Review: Is This Day Cream A Saviour For Dry Skin?

Finding a moisturiser that can sufficiently hydrate the driest of skin types is not an easy feat. It’s why we were intrigued by the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Plumping Day Cream. It appears to have the right ingredients and texture — as well as the right price.

So when we got a hold of it, we immediately had to ask someone from the team to try it. Campaign Manager Stephanie Ooi has been on the hunt for a moisturiser that will help keep her dry skin moisturised and pampered underneath her face mask without having to deal with an oily, sticky residue many moisturisers leave behind. Is this L’Oreal moisturiser the answer to her woes? Read on to find out.

*The product was given as a press gift. The views and opinions of the reviewer are independent and purely editorial.

First impressions, claims, and packaging

A preventative anti-ageing moisturiser that is suitable for most skin types?

“In Singapore, it can be very humid, and it gets even worse if you wear a mask. Considering my dry skin, I prefer a moisturiser that is rich and non-sticky,” Stephanie shared. If it comes with additional perks, such as anti-ageing, then it’s another tick in the box.

The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Day Cream is touted as a preventive anti-ageing moisturiser. It claims to hydrate and plump up the skin to minimise rough texture and fine lines in order to achieve a youthful, radiant appearance — something that Stephanie, who is in her late 20s, is quite interested in.

In addition to its moisturising claims, the presence of skin-plumping patented hyaluronic acid technology (it uses HA molecules that are 50x smaller than normal hyaluron) also hooked her attention. “I think hyaluronic acid is one of the key ingredients that will help my skin condition as it helps with achieving radiance and glow,” she said, adding that she wants to achieve a glass-like, glowing complexion.

The moisturiser comes in a regular twist-open glass tub. The fuss-free design makes it easy to use and access. It’s perfectly fine for people who simply use their fingers when applying, like Stephanie, but she’d also recommend using a small skincare spatula if you want to be more hygienic.

Application and usage

It has a creamy but lightweight gel texture.

“Creamy and rich” are the two words that Stephanie used to describe the L’Oreal moisturiser. “It’s relatively creamy but it absorbs quite quickly into my skin and doesn’t leave behind any residue,” she said. She liked that it felt comfortable on her skin while wearing a mask, even in a humid environment like Singapore.

Since she keeps her skincare regimen quite minimalistic — just a toner, serum, and sunscreen in addition to the day cream — the moisturiser gave sufficient hydration for most of the day but noticed that the dry feeling returns towards the evening. Since it has a richer consistency than other cream moisturisers she has tried previously, Stephanie also felt that it gave a subtle plumping effect to her appearance.

As a makeup lover and professional makeup artist, Stephanie also gave kudos to the moisturiser’s performance underneath her makeup. “It goes well with all the makeup products I use,” she observed.

The moisturiser also has a strong fragrance, which Stephanie feels ambivalent about. “When I opened the tub, I could smell the strong scent of the product. It smells like a hair conditioner or a hair serum, to be honest,” Stephanie observed. She shared that it “lasts quite long”, so those whose skins are reactive to such factors need to take note.

Final thoughts

Already considering using anti-ageing products? This is a good place to start.

After two weeks of use, Stephanie thinks that the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Day Cream is “one of the best L’Oreal products” she’s ever tried. “I think it's a great product for an entry-level hyaluronic acid cream from a drugstore brand.” However, she wants to keep using it to see if it wield more visible results. The moisturiser gives a good amount of hydration while being lightweight and fast-absorbing.

In terms of the product being a preventative anti-ageing moisturiser, Stephanie thinks people in their mid-20s who want to add an anti-ageing element to their skincare routine will be interested in this product. While she did notice a plumping effect after using it for two weeks, she will continue to use it to see if there will be a more significant change in her skin. If you’re looking for a very rich moisturiser, you might want to consider something else.

Do you think this moisturiser is the answer to your skin needs? It’s available in Singapore at ~USD35.33 in Guardian Health & Beauty stores and Guardian.com.sg. It is also available in Malaysia and the Philippines.