tenille jenkins Who Wears What in Residence is the editor and los angeles-based beauty, wellness and fashion experts who are on a mission to empower women at every stage of life.
I take my skin care very seriously, and it’s safe to say that moisturizer is a particular obsession of mine. That said, even though I have a lot of Ride or Die formulas down by now (don’t worry, we’ll get to them soon) there are a few things that would definitely bother me if I were trying something new. For me, a new moisturizer is definitely unacceptable if it’s overly scented or has too much fragrance. I love a product that smells good, but there’s a fine line when it comes to fragrance in my skin care – if it’s too strong, it’s going to bother me, no matter how good the formula is. Secondly, if a moisturizer is not absorbed well, and if I am still trying to massage it on my face after 30 seconds, it is useless. I don’t want something that’s just sitting on the surface of my skin. Like, what’s in it?! Why is my skin rejecting it?! red flag.
As for the go-to moisturizer, I love anything that’s smooth, soft, and gentle on the skin. After all, your skin shouldn’t look dull or lackluster after moisturizing. I want shine! I want shine! I also want formulas that go well with the rest of my skin care routine. If I hit the pan on a moisturizer, I know it’s good, and I know it will stay in my routine or be recommended to my loved ones.
Without further ado, I’m sharing my 24 all-time favorite formulas arranged by category. Whether you’re looking for an all-star product you can buy at the drugstore or a formula that’s so universal your partner will want to use it too, I’ve got you.
My Favorite All-Around Moisturizer
Tatcha
Longevity Memory Cream
I am crazy about this cream. I try a lot of moisturizers (obviously) and this formula is just unique. It’s soft, silky, and designed to restore the youthful memory and elastin that our skin begins to lose as we age. This might be one of my favorite Tatcha products across the board, and that’s saying something.
Lancôme
Renergy HPN 300-Peptide Cream
It’s really a great all-around moisturizer, especially if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or older.
tata harper
Water-Lock Moisturizer
This is my holy grail moisturizer. I just think it’s an amazing, beautiful product and I can only say great things about it.
My Favorite Nighttime Moisturizer
Caudalie
Premier Crew Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with Ceramides
Again, this is another solid recommendation for those who are 30 or older. It targets everything you want to target!
la mer
Rejuvenating Night Cream
I’ve talked about this cream many times (sorry, not sorry!), but I loved La Mer’s Rejuvenating Night Cream. If you can swing the investment it’s a wonderful product.
Shiseido
Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream
A sleeper! I don’t think enough people know about this product. I actually went to Japan to learn all about Shiseido’s reintroduction of the Future Solution line, and I felt like the brand is really cool. The products are effective, beautiful, and something you actually look forward to using. I will always be a fan of this brand.
Estee Lauder
Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Power Bounce Cream Moisturize
Classic! To be honest, when I first started testing it I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not, but girl…she’s good!!! Very beautiful and I love her.
My Favorite Under-$35 Moisturizer
loreal paris
Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
Affordable, effective and great for almost anyone! I am in love with this formula. Don’t be fooled by the price, this really is a beautiful product.
soul
Multi Corexion Hydration+Moisturizer
I’ve used it for years, and RoC’s entire suite of products is truly phenomenal. I love that you can buy it at the drugstore.
cocokind
electrolyte water cream
IYKYK—Cocokind is the bomb. This cream, in particular, is fantastic. It’s an award winner for a reason, and you’ll never guess it costs the same as three lattes. This is a fun brand to discover if you haven’t tried it yet.
My Favorite Luxury Moisturizer
clay de peau beauty
La Creme Night Cream
Nicole Kidman herself told me she swears by this face cream. She said she couldn’t live without it! So, of course, I had to try it, and this thing is damn good, guys. Expensive, yes, but oh so good. It’s so good that once you get used to it, you won’t mind making some compromises – eliminating your daily fancy matcha or some other little habits that can get costly!
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream
I feel so bad for Sulwhasoo. My skin loves this stuff, and I feel so much more beautiful when I use it. It makes you feel like a K-beauty luxury it girl. Jasmine Tookes is a fan too!
la mer
Crème de la Mer Moisturizer
A luxury moisturizer range wouldn’t be complete without another invocation of La Mer. This is the definition of luxury. i personally love this soft creamBut I also love the classic crème de la mer, and it’s a universal favorite.
My favorite moisturizer with SPF
loreal
Revitalift Triple Power Face and Neck Moisturizer SPF 30
It comes in SPF 30, and that’s what I do on days when I know I’m going to be working from home and don’t necessarily want to layer regular SPF 50 on my face.
Shiseido
Future Solution LX Total Protective Cream SPF 30
I can’t have a favorite list of moisturizers and it can’t include this specific SPF-infused formula from Shiseido. It’s a little more expensive than Vital Perfection (see below) and even though both formulas are fantastic, this one is a little richer and more potent which I appreciate. I think a lot of women with mature skin will like this.
Shiseido
Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Day Cream SPF 30
Again, I’m seriously going to bat for this formula! If you’re looking for something that’s extremely high quality, but lighter in weight and more airy, I would reach for this cream over the aforementioned Future Solution LX Total Protective Cream.
YSE Beauty
Skin Glow SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Primer
So, it is not technically A moisturizer, but I love this one (and this one). Is Hydrating) so I’m going to apply it as a moisturizer! This will make you look 10 years younger. It also has niacinamide in it, in addition to some other high-end skin care products, and it’s one of those products where I can put a good serum underneath it and be fine. I literally think anyone and everyone needs this product, but definitely if you have any kind of texture or fine lines. It’s flawless skin, bottled.
My favorite moisturizers to share with your partner
gods
Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Firming Moisturizer
Men will use it too! Apart from making the skin beautiful and attractive, it has such smooth, fuss-free packaging. The tube ensures that there is no contamination, you can simply squeeze it out and share.
summer friday
Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer
Everyone knows that it has become the gold standard of the industry. It’s a beautiful product for many reasons, and it’s a multitasker that people love.
My favorite moisturizer for sensitive skin
I don’t have sensitive skin, but my oldest daughter does—she has perioral dermatitis. Additionally, one of my best friends, who is 48, has melasma and is prone to redness and rashes. Her skin is very sensitive. I asked them about their favorite products and this Tatcha formula was the overriding favorite. They swear by it!
Shani Darden
Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer
My friend Carol also loves this oil-free moisturizer from Shani Darden.
skinfix
Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
My daughter loves this cream from Skinfix, but she does not use it when she has dermatitis. Carol, on the other hand, loves the formula and says it doesn’t increase the sensitivity of her skin. It’s great for hindrances.
Dr. Jart+
Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
My daughter swears by this moisturizing cream for perioral dermatitis. Obviously, it’s always good to talk to a professional or dermatologist, but there are a lot of products she can’t use on her skin, yet she says she can always rely on these to keep her skin glowing.
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