Charlotte Tilbury - Codermary review for Charlotte's Magic Water Cream

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Water Cream is a new version of the original C.T.'s "Magic Cream." It claims to be a lighter, more gel-like, water cream, moisturizer that contains what they call "waterlocking fusion technology." In other words, it prevents the loss of hydration. The new, Magic "Water" is said to hydrate any dry skin instantly and build a stronger skin barrier over time. The formula also contains glyceryl glucoside and beta-glucan to boost the skin's aquaporin function. Aquaporins are proteins that naturally occur in your skin cells’ membranes and are critical to your skin’s health. (and ultimately how radiant, plump, and firm it looks) They allow specific materials into and out of skin cells like glycerin and water. Of which the right levels are essential to proper skin hydration. Glyceryl glucoside can increase the aquaporin activity and beta-glucan, a polysaccharide, impacts the overall efficacy of the product and how it feels on the skin. The formula also boasts faves like niacinamide, and peptides to aid in firming and wrinkle reduction, hyaluronic acid for hydration (obviously), and Vitamins C and E which can even out the skin tone and soothe redness. Moving on... The Magic Water Cream, unlike the OG, is an unscented version, that is significantly lighter than the original, which is quite thick and emollient and for me works best used as an overnight moisturizer. However, this new iteration still isn't as light in texture as you would expect a "water cream" to be. I do notice a kind of oily feel upon application so to me, it's more of a balm rather than a water-based gel. Fortunately, it absorbs into the skin and dries down fairly quickly if you massage and tap it in. It does hydrate very well (in the 28-second time frame noted by the brand) and it leaves my skin feeling more refreshed, bouncy, soft, and silky. Also a major bonus and my favorite part is the instant glow! It does make my skin look instantly luminous and "glassy." The dewy sheen is perfect for daytime wear, on its own, or layered with sunscreen and or makeup. I haven't used it long enough to notice any real redness or wrinkle reduction (the brand claims that this takes 28 days) so perhaps with prolonged and regular use? It's made for all skin types but could be particularly beneficial for "mature" and perimenopausal skin — hydration depletes as our estrogen levels drop. I like it enough that I will continue to use C.T.'s newer, lighter, Magic Water Cream in my daytime routine BUT only until this jar is gone. I will not be purchasing this product at $100 per oz! Especially when I know for a fact there are other, more "bouncy," water creams out there that work just as well if not better! And they won't put such a hard hit on one's bank account!