I have pretty much normal skin throughout the year, but my skin can be a little bumpy around my chin and side of my cheeks near my cycle. Other than that, I just need to focus on hydration in colder seasons. Personally, I very much enjoy oil-infused formula in skincare products, and I find that it gives better hydration longevity that I can just use it throughout the year. And I know, it took me a while to write an updated take on La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream, but I wanted to use it long enough in different weather conditions and daily environments, so I very much appreciate all your patience😘.

Scent

I still remember, I got a little afraid to try out La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream in the beginning as it says 'cool', and my very first association with it was high content of alcohol. However, worry not! It doesn't give that uncomfortable alcohol feel to skin, nor off-putting alcohol smell. It smells just like other La Mer moisturisers; very soothing.

Consistency

In terms of the consistency, La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream carries a lightweight creamy gel that doesn't feel too watery on skin. Unlike the name, the gel cream doesn't have much of a 'cool' feel other than the fact that it's in a refreshing bouncy gel cream formula that may feel relatively cool compared to their other moisturisers as some of them can be on the rich side. In other words, La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream almost feels 'second skin-like'  upon application, which I personally find 'cool' as it's basically a 'no make-up make-up' for skincare.

Benefits

This cooling gel delivers soothing moisture for a refreshed feel. Skin looks naturally vibrant, restored to its healthiest looking center. Miracle Broth™ – the legendary healing elixir that flows through all of La Mer – infuses skin with sea-sourced renewing energies. Ideal for combination / oilier skin.

This featherweight gel cream leaves skin feeling cooled, calmed and soothed with a fresh, healthy radiance. Created with Micro Oil Gel Capsules to bring nourishing moisture to the center of skin, this lightweight moisturizer helps smooth fine dry lines. Lime Tea helps protect against environmental stress and pollution for a pure glow.

Formulated Without Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Sulfites

Application

Pat a small amount between fingertips and press gently into cleansed skin, morning and night.

Source

Full ingredients

Water\Aqua\Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Algae (Seaweed) Extract, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder, Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul'S Wort) Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sorbitol, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Gellidiella Acerosa Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Niacinamide, Sucrose, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Peg-8, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Trehalose, Saccharide Isomerate, Oleth-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caffeine, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Alcohol Denat., Hydrogenated Lecithin, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium Edta, Bht, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol

Verdict

Unlike its lightweight texture, La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream also has great longevity in regards to hydration. It doesn't give that masky veil to skin, but the oil-infused formula clearly shines through as it offers long-lasting hydration without adding much weight. This actually leads to one of my favourite hydrating skincare products Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Crème, I wouldn't say that either of those is a dupe as they are not exactly the same in terms of scent, texture, ingredients and main function. However, it's interesting that they both gives a beautiful oil-infused glow to skin and provides a great hydration longevity.

There are differences are though, I personally find that La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream feels a lot more delicate on your skin than Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Crème. This includes the scent, texture and also finish. I've also noticed that La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream offers faster skin recovery and skin regeneration overnight, while Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Crème is more focused on hydration and some plumping action if paired with their Hydra Beauty Micro Serum.

• Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Creme & Micro Serum
• Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream (Plumping & Radiance)
• La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Lotion (VS La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream)
• La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion

If you have relatively young skin and/or your key focus is on hydration, I would rather suggest Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Crème as long as you don't mind its artificial fragrance. It's undeniable that Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Crème is much more affordable with a similar efficacy. However, if you start seeing some signs of skin aging and/or getting spots frequently that needs to be healed, I recommend La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream. It's great for those who prefer the feel of very much 'barely there' to skin texture.

Where to buy

• Nordstrom (Free shipping & samples)
• Saks Fifth Avenue (Free shipping & samples)

Recommendations

• Chanel Sublimage L'Essence Fondamentale (Ultimate Redefining Concentrate)
• La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask
• Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Serum
• La Prairie Skin Caviar Absolute Filler Cream
• La Mer Genaissance de La Mer The Eye and Expression Cream