9 Best Moisturizers To Wear Under Makeup – 2023

Layer these moisturizers under your makeup to keep your skin fresh and hydrated.

Reviewed by Georgia SmithGeorgia Smith, Cosmetologist
By Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

An essential part of makeup is moisturizing your skin. No matter how much foundation or concealer you put on, none of them will work if you don’t use the best moisturizer under your makeup on your skin. The perfect moisturizer will enhance your look and make your makeup last longer. Plus, hydrated skin will give your skin a healthy and shiny appearance. Cosmetologist, Georgia Mae Smith says “Moisturizers are formulated with an oil and a water phase, the water phase replaces any water that evaporates from your skin, this will leave your skin super hydrated and plump. The oil phase replaces any lost lipids and will nourish your skin making it appear smooth and supple.”

To help you achieve that, we have made a list of the best moisturizers to wear under makeup to glam up your makeup. Keep scrolling!

Top Picks
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Best Overall: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Price on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging Formula: LilyAna Naturals Rose & Pomegranate Face Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Dermatologist-Tested: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Brilliance Mattifying Moisturizer
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight: InstaNatural Vitamin C Moisturizer
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting: Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
Price on Amazon
Best For All-Day Use: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Cream
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free: Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Even Tone Daily Moisturizer
Price on Amazon
Best Moisturizer With SPF: Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Face & Body Lotion
Price on Amazon

9 Best Moisturizers To Wear Under Makeup – 2023

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

4.6
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Image: Neutrogena

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a drugstore moisturizer that is oil-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic. It boasts of a water gel formula that gets absorbed quickly into the skin and keeps it hydrated for long. It is formulated with purified hyaluronic acid that works like a sponge for dry skin to attract moisture and lock it in. It creates a perfectly smooth finish, which makes it great to wear under makeup.

Pros

  • Makes the skin supple
  • Locks in moisture
  • Gets absorbed quickly
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Dye-free

Cons

  • Contains parabens

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply evenly to the face and neck after cleansing for rapid absorption like a gel and achieve moisturized skin.

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has garnered over 72,958 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Price at the time of publication: $15.9

2. LilyAna Naturals Rose & Pomegranate Face Cream

4.2

LilyAna Naturals Rose & Pomegranate Face Cream is made with natural and vegan ingredients, so it works on all sorts of complexions and is safe to use on skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. It gets absorbed instantly into the skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to rejuvenate and brighten the skin. It is free from parabens, and it comes in a pump bottle that is easy and hygienic to use.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Vegan
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Brightens and rejuvenates the skin
  • Paraben-free
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • Contains phenoxyethanol
Why It’s Worth Buying: A whopping 11,318 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Price at the time of publication: $14.99

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Brilliance Mattifying Moisturizer

4.4
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer For Oily Skin Image: La Roche-posay

The dermatologist-tested La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Brilliance Moisturizer absorbs excess oil from the skin to mattify it and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. It is formulated with micro-exfoliating LHA, which helps to visibly tighten pores. It also contains Zinc Pidolate to neutralize shine. It is a boon for people with oily skin as it creates a matte finish on the skin before applying makeup. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product.

Pros

  • Matte finish
  • Long-lasting
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Refines pores

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Did You Know?
Effaclar Mat won the Best Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin category at the 2020 Prevention Healthy Skincare Awards.

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 9,321 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Price at the time of publication: $32.99

4. InstaNatural Vitamin C Moisturizer

InstaNatural Vitamin C Moisturizer rich in antioxidants. It is ideal for anyone with aging skin. The rich blend of key ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower oil makes this moisturizer increase blood circulation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps in achieving smoother and brighter skin for flawless makeup application.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Brightens the skin
  • Boost collagen production
  • Softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Increases blood circulation
  • No synthetic dyes

Cons

  • Unpleasant fragrance
Why It’s Worth Buying: It has gained over 5,486 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
Price at the time of publication: $19.97

5. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream is a long-lasting moisturizing cream that not only deeply hydrates your skin but also brightens it and gives it a gloss that lasts up to 12 hours after application. It is formulated with 63.4% super collagen water that keeps the skin moisturized for long hours. Its watery gel formula gets absorbed quickly into the skin. It is strongly scented but works well for people with extremely dry skin. You can see the improvement in your skin texture within 5 days.

