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The Best Moisturizers to Wear Under Makeup, According to Our Editors
May 25, 2023
Foundations, powders, highlighters and blushes can all help achieve flawless-looking skin, but without a good base underneath your makeup, even the best products won’t look perfect. 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.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Micro Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides Plumping Cream
Plump your skin and prep it for makeup with this water cream that has micro hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It will help soften the skin and create a smooth canvas for makeup.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Repair Moisturizer
Formulated with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids for ultimate anti-aging benefits, this moisturizer is perfect for those who need extra hydration before applying makeup. It transforms dry, dull skin and improves rough texture, dullness and the appearance of large pores.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
Oily skin and makeup don’t always play well together, so layering a mattifying moisturizer under your foundation can make a major difference. Formulated with exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, absorbing powders and antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, Effaclar Mat targets excess oil to help control sebum production and refine the appearance of large pores.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
There’s a reason why this moisturizer is a cult-favorite — it’s super lightweight and contains SPF to help protect your skin from UV rays. The non-greasy formula contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for major moisture and nourishment.
Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrate the skin with this lightweight moisturizer that's formulated with hyaluronic acid, green tea and kale. It has vitamins C and E to visibly brighten and nourish the skin, and works to hydrate and replenish your skin for hours.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream With Squalane
This cult-favorite cream has 4.5% squalane to help balance and moisturize the skin — ideal for application before makeup. It’s lightweight to the touch but provides rich moisture to the skin for up to 24 hours.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer
If you’re looking to address fine lines, opt for this moisturizer that will help even out your skin texture pre-makeup. It contains an anti-aging peptide complex plus niacinamide and squalane to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, boost radiance and more.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel
With mineralizing thermal water, the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Gel helps to lock in moisture. With its unique hydration technology, the lightweight moisturizer feels refreshing and doesn’t leave behind a greasy or sticky residue.
Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action SPF 15 Day Cream
Lift and firm the skin with this multi-action day cream that can be used just before makeup application for a more youthful-looking finish. It has SPF 15 to help protect the skin throughout the day and has hyaluronic acid for a punch of hydration.
SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment
This multifaceted moisturizer contains a urea complex, hyaluronic acid, squalane, linoleic acid and more to help soften and smooth the complexion. It helps address the appearance of fine lines and promotes bright, resilient skin.
Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream
This luscious water cream has a blend of oats, trehalose and squalane to soften and calm the skin before makeup. It absorbs easily and will leave your complexion silky smooth — and once you apply foundation over top, it will glide right on!
INNBEAUTY Project 10 + 10 Moisturizer with 10% Vitamin C + 10% Peptide Complex + Ceramides
This moisturizer has a potent combination of peptides, vitamin C and ceramides to leave your skin feeling soft. It works to even out uneven skin tone and provide a bright, resilient base for makeup.
Kopari Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream
This whipped moisturizer is a joy to apply, provides up to 72 hours of hydration and sits well under makeup. It’s extremely lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly — not to mention, it will give you a soft-focus, healthy glow.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Avoid makeup creasing and cracking on dry areas throughout the day by applying this hyaluronic-acid infused moisturizer first. It’s super bouncy to the touch, thanks to its whipped-gel cream consistency, and sinks into the skin upon application. It has polyglutamic acid and plum extracts to help boost and brighten the skin.
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