NEUTROGENA RAPID WRINKLE REPAIR MOISTURIZER REVIEW

I am a skeptic when it comes to drug store face products, I don't hold any notion that a lotion bought at Target would do anything but perhaps moisturize.  I am also pragmatic and when I needed a face cream because I didn't want to waste my fave splurge, I bought the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle repair for night. My thinking was that if I used the drugstore brand at night then I could use my splurge during the day thus the splurge would last longer.  I am very picky about face creams, I have super dry skin and for some reason manufacturer's are under the very wrong belief that people with dry skin want a heavy, waxy cream on their visage which is not true; I want something that feels light, like a drink of water for my face and that I feel makes my skin soft without it feeling waxy or greasy, my splurge does just that.  I bought the Neutrogena because it felt nice and light, it does come with a warning that it is strong and may make your skin start to feel irritated and flake. I of course ignored the warning and my skin did get very red and irritated, because I was using way too much (think slather instead of dot). I took it down to every two nights instead of every night and then when my skin calmed down, I went back to every night. I have had hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks for ages (it's horrible like a cluster of fat freckles, without the charm of freckles). After two weeks I noticed a big difference in my skin, it was less 'splotchy' and definitely more even. I have had wrinkles around my eyes since I was 10, I laugh at almost anything (it makes me a great companion), so I wasn't expecting anything to go away there and it didn't, but my skin in general looks more fresh and 'even' and for me that's worth more than a wrinkle repair. Let me forewarn you again, this is a very strong product, if you have sensitive skin take it slowly, use sparingly--you have been warned! I was reading reviews this evening and people are crazy for this product and it even won a 'best of award' with Allure.  It is more expensive than a traditional skincare product at the drugstore ($20), but still a total steal compared to a specialty beauty store product. I found a nice article from Vogue on retinoids that might be of some interest to you. If you have been curious in this type of product I can completely recommend this to you without hesitation. Another warning would be to not use this under your eyes, it's way too strong and you will be sorry that you didn't listen to me. They do have a product specifically for under the eye, which I will most likely try since I am pretty happy with the results I have had so far. Let me know your thoughts or if you have another recommendation, I am always open to hearing about new products!