NARS • Aqua Gel Hydrator • Moisturizers

Where To Buy?

*TOP REVIEWER* fionam on 5/6/2009 6:50:00 PM more reviews by fionam

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This product retails for $75US or $115CDN (not incl tax). In Canada, it can be purchased at Holt Renfrew. It is made by Shiseido.

NARS claims: "This ultra-luxurious lightweight gel-cream mask is comprised of 87% water to deliver intense hydration to dull, dehydrated skin. Once massaged into the skin, tiny molecules of water suspended in the gel-cream burst, releasing the water and sealing it into the skin for an optimal moisturizing effect. When left on overnight, this water-rich treatment leaves skin looking luminous, smooth, and dewy."

One tub took me about 4 months to finish. Each time I applied this product, I would use a dime size amount. This was my day and night moisturizer along with mixing it a bit with my foundation for a dewy look. A famous make up artist taught me this trick and it definitely kept my skin hydrated with makeup and give me a flawless natural look.

Unfortunately, it wasn't until I finished the product, that I noticed it broke me out. I have acne prone skin so anything can break me out. During that time, I was also testing out foundations to see which worked best for my skin. The foundations that didn't work for me gave me cystic acne but it was the NARS mask that kept on clogging my pores and giving me bumps on my face. When I stopped, there were less bumps on my face. Don't get me wrong, my face didn't suddenly clear up into flawless smooth skin. But it definitely helped.

When I looked at the ingredient list of all the foundations I tried and the NARS mask, I noticed that the common ingredient was SODIUM CHLORIDE. This is the ingredient that broke me out each time.

If it works for you...great! But unfortunately it didn't for me. The good thing is that it does what it claims to do. I've been using Retin-A Micro for 3 months and it causes my skin to shed. So this definitely helps keep the moisture in my skin.

I only wish that it wasn't in a tub, esp one that you have to close properly each time or else the alignment of the blocks would not be right.

Also, the price is ridiculous.

Please check out my video review along with a cheaper DUPE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fnhRf9npPw


Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Squalane, Dimethicone Copolyl, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Citrus Dulcis (Orange Oil), Potassium Hydroxide, Silica, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed Oil), Pyrus Cydonia (Quince Extract), Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Propylene Glycol, Melilotus Officinalis (Sweet Clover Extract), Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin Oil), Prunus Persica (Peach Kernel Extract), Aloe Barbandensis (Aloe Barbandensis Extract), Lilium Candidum (White Lily Extract), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben.

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joyce628 on 5/1/2009 2:41:00 PM more reviews by joyce628

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this as a moisturer...I'm on my 4th one already. The skin is really hydrated and plump after putting this on. No stickiness, oiliness or fragrance. HG product!

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*TOP REVIEWER* lil_me on 4/24/2009 8:19:00 PM more reviews by lil_me

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

$76 3.4 oz @ Nordstrom
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Squalane, Dimethicone Copolyl, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Citrus Dulcis (Orange Oil), Potassium Hydroxide, Silica, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed Oil), Pyrus Cydonia (Quince Extract), Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Propylene Glycol, Melilotus Officinalis (Sweet Clover Extract), Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin Oil), Prunus Persica (Peach Kernel Extract), Aloe Barbandensis (Aloe Barbandensis Extract), Lilium Candidum (White Lily Extract), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Per the Sephora website, NARS claims the Aqua Gel Hydrator as being a "ultra-luxurious lightweight gel-cream mask is comprised of 87% water to deliver intense hydration to dull, dehydrated skin. Once massaged into the skin, tiny molecules of water suspended in the gel-cream burst, releasing the water and sealing it into the skin for an optimal moisturizing effect. When left on overnight, this water-rich treatment leaves skin looking luminous, smooth, and dewy."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~As I was @ Nordstroms (yet again!), I wanted to walk past by the NARS counter, but I just could not... I peered through some foundation colors and the SA approached me asking if I would like a light makeover. Since I had 1/2 hour to kill, I thought-- why not? So, I plopped myself down on the chair and she recommended the Aqua Gel Hydrator. It felt nice and light. Soooooo, of course, I purchased it. It seemed like a lot of money at first, but you get quite a bit of product--3.4oz. Normally, most lotions and creams go for that price, but you only get 1.7oz so I found this to be a pretty good deal!
~
PROS:
light
refreshing
nicely scented
hydrating
makes my skin glow in the morning!
~ CONS:
clogged pores....(BOO!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I really wanted to like this, but I got little white heads and clogged pores all along the outer side of my cheeks afer using it for 1 week. This would have been a nice summer hydrator.

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sweetfi on 4/6/2009 1:25:00 PM more reviews by sweetfi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I like this. It is a great sleeping mask! I woke up with greatly hydrated skin <3
however i doesn't like its package - not hygienic and protective enough after opened and used

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*TOP REVIEWER* Kuuipogal on 2/10/2009 2:20:00 AM more reviews by Kuuipogal

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Sticky, icky ,shiny. Horrid. And I love NARS more than anything else!

