Solving The Mystery Behind Moisturisers!

Today's topic is moisturisers! 

How do you know when you've found the perfect one? Do they live up to the hype? Are they effective at hydrating and moisturising? These are the mysteries that I'm going to be helping you to solve! 

So basically moisturising is vital to healthy looking skin. It restores the moisture barrier which keeps the skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Moisturiser is applied after cleanser and toner, so as to lock in moisture and hydrate your skin during the day. However, some moisturisers can be heavy and clog up the pores, making it more likely for blemishes to appear.

Here are a few of the ones I've tried, what the packaging says they do and whether they live up to their reputations!


Simple 'Clear Skin' Oil Balancing Moisturiser (*£2.09)

What it claims to do: This moisturiser is made with Zinc PCA which is a natural antibacterial to prevent breakouts. It also eliminates shine and maintains moisture levels.

Reality: I bought this moisturiser hoping that it would help clear my spots and leave my skin feeling soft, however the reality was very different. After applying my skin felt greasy to touch and very shiny. It took awhile to absorb and once it did I didn't notice any difference in the softness of my skin. I also found that it didn't clear up my spots much either. Wouldn't recommend as a solution to oily/spot prone skin.
Rating: 4/10


Olay 2 in 1 Lightweight Lotion (*£2.89, was £5.99)

What it claims to do: This moisturiser is a lightweight, non greasy formula which provides 24 hour moisture for softer, smoother and younger looking skin. Locks in natural moisture without leaving a sticky layer of film on the surface of the skin.

Reality: I liked that this moisturiser was hydrating and had an SPF 15. I also loved the smell and the shape of the bottle. However, I was very disappointed by the results. I found the formula to be very greasy feeling and did nothing to mattify my skin. My skin didn't feel noticeably softer, it just felt clogged up and oily, which is the opposite of what I want from a moisturiser, as I already have very oily skin. Was not impressed as this is one of the more expensive brands of moisturiser that I've tried. Which just goes to show that pricier products don't always live up to their name. I'm just glad I bought it when it was on offer!
Rating: 2/10


Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturiser (*£3.39)

What it claims to do: This moisturiser has been made to prevent spots and breakouts before they appear. Its oil free formula means that it won't clog up pores and contains a proven spot fighting ingredient which prevents breakouts. Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth and is suitable for even sensitive skin.

Reality: I have found this moisturiser to be quite thick, however a little goes a long way! It takes awhile to fully absorb into the skin but once it has it leaves my skin feeling soft and supple without feeling greasy. Whilst my skin looks slightly shiny I find that it's a good base for make up and actually makes it last longer. I currently use this as my daily moisturiser and will continue to use it until something better comes along. However I seriously doubt it as it's in a very generous 100ml tube and is sold at a decent, affordable price.
Rating: 7/10


Simple 'Kind To Skin' Hydrating Light Moisturiser (*£2.09)

What it claims to do: Provides a light feeling on the skin whilst keeping it refreshed, replenished and hydrated for up to 12 hours. Made with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E this fast absorbing formula won't clog up the pores.

Reality: I found this formula to be very light and only needed a small amount. However it didn't make my skin feel noticeably smoother and, as with other moisturisers mentioned, made my skin feel greasy and sticky. It's a very gentle formula but it's not ideal for my oily, spot prone skin as it didn't do anything to help clear up my breakouts. Better suited to more normal/sensitive skin types.
Rating: 4/10


In conclusion, as with all skincare products, it takes time and patience to find the moisturiser that is right for you and you may have disappointments. However, to avoid having your expectations shattered I would stick to moisturisers underneath £4 or ones that are on offer, otherwise you could end up wasting your money on an overpriced product that fails to meet your skincare needs. And if it does work for you, then you can think about buying it full price. As I think I've proved, expensive brands don't always live up to their names... and if you can get a bargain then you might as well give it a go! I hope this post has helped to solve the mystery behind which moisturisers live up to the hype and which ones are just dressed up to look good.

Top tip: Tread with caution and only splash the cash once you've found it on offer, tried it out and are happy with the results. You don't want to waste time on products that build up your expectations only to knock them down afterwards!

*All products listed are based on their current retail prices.

Who Cares, We Care, Skincare :)