10 Moisturizers to Layer Underneath Your Makeup

VICHY AQUALIA THERMAL MINERAL WATER GEL

Meet your new favorite makeup base. 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 water in all facial zones. Thanks to its ultra-light and comfortable gel texture, the elixir offers a soothing sensation when applied and dries without any greasy or sticky residue.

To Use: Apply morning and evening to cleansed skin by spreading a touch of moisturizer all over the face. Spread using outward movements from the middle of the face without using too much pressure.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel, $31 MSRP

GIORGIO ARMANI ARMANI PRIMA GLOW-ON MOISTURIZING BALM

Looking for a moisturizer that can help your makeup stay put? Look no further than this moisturizing balm formulated to help skin achieve a healthy-looking glow through maximum hydration that lasts. The formula can help plump skin with hydration and smooth the appearance of your complexion, making foundation easier to apply and less likely to settle into fine lines. 

To Use: Apply the moisturizing balm on your face starting from the center using outward motions. If you have dry skin or dry patches, reapply the balm throughout the day on top of foundation by warming it on the back of your hand and dabbing it onto your face gently.

Giorgio Armani Armani Prima Glow-On Moisturizing Balm, $110 MSRP

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL MOISTURIZER

This lightweight formula is definitely one of our favorite no-frills moisturizers suitable for all skin types. It absorbs quickly to leave the surface area feeling soft and nurtured. No greasy feeling left behind.

To Use: Massage a small amount of moisturizer onto freshly-cleansed and toned skin. Avoid the immediate eye area.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer, $19.50 MSRP

L’OREAL PARIS TEXTURE PERFECTOR PORE VANISHER

Excess oil and enlarged pores can really ruin your canvas. Help pores appear virtually vanished with this fresh, airy cream. The formula not only hydrates skin, but also absorbs excess oil for an all-day, smooth finish.

To Use: Apply the formula as a last step in your skin routine, right before makeup.

L’Oreal Paris Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher, $24.99 MSRP

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR MAT

It seems counter-intuitive to layer additional hydration onto already oily skin, but it’s actually  recommended. Since oily skin and makeup don’t always play nice, your best bet is to use a mattifying moisturizer before your foundation. In addition to providing daily hydration, Effaclar Mat—formulated with sebulyse technology, LHA, absorbing powders, and antioxidant vitamins C and E—features a dual-targeting action on excess oil to help mattify the look of skin and refine the appearance of pores.

To Use: After cleansing skin, apply Effaclar Mat onto skin. The non-comedogenic formula can be used morning and/or evening.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, $31.99 MSRP

KIEHL’S RARE EARTH PORE MINIMIZING LOTION

Large-looking pores got you down? Give this  Rare Earth Pore Minimizing lotion a try. Formulated specifically for normal to oily skin types, this oil-free formula  with Amazonian White Clay can help absorb excess sebum on the surface of skin and refine the look of pores.

To Use: Apply the facial lotion to clean skin morning and/or night.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion, $29 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS DAILY MOISTURE

This lightweight daily moisturizer—for normal or oily skin—provides nourishing hydration, helps reduce the appearance of pore size and is formulated with an combination of marine extracts. Skin is left feeling soft without a greasy residue, perfect for subsequent makeup application!  

To Use: Apply a dime size of the moisturizer to the face, neck, and chest once or twice daily. For best results, use after a SkinCeuticals antioxidant and before a SkinCeuticals sunscreen.

SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture, $62 MSRP

GARNIER MOISTURE BOMB THE ANTIOXIDANT SUPER MOISTURIZER SPF 30

This water-light lotion formulated with hyaluronic acid—an ingredient known to hold up to 1000x its weight in water—floods skin with all-day, weightless moisture. What’s more, the non-greasy formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Hydration plus SPF protection? Yes, please! 

To Use: Apply Moisture Bomb The Antioxidant Super Moisturizer SPF 30 to a cleansed face and neck daily. If used as a sunscreen, be sure to follow the instructions listed on the packaging.

Garnier Moisture Bomb The Antioxidant Super Moisturizer SPF 30, $16.99 MSRP

GARNIER CLEARLY BRIGHTER BRIGHTENING & SMOOTHING DAILY MOISTURIZER SPF 15

It’s no secret that applying makeup onto rough skin doesn’t always work out well. Help even the appearance of your skin’s tone and texture with this daily moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 15. Designed with the brand’s antioxidant complex of vitamin C & E, pine bark essence, and gentle exfoliating LHA, this fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula turns dull, rough skin into smooth, polished-looking skin with a more radiant, even tone.

For Sunscreen Use: Apply liberally onto skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Be sure to reapply at least every two hours. Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures, including: limit time in the sun, especially from 10a.m. – 2p.m., wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.

Garnier Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, $14.99 MSRP

LA ROCHE-POSAY TOLERIANE DOUBLE REPAIR MOISTURIZER UV

Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer UV is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to help protect skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays when used with other sun protection measures. But that’s not all! The formula—with ceramide-3, niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water—also delivers long-lasting hydration!

To Use: Apply Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer UV to a cleansed face and neck in the morning. Since the formula contains SPF—which is not necessary at night—use a different hydrating formula before bed. If used as a sunscreen, be sure to follow the instructions listed on the packaging.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer UV, $19.99 MSRP