If you’re looking for the best moisturizer under makeup to keep your skin hydrated and glowing all day long, even underneath makeup, then you’ve come to the right place.
Our top 5 list of best moisturizers is designed to help you get the healthy, dewy look that you want no matter what type of makeup or foundation you choose. You can trust these products because we have looked into key ingredients and researched different brands carefully in order to make sure they are worthy of including on our list.
Each product review includes a detailed summary with pros and cons so that it is easy for users to decide which one will work best for them. So read on and find out everything you need know about finding the optimal moisturizer under makeup.
We take the guesswork out of finding the best products. Each product was individually selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try out for ourselves and some we combed through thousands of reviews to find, but all opinions in this article are our own.
P.S. LindsaysReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something at no extra cost to you (that's how we stay in business and keep bringing you the best finds to save you time).
How We Chose Best Moisturizer Under Makeup
When we were putting together our list of best moisturizers, we looked at several important factors. These included looking at ingredients, researching different brands and their reviews, considering the price point, as well as user feedback. We believe that it is important to take these factors into account in order to provide our readers with the best possible recommendations.
We wanted to make sure that in order for a product to be included on our list it had to meet certain criteria. That way, you can be sure that the products we are recommending are truly the best.
TATCHA The Water Cream
Why It's Our Top Pick
When it comes to moisturizers, TATCHA The Water Cream is our top pick. With a unique water-burst formula that deeply hydrates without leaving skin feeling greasy or sticky, you can count on it to keep your complexion looking and feeling its best.
In addition, this moisturizer contains Japanese Wild Rose and Japanese Leopard Lily which help clarify and refine skin texture while controlling excess oil.
All of this makes TATCHA The Water Cream the perfect choice for anyone looking for a moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated, while providing a dewy look underneath makeup.
All The Details
This water cream is the perfect moisturizer for keeping your skin hydrated and glowing, even under makeup. It releases a burst of skin-improving Japanese nutrients, powerful botanicals and optimal hydration for pure, poreless skin. The unique water-burst cream breaks upon application to deeply deliver treatment benefits without leaving your skin greasy or sticky.
It also clarifies and refines skin with pure, powerful Japanese botanicals like Japanese Wild Rose and Japanese Leopard Lily. Furthermore, this cream is infused with Hadasei-3, a trinity of green tea, rice & algae which restores healthy-looking and youthful radiance to your skin while imparting a subtle, shine-free glow.
SEPHORA All Day Hydrator
Why It's Our Top Pick
The SEPHORA All Day Hydrator is our top pick because it offers an advanced moisturizing formula that hydrates and nourishes the skin without leaving it feeling greasy or sticky. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps to keep the skin hydrated and supple, while helping to reduce redness and dullness for a brighter-looking complexion.
This cream also contains Vitamin E, which helps protect from environmental pollutants and free radicals that can damage the skin. Plus, this moisturizer has a lightweight texture that won't weigh your skin down, and it provides long-lasting hydration throughout the day. All of these features make this cream one of the best moisturizers to use under makeup for achieving a beautiful, glowing complexion.
All The Details
This light moisturizing cream is specially formulated to hydrate your skin and give it a natural glow. It has hyaluronic acid which boosts moisture retention, leaving your skin feeling soft and silky all day long. Its non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores either, so you can enjoy the benefits of a glowing complexion without worrying about breakouts.
It also has antioxidants which help protect your skin from environmental damage and free radicals. Its creamy consistency also makes it gentle enough to use under makeup. So if you’re looking for a moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated and glowing all day long, even underneath makeup, then SEPHORA All Day Hydrator is the one for you.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar
Why It's Our Top Pick
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer is our top pick because it is specifically formulated for oily skin types. This facial moisturizer contains Sebulyse Technology, which helps to reduce excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores for a mattified look that lasts all day long. It also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E to help protect against free radicals and environmental damage, while providing daily hydration. Plus, its lightweight consistency makes it an excellent base for makeup application, so you can stay looking fresh all day long.
This oil-free mattifying moisturizer is specifically designed for oily skin types. It contains Sebulyse Technology which helps reduce excess oil and refine the appearance of pores.
All The Details
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat is a top moisturizer under makeup. It has Sebulyse Technology to target excess oil and minimize pores, while providing daily hydration. It prevents shine and is an excellent base for makeup. Vitamin E and Vitamin C work together to give your skin antioxidant protection and keep it hydrated.
It comes in a 1.4 fl oz bottle that is easy to travel with, making this the perfect product to keep your skin looking dewy and healthy all day long, even underneath makeup. And the best part? It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer
Why It's Our Top Pick
Its unique gel-cream formula combines the best of both worlds—the fast-absorbing feel of a gel and the intense hydration of a cream. This oil-free moisturizer is enriched with hyaluronic acid, which binds to water in the skin and locks it in for all-day moisture.
It also helps restore your skin's natural barrier, leaving it protected from environmental damage and free radicals Because of its lightweight consistency, this moisturizer is perfect for wearing under makeup, so you can keep your skin looking dewy and healthy all day long. Plus, it's non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types. All of these qualities make it the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine.
