Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Night Concentrate

Overview
Night-time is when our body does most of it's healing and regeneration. As such, a powerful night moisturiser is highly recommended if you are serious about skincare. Of course, without an effective nights rest, a cream can only perform so many miracles! I once read a highly reputed celebrity (not that I can recall the name, but a slight niggle tells me it was Penelope Cruz) state that she does not clean her face in the morning AT ALL. She does all her prep work at night: cleansing, toning, moisturising, and let's the night work it's magic. In the morning, she only lightly splashes her face with water so as not to undo the effects of the night before.

Packaging
BLUE, BLUE, BLUE. I am so drawn to blue. It promises clarity, relaxation and pampering. For a product that promises moisture, blue is a very promising colour and that is what drew me instantly to the range.

Price
$19.30

Scent

Minimalistic, there's not much to smell here, which is a shame as the scent is very important to me (You might have noticed that from previous entries!)

Texture
This baby blue liquid is accompanied by darker blue beads. This has a silky smooth, soft texture.  It's a slightly translucent gel and the colour if so appealing.

Bang for your buck
I actually really like this product. As you use it once daily (at night...) you can really make it go far. Supposedly this product time releases moisture throughout the night, meaning that you will constantly be having your moisture levels upped. The mantra for this product is hydration, hydration, hydration. It can also be used on all skin types (again, I would exercise caution if you have problematic skin). The real proof is always in the pudding and how your skin feels upon waking.

Does it work?
My skin definitely felt very thoroughly hydrated the morning after the night before. I really enjoyed using this. It's powerfully effective but doesn't feel heavy.

Does it last?
Using once nightly, you can use a little and make it last.

Would I repurchase?
I'm on the fence here. Although I really enjoyed this product and found it effective, I'd also like to try others. I don't think I would 'commit' to this product although I wouldn't be adverse to trying it again.

Instructions for use
Apply once nightly on the face and neck.

Final verdict: 7/10

Rose Hip Oil

I had never heard of Rose Hip oil until I heard my favourite super model (Miranda Kerr) proclaim that she used it every day. For those that are not familiar with Miranda, she has the sort of dewy, raindrop-splashed skin usually only exhibited by babies and goddesses. Other than sounding deliciously dainty, this product is a skin saviour.

If you Google Rose Hip oil you will be presented with a lot of relatively expensive, high end brands, and this initially put me off. I didn’t want to spend close to £20 on one small bottle of Miranda Kerr’s secret beauty miracle. If you browse a little more thoroughly however, you will find some very competitively priced Rose Hip oils minus the frilly bottles and fancy names, that do the job equally well I’m sure. I located one of these bottles, read the reviews and ordered myself one.



I have now been using my product for a week and before I talk about the benefits and effects on my skin, I should probably talk about my skin type. I have naturally quite oily, sensitive skin and some scarring from some pesky, persistent spots. All in all, I feel a lot better when I can put a little foundation on.

I am reluctant to call any product a ‘miracle’ but for me, this really was. You are advised to use 2-3 drops of Rose Hip oil in the morning and at night, but as a heavy handed consumer and connoisseur of all things, I used 2-3 drops more. The oil is very soft and pleasantly scented and it rubs easily into the face. It brightens and smooth’s the complexion instantly giving it a radiating sheen. It works brilliantly as a moisturiser and leaves your skin feeling fantastically soft. I was slightly concerned that using oil on my naturally oily skin would turn me into something we were likely to go to war over in the Middle East, but it actually seemed to balance my skin somehow, lapping up my gross oil and leaving me looking hydrated and bright. My scarring is still apparent but is definitely less visible than before and I notice I’m using a lot less make-up to cover up any imperfections and my break outs have diminished greatly (although my break outs are more hormonal in nature so I’m sure that won’t be the last of them!).



Rose Hip oil is the champion of dry skin, surface scarring, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a really gentle, light oil with an instantaneous effect. It’s so gentle that it didn’t even agitate my eyes as most products usually do.

Use morning and night (2-3 drops) and gentle massage into your skin in circular upward motions. No skincare product is ever guaranteed so use a little and watch for how your skin reacts. If your skin breaks out or looks excessively shiny, either tone down how much you use or consider switching to a different product. I have heard that many people mix a little oil into their usual cream moisturiser rather than applying it directly to the skin.

When purchasing Rose Hip Oil:

• Don’t worry about purchasing expensive, branded products. You can purchase Rose Hip oil for much cheaper if you look online. You could try ‘The Little Green Nursery’ website, Amazon or EBay for cheaper products.


• Most sites advise against using on ‘live acne’ or spots, but I haven’t noticed a problem with this personally and use the oil all over.


• You can apply a small amount to the eye area as it does not agitate.


• A little goes a long way! You don’t need to overuse this product.


• Rose Hip oil should come in a dark bottle. This prevents the sun causing the product to become rancid. Do not purchase a product that is in a clear bottle. You want to store the product out of direct sunlight and you may wish to refrigerate it. Some women swear by storing their beauty products in the fridge.


• You won’t notice a drastic change in your skin if you continue with skin-damaging habits. Ditch smoking, excessive drinking, poor night’s sleep, poor dietary habits and sunbathing, and you will likely notice a far greater impact!


• Rose Hip oil can also be used on areas of skin that suffer from poor pigmentation, eczema, sun burn, stretch marks and rosacea.


• Rose Hip oil is packed with various natural vitamins and minerals including vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C and essential fatty acids.


• Supposedly Rose Hip oil effects are best noticed after 3 months (it’s a slow burner) but I noticed an effect far quicker than that!


• As with all products, do your research. It is possible that some sellers are selling Rose Hip oil mixed with something else, or lacking something. Read the label to see what your product contains.


• Not all products work the same for everyone. Buy a cheap brand first and try just a little to see if it works for you.