Clinique Dramatically different or the same?

A few months ago, November 2011 to be exact, I purchased the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel. Usually this would be over $40BDS for the small (50mL) tube, but on Duty-free Day, it was about $24BDS for this size. So I decided to pick it up to try out instead of going back to my Garnier moisturiser which had a similar price.

First off I know I have dry to combination skin, yet I choose the gel because it was lightweight yet moisturising enough for my skin. This product definitely delivered with its light formula. The yellow gel did not have a strong scent, which I loved because some fragrances can get very overbearing for me. In terms of absorption, it did not take very long and did not leave the skin feeling dry or looking too oily. At the time I was using this product I was using a scrub daily to fade my acne scars and keep away new break outs, and this product worked well for rehydrating my skin.

I would just use a pea sized dot of this gel for my entire face, and the moisture would last all day. This small tube has actually last me 5 months, just applying it in the morning. I usually do not use moisturiser at night as I either forget or do not feel like it. (Just let my skin breathe hahah.)

The only 2 problems I have with this product is there is no SPF in it, as well as the cost in Barbados. Considering this is the tropics, I need some sun protection in my moisturisers, and for that I have been using the tiniest amount of  Banana Boat sunscreen for babies (SPF50), over the moisturiser.

For the price, I would expect this product to be a bit better than the Garnier, but it’s not. I haven’t experienced any breakouts or excessive clogged pores with this product, just as with the Moisturising gel cream from Garnier. Basically they’re the same, though if I remember correctly, the Garnier lasts a month longer than this one.  I actually Think I like the Garnier more, it smells nice and feels cool on the skin, which is very refreshing especially during summer.

The VERDICT:

Pros:

• Little to no scent
• Lightweight formula
• Moisturising properties lasts all day
• Little goes a long way

Cons:

• Expensive considering what you get
• Similar products for less
• No SPF
• Tube is not the most convenient for getting out all of the product.

The Raw Sugar :

The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel is a good product, however I do not think I would repurchase unless it was on sale. The biggest issue is the price. It makes more sense to buy the large size (125mL) as it would probably last forever, but the price here in Barbados does not make it  profitable. I would rather purchase a more affordable moisturiser, especially since they have similar outcomes.