Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint & Concealer Review

I recently picked up the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint and Hydrating Concealer at CVS and I have to say...I almost didn't buy them because they were really pricey for drugstore products ($17.79 for the foundation and $15.79 for the concealer). Thankfully, Ulta has them for a few dollars cheaper.
I don't even remember the last time I bought anything from Neutrogena because they don't launch products all that often and when they do, nothing is really jumping out at me to make me want to buy them.

But that particular day, my skin was really parched (as it alway is when the temps drop and the heat is running non-stop) and I was feeling frustrated with my usual foundations looking cakey and clinging to dry patches like they always do this time of year. I guess the promise of a foundation that could plump and hydrate my skin for 24 hours with hyaluronic acid sounded pretty darn great at that moment so I took the plunge and purchased both the foundation and the concealer.
Keep on reading to see my thoughts!

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush Review & Swatches

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush ($7.99 at Ulta) is brand new for Summer 2015 and I was immediately drawn to these when I saw them at Walgreens, as I really like the modern square white packaging! I believe that these are the first single blush that Neutrogena has ever had (correct me if I'm wrong)...in the past they've only had blush/bronzer duos and blush blends. So let's take a look! 

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush Review & Swatches

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush in Pure ($11.99- $12.99 at drugstores) is a brand new, revamped and repackaged version of their original Healthy Skin Blends. It comes in the same three shades: Clean (translucent), Pure (blush) and Sunkissed (bronzer) but they're totally different from what they used to be! Let's take a look...

New Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blushes and Healthy Skin Blends at CVS and Walgreens

Yesterday, I spotted some new Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blushes and Blends at CVS and Walgreens. I rarely post about Neutrogena because it's not the most exciting makeup line, if I'm being totally honest. I keep wishing that they'll create some more interesting products because some of their formulas are good quality and great for sensitive skin. Unfortunately, they tend to get lost in the shuffle amidst more exciting launches from L'oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, Rimmel and CoverGirl. But I have to say...these new blushes caught my attention. Maybe it's because I'm a blush junkie but it could also be due to the clean, sleek new packaging and beautiful shades. So let's take a look...

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Spotted at Walgreens

Today, I spotted a new skincare line from Neutrogena called Hydro Boost at Walgreens. It includes a Water Gel, a Fragrance Free Gel-Cream, and an Eye Gel-Cream.

Hydro Boost hydrates skin through an approach of replenishing water and rebuilding skin's barrier, leveraging two key ingredients:

• Purified Hyaluronic Acid: 
  Naturally found in skin, it delivers pure boost of hydration. It acts like a sponge for dry skin cells, absorbing up to 1000 times its weight in water and progressively releases water back into skin, keeping skin hydrated and supple throughout the day.
• Olive Extract: 
  Known for its protective, moisturizing and anti-oxidant qualities, it is a complex combination for fatty acids, which is similar to skin’s natural moisture shield. It integrates into skin barrier, forming a structure that protects skin from excessive moisture loss. It also helps leave skin feeling soft and smooth without tackiness.

 Hydro Boost Water Gel ($18.99)- 

A refreshing, lightweight water gel that instantly quenches and continuously hydrates skin.  Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration and locks it in so skin stays hydrated, smooth and supple day after day.  Applies effortlessly, absorbing quickly into skin without leaving behind an oily or greasy feel.

Fragrance Free Gel-Cream ($18.99)-

Introducing Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for extra-dry skin, a fragrance-free, lightweight gel-cream that instantly quenches and continuously hydrates skin.  Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration and locks it in so skin stays hydrated, smooth and supple day after day.  Applies effortlessly, absorbing quickly into skin without leaving behind an oily or greasy feel.

Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream ($18.99)- 

Introducing Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream, a fragrance-free, lightweight gel-cream that instantly quenches and continuously hydrates skin around the eye area.  Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration and locks it in all day and is specially designed to smooth the skin around the eye area.  Applies effortlessly, absorbing quickly into skin without leaving behind an oily or greasy feel.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser Review

Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser ($8.49 for 6.7 oz) is an Alpha/Beta Hydroxy cleanser that contains exfoliating microbeads.  I stumbled upon this at Target the other day and I immediately put it in my cart because I didn't even realize that there was a drugstore AHA/BHA cleanser out there.  I've been using Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($36 for 6.75oz) since I worked at Sephora over 10 years ago. Even though it's super expensive, it was the only cleanser that wowed me the first time I used it.  I remember looking in the mirror after drying my face and being wowed at how bright, clean and smooth my face was. No other cleanser has ever come close- until now.

