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 and even mattify, especially if you have oily skin. Ahead, we’re sharing eight moisturizers to wear under makeup if you hate pilling.
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.
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.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a hydrating moisturizer that won’t break the bank, reach for this drugstore lotion. CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen is packed with ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The lotion works to keep your complexion hydrated while also helping to restore the protective skin barrier. An added bonus? It’s formulated with SPF 30 to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
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.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer
This lightweight, no-frills moisturizer is a Kiehl’s favorite for a reason. It’s suitable for all skin types and absorbs quickly into the skin to leave the surface area feeling soft and nurtured — sans greasy residue left behind.
This hydrating moisturizer delivers long-lasting, luxurious hydration with its unique combination of oils and actives — including vitamin C, vitamin E and shea butter — to help soothe, smooth and brighten dull skin.
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.
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