The Secret to Flawless Makeup? These Top Moisturizers!
Get makeup perfection with the top-rated moisturizers for every skin type and budget. Say goodbye to dry patches and hello to dewy, glowing skin!
Finding the perfect moisturizer can be an incredibly difficult task. With so many options on the market and various ingredients, it’s hard to know which one will provide your skin with enough hydration while still working well under makeup.
A quality moisturizer helps create an even canvas for the application of foundation and concealer, which in turn makes sure that certain products don't settle into fine lines or other imperfections within the skin.
We hope you discover your next favorite beauty find from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try, but all opinions in this article are our own. And, FYI — GlamourBadger may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy your next favorite beauty find!
How We Choose
We understand the struggle of finding a moisturizer that works well under your makeup. One that hydrates your skin without causing makeup products to look cakey.
That’s why we have put in the time to research, so you don't have to. Our team has read through hundreds of verified customer reviews to identify the top-rated moisturizers to wear under makeup!
Why We Like It
Welcome to the skin-transforming experience of Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream! This powerful, award-winning moisturizer is loved by celebrities, supermodels, and makeup artists alike for its revolutionary and results-driven formula. With a special matrix of oils known as the 'Magic 8' - your complexion will be flooded with moisture for vibrant youth and luminous radiance!
Tired, dull skin? That's in the past! Thanks to Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream you can look forward to an intensely hydrated and glowing complexion. Supercharged with eight powerful skincare ingredients, this magical cream instantly transforms and preps skin on application giving you a smooth and dewy-looking canvas before you've even had time to blink!
With over 11 prestigious awards under its belt, Magic Cream is setting trends across the beauty industry - it’s no wonder this incredible product earned its reputation as the ‘Queen of Glow’. So why not give it a try today and discover why everyone is talking about Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream? Join us in discovering your perfect radiant glow, only possible with a little bit of magic!
More to Know
Get ready for brighter, smoother, and plumper-looking skin with this miracle blend of bionymph peptides. vitamins C and E work together to brighten the look of your complexion and even skin tone, giving you a more luminous look - bye-bye dullness!
Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin hydrated for 24 hours, while frangipani flower extract gives a delicate calming fragrance that will make you feel refreshed every time you apply it.
With additional nourishing ingredients like rosehip oil, camellia oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, your skin will be soft and supple like never before. So don’t wait - enchant your complexion with the healing powers of Magical Cream!
Why We Like It
Say hello to youthful, healthy, and glowing skin every day with It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer! This new and improved formula is now supercharged with twice the active ingredients and hydration than the original – so you get more bang for your buck!
Not only will it hydrate your skin for up to 48 hours, but it contains powerful ingredients that can help reverse 10 signs of aging in two weeks – just imagine how soft and smooth your skin texture will be! With higher concentrations of niacinamide, squalane, peptide-lipid complex, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, this miraculous face cream will protect you from all types of damage.
Your skin will be transformed into a healthier, younger-looking appearance. And because it's specially formulated with a quick-absorbing silky texture – you'll feel extra indulgent during application. So why wait? Make Confidence in a Cream your daily go-to for perfect-looking skin today!
More to Know
This vegan-friendly, firmness and elasticity formulation is designed to work on all skin types and a variety of skin tones. Whether you’re looking for travel size, regular size, or supersize, you can always experience the life-changing effects of this nourishing moisturizer.
Plus, it couldn’t be easier to use – just apply it to clean skin in the morning and evening using gentle upward sweeping motions for optimal results.
You’ll soon feel vibrant and renewed as this delightful formula helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, adds moisture deep into your pores, and leaves your skin feeling petal soft and super smooth all day long. Trust us when we say, this is an unbeatable beauty product that will bring out the confidence in you!
Why We Like It
Introducing your new glowing, healthy-looking skin with InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Moisturizer! This powerhouse product packs a punch of goodness, thanks to its effective anti-aging formula. Using Vitamin C, this moisturizer is made to help reduce common signs of aging in the skin and brighten your complexion. Not only do the antioxidants leave your skin looking bright and toned, but they also support healthy collagen production for an overall refreshed appearance.
InstaNatural doesn't skimp on quality when it comes to the ingredients. Its Vitamin C Moisturizer is formulated with aloe vera and niacinamide to provide even more benefits for your skin; both work together to support the natural barrier of your face while decreasing unwanted discoloration and redness.
When used daily as part of your skincare routine, you can expect softer, smoother, more vibrant-looking skin! Bring out the best in your beautiful complexion with InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Moisturizer today!
More to Know
This luxuriously lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer is formulated with only natural ingredients that won't irritate even the most sensitive skin. Its scientifically proven formula helps nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin from environmental factors that can leave it feeling dry, tired, and dull.
This all-natural moisture therapy is guaranteed to revitalize skin for a softer, smoother look. You'll have hydrated skin after using this vitamin C moisturizer, making it the perfect addition to your daily routine. And with its delightful grapefruit aroma and fuss-free application process, this moisturizer is sure to be your favorite part of getting ready every morning!
What's more, you can trust this product! It's formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs, petroleum, or formaldehyde releasors - so you can feel good about what goes on your face every day. Plus it's completely cruelty-free so everyone gets to enjoy the benefits of this natural wonder.
