Can This Cult Gel Moisturiser Help My Confused Combination Skin?
When it comes to moisturisers, I’ve tried a lot. My combination skin type means that part of my face can sometimes have dry, flaky patches, while the rest can look (and feel) greasy and oily. So, finding the right balance with a moisturiser can be tricky.
I have a go-to favourite is CeraVe’s Moisturising Lotion, and I use this on my body too, since it comes in quite a big bottle. This is pretty effective for hydrating my skin without being too heavy, but I often need to apply something thicker on any dry patches – that always seem to appear as the day goes on, surprising me when I look in the mirror at lunchtime and my chin has become more parched than the desert. Sigh.
So, when Jordan Samuel sent me a few of his new skincare products, I was really excited to give The Matinee Gel Moisturizer (£27 from Jordan Samuel Skin UK /$29 from Jordan Samuel Skin US) a go and see how it fares against my awkward skin type.
Here’s how I got on.
The Matinee Gel Moisturizer
This moisturiser utilises “lightweight plant oils and humectants” and the brand describes this moisturiser as “the perfect solution for skin looking for hydration without over-nourishment. Whether used as a primary moisturizer for oilier skins or a layering step for drier skins, Matinee Gel Moisturizer provides a barely-there feel while giving a glowing finish.”
Sounds right up my street.
The gel includes ingredients like glycerin for hydration and keeping the skin soft and supple, allantoin to soothe and hydrate, and prickly pear seed oil to moisturise while providing antioxidant protection.
It comes in a 75ml bottle (great for travelling since it’s under 100ml!) with an easy pump function, and it’s part of the new The Matinee range which features a cream cleanser, gel cleanser, and this gel moisturiser.
Image – Courtesy of writer
My results
In the morning, I washed my face (I rarely do a full cleanse in the morning since my skin doesn’t really need it), applied the Jordan Samuel Antioxidant Treatment Emulsion (stay tuned for a review on this!), and then put 2 pumps of the moisturiser into the palm of my hand. At first, I noticed how it’s a thinner consistency than I’d expected, it sort of slides on the skin because it’s so lightweight. I was dubious that this would provide enough hydration to quench my thirsty skin (well, the thirsty parts of my skin!)
But when I applied it onto my face and let it sink in for a couple of minutes, I felt like the texture had gotten thicker on application?! My skin felt hydrated and soothed, there were no flaky or dry patches, and there wasn’t the slightest bit of grease on my T-zone. It felt cooling on the skin and it sinks in pretty quickly – leaving no sticky residue (my pet hate). Result.
But how would it fare for long-lasting hydration? And what about through the night?
I often have to apply a bit of moisturiser to my chin and around my eyebrows as the day goes on, but I didn’t have to do that after using this moisturiser. My skin feels really hydrated and moisturised after applying this moisturiser.
I have tested this out in hotter weather while in Spain, and it’s perfect because of the cooling sensation and the fact that it’s a gel formulation because I often feel like creams are too thick and don’t allow my skin to breathe, resulting in a film of sweat across my cheeks and forehead as the temperature rises. But not with this product! Time will tell how this product holds up on my skin as the weather gets cold.
Image – Courtesy of writer
For my nighttime routine, I usually don’t do a double cleanse unless I feel like my skin really needs it or if I’ve been wearing makeup during the day. I normally use CeraVe’s SA Bumpy Skin Cleanser and, if I’m double cleansing, I will use that after I’ve cleansed with Jordan Samuel’s The Matinee Cream Cleanser or The Inkey List’s Oat Cleansing Balm.
Then I spritzed some of Jordan Samuel’s Hydrate the Mist onto my skin and applied the Byoma Hydrating Serum while my skin was still damp. Then I followed this with The Matinee Gel Moisturiser. My skin felt sufficiently hydrated without being sticky or greasy, and it looked just as hydrated in the morning – no dry or flaky patches.
It’s worth mentioning that this gel moisturiser doesn’t contain any ingredients that are unsafe to use with retinols, vitamin C, or other actives – so it’s perfect to fit right into any routine.
Which skin types is this gel moisturiser good for?
I would say this moisturiser is definitely gentle enough for every skin type, even sensitive and dry skin types. However, I’m not sure how it would stack up on those with very dry skin.
But the brand does say that this can be used as “a layering step” for drier skin, meaning you’ll get the benefit of the ingredients but you may need to apply a thicker moisturiser afterwards to keep skin fully hydrated.
For oily and combination skin types, I think this moisturiser is perfect! It’s thoroughly hydrating without being greasy, it sinks in quickly without leaving any sort of film, it’s great for layering, and I really like how my sunscreen and makeup sit on top of it. No pilling, but enough hydration that my foundation glides on without sliding off.
The only drawback for me is the price but, saying that, I usually go for more affordable brands and products and The Matinee Gel Moisturiser has given me better results than a lot of the more expensive products I have tested on my combination skin.
Image – Courtesy of writer
What other people are saying
@devsday on Instagram writes “It feels barely there, but it is incredibly hydrating. I applied this over flaking skin, and it kept my skin flake free all day! It also layers incredibly well under makeup and sunscreen. This is great for normal to oily skin as their main moisturizer, but would also work well as a hydrating serum step for dry skin.”
“As a reminder I have combo skin. During the tail end of summer, this has been perfect as my daytime moisturizer. In the winter I’d probably use this more as a hydrating step, and layer with another moisturizer or wear a moisturizing sunscreen over it.” I tend to agree with all of this!
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The takeaway
Overall, I love this gel moisturiser. It’s perfect for my combination skin and provides deep hydration without the greasiness.
I think this is a great moisturiser for acne, oily, and combination skin types, and it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin. Those with very dry skin might find they need an extra dose of hydration layered on top of it, but the gentle ingredients and the fact that it’s fragrance-free make it a great base for further hydrators/moisturisers without causing any irritation.
I love how it doesn’t pill when I apply sunscreen and/or makeup, as I’ve found other gels have a tendency to pill, and it sinks in quickly enough for me to not have to wait around while I’m rushing to get ready in the mornings!
Get Glowing!
