I’ve read first about this moisturizer in New York Times’ article about Anna Kendrick’s beauty routine and decided to check it out at Sephora. I liked it at the store and bought it to replace my Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion which I’ve been using for years as a prep lotion before applying makeup. I love that emulsion but just wanted to try something different.
Kate Somerville Daily Moisturizer is expensive — $65 for a 50 ml (1.7 fl.oz) jar. For example, the bottle of Benefit Emulsion (also 1.7 fl.oz) is just $32. The moisturizer comes in a pretty light green jar. I really like the dispenser: you don’t have to dig into the jar (which I hate), all you need to do is press down a white dispensing pump and it will give you a right amount of cream. The instructions on the box say that you need to press down with both thumbs, however, I only use one thumb and the amount that’s dispensed is just right.
When I read the reviews on this moisturizer online, I noticed that a lot of people don’t like the smell. I actually like it a lot: it’s fresh, citrusy and very pleasant.
The moisturizer is lightweight, super hydrating, non-greasy and absorbs very quickly. In other words, it’s perfect for using in the morning before you start your makeup routine. It works great with my foundation primer (Guerlain Meteorites Light-Diffusing Primer), foundation (Dior Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup SPF 15) and loose powder (La Mer). I have very dry skin, especially right after a cleanser, and this moisturizer does it prep job perfectly: skin is soft and moisturized without being oily in just one minute after application. I have to say that Kate Somerville moisturizer is more lightweight and absorbs faster than Benefit Emulsion.
Also, the moisturizer is oil-free and good for sensitive skin: I don’t have any breakouts when using it and it doesn’t irritate the skin around my eyes (which happened a lot with other moisturizers like Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Crème), so I am happy with it. It is also supposed to have anti-aging benefits because it contains Matrixyl™3000 and Retinyl Palmitate both of which should help diminish appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
I view this moisturizer as a day product only: before I go to bed I use much heavier hydrating creams. I do that because, as I said above, I have dry skin and such a lightweight moisturizer simply can’t be enough for me. However, if you have normal, oily or combination skin, this product may be enough if you use it twice a day, AM and PM. I bought this product for a very specific purpose: as a prep morning moisturizer and I am happy with the results.
Overall, this is an excellent product; it’s a bit pricey, so I suggest before ordering it online to go to the store and smell it, feel its texture and just see how you like it. It will be perfect for you if you’re looking for a light, non-greasy moisturizer to use in the morning and during the day. I also think because of its lightweight texture it will be perfect for use during spring and summer months. However, note that this moisturizer does not have SPF, so I recommend wearing foundation with SPF over it.
Packaging
Texture
Hydrating
Smells good
Good value
Awesome factor
I bought this product on Sephora: Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturizer
