Review: Nuance Salma Hayek AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream

A while ago I received a variety of products from the Nuance Salma Hayek collection (available exclusively at CVS) for review, and today I'd like to show you this moisturizer, which I've been using for several weeks now.

 Nuance Salma Hayek AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream

(retail: $19.99 at CVS, 1.4 oz)

 

As you can see, this moisturizer comes in a jar which, as you know, is not my favorite type of packaging for skincare. However, I'm always looking for a good nighttime moisturizer, so I didn't let that stop me.

*Tip: to avoid using fingers, use a small, clean plastic spatula or spoon to scoop out product. Scoop enough to cover your face and neck, and gently put the product on the back of your hand. You can keep returning to the back of your hand to pick up more product as you apply your moisturizer to your face.

This is a thick, rich cream, although the texture is not heavy. I have never encountered a moisturizer with this consistency before, so I'm having a hard time trying to describe it:

This product has a thick, creamy, yet gel-like consistency to it. It glides across the skin quite easily, and you can feel the natural oils in the product as you smooth it across your face. But at the same time, it almost feels like a lightweight gel. It's like a hybrid of a thick, rich cream and a lightweight gel, if that makes any sense.

As the packaging indicates, you do NOT need a lot of product to cover your entire face and neck. I'm talking just one tiny scoop and you're set. So given the price ($19.99 for 1.4 oz), one jar should last you a VERY long time.

As its name states, this a morning and evening moisturizer. However, I cannot foresee ever using this in the daytime because I find it to be too heavy for my oily skin. There's something about this moisturizer that makes it feel like it's never fully absorbing into my skin (but as I will explain in a second, I don't consider this a negative aspect). But because it feels like it's never fully absorbed, it leaves a protective coating on the skin which would spell disaster for my makeup. I can see this making my foundation slip and slide around within an hour, so I actually haven't even attempted to use it in the daytime.

I know I said it feels like this never quite absorbs into the skin, but allow me to clarify. This does absorb to a degree, but it also stays on the surface on the skin to form a protective barrier. My skin has been experiencing some dryness lately due to cold weather, combined with an anti-acne cleanser that I've been testing for a future review, so I have REALLY needed a heavy-duty nighttime moisturizer to correct the dryness. So because of my current concerns, I am loving this product. I find this moisturizer not only hydrates my skin, but it keeps it hydrated throughout the night and well into the next morning.

Every morning since I've been using this moisturizer, I've woken up to soft-as-a-baby's-bottom skin that doesn't feel overly greasy. Therefore, I can confirm that it DOES absorb, however it's a slow process and I don't think it fully absorbs into the skin.

Just like every other bath, body, skincare and haircare product I've encountered in the Nuance line, I find the fragrance of this moisturizer to be absolutely lovely. It is very clean and fresh-smelling and not headache-inducing at all (such a relief given the fact that most nighttime moisturizers I've used over the years always tend to contain heavy floral notes).

FINAL VERDICT: If you're looking for a light moisturizer for daytime use, I would skip right over this one. But if you've got mature skin, dry skin or occasional dry patches that require some heavy-duty hydration, I think you might love using AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream before bed. I have mature, oily skin (I'm 40), fine wrinkles and mildly-uneven skintone, and I am loving how this product makes my skin feel when I wake up in the morning. I've been battling some dry patches lately and I find this product to be rich and hydrating enough to sooth dryness and keep my skin hydrated throughout the night and into the next morning. I have not experienced any dramatic results in terms of the appearance of my fine wrinkles or unevenness, however I think this product has worked wonders for me in terms of restoring moisture to my skin. If you have dry skin and you crave instant relief, I think you might be very happy with this one. Those with younger skin might find this too heavy of a product even for nighttime, but those with mature skin (like myself) might welcome this one with open arms. I would definitely consider purchasing this when I run out because I think it's a great product to have on hand for when your skin is feeling extra parched.

But don't just take my word for it: check out the 5-star reviews on the CVS website.

Have you tried any Nuance Salma Hayek skincare products? If so, I'd love to find out what you've tried and how you like them.

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.