Hello again! I'm back again with another overly detailed/probably too long product review. I'm working on doing more and more of these, it's just so hard to sit down and write a blog! Especially when I'm absolutely terrible at writing, ha!

A few weeks ago, Dermalogica sent me two of the new products from their UltraCalming line. This line is meant for sensitive and dry skin. While my skin isn't near as sensitive as it was when I was younger, I do experience random "flare ups" and redness. I am, however, very dry. I think I'm quite possible part lizard (hopefully Silurian.)

Dermalogica's UltraCalming™ line contains UltraCalming Complex, which is their "exclusive complex clinically proven to control neurogenic and immunogenic inflammatory pathways that lead to skin sensitivity."

The two products I was sent are the Barrier Defense Booster and Calm Water Gel. Both of these products are vegan and Dermalogica is cruelty free!

Let's start with the Barrier Defense Booster. This item may seem a bit pricey, but I think it's worth trying out. Like I said in my last Dermalogica blog, I feel like they are a "mid-range" priced company. They develop high quality products at a good price. Not cheap enough to make you worry about quality (or if it actually works), but not expensive enough that you feel like you have to go without other things because you found a "holy grail" skincare item that costs a small fortune.

The Barrier Defense Booster is a concentrated oil booster that is meant to soothe, nourish, and moisturize the skin. The benefits it boasts are:

Reinforces the skin’s naturally-protective barrier against environmental assault.
Nourishes and soothes irritated skin.
Helps prevent skin irritation before it starts.

The Barrier Defense Booster is $75.00 for a 1oz container. You do not need a lot of this product. They recommend about 6-10 drops, I've found that I use about 4-6 and I'm able to pat it over my face and neck.

This oil uses Squalane to lock in moisture and Oat oil to help soothe skin and combat sensitivity. It has a nice calming scent due to the natural oils that have been added, but no artificial fragrances and colors have been used, which I greatly appreciate.

The container the oil is in is hard, it's not a squeezable tube-- instead, the bottom is a soft "button" and you can lightly press that for the oil to dispense from the top. I like this, because it keeps me from overusing product!

I found this really helped my dry patches. It was definitely soothing and it felt nourishing to my skin.

If you have very dry skin, redness, itchiness, or patchy skin, I would highly recommend trying this out! I sometimes wake up in the morning with little dry patches or tiny red bumps on my face (I'm allergic to something, just not sure what.....it's probably the cat.) I've noticed that since I started using this a few weeks ago, I haven't had any of these random "flare ups."

On to the Calm Water Gel!

The Calm Water Gel is a weightless water-gel moisturizer that hydrates dry, sensitive skin. This gel formula transforms to a skin-quenching fluid. This texture is pretty strange. It's a super watery, cold gel but on the face it feels like a heavy moisturizer (and doesn't leave a greasy film.)

Dual Hyaluronic Acid technology works in different skin surface layers to increase and lock in moisture.
Apple Fruit extract and glycerin hydrate and soften the skin while defending it against dryness.
Cactus Pear Extract helps soothe sensitivity and imparts water-binding properties to help support healthy moisture balance.

This gel comes in a 1.7oz container and costs $48.00. It's a squeeze bottle and you need a small amount. I'd say smaller than a dime because a little goes a long way! Rub it in your hands an pat on your face. You'll feel the hydration immediately. I like that this lightweight moisturizer actually hydrates your skin on its own without adding a ton of product (not that I do any more. I just use my Dermalogica and Luminance Skin Care!)

This is really good for super wind chapped skin! Anyone that's in a dry, winter climate should definitely try this.

I use these two products together. I remove my makeup with the PreCleanse Balm and Cleansing Gel. I spritz Luminance Skin Care's Rose Water Toner on my face, apply the Calm Water Gel on my face and neck and once that soaks in I pat on the Barrier Defense Booster. Then, right before bed, I apply my Luminance Skin Care Nite Skin butter

To sum this up, I'd recommend both of these UltraCalming products if you suffer from dry skin (normally or due to weather) or sensitive skin. I haven't tried a Dermalogica product that I didn't like! I really like their ingredients, I love that they are Cruelty free, and that they have programs that help women and girls on the path to entrepreneurship by providing access to education, vocational training, small loans and leadership skills.

"We have seen the power of women entrepreneurs to elevate their families, their communities and their national economies when they are given a hand-up to achieve their potential."

Amazing products and a company that supports women? I'm down.

***To maintain transparency, I want to let you know that this blog post is not sponsored. My opinions are my own and are truthful. The Dermalogica products were gifted to me for an Instagram post, but this blog is not sponsored and wasn't requested. Some of the links are affiliate through RewardStyle.