“Mom, why is your forehead so shiny?!?” yelled my 13-year-old daughter, as she looked at a photo of me from a recent event. I glanced over at her screen; sure enough, I had a serious case of excess oil. The picture had been taken on one of the first days of spring, and my skin was sending a strong message: “It’s time to switch up your beauty routine!”
I have combination skin that tends to get oily in the T-zone during the warmer months. So as I swap sweaters and boots for blouses and open-toe shoes, I also trade rich creams and facial oils for lightweight hydrators that won’t feel or look greasy on my skin as temperatures rise. The above interaction with my daughter reminded me that it was time to start the transition.
So the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer, which is designed for oily and combination skin types, landed on my doorstep at the perfect time. Since I’ve incorporated it into my regimen, my skin feels soft, smooth and well-hydrated, not shiny or sticky. My teen — something of a skincare aficionado, as teens are these days — was also impressed with my results and had to try it for herself.
Here’s why e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer has quickly become a hot item for all ages in my household:
1. The Texture Is Just Right
The formula is gel-like (thus the name) and bouncy to the touch, but it feels like water or a silky serum as you rub it into your skin. It’s cooling and refreshing and absorbs within seconds, leaving no trace on the skin’s surface. I find that I can apply my makeup on top without pilling.
2. It Contains Quality Skin-Quenching Ingredients
It might seem counterintuitive to apply moisturizer on oily areas, but all skin types need hydration to remain healthy and function properly. Gel-Yeah Moisturizer contains a trio of ingredients that hydrate and prevent moisture loss but don’t feel heavy on skin: allantoin, squalane and prickly-pear extract. Allantoin, an extract from the comfrey plant, is an emollient known for its skin-soothing properties. Squalane is designed to mimic naturally occurring squalene, a lipid in your skin; when added to topical skincare products, it helps seal in moisture without leaving a greasy residue. The prickly-pear extract is included for additional moisture-retaining power, according to the brand.
3. It Perks Up My 40-Something Face
When you’re a woman of a certain age, dull, dry skin can make fine lines and wrinkles more apparent. I’ve found that Gel-Yeah Moisturizer plumps my complexion, making it appear smoother and more youthful.
4. It’s Teen-Approved, Too!
My daughter also loves this moisturizer, which likely explains why it keeps going missing from my vanity. (Considering the price — see below — I’m happy to get her a jar of her own.) Plus, I feel good knowing it’s formulated without potentially harmful or irritating ingredients; the brand follows both FDA and European Union Cosmetic Regulation restrictions.
5. It Doesn’t Break the Bank
This moisturizer costs just $12 — I’ve spent almost as much on a latte. e.l.f. has long been known for innovative, effective cosmetic and skincare products at reasonable prices, and as the mother of three beauty-curious girls, I am most grateful for that.
Krista Bennett DeMaio has nearly two decades of editorial experience. The former magazine-editor-turned-freelance writer regularly covers skincare, beauty, health, and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in national publications including Oprah, Shape, Parents, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and websites such as HealthCentral.com bhg.com, and prevention.com."
