This post is sponsored by CVS, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
Some people have a signature scent or a go-to coffee order, but me? This time last year, my claim to fame was the $75 moisturizer that felt like it was a part of me. I swore it was the only thing keeping my skin on some IRL Facetune, so I justified the splurge every time. “It’s an investment,” I’d tell myself, as if my skin were a 401(k) that would someday pay dividends in eternal youth. Every couple of months, I’d watch my bank account shrink while my bathroom shelf held a tiny jar of “magic.” I convinced myself there was no way a drugstore product could compete—those were for true skincare emergencies, like forgetting it before a trip or running out mid-week.
Earlier this year, our beauty editor recommended me an affordable alternative: the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. I was skeptical… because how could something under $30 possibly deliver the same plump, glowy, “I drink three liters of water a day” skin that my original moisturizer promised? But after a quick trip to CVS and a week of using it, there was a plot twist: my skin didn’t just look the same—it looked better. My budget can finally exhale, and now, I’ll never go back.
As a girl with sensitive, combo-to-dry skin, I need a moisturizer that hydrates without clogging my pores, soothes without stinging, and plays nice with everything else in my routine. I’m looking for balance, and Hydro Boost nails it.
Where to even begin… I genuinely love everything about this moisturizer. To start, the texture is lightweight and refreshing the second it hits your skin, with a cooling feel that’s basically a mini spa treatment in a jar. It absorbs into my face super quickly, leaving behind zero greasy residue or heaviness—just smooth, soft skin that feels so good, I have to stop myself from touching it.
The ingredient lineup is simple but effective, with hyaluronic acid as the hydration MVP. It works like a sponge, pulling in moisture and keeping skin plump and dewy all day. Glycerin is the loyal sidekick, locking that hydration in so you’re not left high and dry or looking like a grease ball by noon. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are the dream team I never knew I needed, like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner randomly being the best power couple around ATM.
Performance-wise, Hydro Boost has been put through the ringer. I’ve worn it in July humidity, January wind, and under full glam makeup, and it’s passed every test. My foundation glides on without pilling, my skin stays hydrated without getting shiny, and it somehow manages to feel light while still being effective. It’s perfect for normal to oily skin types, though drier skin gals can still get in on the fun by layering it under a richer cream at night. And the best part, of course? It rivals my old $75 moisturizer without the luxury price tag, giving me the same glow for a fraction of the cost.
Using Hydro Boost is simple—no frills, special techniques, or learning curve required. I start with freshly cleansed skin, and instead of drying my face completely, I leave it slightly damp; that way, the gel can lock in even more moisture. A nickel-sized amount is plenty, thanks to the way the gel spreads so easily. I massage it in using gentle upward and outward motions, partly because it’s good for circulation and absorption, but mostly because I need to romanticize my morning routine at 6:45 a.m. to avoid a mental breakdown. It makes for the perfect base, playing nice with everything from SPF to foundation and concealer. At night, I’ll sometimes layer it over a hyaluronic acid serum or under a richer cream when I want an extra hydration boost.
And if you really want to level up your routine, here’s my favorite trick: Stash the jar in the fridge. In the morning, that chilled gel feels like a slap in the face in the best way possible—refreshing, de-puffing, and a tiny bit addictive. Whether I’m using it to jump-start my day or right before bed, it’s become a twice-daily habit my skin now refuses to go without.
And as if the $25 price tag wasn’t enough to make you question the $100 container on your nightstand, the Hydro Boost Water Gel is part of the CVS Epic Beauty Sale happening now through September 1. For every $25 you spend, you get an extra $10 off on a ton of other brands we’re obsessed with (Cerave, L’Oreal, NYX, Garnier… need we say more?). Throw some coupons and loyalty points into the mix and boom! It’s basically free! (My accountant fears me). Think mascaras, hair masks, dry shampoos, and even more skincare musts for a fraction of what they normally cost. Your self-care routines (and your wallet) will thank you later.
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna assists the sales team with the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, pitching and contributing stories of her own, and more. Some of her favorite topics to write about are entertainment, culture, and lifestyle
This post is sponsored by CVS, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
