. I use it in the morning and night to cleanse my skin along with either my FOREO Luna* or Magnitone Bare Skin Cleansing Brush*. Depending on how wet your face is prior to use, you may get different levels of lather. I would say it is mid-level when it comes to forming a good lather which may be both good and bad depending on your preference. I personally prefer a good amount of lather especially in the evenings when I am also taking off my makeup.


The great thing about the Spot Proofing Daily Wash is that my skin never ever feels stripped which is fantastic. I personally feel that the more lather there is in a facial wash, the higher the chances of my skin feeling stripped after use. Thankfully, Neutrogena has found a nice middle ground to provide good cleansing without stripping the skin from its natural oils and moisture levels. I find my skin well cleansed each time I use it and I have truly enjoyed using it. I recently went to Scotland for a break and I had to bring it along with me because it's just been one of my favourites.



Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner* //Link //£4.99
I previously owned the Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control Toner which really works wonders whenever I break out but it contains alcohol so I always use it with caution. I could not wait to try the Spot Proofing Purifying Toner mainly because it does not contain alcohol and it is suitable for sensitive skin. It has a very faint pleasant fragrance which I don't mind at all; some may not even notice. I have to say this is one of my favourite products from the range and I am so delighted I got to try it. First off, it is very effective at preventing and treating spots because it contains Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid and Citric Acid.


It's very difficult to find products that are designed to treat spots without stinging or irritating the skin however this is one toner that is super gentle with no stinging or irritation. Another skin benefit I have noticed is an immediate glow to my skin after use. Initially, I did not think much of it but with each use, I noticed this glow. I had to go back to check the ingredients list to see what may be responsible and I think it may be the Glycerin. It really gives such a healthy glow and I am really impressed by it. If you have been searching for a good acne/spot busting toner, I will highly recommend giving this a try.



Visibly Clear  Spot Proofing Daily Moisturiser* // Link //£4.99
This is another favourite product in the range for me and I have used the previous version for years in fact it has been featured in quite a few monthly and yearly favourites. I introduced this moisturiser to my sister and mum because I saw great results with it. First off, it is an oil-free formula which means it gets absorbed easily, hydrates and moisturises my skin. As I have combination-oily skin, the formula gives me so much joy because it does not interfere with my skin's oil balance and my makeup glides on so well.



Similar to the other products in the range, it also contains Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid which work into the pores of the skin to unclog them. It means you are getting both a treatment and a moisturiser in one product which is pure bliss. The texture is a lovely one which absorbs well into the skin with minimal effort. I would not say it is the most hydrating formula I have ever tried but it provides an adequate amount for my skin type. This is one product that I always have backups in my stash and now that this new formula has been developed, I will be stocking up. I have not noticed any difference between this formula and the previous version which I guess is a good thing because they both work well.



Visibly Clear Spot Proofing 2-in-1 Wash-Mask* // Link //£4.99
I love products that serve two purposes so the 2-in-1 Mask was a welcome addition to my stash. It can be used both as a foamy daily cleanser or as a mask. On days when I need extra lather or I feel my skin requires a deep cleanse, I reach for the 2-in-1 Mask and it does an excellent job. However, I do find myself reaching more for it as a mask because I love the texture and how it feels on my skin. As a mask, I apply it to cleansed skin and leave it on for at least 10 minutes because I want it to have ample time to work. It contains skin loving ingredients including Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Bentonite and Kaolin amongst other ingredients.



These ingredients help draw out any impurities in the skin and leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh. It also contains Menthol which gives it a slight tingling feeling which many people don't mind because it makes them feel like the product is working. I don't mind either at all as far as it does not irritate my skin. I have really enjoyed this mask so much more than I thought I would. I tend to use it more when I am approaching the end of my cycle to prevent any breakout and I have seen remarkable results.


Where to Buy
You can purchase the entire range from Boots, Superdrug and other beauty retailers both online and in-store. I normally purchase them whenever any of the beauty stores have offers and I always get a great deal. Even without offers, they come at a really affordable price (from £4.99) and it is somehow difficult to imagine that such an effective range does not break the bank.


Overall Thoughts
I am so glad I got a chance to try the Spot Proofing range and I think what stands out is how gentle and effective they are on the skin. I love that Neutrogena has created this range for people who may not have gotten well with their previous spot preventing ranges due to their sensitive skin. I will highly recommend giving this range a try if you are having a tough time with regular or random spots. That's pretty much it from me today. Have you tried the Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Range?
*PR Samples + Affiliate Links, read my full disclaimer here