Moisturising dehydrated skin vol 1 - Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme

Even though my skin is generally oily, it can get really dehydrated come winter. In fact, it tends to lose its glow as soon as the temperatures fall below 10 degrees and it often becomes rough and uneven in its texture and tone. While I still have the problem with my skin getting shiny during the day, it is actually rather dehydrated on the surface and requires some serious nourishment. I know this - dehydrated skin in winter - is a problem for many so expect to see a series of posts on great moisturisers (that promise to hydrate) in the next few weeks. Today, I am kicking off this series with Chanel's new Hydra Beauty Gel Creme.

The official blurbs say: "Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme is the radiance enhancing moisturiser for women in search of intense hydration packed with advanced antioxidant protection. It helps protect their beauty and restore their skin's radiance, while delivering freshness and softness"

and

"Extremely sensorial and specially developed for normal skin, the sorbet texture of this gel-cream diffuses subtle fruity notes over a delicate floral heart. It delivers a real sensation of freshness and relaxation. Like a flower, your skin is infused with moisture and active ingredients. Infinitely hydrated and protected, it glows with beauty and withstands climatic variations and the changing seasons."

Even though Chanel state this is a product mainly aimed at normal skin, I find it is a great moisturiser for drier and dehydrated skin types too. It is a lovely lightweight gel cream formula (true to its name!) with a subtle and fresh floral scent and really does feel like a sorbet when applied. The product feels instantly refreshing and absorbs into skin very quickly. Because it is so lightweight in texture, you may think it doesn't provide "proper" hydration but it does, and plenty of it. Hydra Beauty Gel Creme refreshes, moisturises and boosts the radiance of the skin. It softens and smoothes without being greasy and actually feels like it "repairs" the dry skin.
The Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme is a fantastic product for most skin types - it makes sure it hydrates the dry areas while keeping the (usually) oilier T-zone in check, too. It feels luxurious - but would you expect anything less from Chanel? - and is an absolute joy to use. My skin seems to love it too as it literally drinks it up. In fact, I have never had a "bad skin day" with this gel creme.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme is available from Chanel counters nationwide and retails at £50. There are also a richer creme and a serum in the Hydra Beauty range.