I first saw Clinique’s Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator in a Japanese fashion magazine many, many months ago. I remembered tweeting about it, wishing to the high heavens that it came to Australia already.

So when it finally launched in Australia, I was excited. I love the original Moisture Surge gel moisturiser, and wanted to know how this one would compare.

First things first, this isn’t a gel like the Moisture Surge Extra Thirsty Skin Relief. It’s a creamy lotion in a jar. The packaging is still the same. The scent is also similar to the gel.

And that is where the similarities ended.

As a cream, it’s richer than the gel (gee Tine, what clever descriptions you come up with). In terms of hydration, the Skin Fortifying Hydrator provided better hydration for the winter. My cheeks and chin tend to be dry, especially in the winter months and sometimes, the Extra Thirsty Skin Relief isn’t enough. The cream just seems to work better on my skin.

Here’s the reality though: it doesn’t remove fine lines. It doesn’t lighten the skin. It doesn’t reduce the appearance of wrinkles. What it does is keep the skin well-hydrated, and for that, I think it’s a more-than-decent moisturiser.

Some people find that the gel moisturiser do not absorb onto the skin well, that it just sits on the skin doing nothing. I suggest trying this one out instead. It might work better for you 🙂

So here’s what I’m thinking. I really like this cream moisturiser, and I still love the old gel one. One works better in the cold months, one is fantastic in the hot months (especially when the jar of gel moisturiser is kept in the fridge). My combination skin simply drinks it up. Good on you, Clinique. You’ve been my favourite brand for 20 years now, and you still do not disappoint.

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator retails at AU$60 for 50ml and is available at MYER, David Jones and selected pharmacies nationwide.

Note: This product was provided for consideration by the kind people of Clinique. Bless their hearts; they know I’m a long-time fan.