Okay, so you know how my skin just randomly throws a massive tantrum? Redness, itching, the whole shebang. I was desperate for something that wouldn't make it worse, and I stumbled upon the Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser at Boots View Product while grabbing toothpaste. The 'calm' part really caught my eye, tbh. I was like, "Please, PLEASE work!"
First impressions? It's creamy, like a really lightweight moisturiser. No strong smell, which is a HUGE plus for me. Fragrance usually sets my skin off. I massaged it onto my dry skin (as per the instructions!) and it felt SO soothing. I rinsed it off and my skin felt clean but not stripped – a feeling I haven't experienced since ditching those harsh foaming cleansers years ago. Honestly, it was a revelation.
Here's where it gets good. I used it every night for about three weeks. The first few days? Nothing major. Just nice, clean, comfortable skin. But on day 5, I looked in the mirror and actually said, "Whoa." The redness around my cheeks was noticeably calmer. Seriously! I've been using it every night since. And after about two weeks, even my husband noticed! He actually asked what I was using because my skin looked 'less angry' (his words, not mine!). Bless him.
The texture is lovely – it's like silk but not greasy. It removes makeup pretty well. Though I still use a separate eye makeup remover because mascara is a stubborn beast, isn't it? Unlike the Simple moisturiser I was using before, this actually feels like it's doing something other than just sitting on my face. A complete waste of money, that Simple one! I keep this Aveeno cleanser next to my toothbrush so I don't forget. It's become a total staple.
The only slight negative? It's so gentle that if you're wearing a full face of heavy makeup, you might need to double cleanse. But honestly, that's a small price to pay for how calm and happy my skin is now. It's worth it.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely! I've already stocked up! This is perfect for anyone with sensitive, irritated skin that needs a bit of TLC, especially in this horrible UK winter weather. If you have oily skin, maybe skip this, as it might be too rich. But for dry, sensitive skin? This is a MUST-TRY! Trust me on this one.
Pros:
* Super gentle and soothing
* Reduces redness and irritation
* Affordable (£5.65 – bargain!)
* No harsh fragrance
* Leaves skin feeling clean and hydrated
Cons:
* Might need to double cleanse for heavy makeup
* Potentially too rich for oily skin
---
This review reflects my genuine experience with the product. Product links may be affiliate links.