Tackling the skincare beast is a tricky feat. From masterminding the perfect morning and nighttime routine to finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a thin-film of white residue, there are many moving parts you need to account for. Regardless of how many steps are in your regimen (whether it’s three of fifteen we don’t judge), you know the secret to enviable skin is a good moisturizer. Afterall, it’s that last burst of hydration that leaves your visage with an effortless glow while locking in all of your previous skincare.
Maintaining that luminous, youthful complexion comes down to protecting your skin’s barrier and as we transition from tepid autumn to the harsh realities of winter, it’s time to amp up our hydration game with a glossy tub of plumping, nourishing moisturiser.
Below are the five best formulations that might just trick your friends into thinking you’ve uncovered the fountain of youth:
+ Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.
Infused with the innovative Trigger Factor Complex, otherwise known as TFC8®, the brand’s patent technology relies on a vast array of natural amino acids, synthesised molecules, and high-grade vitamins that retrain the skin’s cellular renewal processes for optimal performance. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or normal, these hyper-reparative amino acids will help the skin at a cellular level for an overall effect of restored, renewed, and regenerated skin.
+ Drunk Elephant, Protini™ Polypeptide Moisturiser
Just as you add protein to your morning smoothie for an extra boost, this Protini’s nine signal peptides deliver much needed sustenance to the skin’s collagen levels for improved tone, texture and firmness. The effects of the peptides are enhanced with the unique aid of pygmy waterlily stem cell extract to soothe the skin with an added source of antioxidants and nutrients.
+ Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturiser.
With the subtle scent of magnolia, rose, and camellia oils, the Magic Cream has been a secret weapon in many a makeup artist’s kit for last-minute skin transformations. Since fast acting Hyaluronic Acid floods skin with moisture, you’re guaranteed plumper, smoother skin. Added bonus? Prolonged use of the cream diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. Now, we’re really talking about magic.
+ Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream.
The name does not lie as this product provides a tidal wave of hydration courtesy of the two different forms of hyaluronic acid. Sustained hydration levels are aided by resurfacing papaya enzymes and brightening white bird of paradise extract. The featherweight formulation works overtime to gently eliminate dull skin cells for the glowing skin.
+ Biologique Recherche Creme Placenta.
Relying on the healing properties of placenta’s cellular oliogepeptides, the cream soothes and repairs while providing maximum hydration for the top levels of the epidermis. Should you dislike the oily, occlusive film of thick moisturizers, the Placenta Cream offers for a lightweight alternative.
