Rating My Skincare Stash 🧴
I have been trying so many moisturizers over these past couple years of getting into skincare. So I’d like to welcome you to the first part of reviewing them! ✨
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($14.99)
💛 I honestly use this more than anything else. It’s so reliable and easy on my skin. It never pills, and often I will use it to fix pilling with other products. You get so much for a nice price as well.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides ($10.80)
🩶 I have been using the ordinary since the start of my skincare journey. I generally have nothing bad to say about them. This moisturizer is definitely not my favorite of there products. It leaves my face greasy all day and really red. Though there is no physical irritation or discomfort. I’ll finish what’s left but won’t repurchase.
Garnier Water Rose Gel ($19.99)
🩷 Overall this has been a good product. It’s a great busy morning grab and go that leaves a nice glow. It’s refreshing and light on my skin as well. I don’t know if it’s worth twenty dollars but it’s definitely not a bad product.
e.l.f. Cookies ’n Dreams ($9.00)
💙 I LOVE this moisturizer/mask so much! It smells so gourmand and sweet and leaves my skin so soft and velvety with no reaction. I am so sad it was limited edition and hope e.l.f brings it back so I can stock up on it!
After using these moisturizers extensively, I’ve come to appreciate how different formulas can respond based on your skin type and lifestyle. For example, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream’s combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid really helps restore my skin barrier during dry, cold months, and its fragrance-free formula minimizes irritation risk for sensitive skin. On the other hand, although The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors plus PhytoCeramides has promising ingredients designed to boost skin hydration and barrier function, I found it left a greasy residue on my skin and some redness, which might indicate it's better suited for less oily or less reactive skin types. It’s a reminder that even clinically-formulated products can vary in individual results. Garnier’s Water Rose Gel is a refreshing, lightweight gel moisturizer perfect for busy mornings or summer days when a heavy cream feels too much. The subtle glow it imparts lends a nice fresh-faced appearance. However, its price point makes me question the value compared to other similarly performing moisturizers. Finally, the e.l.f. Cookies ’n Dreams moisturizer/mask was a delightful surprise. The sweet, gourmand scent and velvety-soft finish made it feel like a little treat for my skin, even on rough days. Unfortunately, its limited edition status means it’s hard to find now, but I recommend keeping an eye out if you love niche, sensorial skincare experiences. In a nutshell, when choosing a moisturizer, consider your skin’s unique needs alongside your budget and ingredient preferences. Products with ceramides like CeraVe support skin health long term, while gels like Garnier’s may boost morning radiance. And never underestimate the joy a favorite scent and texture can bring to your daily routine—it makes skincare feel less like a chore and more like self-care.