Last month I was selected by @Influenster to receive the Neutrogena VoxBox, which contained a jar of Neutrogena’s new Hydro Boost Water Gel (#BehindTheGlow). According to Neutrogena, this formula has been a best seller in Asia since 2009 and features a “Progressive Release System Formula” that creates a “hydration reservoir” and works to balance your skin and provide moisture throughout the day. The moisture gel uses hyaluronic acid, olive extract and glycerin to provide non-greasy hydration.

It’s no secret that I have very dry winter skin, so I was excited to try this new product. The packaging and the gel itself both have a very spa-like feel, from the clear, light blue colors to the clean and fresh scent of the moisturizer. When I smoothed the gel onto my skin I immediately noticed its refreshing, cooling sensation. It didn’t absorb completely right away, but after a few minutes my skin felt soft and not the least bit greasy or oily. However, it didn’t take long for that soft smooth feeling to change to a slightly dry and tight feeling. Within a couple of hours I had dry flaky patches on my forehead and cheeks.

While I can say that this moisturizer is more hydrating than many others that are currently sitting in my beauty stash, it just did not provide enough moisture for my very dry winter skin, and the moisture it did provide was not very long lasting. I’ll be setting this moisturizer aside and will give it another try come summer, when my skin is much less thirsty; the lightweight moisture and cooling sensation could make it a perfect warm weather hydrator.

I received this product free for testing purposes; all opinions are my own.