Review: Aveeno Positively Agless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

After trying this moisturizer for over half a year - finally finished the bottle! - I felt it was necessary to do a good, detailed review. Just letting you know that it had a very fair trial run, as do all my product reviews. ;)

A few things to note beforehand: I am young, yes, so I do not really have wrinkles yet; just a few fine lines from the dry desert climate. My skin type is normal/combo, with a little occasional oiliness in my T-zone. I am also fair-skinned, so I'm always looking for great sun protection, which is one reason I chose this product.

With that out of the way, here's my full run-down of Aveeno's Positively Ageless Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Description: "A nourishing anti-aging lotion that works in harmony with your skin to help accelerate skin's natural renewal process. It is clinically shown to replenish surface cells faster so your skin looks and feels younger. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested. You will see: visibly reduced lines and wrinkles; increased firmness; fresher, younger, more vibrant skin; softer, smoother skin. Used daily, this advanced sun protection helps prevent future sun damage such as fine lines, wrinkles and even age spots. And because it's from AVEENO, it's gentle enough for even sensitive skin."

Price: $18.99/2.5 oz.

Results: First, though the price is a little steep for a drugstore moisturizer, you get a lot of product. (I did mention I used this almost daily for over six months, right? ;) Much more than many other brands, which only offer an ounce or ounce and a half of product for even more ridiculous prices. It comes in a pump-top tube, which is both a blessing and a curse - dispensing is easy and mess-free, but the tube seems impossible to open, meaning you can't get any product out that may be stuck at the bottom. Luckily, when I held my empty bottle up to the light, it looked like I had used nearly every drop. Finally, an effective pump dispenser! :)

The moisturizer is thick and creamy, but absorbs into skin well, especially after a good cleansing and exfoliation or a warm shower - this is when I most recommend applying. If you use too much, it could feel more like it's sitting on your skin, and there is potential for a slightly oily residue left behind. This is also why I cannot recommend this product for very oily skin; it is not an oil-free product.

The smell isn't bad, but took a little getting used to. After using, skin feels soft and smooth, and very well-hydrated. Wait about five minutes before starting your make-up to let the moisturizer set in. Again, just be sure not to use too much, unless you have very dry skin that needs extra attention. Once it's had some time to sink in, my make-up seemed to go on fine, if not smoother than usual.

As for anti-aging effects? I can't say I saw any huge improvements in my skin where my fine lines were concerned, except for a possible smoothing effect. Because it is such a thick and hydrating moisturizer, though, it may have prevented any new lines from sneaking their way in during the months I used it, and the excellent UVA/UVB protection certainly helped my skin as well. I could also feel a difference in softness and texture when I skipped a day or more. According to some, the moisturizer works better when paired with the serum included in this line, but I didn't purchase both.

To summarize, this is an excellent moisturizer with great daily sun protection - but I would not say it is an amazing anti-aging product, as most aren't. The soy extracts and AHA ingredients are undoubtedly good for your skin, and with time, can help improve its condition. The SPF and natural ingredients will help keep your face soft, smooth, and hydrated, as well as prevent future sun damage.

If you're looking for dramatic change, feel free to try it out, but don't expect visible results for at least four weeks - and consider trying the serum with it or instead, which is supposedly more effective against aging. Overall, a very nice moisturizer; I only wish they could make an oil-free version for days when my T-zone is acting up.

Now, to decide what moisturizer to buy next...

What's your favorite moisturizer? :)


Image: drugstore.com