I have to be honest. It’s been a long time since I’ve been enamoured by a moisturiser. Having oily skin means most traditional cream formulas are just too heavy on my complexion. Especially if I’m planning on wearing a foundation or skin tint on top.
You see, most formulas break my skin out, or I look like an oil slick come 12 P.M., and if you, too, have oily skin, you’ll know all too well just how annoying it is. Like all oily skin, it still needs hydration, but finding a lightweight moisturiser can prove tricky. You’d think that, being in my line of work as a beauty journalist, I’d be spoiled for choice for options in our beauty cupboard, but it’s rare to find a moisturiser that suits my finicky skin. I want something that sinks in immediately, blurs over my pores and keeps my complexion looking dewy as opposed to shiny.
So when I was invited to Paris for a secret briefing of Garnier’s new launches, I didn’t know I was about to discover a new moisturiser favourite. I’ve had to keep it a secret for a couple of months, but now I’m pleased to be able to share that the Garnier Vitamin C Fresh & Bright Hydrating Sorbet Cream (£7.50) has become a firm favourite in my skincare routine.
Garnier Vitamin C Fresh & Bright Hydrating Sorbet Cream
Garnier
Vitamin C* Fresh & Bright Hydrating Sorbet Cream
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C derivative, salicylic acid
Pros
- Lightweight texture absorbs quickly
- Lightweight and hydrating texture
- Brightening formula also reduces appearance of pores
- Affordable
Cons
- May be too mattifying for very dry skin types
The Texture
The texture is what makes this standout moisturiser so spectacular. In fact, it rivals even some of the more expensive counterparts I’ve tried. It has a sorbet-like, gel consistency, which melts on contact with the warmth of your skin. It’s unlike anything else I’ve tried, and it is instantly cooling, melting to a waterlike texture that absorbs immediately.
There’s no greasy finish, either. Instead, your skin feels deeply hydrated whilst giving a slightly mattifying finish; something my oily skin very much appreciates. And because it blurs my pores, it’s become my go-to moisturiser to use underneath makeup to achieve a more uniform finish.
I’m planning on keeping this in my fridge come summer to boost the cooling effects even more during warm weather. I know I’ll be leaning on this moisturiser all through the hotter months when my oily skin often goes into overdrive.
The Formula
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
I’ve sung the praises of the sorbet texture, but it would be remiss of me not mention formula, as the skincare ingredients in this are brilliant, too. It uses a vitamin C derivative from corn and wheat (a more sustainable source compared to other vitamin C types) to brighten the skin, alongside niacinamide, which is great for improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of pores. Again, great for oily or combination skin.
It also has the most incredible citrus scent. It smells just like lemon sorbet, which is actually a very welcome sensorial moment on these dark winter mornings to awaken the senses.
The Verdict
For the price, I’m seriously impressed with this moisturiser. The texture is not only fun, but genuinely effective at mattifying, helping my skin stay hydrated but never shiny.
It’s so lightweight, so if you’re not one for heavier moisturisers, you’ll no doubt love the water-like texture that sinks in mere seconds. I can apply my SPF and base makeup straight away without any piling. As you can see in my photo above, my makeup has applied well over the top, and it helps to keep me shine-free throughout the day. Knowing it has brightening and skin-smoothing ingredients makes it a welcome addition to my skincare routine right now.
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Garnier
Vitamin C* Fresh & Bright Hydrating Sorbet Cream
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