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 smooth 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 from our parent company L’Oréal. 

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

If you want to even out your skin tone, apply the Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Face Cream before foundation application. This moisturizer contains a blend of jojoba, sunflower and mimosa flower waxes that help reduce the appearance of dark spots over time. Plus, the emollient moisturizer’s texture melts into skin making it perfect for application pre-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 levels. 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 the Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. This formula contains 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol and 2% fatty acids for the ultimate anti-aging Transform dry, dull skin with this formula that contains 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol and 2% fatty acids. You’ll notice an instant improvement in texture, radiance and the appearance of 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.

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. 

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 sebulyse technology, lipo-hydroxy acid, absorbing powders and antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E — targets excess oil to help curb grease and refine the appearance of 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.

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