Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream

Even though we're now experiencing humid weather, my skin has been really dry lately. So I was thrilled when a few weeks ago, I received a generous free, sample of Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel Cream. Based on its claims, it seemed like just what my skin needed.

According to Neutrogena, it, "Instantly quenches dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple and hydrated all day." It does this by being, "Formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid," which "acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, moisturizing with up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in more supple and smooth skin."

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

I have found my new every-day face wash: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser.  OK, things aren't perfect (as I write this I have a nasty and highly visible pimple on my forehead) but since I started using this wash in June my skin has steadily improved in appearance and now looks better than it has in months.

This product claims that it, “…gently removes impurities and improves complexion for fresh, clean skin.” While I do have some issues with the “impurities” part, I find the rest to be completely true.

Prior to switching to this wash I was having ongoing issues with dry spots on/around my nose as well as with blemishes. But since using this wash the dry spots have virtually disappeared and the number of blemishes has dropped so much that sometimes my skin is truly and utterly “clear.”

Neutrogena 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment

I have spent years searching for an acne treatment that does the following: 1) gets rids of nasty pimples in under 72 hours, 2) does it without making my skin dry and red and 3) goes on clear, stays clear and works under makeup.

And unfortunately, that quest is continuing because the latest product I’ve tried, Neutrogena’s 3-in-I Hydrating Acne Treatment, can only meet two of those three requirements (which, to be fair, is better than most products).

As its name suggests, this product has its own three aspects. It: “Treats acne pimples and allows skin to heal, helps prevent new acne pimples even before they emerge, and hydrates and softens.”

I wish 3-in-1 did all of that.

Body Clear Body Wash in Pink Grapefruit

Unless you’re buying a perfume, you should never pick a beauty product based on its fragrance. But every now and then a product comes along that just begs you to break that rule and if that product’s by a company you trust, well, then I think it’s more like bending a rule then breaking one.

A couple weeks ago I headed into Shoppers to pick up some more of my favourite Neutrogena body scrub. While I couldn’t find my usual stuff (Body Clear Body Scrub) I did find Body Clear Body Wash in Pink Grapefruit. Once sniff and I was sold and I’m glad I was.  This stuff smells great and is the perfect morning wake-up scent.

It’s made with “naturally derived grapefruit extract” and even two hours after my shower I could still faintly smell it on my skin (but don’t worry, it’s not strong enough that your cubicle neighbour will notice).

Besides smelling amazing, this is also an overall great body wash. It’s similar to the Body Clear Body Scrub though not as scrubby (personally I never found that product that scrubby to start with and always combined it with a Body Shop scrub when I needed to exfoliate, something I'll do again with the grapefruit scrub).
It washes off cleanly and, with two percent salicylic acid, it actually does help to keep skin clear, making it an ideal post-workout (or humid day) wash, as well as suitable for daily use.

However, because it does contain a decent amount of salicylic acid, it might not be the best choice for people with sensitive skin (at least not as a daily product). Also, while two percent salicylic acid is an effective acne-fighter, it can only do so much and if you have serious body acne issues, you’re going to need more than this wash.

But for the rest of us, this is definitely a product worth picking up, especially since it only runs around $10-$12 a bottle.

Would I buy this again: Yes
Should you buy it: Yes, as long as you like the smell of grapefruit