Why We Like It
Ready for the ultimate oil-free mattifying moisturizer for your oily skincare concerns? La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat is designed to reduce oil and minimize pores. No more looking shiny and greasy throughout the day!
Say goodbye to a slick face and hello to amazing natural matte coverage and a stunningly beautiful complexion. Feel confident with your skin with shine-free power. Not only will you feel revitalized, but your skin will be hydrated all day. Plus, with Sebulyse Technology designed specifically for targeting excess oil and refining pores, you get dual action: mattifying skin while reducing pores at the same time.
So if you’re looking for a facial moisturizer that keeps up with your active lifestyle, look no further. Thanks to its lightweight formula, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat works great as a base for applying makeup too - guaranteeing you look flawless all day. Trust us when we say it’s going to be hard saying goodbye to skin issues like oily spots or shiny cheeks - Say hello today to Effaclar Mat!
More to Know
Not only does this incredible product moisturize your skin without leaving a greasy film like other lotions, but it also has a light matte finish that will leave behind instantly tightened pores.
And if you're in need of an excellent primer before applying your daily makeup look, this moisturizer is exactly what you're looking for! Its oil-free and non-comedogenic composition makes it perfect for even the most sensitive of skin types as well.
Best for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
Why We Like It
Get skin your makeup can adore with First Aid Beauty's Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer! It's the perfect fusion of makeup and skincare.
Get natural, dewy skin and long-lasting wear when you use this luxurious formula. This moisturizer provides intense hydration that leaves your skin looking healthy and youthful. The light-reflecting properties from micro-pearls will brighten up your complexion, giving you a beautiful, luminous look and making pores and imperfections disappear!
When it comes to boosting your natural radiance, other products just don’t compare to Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer. So don’t wait any longer - let us help amp up your beauty routine so you can put your best face forward no matter the day!
More to Know
This all-in-one powerhouse product is made with superfoods like coconut water, quinoa protein, and a blend of minerals that repair, revitalize, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Plus, this moisturizer checks all the boxes in terms of being free from those harsh ingredients you don't want around your face: no drying alcohols, artificial colorants or fragrances, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, propylene glycol, sulfates, talc - you name it!
And here’s the best part: this vegan makeup primer is also dermatologist tested which means it’s safe for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic. It’s nut-free, soy-free, oil-free, nano-free, and gluten-free.
Best Moisturizer Under Makeup FAQs
Which moisturizer is best for before makeup?
It really depends on your skin type and budget. For dry skin, you may want to look for a heavier moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, instead opt for lighter-weight moisturizers that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores) and oil-free.
Should you wear moisturizer under makeup?
Absolutely! Moisturizer is an essential step in any makeup routine. It helps to hydrate the skin, making it easier for foundation and other products to glide on smoothly and evenly.
What cream to use before applying foundation?
Before you apply foundation to your skin, it is important to use a primer or moisturizer.
Primers are designed to create a barrier between your skin and the foundation, allowing for an even application of product. This helps smooth out any bumps or blemishes on the skin so that you get a more natural and flawless look with makeup.
Moisturizers can also help prep the skin before applying foundation as they protect it from harsh products like makeup while providing hydration throughout the day.
What is the best thing to put on your face before makeup?
The best thing to put on your face before makeup is primer.
Primer helps to fill in any imperfections while providing an even base for the rest of your makeup. This makes it easier to apply and look more natural when complete. But what is ideal is to find a good moisturizer that includes a primer.
Moisturizers with SPF will also help protect your skin from further sun damage and improve overall tone and texture.
How do I keep my skin from getting dry under makeup?
One of the most important steps to prevent dry skin when wearing makeup is to prep your face properly. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, followed by a moisturizing toner.
Then, apply a light facial moisturizer that best suits your skin type. The lotion should be able to hydrate the skin and provide you with enough moisture for several hours.
What should I put on my face before liquid foundation?
After you have cleaned your face, it's time to moisturize! Look for lighter formulas in order to maintain healthy hydration without added heaviness that could affect the longevity of wear with your liquid foundation.
How do I prepare my skin for everyday makeup?
- Cleanse and exfoliate your skin to remove any dirt and oils that can block pores and cause breakouts.
- Moisturize! Make sure you select the right formula based on your skin type.
- Finally, choose products with SPF protection built in.
Should you rub or pat moisturizer?
Patting helps to promote an even layer of coverage over the skin while also helping to stimulate circulation.
Rubbing can also help with even coverage as well, but with a slightly more vigorous approach that provides deeper penetration of the product into the skin.
What goes first primer or moisturizer?
Primer should always come first! This will help create an even-looking base that allows your makeup to go on smoothly afterward.
Then follow up with a lightweight moisturizer suited for your skin type to keep it hydrated throughout the day!
How long do you leave moisturizer on before makeup?
Give yourself at least two minutes after applying your moisturizer before putting on any makeup.
Bottom Line
Thank you for taking the time to read our article! We hope you've found your new favorite moisturizer to wear under your makeup. Now, go ahead and get it, and put your fresh face forward!
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