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patpatalien on 1/31/2009 4:04:00 PM more reviews by patpatalien

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Trust me, this is the best hydrating moisturizers by far i have been using.
Many ppl have been using Nars make up but the skin care.
this aqua gel is great for winter and dry season.
i have been purchased over 5 bottles already.
Love this product!!!
in fact, i have already tried the whole line of Nars skin care.
i have to say aqua gel is the best amoung the whole line. and the 2nd would be the EFA Cream, i love the package of the cream, they make it very handy to use.
3rd would be the brightening serum.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Absolutely on 11/14/2008 2:52:00 AM more reviews by Absolutely

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this early this year but didn't review it yet. This is not at all oil-free and it leaves my skin shiny after an hour. Not a good look for oily skin. I'm still looking for a good, light moisturizer that won't clog pores. Although moisturizers won't stop me from being oily, I don't like it when products feel tacky on my skin. Perhaps normal or dry skin types would like this product. This is very over-priced for what you get though.

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BabyKayla on 10/11/2008 1:20:00 AM more reviews by BabyKayla

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

As much as I love to like this product, I just don't see the results that everyone has been experiencing. This stuff promised to give the skin "luminosity" and "hydration". Sadly, the main reason why I bought this thing is to give my skin the luminosity after the late night shift and lack of sleep, but all it does was providing hydration. Maybe because I have high expectation from it after reading all the reviews for years, so I'm a little bit disappointing. Nevertheless, the gel is super light-weighted, absorbs quickly, smells great, and my skin never reacted to it. I'd highly recommend an alternative mask, which is very similar to this and works well for my skin .. it's the Sisley Flower Express Mask. Although it's a mask, you can use it as an overnight treatment and not only I can feel how hydrating my skin is in the morning, my skin looks radiant, healthy, and luminous. I'm a NARS fan so it's sad that this product doesn't work for my skin.
Updated*March 09*; I've come to a conclusion that this mask and IPSA refiner water massage are very very similar in maybe ways. First, they are both made by Shiseido. Second, they look, smell, and feel the same except for the color (Nars is white, IPSA is pinkish). What different is that NARS takes longer to absorb while IPSA absorbs quickly after massaging. However, this is my own comparison =) They might not be the same.

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Pimang213 on 6/17/2008 5:52:00 PM more reviews by Pimang213

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I love this product!
I used a Vitamin C product and got itchy red spots all over my cheeks and really annoyed. I tried from moisturizer to olive oil, vaseline, and etc, nothing worked. Then I read the review of this product and purchased it right away.
Wow. By using just once, the red itchy spots are almost gone. Almost hard to believe! If you are having a problem like me, do try it. It works!

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milkeeway247 on 5/21/2008 3:04:00 AM more reviews by milkeeway247

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

update: i tried to avoid buying this after i ran out because of the hefty price tag, but i gave in today. i rarely repurchase items, but this is definitely HG.


HG product for very dry, flakey skin. this is one of the few things that can add moisture to my parched face. just dont put it on your eyelids like i accidentally did right now, or theyll puff right up.

ps: worst packaging ever. reading the past reviews, i was wondering how anyone could cut their hand from opening the lid - but i just did. i'm going to e-mail the NARS people about it.

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getvampd on 4/10/2008 1:53:00 AM more reviews by getvampd

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Aqua Gel Hydrator is a HG for most everyone. Don't be mistaken though it is not a moisturizing lotion or cream. This is for night time use only. Use a small dab and massage it into your skin until it turns to water, then STOP go to sleep and wake up with plumped, radiant skin. Pores and lines are less visible. No one else makes a product like this... do not put it under your eye though it can make them plump too. You can use this every night if you feel like it. It's 3.6 oz so its going to last quite awhile.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ghoo on 3/26/2008 1:58:00 AM more reviews by ghoo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I am so far really loving this gel. It feels like it turns into water when you apply it to the face, very refreshing, comfortable, and soothing. I have oily acne prone skin that tends to be dehydrated and sensitive... pretty much it's really hard to find something that will agree with my skin. I was really pleasantly surprised with this. I apply it on top of the Ole Henrisken Invigorating Night Gel I use at night, and do wake up with very hydrated, soft skin. No breakouts, no purging, no tiny deep clogged pores signifying facial unrest.

