[Comparison] Clarins HydraQuench VS Neutrogena HydraBoost

Hi!

As I mentioned in my skin care routine, I have recently been into exploring skin care products, especially facial moisturizer.Today I want to share with you a comparison between Clarins HydraQuench Cream Gel and the new Neutrogena HydraBoost Gel Cream. I have already mentioned the Clarins HydraQuench in my April Favorites, so you know I love this product. When I saw the commercial for Neutrogena's HydraBoost, it immediately reminds me of the Clarins HydraQuench. 

Quick Notes on my skin

• Sensitive
• Dehydrated
• Occasional oily t-zone
• Occasional flaky nose

Let's get started!

1) Company Product Claims

Clarins:

Clarins’ Hydraquench line is a saving grace for normal to combination skin types, which are more prone to dullness and the subtle signs of ageing. Hydraquench Cream-Gel for Normal to Combination Skin offers deep hydration and a cooling sensation to dehydrated skin while tightening the pores. This unique complex turns to water upon contact with the skin. This hydrating face cream soothes and refreshes the skin while working to tone and refine the skin’s surface. This results in a smooth and long-lasting matte complexion with no trace of oily residue or shine

Neutrogena:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is 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.Hydro Boost hydrates skin through an approach of replenishing water and strengthening skin’s moisture barrier, leveraging two key ingredients:

2) Special Ingredient

Both contains Hyaluronic Acid. I did some research on this ingredient. According to Paulaschoice.com, Hyaluronic Acid boost skin's moisture content, reduce inflammation, have cell-communicating abilitites, and help prevent moisture loss. It also acts like a sponge for dry skin cells, that absorb water and slowly but continuously releases moisture back into skin, keeping skin hydrated throughout the day. This is an important ingredient to have for moisturizers that are made for dehydrated skin, and sensitive skin. 

Clarins:

Katafray extract: helps reinforce skin's surface barrier effect and helps prevent dehydration. 
Sorbier bud extract: reinforces skin hydration and radiance. 

Pomegranate extract: tightens pores. 

Alpine willow herb extract: helps reduce skin shine.

Neutrogena

Olive Extract: Strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, prevent excessive moisture loss. It also helps leave skin feeling soft and smooth without tackiness.

3) Formula

Left: Clarins/ Right: Neutrogena

Both products have Cream Gel formula. The formulas are light weight, absorbs easily and quickly. Both formula works pretty much the same. I would apply it on my face, quickly massage it into my skin. Few seconds after application, my face feels instantly moisturized but does not feel wet. I really enjoy the cream gel formula; however, I need to be careful because products that absorb easily usually contains alcohol. This is a perfect consistency/ texture for spring and summer because it does not linger on the face and is not sticky. Another advantage is that it can be worn underneath makeup.

Clarins: It has a dryer consistency. The product itself is white but blends out clear. Even though it is marketed for normal to combination skin but it works for my skin.

Neutrogena: The formula is pretty white, juggles around in the container. It has a light blue color that also blends out clear.

4) Scent

They both have some sort of scents. Clarins has a light fresh scent while the Neutrogena one has a pretty strong soapy scent. I am not bothered by any of these scents; however, the Neutrogena one took me some time to get used to. To be fair, I was used to Clarin's scent since I started to use that prior to the Neutrogena one.

5) Packaging

Honestly, the similarity between the two packaging is the first thing that caught my eye. Both has a blue container with a white cap. Clarin's packaging feels more luxurious because the container itself is made with glass and it also has a stopper underneath the lid. Neutrogena on the other hand, has a plastic-like container without the stopper. I wish the Neutrogena one comes with a stopper; like I mentioned earlier, this formula is a lot runnier, having the stopper would really help.

6) Prices/ Accessibility

Clarins: .

$ 50 CAD 50ml

From Clarins/ Shoppers Drug Mart/Sephora

Neutrogena:

$24.99 CAD 47ml

From any drugstore that sells Neutrogena

Overall

I tried both product together on my face for a few times.I find that both products did what it claimed to do, providing moisture and calms my irritated skin. I find that the Neutrogena HydraBoost absorbs a little faster than the Clarin's HydraQuench. However, I prefer the scent of the Clarins  HydraQuench. I think the Neutrogena HydraBoost is definitely a good alternative for the Clarins HydraQuench since the results are the same and it is about half the price. I really recommend using one of these two products if you have dehydrated skin, sensitive skin and or irritated skin.

That's all for today, let me know what you think about comparison posts, and let me know what other product comparisons you want to see.

Yours Truly,

Ting

Find me here:

Instagram: judyy116

Twitter: judyting116

Email: jtingsdiary@gmail.com

My Everyday Skincare Routine

Morning Routine

Good morning!

