Product Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

As I have mentioned a lot of times on my previous posts, water-based or gel moisturizers work best for my combination-oily skin. While I fell in love with Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, I have been cheating on it with another moisturizer that pretty much does the same for me and that is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. I luckily won this jar from The Beauty Bin's giveaway a few months ago and I thought it would be best to wait for a few months before finally giving it a review. When it comes to skin care products, I think a day or two or even a week won't be enough to test it, thus, the long wait. Anyway, here is my review now.

What I like:

• I like how "watery" the color of the packaging is. The jar is also pretty sturdy as I've dropped it a few times and it never cracked or shattered.
• This is a non-greasy and lightweight moisturizer. It definitely doesn't make my skin oilier than it is.
• It gets easily absorbed by the skin.
• It doesn't just moisturize my skin - it hydrates it. 
• Texture is a bit more runny than Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and a bit more gel-like as compared to Celeteque Facial Moisturizer. It's just right - not too thick and not too runny or watery either.
• It leaves a semi-matte finish on the skin which makes it a good makeup base, helping my primer and/or foundation glide smoothly.
• The scent initially worried me as it is quite strong but I'm glad that the fragrance in it did not cause any allergic reaction. No break outs either.
• A little goes a long way. A pea-sized amount is enough to cover my entire face and neck.
• I apply this at night and I wake up to a smoother, softer, and more supple skin.
• Works super awesome with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. These two made my skin so much better.
• Since it keeps my skin balanced, it no longer oils up as much as it used to.
• The manufacture and expiry date are visible on the jar.
• Locally available at major department stores and drugstores nationwide.

What I don't like:

• The scent could've been a little less strong or they can simply do away with it. I always apply it in front of a fan so the fragrance would be gone in just a matter of seconds.
• Since the product is in a jar, you'll definitely need a spatula or transfer it to an airless pump bottle for more hygienic ways to use it.
• Does not relieve itch just like the Clinique one does for me but I'm still cool with it as a moisturizer.

Overall rating: 4/5 If the scent isn't that strong, it certainly would've gotten a higher rating from me.

Will I buy again? Yes! It works just like Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (I know! I gotta stop comparing!) as a moisturizer for me and it is cheaper by a few hundreds so I guess this is a cheaper alternative for me. I will repurchase as long as it doesn't stop working for me and if budget permits.

A closer look

Manufacture and Expiry dates

Have you tried this moisturizer? How do you find it?

Happy November, everyone! :)

Cheers,