I was born with severely dry skin. A few months ago, my skin started scaling and shedding more intensely than ever before. I tried gently scrubbing twice a week, leaving the humidifier on all the time, as well as slathering layer upon unctuous layer of creams.

When I was dared to try Your Best Face Boost, I hesitated. Yes, it’s by Your Best Face, a beloved brand (and for good reason) but “lightweight daily moisture” in the depths of winter? The texture is somewhere between a gel and a mousse... nothing like the occlusive balms that I’ve been indoctrinated to use since I was a child. I was pretty skeptical. There I was, three months into “dandruff face,” having gone through my winter stash (some of which sat on the surface while things remained tight and raw beneath, others had to be re-applied frequently, while most had me looking shiny and congested) and still struggling. It was not a bad time to introduce a challenger.

In the beginning, I had to apply Boost two layers in succession: after cleansing while my skin was still damp, then again after the first layer had set a little. It absorbed quickly and set to a smooth, matte finish – so matte, in fact, that I had to keep checking to make sure I wasn’t drying out. At first, I needed a lot to calm the flakes and ease the tightness, but the effects lasted 12 hours without reapplication. Using it night and day, I went through a lot of product that first week.

The shedding slowed down steadily. By week three, my skin no longer prickled from super-dry overheated office air. By week four, the flakes were so minimal that I was able to use sunscreen again (nothing like zinc oxide to highlight those flakes). In the last week, I tried combining it with other products. Hydration being my nagging concern, I layered it with a mix of hyaluronic acid and diluted honey. Boost remained unflappably matte. Every day I awoke to a soothed, hydrated and rejuvenated complexion that I could see and feel. Using a lightweight moisturizer! In winter! My skin actually looks better now than last summer: tighter pores, no shine, more even tone. I would pronounce this the very best anti-ager AND moisturizer under $66.

I have a sample of this from my YBF gift pack. Ever since I started using this my skin has behaved better. I suffer from little bumps of pimples as part of PMS that leave dark marks behind, and they take a while to fade completely.When I started using Boost my skin has become clearer, blemishes have dried up faster and my skin has become hydrated without the greasy feel. Not to mention that the redness have also disappeared. I'd definitely buy a full size of this one!

I used Boost as a moisturizer on top of everything, and love its light texture, though sometimes I think I could use a bit more richness.