I hadn’t heard anything about this moisturiser, what hydroblur is, or what it claims to do. But I got it for Christmas, it says suitable for All Skin Types and I love Clinique skincare, so I jumped right in and doshed it all over my face.
Which is when I noticed that it’s different. Definitely hydrating (I have dry, dehydrated skin and it felt enough in the moisturising department for day time) but also, smoothing. It has the velvety feel of a silicone based primer, like the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, £26, or Benefit The POREfessional Primer, £24.50.
So when I came to do my makeup, post HydroBlur, I did something unusual. I skipped primer. My face felt primed. And lo and behold, my foundation went on super smoothly, more so than with my normal primer even. And not only did the product glide on, it seemed to go a bit further than it usually does.
But then I forgot all about it. Completely left my mind. Didn’t check my makeup throughout the day, didn’t touch up, just went about my business.
Until I went to remove it some 12 hours later. I caught my reflection in the bathroom mirror and did a comedy double take. Because my makeup was still on.
Not full face, but way more than normal for end of day. Nothing lasts on me, my face eats makeup. Primer, powder, setting spray, the works, by mid afternoon just eye make up remains.
Rather than joy, my initial reaction was mild panic – I’d just reviewed the Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look In A Palette and said that the bronzer didn’t last long, but there it was, bronzing, in the bathroom mirror at 9pm.
And yet it didn’t click. Until the next morning, when I had a realisation, a skincare lightbulb moment. I’d done something different the day before. I’d used Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturiser, £24.50 for 50ml, for the first time.
So I’ve been using it since and paying close attention. And it’s really rather interesting. I would say it’s more primer than moisturiser, but it does give a little hit of hydration, particularly when paired with serum. Enough hydration for normal or combination skin, and even for dry skin on a good day. It does mattify, so I could see it working for oily skin types too.
Like other siliconey primers, I find it is best used sparingly. When I used too much it made the foundation on my nose break up. But used in small amounts it’s incredibly effective at making your makeup last longer.
Til next time,
Hayley