Pros

  • Deeply hydrates the skin
  • Brightens the skin
  • Long-lasting effect
  • Gets absorbed quickly
  • Suitable for extremely dry skin
  • Free of mineral oils

Cons

  • Strong-scented
Price at the time of publication: $24.74

6. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Cream

4.5
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Image: Embryolisse

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Cream has achieved a cult-like status by becoming a staple in the kits of makeup artists. This moisturizer is ultra-hydrating but never looks greasy. It is a multifunctional product that can be used as a makeup primer, a beauty mask, and a day and night face cream. It has a milky, creamy formula that gets absorbed easily into the skin and keeps it nourished.

Pros

  • Locks in moisture for 24 hours
  • Can be used as a makeup primer
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Protects against free radicals
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Contains mineral oil

protip_icon Pro Tip
You can also use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre as a cleanser or makeup remover, a deeply hydrating and regenerating face mask, an after-shave cream, or a baby care product.

Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 16,070 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Price at the time of publication: $29.0

7. First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer

4.7
First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Moisturizing Primer  Image: First Aid Beauty

First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer is primarily formulated to serve as a makeup primer. It is also packed with many good-for-skin ingredients like coconut water, quinoa protein, and a blend of minerals that not only give you healthy-looking skin but also amplify its natural radiance. It is dermatologist-tested and doesn’t contain any artificial colorants, parabens, or mineral oils. It is safe to use for people with sensitive skin. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product.

Pros

  • Supports skin health
  • Boosts the natural radiance of your skin
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • No artificial fragrance
  • Nut-free
  • No mineral oil
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $29.99

8. Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Even Tone Daily Moisturizer

4.5
Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter SPF 30 Face Moisturizer with Vitamin C Image: Garnier Skincare

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Even Tone Daily Moisturizer Offers has broad spectrum SPF 30 along. It keeps your skin hydrated and nourished. This non-greasy face lotion evens out your skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is packed with antioxidants like lipo-hydroxy acid to exfoliate the skin, vitamin C to brighten it, and vitamin E to provide deep hydration. It leaves your skin looking smooth, radiant, and refreshed.

Pros

  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Broad spectrum SPF 30
  • Improves the skin texture
  • Exfoliates the skin
  • Mild fragrance
  • Non-greasy
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • Contains phenoxyethanol
Why It’s Worth Buying: The extensive 3,226 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Price at the time of publication: $13.97

9. Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Face & Body Lotion

4.5
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Image: Supergoop

Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Face & Body Lotion is one of the best sunscreen-cum-moisturizers on the market. It has broad spectrum SPF 50 that keeps your skin safe from both UVA and UVB rays. It gets absorbed quickly and keeps your skin nourished and hydrated. It has a refreshing fragrance and is made with high-quality ingredients. It is water- and sweat-resistant and is perfect for everyday use. Take a look at this video to learn more about the product.

Pros

  • Broad spectrum SPF 50
  • Lightweight
  • Gets absorbed quickly
  • Water-resistant
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Nourishes the skin

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 2,063 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Price at the time of publication: $22

Moisturizers are the best way to prep your skin for makeup and help your skin look dewy and plump. It also ensures that the makeup stays non-cakey and flawless for longer. However, with a plethora of options out there, you can be spoilt for choice. So, how do you choose the best moisturizer for under your makeup? Well, here are a few things you can consider before making your purchase.

How To Find  A Moisturizer To Wear Under Makeup

  • Skin Type

If your skin is on the normal to dry side, go for a rich and creamy moisturizer with occlusive ingredients that can lock in hydration and make your makeup look dewy. However, people with combination to oily skin may opt for a lotion or gel-based moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging the pores or making your skin look greasy under your makeup base.

