Besides your cleanser, I believe choosing the right moisturizer can make or break your skincare routine. First of all, what IS a moisturizer? It’s actually not what a lot of people think. Instead of looking towards your moisturizer to just give you “hydration”, it’s important to understand what you really need based on your skin type. Are you acne-prone? Do you have dry skin? Are you focusing on bringing elasticity back on mature skin? There are a few things you need to look out for.
Occlusives are products that are meant to seal in the ingredients already applied to your face and prevent water loss. Occlusives (think petroleum jelly, certain oils, ingredients ending in -cone, and thicker formulas) are great for those with dry skin. The good news is that chances are your moisturizer is an occlusive already! However, if you feel like you apply a moisturizer and it automatically absorbs into your skin, you’ll most likely need to add a humectant. Humectants, like hydrating toners and hyaluronic acid, help you draw in moisture. Other humectants like lactic acid, glycerin, and amino acids provide that extra feeling of nourishment that are great for those with oily skin types. Finally, we have emollients, the bridge between occlusives and humectants! The priority of emollient ingredients such as oils (grapeseed or organic coconut) and fatty acids is to soften the skin. If you’re trying to repair the skin barrier after a harsh cleanser or a condition like eczema, then emollients are for you.
Now that you know what to look for in your product list, it’s time to choose! I’ve tested all of these products personally and will share a few thoughts beneath each one. Remember: everyone has different skin. One moisturizer might work for one individual but not another! I personally have acne-prone, dryer skin so my favorites will reflect that.
After using this for a long period of time, I have come to decide this is my holy grail moisturizer. It’s perfect for everyday use. The texture is great – not too light or heavy. Plus, it has a great price point at $33! This jar will last you a long time and is truly my favorite of the bunch!
While I mentioned in my Instagram post that it was my favorite overall, I’m changing my answer. Whoops! I absolutely love the formula and how thick it is. It doesn’t leave me feeling greasy or reaching for more only hours later. However, I wouldn’t typically use it for both AM & PM. I feel like that’s the criteria needed to say it’s the winner. The price is great and lasts about 3-4 months!
Again, LOVE the formula! However, I never really felt like my skin was hydrated after using it at night. I recently over exfoliated by using an active ingredient on my neck (whoops) and have used this to help speed up the process. It currently has 4.6 stars with 6,500+ reviews on Sephora and I can see why!
Despite the hype on the ‘gram, when it comes to the entire Tula line, they always leave me wanting more. Their moisturizer is unfortunately no different. The ingredients are great and it’s the perfect consistency for AM & PM. The price is what holds me back from suggesting their cream to followers. I absolutely loved it on my first go-around but felt myself forgetting about it as I tried other moisturizers in my cabinet. It’s definitely worth a try- especially if you’re new to the skincare game because they offer a lot of products. But at $52, it’s best to get the 4-pc travel kit at the same price and see what you think first.
It’s your mom’s favorite brand for a reason! Their Regenerist moisturizer has withstood the test of time. The infamous red jars have been featured on the blog before but had to give them props again. I’ve tried the retinol, multi-sculpting cream, and the standard Regenerist cream. My only warning is the (light) fragrance could irritate those of you with very sensitive skin.
Omega fatty acids, plant derivatives, amino acids, shea butter, and ceramides…Need I say more?! The moisturizer perfectly balances every need from humectant, emollient, to occlusives. Great price point and an even better formula.
I bet you were wondering when we would get here, right? Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, and everything else Lady Gaga said. It’s my favorite overall, but the ingredient list also makes it ideal for mature skin. I can wear this in the morning when it’s under my makeup and not get scared of my face getting oily. In the evening, I feel like it’s just thick enough to seal in my serums and hydration while really moisturizing the skin. The price is a bit more than a typical moisturizer but nowhere near crazy. Plus, it lasts a solid 3-4 months so you get plenty of bang for your buck.
I’ll admit I’m new to the Indie Lee fan club but I’m quickly approaching stan status. Guys. Their products feel AMAZING. In particular, the superfruit cream is filled with peptides to reverse dull-looking skin. When I say splurge… I mean it might be best to be on the lookout for a sale. While I haven’t finished the entire bottle, I can already tell a little goes a long way.
I have such mixed feelings about the Hydro Boost line! In the past, you couldn’t stop me from singing their praises from the rooftops. I’ve used their sunscreen and the oily/dry options for their moisturizer for years. *Pro Tip: I think the dry skin option is the better of the two creams. I stopped using it a while back because I felt like the formula changed after getting small bumps on my face. It turns out that others had very similar complaints. However, with a drugstore price and light formula, it’s too good not to try. I’m crossing my fingers that they’ll change back to the original soon!
The lightest formulation by far, so, of course, it’s perfect for those with oily skin! I had no idea something could ever feel lighter than the hydro-boost. It honestly feels like a cloud against your face. For the same reason, I couldn’t make the Milk Vegan moisturizer my best overall, I can’t give it up for PTR. Some could argue that it’s “too light” but with 30% hyaluronic acid I feel like I’m getting all of the hydration I need. It will definitely be one of the moisturizers I will always come back to!
If you’ve tried any of the brands above, let me know! You can also share which ones I need to add to my list. Finally, if you’re looking for the best moisturizers for winter, you can find those here!
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I swore by the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve for years!! It is soooo good!