I usually wake up with a somewhat oily skin. I like to start with my face wash. I usually use the Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub. This scrub is nice and gentle. It also wakes me up!

Then I will use the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner with a cotton round. It smells good and it does not have alcohol(Yay!) It is difficult to find affordable and effective toner without alcohol nowadays. If my skin is extra dry that day, I will use a soft facial puff and soak it with the toner to use it as a mask before applying makeup.

After that I will use 1.5 pumps of the Clarins Intensive Serum Bi-Phase. I then massage that into my face and wait a few seconds before putting on the moisturizer. 

While waiting for the serum to sink in, I will apply Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator on my lips. I learned that using lotion on the lips is more effective then using only lip balm. The Clinique product was originally bought for my face but I didn't like how it stays on the face. Therefore, I use it on my lips or on my brows after I pluck them.

The current moisturizer I am using is the Clarins HydraQuench Cream Gel. I have mentioned this in my April Favourites so I will not be going into details here. However, I just bought the Neutrogena Hydra Boost Cream-Gel yesterday and I will be trying this product out soon (possible dupe?!) I will share with you about how the Clarins and Neutrogena compares after i test them out. They both contain Hyaluronic Acid for extra hydration so I figure they should be somewhat similar. 

After massaging in the moisturizer I will apply my Nivea Essential Lip Balm. This is my all time favorite lip balm, I have used up so many tubes of this. This lip balm is clear, has no scent and it feels really nourishing on the lips.

ALL READY !!

Night Time Routine

I use Kirkland's Daily Facial Towelettes to remove my makeup. I always get this from Costco in a big pack. This gets the job done and is affordable so I just keep on repurchasing it. 

For more stubborn eye makeup and lipstick, I use the Maybelline Makeup Remover Eye&Lips. I will pour this product onto a cotton round and cover my lids, lashes or lips with it for 30 seconds and wipe the makeup off. This trick works for waterproof makeup and lipstains too!

Then I will use the Bioderma Cleansing Water with a cotton round to remove leftover residues.

I also use my Clarisonic Mia2 along with Boscia Tsubaki Cleasing-Oil Gel to really cleanse the skin. This will leave my skin soft and squeaky clean!

After that I use the Clarins Comfort Toning Lotion to calm my skin down. It's sort of like a lullaby for my skin. This is nice and gentle which my skin really appreciates.

Lastly, I will do the same thing from the morning routine again. Serum, lip lotion, cream gel, lip balm

Then it's good night! ZZZZzzzzzz....

P.S. If I ever have any acne or feel like I am going to have acne, I will use the Clinique Acne Clearing Gel. It stings a little when I put it on the acne but that's how I know it is actually working.  If I have acne, I will put this on twice a day before moisturizer and usually the acne goes away within 2 days.This product works like a charm and I have already repurchased it twice.

I hope you enjoyed reading my skincare routine! Please share with me your skincare routine too!

Yours Truly,

Ting


Connect with me:
Twitter: judyting116
Instagram: judyy116

April 2015 Favorites

This is one of my favorite type of video to watch, monthly favorites.

During April, I explored many new skin care products and makeup, so this month would be a perfect to start writing/ reviewing/ sharing monthly favorites.

Here, just to clarify a few points:

1) 

I have sensitive and dehydrated skin. Occasional oily T-zone. Funny story, I actually just found out I have sensitive skin this past few months, After seeing myself through the little screen on FaceTime, that's where I realized my face has been having allergic reaction. Without makeup, it's completely red....Then I quickly(not really) found out that the burning sensation from my whitening toner and some other skin care products is actually allergic reaction from alcohol...( wow) I can't believe it took me all those years to realize this.

2)

I am subscribed to IPSY, so I get to try out a few new products every month. I'll also write about my IPSY unboxing every month. :)

3)

You might see a lot of travel size/ deluxe size products. The reason is that I order from Sephora a lot, and if you are familiar with shopping online at Sephora, you can use a coupon code to get deluxe samples! Also keep in mind that some of the IPSY products are also deluxe sizes. Having said that, I do like getting deluxe/ travel size products. This way I get to try out more product without committing to a full size product I may or may not like.

I guess that's all . Future posts will not contain all that↑↑↑ Let's get into my April favs. (From left to right)

Make Up Forever- Step 1 Skin Equalizer- Nourishing Primer

[photo from Sephora.ca]

I got this with my sephora.ca order. I have been using it everyday since I got it, it really does what it says. The skin around my nose, area between my forehead and my chin can be really flakey. This primer prevents flaking and dry patches, which allows a more flawless look. I will continue to use this and purchase the full size after I finish this bottle. This little guy contains a lot of product!!

