I always want plump, hydrated, dewy skin, but getting it isn't as easy as picking up a moisturizer off the shelf and slathering it on. My skin type [1] is dry and acne-prone [2], which means that while it often craves heavy, thick moisturizers [3], they're usually the products that leave me with clogged pores and breakouts. Trying to find "the one" — aka one product that fits the bill — can often be difficult and time consuming. That's why I'm constantly on the hunt for a product that's just right.

Yes, just like Goldilocks, I need something light (but not too light), thick (but not too thick), and hydrating (but not overly so). But I finally found a product that checks all of those boxes: the Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer [4] ($16).

Besides the fact that it just so happens to go with my entire new "beach babe" life aesthetic ever since I moved to Los Angeles — I mean, is there a cuter name than Cloud Surf? — the product is actually really good. It keeps me hydrated, doesn't break me out, and feels really great.

Keep reading to check out my full review of Bubble's newest product, the Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer.

About the Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer

• The Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer is an everyday, lightweight moisturizer.
• It's made with hibiscus extract to helps control sebum production, lilac extract to help with inflammation, and celery-seed extract to protect the skin from free radicals.
• The formula promises to minimize the look of pores and help balance oil production.
• It's formulated for normal-to-combination skin.
• It's formulated without dyes, fillers, fragrance, gluten, parabens, sulfates, and essential oils.
• It's vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified.

What I Like About the Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer

I started testing a lab sample of this product almost a month ago, and one of the first things I noticed was that it's completely fragrance-free. I'm always wary of fragrance in skin-care products — I've found them to be potentially irritating. I also immediately loved the texture of the moisturizer, which is "whipped" and between light and heavy. It's not very thick, but it's luxurious enough to keep dry skin at bay.

The finish is dewy, which is always a plus in my book, but it doesn't feel greasy. It absorbed into my skin quickly and left my face feeling soft. It plays well with my other skin-care products and doesn't pill under makeup, and it makes an especially great base for foundation. My skin is left feeling hydrated throughout the day, and I've never felt the need to reapply or add another layer — no matter what I had underneath or on top.

Also, it's worth mentioning that the price point of this moisturizer is great. At $16, it's fairly budget-friendly, especially for a higher-end moisturizer with great ingredients.

How to Use the Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer

The brand recommends using this product as the third step in your routine after cleansing and applying any treatments. It also notes to follow up with an SPF. I like to start with a gentle cleanser, then follow up with a hyaluronic-acid serum while my skin is still damp. From there, I apply my vitamin C serum, let it dry, then layer on one pump of the Cloud Surf Moisturizer by applying dots all over my face and gently massaging it into my skin. I use it in the morning and at night, but in the a.m., I always follow up with sun protection.

What to Consider Before Trying the Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer

One thing to note about this product is how lightweight it is. If you're looking for a heavy hitter, know that this isn't that. I consider my skin type to be dry and acne-prone, and this product is enough to keep me hydrated on most days, but if I've spent the day at the beach in the sun and salt water, I usually apply a second layer or opt for something thicker altogether.

Also, although I love this product for its hydrating properties, I didn't notice a difference in the size or appearance of my pores.

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