As I finish off the last bit of cream from my glass jar, I already find myself longing for Herbivore’s Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Cream, even before I toss it into the recycling. This isn’t typical for me since I’m usually eager to try the next new product. It’s rare for creams, balms, and other beauty products to evoke an emotional reaction from me. However, I do have a soft spot for those with delightful scents, especially those with an aromatherapy vibe.
Skincare that focuses on results—like acids, retinols, peptide serums, and Vitamin C pastes—doesn’t usually have that spa-like or pleasant scent. They often smell less than desirable, like raw meat or worse. While I appreciate their effectiveness and visible results, they don’t bring me the same joy during application.
I’ve talked about this before—the sheer joy I experience when applying certain products to my face and body, like Darphin’s Aromatic Cleansing Balm, Aurelia’s Dry Oil, Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil, and Omorovicza’s Queen of Hungary Mist. Not many products make me pause and take notice, but when they do, it’s a special experience.
So, it’s notable that Herbivore’s Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Cream recently made it onto my short list of favorites. I started using it during a hot, humid summer, and it ended up being the perfect cooling solution. It’s light, beautifully scented, and feels almost weightless, all while effectively moisturizing my stressed, slightly dry skin.
The name “Pink Cloud” is quite the marketing genius. It does feel a bit aimed at millennials, but it works on me too, even though I’m beyond the millennial age bracket. I remember Amanda Lacey’s Pink Cream and how I used a whole pot from a flight kit, applying it all over my face and body with delight. I’m also drawn to ESPA’s Pink Hair and Scalp Mud, likely for the same reason. There’s just something about the word “Pink.”
Now, back to the Herbivore Rosewater Moisture Cream. It’s not greasy or sticky, just a soothing, cooling formula that works wonderfully under makeup. I’m a fan of rose-scented creams, like MV Organic Skincare’s, but usually, I need to layer them with a serum, such as a hyaluronic one or on top of glycolic or retinol treatments. On its own, the Pink Cloud cream might not be enough for my normal-to-dry skin.
However, as a top layer, it’s simply lovely. It brings me back to the beginning of my tale about products that trigger an emotional connection, mostly due to their scent. Herbivore’s Pink Cloud has the gentlest, cleanest rose fragrance—not overpowering, not synthetic, just fresh and stylish.
This cream is ideal for anyone who loves rose scents, although it might not be heavy-duty enough for very dry skin. But for those seeking lightweight hydration and a bit of luxury, it’s perfect. It melts into almost nothing upon application, cool and watery, yet it has that buttery texture when you scoop it out.
If you’re used to hydrating gels for their no-grease feel but miss the comfort and nourishment of a cream, this might be just what you’re after. It makes for a sweet-smelling top layer to lock in whatever skincare routine you’ve applied. You’ll find yourself reaching for it repeatedly, I promise.
Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Cream costs £42 at Space NK—just remember, it doesn’t include sunscreen, so when I say “top coat,” I mean for nighttime use or during the day, before applying SPF if needed.