Essence- Lash Princess Mascara

[photo from essence.eu]

To be honest, I hate mascaras. The ones I tried either don't work on my lashes or they're really hard to take off. My lashes are not short but it's stick straight and points downward. Every time I curl my lashes, it will fall right back down when I put on mascara.  I can only use waterproof formulas to keep the curls. Hence I barely use mascara. This product came with my IPSY bag but I've used another volumizing mascara from this brand before. Essence is really affordable and the quality is awesome! (win-win!) I like how it has a drier formula compared to the Benefit Roller Lash. Even though it didn't say it's waterproof, it holds my curls (Yes!) and it's easy to remove. The brush gives volume while not being clumpy. The packaging is super cute too, I love the black and the baby pink detail. Anyways, I will definitely try out more mascara from the Essence brand. If you have never tried this product, you need to find it and try it out!

Where to find it:

Canadian: Shopper's Drug Mart carries this Brand!!

USA: You can find this on Ulta.com

Clarins- HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase 

[Photo from Clarins.ca]

As I mentioned earlier, I just found out my skin is sensitive and dehydrated. Then I discovered this HydraQuench line from Clarins, This product contains plant extract that help moisturize and soothe my irritated (allergies, rashes from previous products) skin. I didn't know much about serum before but when I visited the Clarins counter at The Bay, she told me that this will help the skin to better absorb the moisturizer. And yes it did! Right now there's a limited edition bottle of 50ml for only CAD$72 and normally it is CAD$60 for 30ml.

Where to find it:

Canadian: Clarins Canada website, the Bay.com

Clarins- HydraQuench Cream Gel for Normal to Combination Skin

[Photo from Clarins.ca]

I actually got this before the serum. I was at Sephora during the VIB sale just trying to find a new moisturizer and the girl had me try on this one. First, I love the scent. Second, I love how it absorbs quickly, leaving the skin smooth and hydrated for hours! The great thing is that it calmed my skin and my skin hasn't been flakey ever since I started using this. I use this day and night after the serum. I wonder how this compares to the Neutrogena Hydra Boost cream gel. Maybe I will get that and compare the too. It will be great if they work the same, Neutrogena is fraction the price!!

I really recommend looking into the Clarins HydraQuench line if you have sensitive and dry skin. Since I had to give away almost all my sheet masks, I am debating whether I should try the sleeping mask from the HydraQuench line! I tried the nourishing lipbalm few days ago and I really really really love it! -> Maybe just a little obsessed with the HydraQuench line.

Maybelline Eyes and lips makeup remover

[Photo from maybelline.com.tw]

I bought this from Taiwan and I haven't seen this product in Canada. This has the oil and water formula where you have to shake it up before using it. It claims to remove waterproof makeup and it does! Even the most stubborn matte lipstick like the M.A.C. lipstick in Ruby Woo. It's comparable to the Lancome BI-FACIL - Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover but the maybelline one doesn't feel as greasy as the Lancome one. The oil from the makeup remover prevents me from pulling my eye lid and lashes out when I try to remove stubborn makeup!

Bioderma Sensibio H20

[photo from Bioderma.ca]

This is a cleansing water that removes excess makeup and residues after using makeup remover. This is hypoallergenic and is suitable for sensitive skin. I know this may be a little difficult to find in the States (check amazon.com) but for Canadians, you can find this brand in Shopper's Drug Mart and Rexall.

Clarins Extra-Comfort toning Lotion- Alcohol-free

[photo from Clarins.ca]

YAY! It's alcohol free! I love this product because it smells great and I can really feel that this toner calms my skin. I am currently using this only at night because I want this product to last longer.

Dior Addict Lip Glow in Pink and Coral

[Photo from Sephora.ca]

I have been alternating between the two colors. I just keep them in my purse and bring them everywhere. It's easy to just apply on the lips without a mirror. If you're not familiar with this product, it goes on clear and the color changes according to your temperature. It has a little minty taste to it and it's very moisturizing on the lips. Although the color do fade but it does stain the lips so it's not a high maintenance lip product { more like a lipbalm)

YSL VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY - Glossy Balm Crystal Color in the shade 15 Rose Candy

[Photo from Sephora.ca]

I love the scent of this!! It tastes so yummy like Candy?! I would say it brings more of a floral scent. This shade is supposedly a Sephora exclusive shade. This goes on literally like a glossy lip balm with a nice color! Although this is not totally opaque, but I can still tell there's a color, a my lips but better color! The packaging is absolutely luxurious and ahhh, just SO PRETTY! This is my first YSL lippy and is certainly not going to be my last!

I hope you are still awake and enjoyed reading what I was loving in April. Please share with me your April favorites in the comments, on twitter or instagram. Also leave your requests of "posts" you would like to see and please provide any constructive feedback for me! Thank you! :)

Yours Truly,

Ting

Twitter: judyting116
Instagram: judyy116
email: jtingsdiary@gmail.com