This cleanser claims to:

This contains Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy) and Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy) along with gentle exfoliating microbeads, very much like the Murad formula.  In case you were wondering what the difference is between Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids is, here's a quick rundown:

-Alpha Hydroxy- Exfoliates the surface of the skin to improve dry, aging and sun-damaged skin. It removes that top layer so moisture can penetrate better. 
-Beta Hydroxy- Gets down into the pores to cut through the oil that's clogging them and normalize the lining of the pore. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for acne-prone skin.

So basically, both dry and oily skin types can benefit from this!  I personally have dry skin and this gets rid of flakes and creates the smoothest skin I've ever had, but it also started to create dry patches after using every day for a week.  Once I switched to every other day, it was perfect, so if you have dry skin, start slow.  You may need to give your skin a break day in between uses. Oily skin types can use this daily.

The formula also feels and looks so similar to the Murad version.  I have to say, this is a total dupe!

I'll be pinning this to my Dupes Board on Pinterest...

Overall, I'm ecstatic to finally find a cheaper dupe of my all-time favorite cleanser!  When I use this, my skin looks it's absolute best-super smooth and flake free.  My makeup goes on better too, and my skin just looks so glowy and bright. 

To purchase or to read more reviews, check out the link below to Ulta:

              

Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser

NEW Drugstpre Launches- Rimmel BB Cream and Eyeshadow Sticks, Neutrogena Eyeshadow Sticks and Lip Crayons plus more!

Today I was at my local Walgreens and spotted a slew of new products!  I couldn't even photograph them all because I was getting weird looks from the employees and I didn't want to get kicked out.  I'll get some more photos tomorrow.
Anyway, get ready to be excited- there's so much to talk about!

First up is a BB Cream from Rimmel called BB Cream 9-in-1 Super Makeup. There were only three shades in the store, but it looks like there's a spot for a fourth, so I'm thinking there has to be one more.  I bought one so look for a review very soon!

Next from Rimmel is Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara.  This is supposed to lift, give volume and length.  It also has a funky brush with a rounded tip, similar to Benefit's They're Real mascara or Revlon's PhotoReady.  I wasn't too impressed with the last two Scandaleyes formulas, but maybe this one will be better!

Also from Rimmel is 24 Hour Eyeshadow sticks and Kohl Eyeliners.  I'm really excited to try these out!

Neutrogena has come out with new Crease Proof Eyeshadow sticks!  I also can't wait to try these out! 

Lastly, at least for today, are Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Sticks, which look a lot like Clinique's Chubby Stick (Revlon also launched a similar version last Spring).  I purchased one of these also, so a review will be coming shortly. 

All in all, I'm really anxious to try all of these new products.  What about you?

Spotted in Store! Neutrogena Shine Control Makeup

I spotted this new collection from Neutrogena at Harmon's this afternoon.  It's supposed to control shine for 8 hours and consists of foundation, primer, and a powder.  Just in time for summer, when even us dry skinned gals can get shiny!  Has anyone else seen this, or tried any of the products?

Neutrogena Clinical Review

 I wrote a post a while back on the new ion technology skincare, but I hadn't purchased it because I was still using my Garnier Ultra Lift Pro Gravity Defying Cream which I love and will definitely buy again! But, curiosity got the best of me- I can't resist a product that promises to prevent and eradicate wrinkles. 

So I purchased the starter kit at Walgreens, which has one tube of the Ion2 Serum, one tube of the Eye Activating Cream, and one Tube of the SPF 30 Activating Day Cream.  The kit orignally retailed for $40, but Walgreens was running a special for $10 off the Starter Kit.

According to the package:
"Healthy skin naturally restores itself with positively charged ion flow, which facilitates cell-to-cell communication. Dermatologists are now recognizing that as we age, this flow diminishes, leading to a breakdown in collagen that causes skin to lose shape and definition."

First, you apply the Ion2 Serum, which is gray in color (it goes on clear) and feels very silky, almost like primer.  Then you apply the eye cream and face cream to activate the serum.

Pros:  

• Makes the skin feel amazingly smooth and gets rid of redness. 
• Leaves skin perfectly primed for makeup. 
• After 4 weeks of use, the few wrinkles I had are, in my opinion, 90% gone!!
• The eye cream is one of the few that can be applied all around the eye, even on lids. 

 Cons: 

• The price is a bit higher than other drugstore anti-aging products. 
• The sizes of the tubes are smaller than other drugstore products.

Overall: 
I am extremely happy with this product!  It has worked better than any high-end product I've tried from Sephora and department stores.  It took a few weeks to see results, but that's normal in the skincare world.  Your skin takes about a month to shed and generate new skin cells, and many people get frustrated with a new product when they don't see results in a week.  My advice is be patient!  Oh, and try Neutrogena Clinical- it's amazing.

