Our Favorite Moisturizers to Wear Under Makeup

We spend our hard-earned cash on foundations, powders, highlighters and blushes in an effort to achieve flawless-looking skin, but even the best makeup won’t look perfect without a good base. The real secret to getting makeup to go on smoothly and look seamless is to properly moisturize your skin beforehand. A lightweight moisturizer can help refine skin’s texture, hydrate and even mattify, depending on the formula you choose. Here, we’re rounding up our favorite pre-makeup moisturizers that fit the bill. 

Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Face Cream

Deeply hydrating and ideal for dry skin, this formula will provide hydration for 24 hours and will make your complexion look softer and smoother. It will leave your skin plumped, fresh and bright, i.e. ready for makeup.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel

This gel moisturizer is infused with the highest concentration of proprietary Vichy mineralizing thermal water of any product from the brand and contains unique dynamic hydration technology that helps lock in moisture. The ultra-light moisturizer feels refreshing and doesn’t leave behind a greasy or sticky residue.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Repair Moisturizer

If you need extra hydration before makeup application, apply this formula which contains 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol and 2% fatty acids for the ultimate anti-aging benefits. It also transforms dry, dull skin and improves rough texture, radiance and the appearance of large pores.

Garnier SkinActive Water Rose 24H Moisture Cream

You’ll become addicted to this moisturizer’s silky, lightweight finish. It’s perfect for all skin types and will leave your skin feeling soft, supple and ready for makeup.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Moisturizer

This oil-free gel moisturizer delivers up to 72 hours of hydration with its water-like liquid formula. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and cactus flower extract, it helps smooth your complexion for easy makeup application.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

Because oily skin and makeup don’t always play well together, applying a mattifying moisturizer before your foundation can make a major difference. In addition to providing your skin with hydration, Effaclar Mat — formulated with exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, absorbing powders and antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E — targets excess oil to help control excess sebum production and refine the appearance of large pores.

L’Oréal Age Perfect Rosy Tone Moisturizer with SPF

 For a color-correcting finish, apply the Rosy Tone Age Perfect SPF 30 moisturizer by L’Oréal Paris. Not only does this have the ability to cancel out blue tones in your complexion, but it also contains sunscreen for protection against UV rays.

TULA Blurring & Moisturizing Tinted Primer

This primer-meets-moisturizer hybrid smooths out uneven skin texture and contains a tint to color correct and create a glowy, radiant base for makeup. It also contains probiotic extracts to balance out the skin and even out tone over time.

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer

Looking for an ultra-light formula that’s a great base for makeup? Opt for this water-gel formula infused with aloe vera and organic grape water that works to soothe, repair and hydrate the skin with ease. It will keep your skin looking refreshed for hours, even with a layer of foundation or CC cream on top.

INNBeauty Project Next Level No BS Moisturizer

Before applying foundation, add a layer of this glowy moisturizer for a little extra hydration and a dewy finish. It has a gel-cream texture that absorbs into the skin like lightning and serves as the perfect base for makeup.

Photo: Jonet Williamson

Read More:
5 Moisturizers With a Matte Finish for Oily Skin Types
Our Favorite Moisturizers to Layer Under Makeup
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