I sometimes amaze myself (not really) by “discovering” skincare products that pretty much everyone knows and raves about, only to realise that these people were indeed correct, and that the product is actually pretty darn good. In fact, this happens so often that I have to stop myself from simply repeating the same reviews and sounding like a broken record, instead of the beauty conscious maven that I am (not).

The latest discovery is none other than L’Oreal Paris’ Hydra Genius Aloe Water Moisturiser.

Most of us are now well educated enough about the world of skincare, even at a basic level, to understand that no, not all moisturisers are created alike and they don’t all do the same things. In fact, choosing a moisturiser can be tricky and many, myself included, tend to rotate a few different ones throughout the year depending on personal and environmental factors.

I am not a fan of traditional moisturisers - like the ones your grandmother used, with the thick cloying cream sitting heavy on the face and feeling like someone just backed up a truck and plonked it on your face. No sir, no thank you.

This led me to the world of gel moisturisers instead - typically with a water base, they are much lighter on the skin whilst delivering the perfect amount of hydration. There are many on the market that claim to do everything under the skin, but I wasn’t looking for some super-duper exceptionally beefed up product. I just wanted a straightforward hydrating gel texture that delivered hydration into the outer layers of the skin and felt like it.

This moisturiser does exactly that. With a thin but very slightly tacky consistency, it absorbs easily but feels substantial enough that you can tell it is getting to work on the skin, rather than slipping straight off like water. Combined with the soothing properties of aloe, my skin feels calm and protected throughout the day and the added hyaluronic acid ensures the hydration gets to the epidermis for that thirst-quenching sensation that all dry skin requires.

Like so many of us, my skin tends to have a mind of its own and certainly throughout the year, I swap my everyday products as required. As we are in winter in the UK, hydration is the aim of the game, what with dry central heating air inside the house, and freezing cold winter air outside. Both strip the skin of its natural moisture leaving it needing a helping hand. I haven’t particularly left the house very much this winter (thank you Covid), but this has just meant I haven’t been wearing any make-up so I have re-applied moisturiser as required throughout the day- usually up to 5-6 times (thank you central heating).

The product description states it locks in moisture for 72 hours but I haven’t specifically tested this considering I go to sleep and wash my face each day before re-applying.

Overall, this is a solid choice for the dry skinned amongst us and as it’s a drugstore brand, usually available on special offer somewhere.

Shop here from Boots, 70ml for £6.66