Garnier (Skin Naturals) – Hydra Essential

For some reason I friggin adore Garnier more and more. Their products are economic, simple, based on natural ingredients/extracts and principles (by which I am not saying that they are made of only natural ingredients etc), and more importantly they deliver. They actually do what they say. I particularly adore their face creams, and I even like their simple, clean cut packagings.

And then, they are just so compatible. With me, my taste and needs. And with the Clinique 3 Step System.

Some time ago when I went to buy my beloved and trustworthy Body Sensitive Lotion, my eyes got caught on the moisturizer in today’s post and  I had an idea. The exfoliating tonic in the Clinique 3 Step System is pretty unique in my opinion, and I do not really know of any product that could either complement or replace it. Particularly not an economic one. I think it is pretty much the key to the whole program, and it works like nothing else. I have now since years been using a keratolitic (read exfoliating) cream on my forehead in order to prevent bumps and clogged pores form La Roche Posay but also Bioclin, and neither of them works as well as the Clinique exfoliating lotion. I mean they are good, but not this good.

The mild soap and moisturizer however should not be too difficult to imitate, and that way making the actual 3 step kit last a bit longer (although this messes completely up the calculations I wanted to make in order to see the cost per day of the products). My idea was, that if I buy a cheaper face detergent and moisturizer from Garnier, I can complement the Clinique products and by using these pieces alternatively (excluding the exfoliating lotion which I use twice a day as normally) make the 3 step kit last longer. What is really wonderful about my idea? That it actually works.

I bought the Garnier Hydra Essential moisturizer for 4,50 EUR. Yes people. 4,50 EUR (new product in  Acqua E Sapone). It is a product aimed at all skin types and it promises to moisturize, illuminate and smoothen skin. It is basically a multi-active, anti aging moisturizer. 24h moisturization, anti oxidant ingredients, shea butter and anti aging vegetal extracts (like caffeine, grape and hydrolyzed hazelnut proteins that are actually present on the ingredient list) all seem like mighty big words for the price tag, but this cream works! When I apply this after the Clinique exfoliating lotion my skin feels good, it is soft to the touch and very comfortable. It is also smooth and just generally very happy. Moreover it does not suffer from the “confusion” of me applying at times Hydra Essential, at times DDML.

The cream itself is not too heavy, as a matter of fact I expected something much creamier, while it is almost of a gel like texture. I guess this is on purpose so to make it more suitable for all skin types. Regardless of this though it moisturizes really well, and when I feel like I need more, I just massage in some extra. It is nicely soft, and goes in easily. Even if you “layer” it, it does not leave you sticky. The color is slightly peachy (I guess so to match the honey colored packaging), and it has a fresh fruity scent. Nothing overpowering though.

The little plastic jar it comes in is very light and sturdy, which makes is great for traveling too.

What else to say? I love it, and am very happy to have found this lovely economic item.