I know it’s far from being a new brand, but AmorePacific is a new personal favorite. I’ve used a few of their products over the past year including an eye cream, nighttime moisturizer, and now I’ve been using the Refreshing Hydra-Gel, which is one of five products in the brand’s limited edition Moisture Bound Oil-Free Essentials Clarifying Skincare Regimen ($100). It’s awesome! It’s called a gel, but it’s creamier than most while still feeling light on skin and it’s not at all sticky. It absorbs quickly, is moisturizing (and it’s very dry here in NYC right now), smells refreshing (but light), and helps smooth out and refresh skin. It works well for combo skin because it’s moisturizing while being oil-free and it can be used night or day (though it has no SPF, it’s light enough to be layered underneath one). The one thing about it that I don’t love is the oddball packaging. It has a huge over-sized lid, but it’s a small annoyance in comparison to how great it feels on skin. The limited edition kit it comes in is a fantastic value because for $100 you get the cream (the Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free retails for $100 on its own regularly), Treatment Enzyme Peel, Vitalizing Masque, Rejuvenating Serum, and Treatment Cleansing Foam. One of the best holiday skincare indulgence gift sets!
This is the best luxe skincare brand out there imo. The line is completely water free! You are getting the highest concentration of active ingredients available and because of the bamboo sap you are still getting max hydration. I’ve worked as an artist and skincare expert at a several major retailers that carry brands from $-$$$$ and AmorePacific is the best thing that has happened to my skin. I go from dry combination to very dry and the full size HydraGel lasted me almost 1 year. Amazing line!