  • SPF Protection

If you are looking for a day moisturizer to wear under your makeup, then ideally, go with one that provides sun protection and hydration in a single formula. Find one that comes with an SPF of 50.

  • Ingredient List

Ensure that you look over the ingredient label for any potential allergens, irritants, and fragrances, as they may trigger your skin and compromise the skin barrier. In addition, avoid overly heavy ingredients like shea butter and beeswax if you have oily to combination skin, as such ingredients may make your skin greasy and clog your pores.

  • Formula

When you apply an oil-based moisturizer under a water-based foundation, it may lead the foundation to ball up and pill, so ensure you choose complementing formulas. Pair a water-based moisturizer with a water-based foundation and an oil-based one with an oil-based foundation.

Those were our best picks of the best moisturizers to wear under makeup. If you are wondering why you need to moisturize your skin before applying makeup, check out the next section!

Why Do You Need To Apply Moisturizer Under Your Makeup?

Apart from hydrating the skin, moisturizer makes it easier to apply makeup to it. It provides the perfect starting base for flawless makeup application.

  • Improves Skin Texture: Moisturizer hydrates the skin so it becomes soft and even. It helps give an even, smooth texture to the skin, which helps makeup products glide smoothly over it. It also helps in increasing the permeability of makeup products such as concealer and foundation.
  • Durability: The natural oils in the skin may melt the makeup over the course of time. A good moisturizer balances the oil production and helps in keeping the makeup intact for a longer duration. It also helps in controlling shine and greasiness, thus giving a matte or airbrushed effect. This prevents your makeup from looking cakey or flaky.
  • Improves Skin Tone: Most moisturizers help in concealing blemishes, controlling shine, and reducing the appearance of pores, blackheads, scars, and blemishes. They help in achieving an even-toned complexion. Tinted moisturizers add a subtle glow to your skin.
  • Sun Protection: SPF prevents your skin from premature aging and reduces the risk of skin cancer. It is a common component of most moisturizers. Thus, using such moisturizers ensures that your skin is safe and not exposed to harmful UV rays.

Infographic: Tips To Choose The Best Moisturizer To Wear Under Makeup

Applying a suitable moisturizer before wearing makeup helps you achieve a flawless and seamless finish. But, many formulations might lead to skin irritation or even acne breakouts. Check out the following infographic below to find the most beneficial and harmful ingredients to watch out for before buying a moisturizer to wear under makeup.

Tips To Choose The Best Moisturizer To Wear Under Makeup

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Download Infographic in PDF version

You can use moisturizers as your base makeup to elevate your foundation and concealer even more. Moisturizers keep your skin well-nourished and hydrated so that your makeup does not look cakey and lasts longer. Moreover, some moisturizers also protect your skin from unwanted sun damage. While purchasing the best moisturizer for yourself, it is advised to choose the ones that are non-comedogenic, and free of oils or dye. You should avoid moisturizers that do not get absorbed inside the skin and make your skin look creasy.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author of this post, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She also has a keen interest in makeup and products related to that. After thorough research and an extensive read of multiple reviews, she recommends these listed best moisturizers under makeup. She also adds that these moisturizers are a must-have in your makeup regime to enhance the look. They also make the makeup last long without making it greasy and are non-comedogenic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SPF moisturizer work under makeup?

Yes. For added protection, you should apply an SPF moisturizer before starting your makeup regime. SPF will help avoid premature aging signs and protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Can I use moisturizer instead of primer under makeup?

No. Primer and moisturizer exhibit different benefits and cannot be used interchangeably. Primers form a protective barrier between your skin and the makeup products, creating a smooth surface on your face and preventing cakiness around blemishes or wrinkles. On the other hand, moisturizers hydrate your skin and replenish moisture. So, while a primer is a makeup product, a moisturizer is a skin care product – both have completely different tasks to play in your beauty regime.

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