Does The Clinique Moisture Surge Live Up To Its Hype?

Sneha Kalra

Editor’s Rating

I've come to terms with my oily skin. The sheer luminous layer that forms almost as soon as I step out of my house, which was once frowned upon, is now considered glowy, after all! But what I'm not okay with is my skin feeling drier than a desert. A good moisturiser that keeps the skin hydrated for long periods without leading to clogged pores is only easier to find on paper than in reality.

As if the internet could read my brain, advertisements targeting the same concerns I had popped up on my feed. Consider me influenced because I picked up the jar containing the peachy-pink Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator with a gel-like formula. And it’s safe to say I have a few thoughts about it.

What Is It?

A product that’s achieved cult status thanks to its rave reviews, the Clinique Moisture Surge comes in three variants – with SPF 25, one that leaves the skin moisturised for up to 100 hours and another that moisturises for up to 70 hours. The Moisture Surge Intense 100H has an almost weightless gel-like consistency and is infused with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamins C & E, Aloe, and Hyaluronic acid.

It also promises to leave the skin hydrated for up to 100 hours and protect it from damage caused by extremes in weather, pollution, and blue light.

Our Thoughts

Since I wanted to see what the fuss was about, I started off with the 50ml jar. On the first application, I wasn’t disappointed. No matter how mild a cleanser I use, my face still feels dry. Occasionally, despite having oily skin, once my regular moisturiser’s effects wore off, the area around my lips turned white and felt scratchy. I’ve used the moisture surge for three weeks now, and haven’t seen the dryness reappear ever since. Additionally, I love that it doesn’t weigh my skin down thanks to its souffle-like gel consistency and how quickly the skin drinks it up. It also covers up my very large pores to some extent. It leaves a cooling sensation on the skin post-application and the skin feels extremely soothed and hydrated.

But it’s not too difficult to find faults in this product. It works perfectly well just as it is but when paired with anything else – be it sunscreen, foundation, concealer, it pills. At first, I thought it was just a me problem, but turns out a vast majority of users face the same concern. I don’t understand the rationale behind it but solely because of this, I’ve turned it into my night-time moisturiser.

How To Use It

Apply a coin-sized amount to cleansed skin and massage it in. You can also use it as a hydration pack – apply a thick layer to your face and neck and let it sit for around 10 minutes. Wipe the excess off.