French pharmacy skincare is always a delight to use, and this cream-in-gel from Avène is no exception. With a lightly floral and fresh scent, it feels like a douse of cool water on the skin and, price wise, isn’t too hefty. I’ve been using it intermittently for months and, every time I do, my skin feels quickly hydrated and ready for my SPF and make-up thereafter. Plus. being a slippery gel, a little bit goes a long way, so you get even more bang for your buck.

Ingredients-wise, I enjoy that the formula isn’t over complicated, which means it can slot more easily into my routine. Whenever my disposable income has been spread a little thin, this moisturiser has been my affordable go-to. It’s easy to pigeonhole Neutrogena as the brand you used in your teenage acne era, but the hydro boost range is a bit of an unsung hero. This, the water gel moisturiser, is just as easy to slather on in a 6am haze as it is as part of a seven-step skincare routine and, with hyaluronic acid, it’ll keep your skin hydrated from dawn until dusk, whether you pair it with a serum or apply it on its own.

For me, the water gel description is accurate – the product does feel instantly cooling on the skin. Don’t be too generous with your application, though, as the formula can leave a film on the skin. For the slightly higher price point here, I was pleased to see a wide-ranging list of skin-loving ingredients. Indeed, from taurine (to help the skin appear brighter and tighter) to peptides (for irritation-free anti-ageing), Murad’s nutrient-charged water gel is a cocktail of goodness for the complexion.

Upon application, it’s smoothing and quick to absorb. A small amount (about the size of a 5p coin) is all you need, as it will stretch across the whole face. When I had a touch of irritation on my cheek, however, this formula wasn’t as soothing as I might have liked – a result of the added fragrance, I’d argue. I also felt the pink-tinge is a tad gimmicky, if I’m being picky. Although, it does make for a good skincare #shelfie, if that’s your thing. Overall, though, I was impressed with the benfits this formula brings to the table.

Korean beauty brands are having a moment, and this water gel from Beauty of Joseon is a perfect example of what makes such skincare formulas so popular. With lots of natural elements, from skin barrier-strengthening japonica root to moisture-maximising sunflower oil, this gel moisturiser combines herbal traditions with more modern skincare elements, such as peptides. Together, these make for a ‘cover all angles’ approach and, in actuality, a formula that feels equal parts potent and gentle.

The generously sized tube is a definite bonus, and the feel of the gel on the skin was akin to a sorbet: cooling and soothing. I frequently reach for it when I’m not sure what my skin wants, comforted in the knowledge I can still integrate some anti-ageing elements, without the potential reactivity of a retinol or retinal. This is a one-stop shop when it comes to addressing all your sensitivity and shine woes. The formula is lightweight, calming and, regarding that latter characteristic, can be applied to even the most delicate of sunburns and sensitivities. I’ve reached for it in pretty much every circumstance (having used it in excess of five years) and it never causes so much as a tingle upon application.

Plus, it’s adequately hydrating, while keeping shine to a minimum, and, paired with a niacinamide or mattifying SPF, it will keep your complexion looking Photoshop-smooth all day. Read my full La Roche-Posay toleriane dermallergo review. Much like Korean skincare, Japanese skincare is equally hype-worthy and designed to leave skin in tip-top condition. Tatcha’s water cream fits this bill to a tee, thanks to its inclusion of Japanese rose, to help hydrate and soothe; green tea and algae, to ensure an even, youthful complexion; and rice to protect the skin against irritation. I was, however, slightly disappointed to spot alcohol among the formula’s ingredients but I personally didn’t experience any dryness as a result.

For those with acne-prone skin, the included spatula negates the worry of excessive face touching – though, you’ll have to keep on top of cleaning the tool – and the whipped-like texture of the cream is indulgent upon application. It’s a real treat to use this at the end of a long day, that’s for sure. Another good option if you’re looking to save a few pennies, this brand’s skincare lives up to its name: it’s simple. This formula features just two notable ingredients – glycerin and aloe – in addition to its water base, and keeps skin hydrated without any bells and whistles. Upon testing, I was pleased with the feel of the moisturiser on my skin (creamy yet lightweight) and found it easy to apply my subsequent primer, concealer, and so on. Granted, it took a couple of seconds longer than some premium options to adequately permeate the skin, but it did keep my oily skin on the right side of dewy. For its cheap-as-chips pricing, I couldn’t ask much more of it.