I have extremely dry skin, so I’m constantly trying new products hoping to find the ‘magic potion’ that will give my skin a hydrated, plump, and nourished look throughout the day. I recently stumbled across Hydrogel Cream by Honest Beauty and thought I’d give it a try!

What’s in Hydrogel Cream?

• Squalane: an emollient known to moisturize + soften skin.

• Jojoba Esters.

• 2 sizes of Hyaluronic Acid: plumping hydration to help soften + firm, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

•  2 types of Hyaluronic Acid with different molecular weights designed to help bind + retain moisture in different layers of the skin.

What’s NOT in Hydrogel Cream? 

• Parabens, Silicones, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes.

My first Impression…

The first thing I do when I receive a new jar of moisturizer is check to see what it smells like. I typically steer away from products that have a strong fragrance because certain scents give me headaches.  Hydrogel Cream smelled very light and fresh.  Once it was on, I didn’t notice a fragrance at all!  

The texture is a full, gel-like cream that feels a little tacky when first applied. After a few seconds of massaging it into your skin the tackiness dissolves and your skin is hit with a watery burst of moisture. 

I like that Hydrogel Cream is reasonably priced; at $19.99 and comes in a sleek refillable container. You can order refill pods for $17.99, and if you aren’t ready to commit to a full-size 1.7oz jar, you can order a mini jar (.57oz) travel size for $9.99 to try it out!

Putting it to the test…
I tend to gravitate towards moisturizers that have a full and silky texture because they feel so healing and comforting to my dry, thirsty skin.  

The first thing I noticed with Hydrogel Cream is that you can use just a small amount to get the desired look and feeling. There’s a water bursting effect that happens after a few seconds of massaging it in;  and when applied in small amounts at a time, you’re left with a healthy looking glow.  

If I apply too much at a time, the water bursting effect doesn’t quite happen and my skin feels a bit oily, so less is more for me!

At the moment, I’m using a different moisturizer in the morning that has a satin finish, and as I have mentioned on the podcast, I love using the Hydrogel Cream to add a boost of hydrating glow to my foundation and keep my skin looking healthy and fresh throughout the day; plus I absolutely love this moisturizer as a nighttime recovery cream due to its full and nourishing texture. 

The verdict… 

Overall, this is a good moisturizer for dry skin, and it’s one that I’ve consistently included in my beauty routine.  I do not recommend this moisturizer for someone with oily or acne prone skin, as it could leave their skin looking a bit shiny;  however, for those with dry skin like myself, you should absolutely give it a try at night and mix it into your foundation for a beautiful daytime glow!

 
How I recommend using Hydrogel Cream…

As a daytime moisturizer:  Apply in small amounts at a time to your face and neck. Scoop no more than a finger tip amount and massage into your skin until you feel a water bursting effect.  Continue to apply in small amounts as much as you need to until you see your desired glowy and refreshed looking result. 

As a hydrating boost to your foundation:  Scoop a finger tip amount and place it onto the back of your hand (or wherever you prefer to mix your foundation).  Add a small amount of foundation and mix the two until well-blended.  I sometimes like to add a little highlighting cream for an extra dewy finish. (The amount of foundation you add to the mixture will determine the amount of coverage it gives you.) 

As a nighttime recovery cream:  Scoop a larger amount (2 finger tips) and massage into your face and neck.  The finish will look oily and feel a little bit tacky, but your skin will drink it up while you sleep, leaving you with a plump refreshed glow in the morning! 

Sidenotes…

In a consumer study of 32 women, after 2 weeks of use:

• 93% agreed cream provided an instant dewy glow

• 90% agreed fine lines appeared reduced/diminished

• 90% saw smoother skin after 1 week of use

• 90% agreed skin looked and felt smoother

• 89% agreed skin felt firmer and more supple

• 89% agreed skin appeared more radiant after each use

• 85% agreed cream provided a brilliant-looking complexion

• Hydrogel Cream is dermatologist tested, cruelty free, and vegan!

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