The best women’s face moisturisers for all skin types

Whether it is to combat dry skin or as a way to keep your skin looking young, the best women’s face moisturisers will leave your skin feeling as soft as a baby’s bottom all day long. But what face cream is right for you? With the plethora of beauty and cosmetic brands to choose from, it can be incredibly difficult to know which creams are actually going to work for you. 

Firstly, price isn’t necessarily an indicator of how good a moisturiser is. There are plenty of high street brands which claim to do things that the high-end products can’t, so what you really need to be thinking about is your skin type. There are all different types of creams for dry, oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin to name just a few, and when it comes to picking one, this can often be a case of trial and error, but we can give you a guide to hopefully picking a face moisturises you can get the most out of. 

If you have particularly dry skin, opting for a heavier cream or oil will ensure your skin is fully rehydrated when it needs it most. When winter rolls around, this is even more prevalent as your skin will be battling the harsh elements, so the thicker the better. However, for oily or acne prone skin, those types of creams will be a total disaster. Oily and combination skin types should look for a light and water-based moisturiser as in their case less is more, and for those with sensitive skin make sure you look out for fragrance-free options. 

Most moisturisers come with an SPF which is important all year round to protect your skin from the UV rays and delay the ageing process. For those who want a little extra help in that department, there are a great range of daily anti-wrinkle creams available which will keep your skin looking both hydrated and younger for longer. Teaming your face moisturiser with the occasional face mask can be a great way to ensure your skin is hydrated daily and supercharged weekly. 

1. Clarins Hydra Essentiel Cooling Cream Gel

A daily moisturiser for minimising pores

Specifications

Best for: Minimising pores
Type: Day cream
Consistency: Gel
SPF: None
RRP: £36.00

Reasons to buy

+
Cooling feel
+
All skin-types

Reasons to avoid

-
No SPF 

Clarins is renowned for its expert creams that work wonders on the skin, and the Hydra Essential Cooling Cream Gel is one of our favourites. Suitable for all skin types; this gel-cream helps protect against the harsh elements and work to reduce the appearance of pores and leaves your skin looking smooth and radiant all year round. Simply apply in the morning as part of your beauty regime and again in the evening if required.  

2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

Hydrate dry skin with this lightweight lotion from Clinique

Specifications

Best for: Dry skin
Type: Day cream
Consistency: light cream
SPF: None
RRP: £18.00

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
A little goes a long way

Reasons to avoid

-
A little pricey 

If you suffer from dry skin particularly in the winter months, then this Clinique moisturising lotion will work wonders on your skin. If you don’t like the feel of heavy or sticky creams on your skin, you’ll love how lightweight this cream feels as it's non-greasy formula absorbs quickly making it ideal to apply before make-up in the morning.  

3. Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Gel Moisturiser

Revive tired looking skin with this energising moisturiser

Specifications

Best for: Tired skin
Type: Day cream
Consistency: Gel
SPF: None
RRP: £25.00

Reasons to buy

+
Contains coffee bean
+
Makes skin glow

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for dry skin 

This Energy Boosting Gel Moisturiser is like an energy drink for your skin. If you’ve been working too hard lately and are noticing the effects on your skin, then this cream will revitalise and rejuvenate the skin to help get your healthy glow back. Some people with dry skin say it doesn’t agree with them but if you have oily or combination skin that needs a boost, this is the best women’s face moisturiser to use daily on your skin. 

4. Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturiser

An affordable brand that helps prevent acne breakouts

Specifications

Best for: Acne prone skin
Type: Daily when needed
Consistency: Light moisturiser
SPF: None
RRP: £3.00

Reasons to buy

+
Controls/ prevents breakouts
+
Cheap

Reasons to avoid

-
Can dry out skin 

For those who suffer from acne, this moisturiser can help to clear your skin and prevent further breakouts from occurring. It is not ideal for those who suffer with particularly dry skin as the anti-blemish properties tend to make this worse, but it does a great job for those who want to get clear, smooth skin. It absorbs well and is great for putting on before your make-up so that it continues to work throughout the day. For very problematic skin you may wish to apply this cream at night too. At just £3.00, you could combine this moisturiser with another if you have both dry and problematic skin. 

5. Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser

A gentle daily moisturiser for sensitive skin

Specifications

Best for: Sensitive skin
Type: Day cream
Consistency: Thin lotion
SPF: None
RRP: £4.00

Reasons to buy

+
Fragrance-free
+
Great base layer

Reasons to avoid

-
Too thin for some 

If you struggle to find a moisturiser that agrees with you, the Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser is a great option for gently hydrating your skin. A little goes a long way and at only £4.00 this is one of the cheapest moisturisers on the market. Ladies with sensitive skin love this cream as a base layer for their make-up and it can be used as and when needed for soft and smooth results. 

6. Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream

A night cream that helps the skin look young and smooth

Specifications

Best for: Anti-aging
Type: Night cream
Consistency: Light cream
SPF: None
RRP: £76.00

Reasons to buy

+
Anti-wrinkle
+
Non-greasy

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey 

Although a little pricey, this Restorative Night Cream is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while you sleep. Unlike other night creams, women say this one is incredibly light and absorbs into the skin well. If you think it is time to start using an anti-ageing formula, then this one is suitable for all skin types and is not too harsh on sensitive skin either. 

7. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser

A water-based face cream for oily and combination skin

Specifications

Best for: Oily skin
Type: Day cream
Consistency: Thin creamy
SPF: None
RRP: £4.25

Reasons to buy

+
Soothes with Aloe & Camomile 
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very absorbent 

If you have trouble keeping your skin oil free, then we recommend trying Neutrogena’s Visibly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser for smoother and healthier looking skin. Some say they find it difficult to apply make-up over the top of this cream, but if you’ve got combination skin that you struggle to find the right cream for, this one will work wonders. Ideal for both acne prone and oily skin as well as any other skin type for a dewy, healthy glow.  

8. Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Touch of Sunshine Moisturiser

Give your face a healthy looking glow while protecting it from the UV rays

Specifications

Best for: Healthy glow
Type: Day/night cream
Consistency: Creamy
SPF: 12
RRP: £14.99

Reasons to buy

+
Gradual tan
+
UV Protection

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for sensitive skin 

The sun can have harsh effects on our skin, so if you want a healthy looking glow without the UV damage, try Olay Total Effects Touch of Sunshine Moisturiser for a gradually tanned face that makes you look like you’ve been on holiday all year round. Although not ideal for problematic or sensitive skin, this moisturiser effectively hydrates as well as smooths out fine lines and wrinkles; making your skin look and feel healthy.  

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