Here is a picture of results from their website www.neutrogenaclinical.com: My wrinkles weren't as deep as the ones in the before picture...more like the after pic, and this made them practically disappear.

New Ion Technology Skincare at your local drugstore!

The skincare world is buzzing about Ion Technology, and the results seem promising. They use an electric microcurrent to stimulate the skin to boost collagen. One of the lines using Ions to achieve younger looking skin is Neutrogena with their Clinical line.  Roc is also getting in on the trend with their Brilliance line as well as Aveeno with Ageless Vitality.
Here's a quote from Neutrogena's website. "Healthy skin naturally restores itself with positively charged ion flow, which facilitates cell-to-cell communication. Dermatologists are now recognizing that as we age, this flow diminishes, leading to a breakdown in collagen that causes skin to lose shape and definition."  The process is achieved by using two products together.  One that contains ion-mineral conductors and the other is an activating moisturizer.  Once combined, they go to work helping your skin to boost collagen.  Sounds cool...but it also sounds kinda scary!

Roc's website states, "It contains E-PULSE^™: a patented micro-current technology inspired by the latest professional procedures and backed by years of research. It uses electrostimulation to bring new life to the look of your skin.
Electrostimulation instantly creates a gentle flow of energy within the surface layers of the skin and stimulates the skin’s natural process for dramatic results.".  

According to Aveeno's website, Ageless Vitality: 

• Reduced appearance of under-eye and
  crow's feet lines
• Diminished sagging around the eyes
• Diminished look of puffiness and dark
  circles
• Increased elasticity
• Restored appearance of upper eyelid folds
• Improved brightness, dark circles and an overall lifted appearance around the eyes

Here are some of the results from Roc and Neutrogena's websites: 

Neutrogena Clinical retails for between $35-$45 on drugstore.com, while Roc Brilliance is $50 for all products.  Aveeno retails for $35.99 for all kits, plus they offer a $15 off coupon on their website as well.
What do you guys think?  Are the prices good?  Does this technology excite you or scare you?  I can't wait to test these out, but in the meantime, I'd love to hear from someone who already has.

Hayden's Golden Globe Look Under $40!

Hayden Panettierre's ethereal look at the Golden Globes was the work of celebrity makeup artist Amy Oresman and Neutrogena cosmetics.  To get the look,
“We amped up the brilliance of Hayden’s green eyes with Neutrogena’s newest Nourishing Eye Quad in Vintage Wine,” ($9.99) Amy reports. ”It includes a dazzlingly deep burgundy in a powder powerful enough to act as an eyeliner, which is perfect for creating the smoky look that Hayden adores. I layered on the Vintage Wine at the lash line and doubled it in the outer corners for an extra flash of drama.”

On Hayden's face, she used Neutrogena Radiance Bronzer in Sunkissed. ($10.99) " I swept it through the crease of her eye and all around her cheekbones and neck. It’s so soft and light you just cannot put too much on… so go crazy with it!”

“After bronzing, I mixed two delectable Neutrogena Soft Color Blushes ($8.99), Sunny Spice and Divine Wine, and applied them with a round brush in a circular motion to the apples of Hayden’s cheeks. I love layering this blush — it’s so sheer you can dust a little color in the crease of the eye to tie your look together.”

Finally, Amy finished her look with lipstick. “This year, lipstick is back and Neutrogena’s are brighter and better,” Amy said. “My favorite is Neutrogena’s Moisture LipColor in Whisper Pink ($9.49)  for painting on the perfect pout. It goes on with just a hint of shine so it leaves your lips looking healthy and moist.”

Neutrogena products can be found at drugstores. 

Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer Review

I have been dying to try out new concealers, because now that I'm 32, I need to find one that doesn't settle into fine lines.  Right now, my lines are really tiny and barely noticeable, unless I use a concealer and then they become more obvious.  Since I have a little sun damage under my eyes, a concealer is a must to lighten the dark pigment, so I need to find one with a medium coverage that won't sink into lines. 

I've always liked Neutrogena products, so I headed straight for their concealers.  I settled on the 3-in-1 concealer because it contains sunscreen, which is so important, and functions as an eye cream as well as a concealer.  This led me to believe that it would be hydrating. 

Needless to say, I am really disappointed in this product.  It has a pasty consistency (maybe the sunscreen?) that is difficult to spread, causing me to tug at the delicate eye area.  Not something I should be doing.  It also didn't cover much at all in the way of dark circles- the coverage was light at best.  It also wasn't very moisturizing- I needed to use my regular eye cream underneath it. And yes, it made my fine lines more pronounced...doh!

I am returning this stuff (by the way, it's $10) and will continue my search for the perfect concealer.  This one just isn't for me. Stay tuned!