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redguitarpick on 11/28/2007 1:37:00 AM more reviews by redguitarpick

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Red, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Been looking for a more heavy-duty, yet oil-free night moisturize/ repair cream, and this is now one of my favorites. I use it at night after cleaning my face off, and I literally look forward to putting it on. No overpowering weird smells, no stinging sensation, just feel nourished and do-good for my skin overall. I don't lather it on like a heavy mask, just put on like regular night cream, and sleep away. I wake up with the plumpest, most supple, baby-like skin in the morning. I am seeing my skin for what is truly is, and I feel amazing and ready to face the world! It leaves me no oily residue or film, all I get is smooth, lovely skin. All I do is spritz on some toner and put my make-up on and I'm ready to go. I think it does wonders and lets the skin breathe. A little goes a long way and althought it might seem like a pretty hefty chunk of change for a pot that size, it lasts forever. This shall be a regular upon my shelf. :)

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yaya21 on 10/26/2007 10:43:00 AM more reviews by yaya21

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Great product! I bought it last winter to help my combination skin deal with acne medicine and the winter cold and it worked/works wonderfully. Really moisturizing, no greasiness and skin is refreshed in the morning.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* PrincessScuzzlebutt2 on 9/18/2007 10:23:00 PM more reviews by PrincessScuzzlebutt2

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Another rave for this product! i use this sometimes at night after moisturizer (this is a NIGHT product. It will make makeup slide right off your face). This makes my combo skin look hydrated and plump (in a good way!)

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dianadb on 7/20/2007 3:01:00 PM more reviews by dianadb

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have acne prone skin that can get oily or dry, so I'm careful about moisturizers. But this one had rave reviews and high water content, so I went for it. I am so glad I did! The product is fascinating! It doesn't take much to cover your face and most of it absorbs into the skin very quickly. By the time I woke up, there was no product residue on my skin at all. I get the plumping and my skin feels baby soft. I was also surprised to notice that my pores were smaller. Overall, my skin looked smoother and softer. In fact, I now use it whenever my skin gets out of balance, it even seems to calm breakouts. I'm pretty sure I'll buy it again, but there's a lot of product in there and you don't use much each time, so I won't have to make that decision again any time soon.

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*TOP REVIEWER* etmg on 6/10/2007 3:59:00 PM more reviews by etmg

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

really love this product. It goes on as a light lotion and literally seems to turn to water on the skin (it is mostly water anyway) The SA said you only needed a tiny bit last thing at night over your moisturizer, wash your face in the morning your skin will feel hydrated and even toned. I used it for the first time last night and this morning there is a definite difference - my skin looks more radiant. It is quite expensive but i think is quite a unique product, there is a lot of product in the jar as well.

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Sinthea on 2/5/2007 12:06:00 PM more reviews by Sinthea

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This is probably the best, most unique product in the line. Very light gel you slather on very generously at night, and your skin just slurps it up and skin will be lovely soft and hydrated. I'm not kidding about the skin slurping it up - I put on a lot, so there was a little film sitting on top of the skin, and about 5 minutes later my skin was dry to the touch, my skin had just inhaled the stuff. (nb: my skin is dry, sensitive, and maturing) To those who grouse about the price - look again, honey - you're getting 100 ml of product - most moisturiser pots out there are only 40 or 50 ml. I think it's good value for money as it does a wonderful job of really topping up the moisture levels, is pleasant to use, and is very different from anything out there I've found. I wouldn't use it every night, but when my skin is rather needy, this really is bliss. My only complaint - with whole line - is the packaging looks fab, but those square lids are a real annoyance, the corners hurt when you spin the lid and a corner bites your fingers. They are also very heavy, so be very careful of bare feet and tiled floors, you could do real damage if you dropped things. One other note the SA warned me of: she said dont' get it anywhere near your eye sockets - she said that wonderful plumping effect on the rest of your face translates to severe puffiness if you get it around the eyes.

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happy_blackbird on 11/20/2006 12:35:00 AM more reviews by happy_blackbird

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This is a gel type hydrating lotion that is billed as a "mask". I was recently diagnosed with rosacea and my dermatologist told me that I should no longer use any products that contain oil. I do, however, have crazy dry skin that is annoyingly sensitive and reacts to just about everything. After my esthetician tried putting the Fresh rose mask on me and my face responded by turning bright red and stinging terribly, he put this on my skin and it felt like a relief. It is profounding expensive ($85US), but I had a store credit, so I splurged. Well, I have had this for two weeks now and when I put it on at night, I DO wake up with softer, moisturized skin that has less flakes than the night before. HOWEVER, when I put this on after cleansing my skin, it burns like hell. Seriously, I want to scream and then rinse my face immediately. If I can tough it out, my face feels great the next morning, but I am not sure I can tough out the discomfort. Should beauty really be pain? The upside, if you can tolerate the sensation, is that you only need a teeny, tiny amount of the stuff to spread a thick layer over your entire face, so I fully expect this one jar to last a very, very long time. ***UPDATE*** I have finally tossed this out. I don't think anything you put on your face should sting to this extent.

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*TOP REVIEWER* storybookheroine on 4/24/2006 10:00:00 PM more reviews by storybookheroine

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This stuff is really saving my super dry, sensitive skin. I apply at night and by morning, all is right. My skin is soft, hydrated and flake free. Feels good going on and a little goes a long way. This is HG material girls. This is the miracle you have been waiting for! Excellent product. I hate the price $75 USD, but it is working for me and I hear a jar lasts over a year. Hope they are right. Would buy again and again. UPDATE**** Had a few months now and still feel the same way! Does not break me out and is an extremely good mask. I have found nothing else like it to date!

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