Beauty Review: Obagi Hydrate Luxe Range

It’s a dreaded time of year for dry skin sufferers. Right about now, skin ceases to behave, leaving a bumpy, flaky, less-than-glowy epidermis behind for several (long) months. Skin looks stressed, foundation clumps, nothing works… It’s the worst!

Being a dry skin sufferer, this year I’ve started early on my quest to combat dry skin. My strategy is to build skin hydration in advance (and hopefully find some “saviour products” in the process) so that when the cold snap hits, I’m ready to face it! (literally!).

I’ve so far sampled a medical-grade moisturiser, a botanical renewal serum, a water-free hydrating balm, and a fantastic moisture replenishing stick. Today, I’m going to review the first of these, the medical-grade moisturiser.

1. Obagi Hydrate Luxe Moisture-Rich Cream

Part of a large offering of medical-grade skincare created by plastic surgeons, the Obagi Hydrate Luxe is an impressive moisturiser that is specifically engineered for overnight use and provides extra-strength moisturisation in mature and dry skin. It contains a mix of natural and scientifically-based ingredients.

Looking exactly like whipped butter, this moisturiser has a fresh, pleasant smell and a thick (yet non-greasy) consistency. Gliding on beautifully and absorbing instantly, this high-grade night creme creates a comfortable suppleness, there is no hint of oily residue nor transfer onto pillowcases.

Used as prescribed (as a night creme), my face was well-hydrated upon waking: skin looked healthy and revived – there was certainly no dryness or dullness apparent (and on the flip side, the product wasn’t so heavy that skin looked overloaded or blocked either.)

Rebelliously, I decided to test this night product as a day creme… I applied the Obagi Hydrate Luxe under my foundation on a cold and windy day – and my skin held up great! It performs well under makeup (makeup doesn’t slide off, separate or change texture) and skin felt well-moisturised to the touch hours later. (Anecdotally, when I had my makeup done later that afternoon, the makeup artist remarked on my dewy skin – WIN!).

Regardless of apparent suitability for day use, unless I moved to the Artic tundra I would probably reserve the Obagi Hydrate Luxe as a night creme, and use a combination of a serum+day moisturiser for during the day. (However, if you happen to have exceptionally dry skin then this product is adaptable for both, and worth a look at.)

Bottom line: After a month of nightly use my skin is feeling generally quite elasticised and I haven’t noticed any clogging or blemishes as a result. I have also found that because I am surging the skin with moisture overnight, my skin doesn’t seem to need so much moisturisation during the day.

Pros:

• Love the texture
• Not too heavy, no clogging
• Long-lasting hydration
• Adaptable to day wear

Cons:

• Prefer a more hygienic dispenser such as a pump
• Slightly pricey $79.95 for 48g

Obagi is available only through cosmetic clinics, dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Rating 8/10