Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Ah yes, we are a week before Christmas. How has your Christmas shopping been so far? Well, if you have an intern or whomever within the 20 to 26 age group. Consider this Neutrogena Hydro Boost box set, which I spotted at Watsons the other day. (Well, I did buy it in the end…how else would I be able to photograph it? Hahaha).

With its Progressive Release system, this moisturizer moisturizes skin constantly throughout the day with its unique purified Hyaluronic Acid. No worries about moisture loss, as Olive Extracts rebuild the skin natural moisture barrier thus allowing effective moisture retention. Plus this box set comes with a bonus piece of sheet mask that hydrates and smooth skin.

Well in all honesty, I did purchase and use this as a day moisturizer last year. With its beautiful blue hue, it really does look aesthetically pleasing on the dresser (colour me shallow, a good blue hued pot is hard to find ). Clean and oceanic scented, it’s light texture glides onto skin smoothly (with a cooling sensation I might add) and does impart a subtle plumped up effect. Sure, its got none of that anti-aging or glow inducing effects but I personally enjoy how this preps the skin up (I was 28 then) and allows BB cream to glide effortlessly over.

Verdict:
With its non greasy and light texture, This is a good basic hydrating moisturizer that I would recommend teens and perhaps young adults to try on their maiden voyage with skincare. Does take out the tightness if you are on acne medication or using a strong face wash. Anyway, like what I always say, you can never go wrong with the gift of hydration.

Signing Off
The Grooming Editor

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Box Set retails for around S$17.50 (usual price is S$20.90), at all Watsons Personal Care Stores.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

Outdoor shoot – Two dirty words that never fail to make me cringe but oh the lengths the styling team (Hello Vik, Toon, Yuan and Evande! I love you all if you are reading this) and I would go for our readers. The sun, the concrete, the heat and the UV damage. Gone are the days of being 26 and bronzed, I started investing in a separate body SPF lotion like this one, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+.

It offers a high sun protection factor of 50 with PA+++ and comes with Helioplex Technology (this apparently helps deflect and protect skin from UVA and UVB rays) to diffuse and prevent rays from penetrating deep into the layers of skin. No sticky and tacky finish with this sun block as the Dry-Touch Technology absorbs all the sunscreen oils to produce a matte and lightweight feel on the skin.

Being experimental, I once tried this sun block on my face which was a totally bad move as I looked like an extra getting ready on the set of Memoirs of a Geisha (the breakout edition), horrible face allergies and pasty white sheen, Ugh! However, it is surprisingly good on the body (arms, legs if you are the type that flaunts them), no allergies at all. Skin absorbs this really fast with no traces of stickiness (great for our climate) when it sets in. No sun burning or charring sighted with this as I can vouch for its effectiveness with my stringent testing measures (hot day outdoors and the annual sun basking that comes with reservist (military) obligations).

Verdict: Good body sun block for those with disposable cash to spare, this prevents banana freckled skin and sunburn effectively. Recommended for the fair, the fluorescent and the ambitious whitening groomie. It is waterproof; sweat proof, fireproof and wallet proof (I am joking about the last two).

Signing Off
The Grooming Editor

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ retails at ( Lost the receipt on this one but I recall its around S$25.90) at all Major Departmental Stores