All The Details
Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a hydrating face and neck moisturizer specifically designed to boost hydration. It features Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful hydrator naturally found in skin that binds up to 1000 times its weight in water. This oil-free and non-comedogenic face and neck moisturizer absorbs quickly like a gel, yet provides long-lasting and intense hydration of a cream.
It is also designed with the earth in mind - the carton is recyclable and the window and plastic tray have been removed for recycling convenience. This face moisturizer can be applied both in the morning and night after cleansing, to help keep skin hydrated for 48 hours. Suitable for all skin types, it is clinically proven to help quench and lock in the hydration your skin needs.
LilyAna Naturals Face Moisturizer
Why It's Our Top Pick
It contains powerful botanical extracts like rose distillate, aloe vera juice, and more to help hydrate your skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. It's lightweight consistency makes it perfect for wearing under makeup, so you can keep your skin looking healthy all day long. Plus, it's vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable, and made in the USA. With regular use, you'll find your skin looking youthful and radiant.
This moisturizer is a great choice for anyone wanting to keep their skin feeling hydrated and nourished with natural ingredients, while still getting the desired results. And since it's designed to be non-comedogenic, it won't clog your pores or cause any breakouts. Plus, it's affordable compared to other moisturizers on the market, so you can get great results without breaking the bank.
All The Details
LilyAna Naturals Face Moisturizer is the perfect way to keep your skin hydrated and glowing all day long, even underneath makeup. This ultra-hydrating cream helps to soften and minimize fine lines, deep wrinkles, rough texture, dehydration, flaking, peeling, and tightness in the skin. It also conveniently protects your skin from external elements while replenishing moisture levels.
This moisturizer is suitable for all skin types including normal, dry, oily, and mature. Use it twice a day, when you wake up in the morning and just before bed. After cleansing your face, massage gently into clean skin until absorbed. This face cream is packed with natural botanicals and actives, including rose distillate, aloe vera juice, alpha lipoic acid, DMAE, provitamin A, Vitamin C ester, Vitamin E and cranberry, lemon, and orange extract.
Best Moisturizer Under Makeup For You
Can a moisturizer be used under makeup?
Absolutely! In fact, using a moisturizer before makeup is essential for a healthy looking complexion and to help maintain the longevity of your makeup. Using the right moisturizer before applying your makeup will help to prevent your foundation and powder from settling into dry patches or creasing.
How do you hydrate before makeup?
Preparing your skin for makeup is just as important as applying it. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil from your skin. Then, exfoliate to slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores. Finally, apply a moisturizer for a dewy, plump look.
Can a moisturizer be used as a primer?
Not all moisturizers are suitable for use as a primer. Primers generally need to be oil-free, matte and filled with fillers to create a “blank canvas” for makeup application. Look for ingredients such as silicones, polymers and talc in your primer. That said, some moisturizers can be used as primers in a pinch.
What is a natural moisturizer for face before makeup?
If you are looking for an all-natural moisturizer to use as a pre-makeup base, look for products containing plant oils such as jojoba and grapeseed oil. These natural oils are packed with fatty acids and other beneficial ingredients that will help to soothe your skin and keep it hydrated.
What can I use instead of primer?
If you don’t have a primer, you can use your favorite moisturizer. Make sure to look for one containing beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or other skin-soothing peptides.
What comes first moisturizer or gel?
Moisturizer should always be applied before any gels, serums or other products. Gels and serums are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin and can prevent a moisturizer from being absorbed properly.
Do I need serum and moisturizer?
Serums are typically used to target specific skin concerns, while moisturizers help to hydrate and protect the skin. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, using both a serum and a moisturizer can help to give your complexion an extra boost of moisture for a healthy-looking glow.
What is basic skin care routine?
A basic skin care routine should involve cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Cleansing helps to remove dirt and oil from your skin, while exfoliating removes dead skin cells. Finally, applying a moisturizer provides your skin with hydration and protection from environmental irritants.
Who should use a moisturizer?
Anyone with dry or dehydrated skin should be using a moisturizer. Even those with oily or combination skin can benefit from the hydrating effects of a moisturizer, as long as it is non-comedogenic and does not contain irritating ingredients.
Why is moisturizer important?
Moisturizers are an essential part of skin care because they help to hydrate the skin and protect it from environmental aggressors. Regularly applying a moisturizer can help to keep your complexion looking healthy, plump and smooth.
Best Moisturizer Under Makeup For You
No matter your skin type, you can find a great moisturizer that will help keep your skin hydrated and looking healthier. If you have oily skin, look for a light, oil-free formula that won’t clog your pores. For dry skin, choose a heavier cream to help lock in moisture.
And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to select a hypoallergenic option. Whatever your needs, one of these five best moisturizers under makeup is sure to help get your complexion back on track.
For our other favorite serums and moisturizers check out these articles.
Lindsay Sewell
Lindsay Sewell
Lindsay Sewell
Lindsay Sewell
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