The Best Moisturizers to Wear Under Makeup

We spend our hard-earned cash on the best foundations, powders and blushes on the market in an effort to achieve flawless-looking makeup, but we often overlook the most important part of our beauty routine: the prep work (AKA our skin-care routine). Unfortunately, it can be really hard to get a perfect makeup application when your face is dry and lacking a little TLC. The real secret to better-looking makeup is smooth, well-hydrated skin. That’s where moisturizer comes in. Depending on the product, a lightweight moisturizer can help refine skin’s texture, hydrate or even mattify, especially if you have oily skin. Ahead, we’re sharing eight moisturizers to wear under makeup if you hate pilling. 

Lancome Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Face Cream with SPF 30

If you want your skin care and makeup to even out your skin tone, apply the Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Face Cream before foundation application. This moisturizer has a nice blend of jojoba, sunflower and mimosa flower waxes that help reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

Biotherm Aquasource Gel Moisturizer

A gel moisturizer is ideal for layering with primer and foundation because it provides lightweight hydration that completely absorbs into the skin. Biotherm’s Aquasource Gel Moisturizer also delivers a cooling sensation and is infused with aura leaf, a medicinal plant found in the French Pyrenees. 

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel

Infused with the highest concentration of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water of any Vichy product, this gel moisturizer helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier function so it can better protect itself against aggressors. The formula’s unique Dynamic Hydration technology, paired with hyaluronic acid and aquabioryl, helps distribute and lock in water. Thanks to its ultra-light gel texture, the product offers a soothing sensation when applied and dries without a greasy or sticky residue.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Repair Moisturizer

If you need extra hydration before makeup application, apply the Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. This formula contains 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol and 2% fatty acids for the ultimate anti-aging combination.

Garnier SkinActive Water Rose 24H Moisture Cream

For a silky, lightweight finish, Water Rose by Garnier has a gel consistency that will have you addicted. It’s grease-free and will leave your skin soft, supple and ready for makeup in no time. 

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Moisturizer

This oil-free gel moisturizer delivers 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

While it may seem counterintuitive to layer additional moisture onto already oily skin, it’s actually a crucial step. Because oily skin and makeup don’t usually play nice, your best bet is to use a mattifying moisturizer before your foundation. In addition to providing your skin with daily hydration, Effaclar Mat — formulated with sebulyse technology, lipo-hydroxy acid, absorbing powders and antioxidant vitamins C and E — features a dual-targeting action on excess oil to help mattify skin and refine the appearance of pores.

SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture

This lightweight daily moisturizer provides nourishing hydration, helps reduce the appearance of pore size and is formulated with a combination of marine extracts to leave skin feeling soft and supple. By not leaving any greasy residue behind, it’s perfect for subsequent makeup application.

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 the skin, but it also has sunscreen for protection against UV rays.

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