Okay, so you know how my skin just totally freaks out at the slightest thing? I swear, even LOOKING at a new moisturiser sends it into a fiery rage. After yet another breakout, I was desperate and I tried this Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser View Product. I'd heard good things, and at £5.65 from Boots, it wasn't going to break the bank. I've wasted money on worse things, trust me!
First impressions? The texture is gorgeous. It's like a creamy lotion – not too thick, but definitely not a watery gel. And it has the faintest oaty scent, nothing overpowering, which is perfect for my easily irritated nose. When I massaged it onto my face, it felt instantly soothing. No stinging, no tightness, just... calm. It rinsed off easily with lukewarm water, leaving my skin feeling clean but not stripped.
Now, here's where it gets good. I used it morning and night for about three weeks. The first few days were uneventful, just a nice, gentle cleanse. But on day five, I looked in the mirror and realised my usual redness around my cheeks was significantly reduced! I actually did a double-take. I kept using it, and honestly, my skin just kept getting better. The little dry patches I get around my nose during this perpetually damp UK weather? Gone! The angry red bumps that pop up out of nowhere? Calmer, less frequent. After two weeks, my husband even commented that my skin looked 'really healthy'. He NEVER notices these things.
It's so gentle too. Unlike some cleansers I've tried (I'm looking at you, Simple Micellar Water, which always leaves my skin feeling tight), this one actually feels like it's nourishing my skin while it cleanses. It's like a hug for my face. It doesn't foam up much, which I actually prefer, as I find foaming cleansers can be drying.
Okay, the verdict? I am OBSESSED. This cleanser is amazing for my sensitive, reactive skin. I've tried so many expensive cleansers that promised the world and delivered nothing but irritation. This humble little bottle from Aveeno actually works, and it's cheaper than my morning coffee! I got mine from Boots here View Product.
Who is it perfect for? Anyone with sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin. If you struggle with redness, flakiness, or just generally angry skin, give this a go. Who is it NOT for? If you have very oily skin, this might be a bit too rich for you. You might prefer something that foams up more to really cut through the oil.
I've already repurchased it, and I keep it next to my toothbrush so I don't forget to use it. Seriously, run, don't walk, to Boots or Superdrug and grab yourself a bottle. Your skin will thank you for it!
Pros:
* Super gentle and soothing
* Reduces redness and irritation
* Leaves skin feeling clean and hydrated
* Affordable!
* Lovely creamy texture
Cons:
* Might be too rich for very oily skin
* Not widely available everywhere (but easy to find online or in Boots)
This review reflects my genuine experience with the product. Product links may be affiliate links.