Best moisturisers to wear under makeup that are kind to your skin

The Barrier Restore Cream is described as a “rich” moisturiser, which is not at all the word I would use to describe it. The opposite is in fact true: it’s incredibly lightweight.

I have very dry skin and this product did provide a hydrating layer but would not be sufficient in winter. For the warmer weather, however, it works wonders as the featherweight texture would see you through elevated temperatures and it is understandable why LA-based Bieber created a product of this nature. This also ensures that it wont cause breakouts for the blemish-prone like myself.

The formula has the label’s signature peptides at its heart, chosen for its plumping effect on fine lines. This ingredient is combined with nourishing shea butter to strengthen the skin’s barrier, squalane for hydration and calming, niacinamide for balancing and the antioxidant acai - a unique component that shields the skin from free radicals.

The packaging explains that half a finger length is all you need to cover the entire face. It’s true; a little goes a long way. Like rhode’s serum, it’s easily blended, quickly absorbed and has the same plain scent. It’s cooling - but strangely not calming - where a bout of irritation remained as red and inflammed post application as it was pre.

Where this product excels is in the dewy, light reflecting radiance that is your complexion once you have layered it up. It’s glowy not greasy - a very important distinction that’s worth noting. That said, I will be following it up with an additional, more nourishing product for my skin type.

The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is the definition of a holy grail product. Since its launch, over 10 years ago, the moisturiser has formed the basis of skin routines the world over, bringing with it a rich, creamy texture that glides over the skin. In the last few months, this winning formula was adapted into a body product but now the eponymous entrepreneur has taken it one step further with the Magic Water Cream.

Designed for summer months or those who prefer a lightweight moisturiser, the newest innovation has a more weightless gel-like texture that is immediately absorbed by dehydrated skin with very little required in the way of rubbing in and no white cast. Once applied, it locks in moisture using a specialised technology that the brand says lasts for 100 hours. Within the formula is also niacinamide to refine pores and balance the skin as well as a firming biopeptide complex that minimises the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

This beautifully-scented product from Elemis feels like a luxury pampering experience with every application. The texture - while lightweight - is packed with a cocktail of fine line-busting ingredients including Padina Pavonica and Ginkgo Biloba that have quick and effective results. In just a couple of weeks, wrinkles appear minimised.

The product contains SPF30 so you have extra coverage against further ageing caused by UV rays, especially when layered under an additional sun cream, and it offers hydration too. This cream will leave your skin feeling silky soft with no white residue in sight.

Each application of this lightweight moisturiser from Tatcha feels like a luxury experience. From the aroma to the texture, it’s a step you will relish each morning and night and that’s all without even referencing the formula.

The product is backed with hydrating botanicals with a unique water-burst composition that is released upon contact with your skin. It harnesses Japanese plant-based ingredients like wild rose, leopard lily and superfoods like the brand’s signature and trademarked Hadasei-3 to leave skin healthy, refine pores and combat excess oil production. You will notice your face feels moisture-enriched, balanced and softer.

Founded by Bobbi Brown, it will come as no surprise to fans of the makeup expert that the Light Moisture Cream from her Jones Road Beauty label was designed specifically for layering up.

It has a bouncy gel consistency and an enriching formula that can be worn under makeup without the pain of pilling. This all comes down to its lightweight consistency that makes it ideal for daytime use. You may need a thicker formula when it comes to your night cream, but this will do the job to quench your skin’s thirst to counteract both dehydration and dryness.

To hydrate the skin before makeup application, the Bio Lifting Oil Free Fluid+ is on hand. The botanical-based formula restores and moisturises in order to leave you with a glowy complexion.

It is multitasking and works to smooth out the skin, minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation and encourage elasticity, all while remaining lightweight and layerable. The oil-free composition means it will not interfere with your makeup. It is 96 per cent natural origin and includes soothing and fragrant rosewater as the main ingredient.

Layer this cream onto your skin to bring added radiance to your makeup look. The moisturiser is powered by vitamin C and packs antioxidant protection, while also giving a dewy, lit-from-within finish. It combines this with the nourishing benefits of vitamin E to offer deep hydration that lasts throughout the day.

What makes this product stand out from the crowd is the very gentle exfoliation that encourages better absorption of the ingredients to follow and enhances the brilliant finish. Emma Lewisham is a natural skincare label taking a more sustainable approach with refills and entirely recyclable packaging.

The Weleda Skin Food is a certified hero product. It’s the bestselling product in the brand’s offering - and for good reason. The organic formula means it can be used by all skin types, providing a nourishing and protective layer whether you use it as a moisturiser or as an all-purpose balm. You can put it on any dry skin from your face to hands, while doubling up as a primer that will keep makeup in place for longer.

This is especially true for those with dry skin as the nourishing treatment will encourage your base to sit better (however, it’s not ideal for oily skin and may in fact have the opposite effect). It is made up of organic sunflower seed oil and extracts of wild pansy, chamomile, calendula and rosemary extract for a combination that is soothing and shielding.

The French pharmacy essential Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate has made its way across the Continent to the UK and is now considered a cult purchase and a makeup bag essential. It has a cream-lotion texture that is hydrating but lightweight.

The versatile product has a priming effect, while also plumping and providing moisture with its fatty acid and vitamin-rich formulation. It is absorbed speedily into the skin and leaves a velvety look in its wake to give a more flawless finish to the likes of foundation.

For a much-needed wave of hydration, Clinique’s cult Moisture Surge Hydrator is on hand. The lightweight formula packs a real moisturising punch with activated aloe water and caffeine to encourage your skin to produce its own moisture. It has a gel-cream texture and so, can sit seamlessly under makeup. The product is gentle and can be used on sensitive skin.

Every dermatologist you will ever speak to globally will stress the importance of wearing SPF daily. This doesn’t need to be a chore, in fact, CeraVe has created this moisturiser to be used every single day to protect your skin from stress from the sun with SPF50. It provides a broad spectrum shield to limit exposure to ageing UVA and burning UVB, while remaining lightweight.

The sun’s rays can negatively impact the skin barrier, leading to fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin texture and loss of elasticity so this is the first and most important step that you can take to repair and protect from the aforementioned as well as prevent sensitivity, inflammation and peeling.