You can buy the priciest foundation, the most popular concealer [1], and the setting powder [2] with thousands of five-star reviews, and it won't matter if your skin underneath that makeup isn't prepped properly. One of the most important steps when doing your makeup is exfoliating and moisturising your skin beforehand, because the smoother and more hydrated your complexion, the better your makeup will look, the longer it will last, and the less of it you'll have to wear. This means having a really good moisturiser to wear underneath your makeup is key.
"Choosing the right moisturiser for your skin is really important to get the best out of your foundation and to avoid your base becoming patchy or oily," makeup artist Zoe Taylor explained. Sounds simple enough, but anyone who's tried searching for a new face cream before knows that there are a whole lot of options out there, and in this case, not only does it need to suit your skin type and sensitivity levels [3], but it also needs to play nicely under makeup. Too greasy and foundation won't stick to it. Not hydrating enough and your concealer will crease. And then there's whether or not it will peel and roll the minute you put something on top of it.
With so much to consider, we decided to turn to professional makeup artists to find out which creams, lotions, and serums they keep stashed in their kits, from high street buys like Embryolisse and Weleda to incredibly spenny options from Augustinus Bader [4] and La Prairie. These pros have troubleshot hundreds of formulas, whittling down which ones work and which ones don't, and the moisturisers on this list do it all. Not only do they hydrate and smooth, but they also help keep makeup in place, acting like a primer but without having to add an additional layer to the skin (always a plus). Keep reading to discover these miracle moisturisers that also make wonderful makeup primers.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Great 8 Daily Defense Moisturizer
While the original 8 Hour Cream is beloved by the pros, the ointment is way too thick to put all over the face (it's regularly used as a lip balm or targeted treatment for severely dry patches of skin). The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Great 8 Daily Defense Moisturizer [5] (£36), on the other hand, is a favourite of makeup artist Grace Ahn, who, in addition to shooting for some of the world's best fashion magazines, also works with celebs like Lizzo [6], Katy Perry [7], Mj Rodriguez, and Indya Moore. "This moisturiser has the perfect texture for under makeup," Ahn explained. "It is a lightweight liquid that is extremely hydrating, leaving the skin with a dewy finish and giving the best slip for under any makeup. It also has an SPF 35, which is a bonus."
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel 3-1 Moisturizer
Makeup artist Daniel Martin, who works with Jessica Alba [8], Elisabeth Moss [9], and Meghan Markle [10] (he did her wedding-day makeup), is obsessed with the Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel 3-1 Moisturizer [11] (£15) as a makeup prep. "I love this stuff!" Martin said. "It locks down foundation in such a way that it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and the gel cream texture doesn't feel sticky, either."
Weleda Skin Food
Makeup artists and manicurists have long loved Weleda Skin Food [12] (£8), whether they're working backstage at Fashion Week or with a celebrity before the red carpet. The organic all-purpose skin treatment works wonders on soothing and softening dry skin, whether that's flaky patches on your face or rough cuticles around your nails. Although, as a makeup prep, it's ideal for people with dry and sensitive skin types (if your skin is oily, this will probably result in your makeup just sliding off). "For drier skin, I love Weleda Skin Food," said makeup artist Samantha Lau, who regularly works with Dua Lipa (she did her makeup for the "Break My Heart" video [13]).
Dr. Jart+ Ceramadin Cream
The Dr. Jart+ Ceramadin Cream [14] (£30) isn't just a great, supremely hydrating day and night cream — it has earned a permanent spot in London-based makeup artist Georgina Graham's kit. "It's great for sensitive skin and really rich and emollient, but it absorbs into the skin nicely," she explained.
Nimya Wear It All Starts Cream
The Nimya Wear It All Starts Cream [15] (£26) was created by makeup artist and beauty vlogger, NikkieTutorials (aka Nikkie de Jager), for the sole purpose of prepping your skin for makeup. The face cream, which has a marshmallow-like texture, is a moisturiser and makeup primer in one, and was developed to hydrate dry patches and keep your makeup in place for hours. "I always tell on my channel how I like my primers to be sticky, because I feel if your base is sticky, and you put your foundation over top of it, it's like a magnet — it just sticks together," de Jager previously told POPSUGAR [16]. "We have a bunch of ingredients in the cream, but the one that gives it that grip is the glycerin. It's the go-to ingredient to make it have that beautiful stick."
Several POPSUGAR editors have given this face cream a go, and all of us have found that it really does live up to its makeup-gripping claims. Because it leaves your skin a bit tacky, it really does grab onto your makeup, helping your foundation go on flawlessly and stay that way all day long. An added bonus? It makes your complexion look incredibly glowy.
Omorovicza Elemental Emulsion
"I like the Omorovicza Elemental Emulsion [17] (£87) because it's oil-free and it gives you the right kind of hydration. Plus, whatever you put on over it won't slip and slide around," said Lau, who then likes to follow the emulsion with the Glow Drops [18] (£110).
Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
The Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream [19] (£19.50) is another favourite of Graham's, which she originally picked up in Japan. "It's fantastic. It feels rich and buttery but works perfectly in the skin, leaving the skin feeling soft and super hydrated," she shared via Instagram stories, adding that not only does it work well as a makeup prep, it's also great when you're not wearing makeup as a day or night cream.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate
Before online shopping was a thing, makeup artists in the UK and US used to buy up tubes of Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate [20] (£20) every time they went to Paris for Fashion Week. It's been a makeup-artist staple for decades, and luckily, these days you can easily nab it for yourself at a number of retailers without having to buy a train or plane ticket.
"The Embryolisse Concentrate is the perfect moisturiser for under makeup," makeup artist Bryony Blake said. "The creamy lotion goes onto the skin beautifully, while hydrating and nourishing even the most sensitive of skin types. It can also be used as a makeup remover, which is what makes it perfect for any makeup artist's kit." Makeup artists Wendy Asumadu [21] and Nikki Wolff [22] are also fans. "This moisturiser is super versatile and great under makeup as it actually gives a little bit of hold. It makes the skin look plumped and feel hydrated and velvety," Wolff explained.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturiser
A personal favourite of several POPSUGAR editors (especially during the warmer months since it's supremely lightweight), the Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturiser [23] (£32) also has a few makeup-artist fans. "I love Paula's Choice skincare all around," says makeup artist Quinn Murphy, who works with loads of celebrities including Lily Aldridge, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sophie Turner, Sofia Vergara, Alison Brie [24], and Gemma Chan, to name a few. "Before applying your base, I suggest using the Water Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer because it's not greasy, so it layers well under makeup. It's also safe for blemish-prone skin but still gives your skin a healthy and dewy finish."
Augustinus Bader The Cream and The Rich Cream
"Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream [25] (£205) is the best moisturiser to use before applying makeup," said New York City-based makeup artist Jen Myles, who recently created the makeup look backstage at Emilia Wickstead during London Fashion Week. "It hydrates the skin and actually blends with your foundation, leaving skin looking dewy, beautiful, and glowing." Makeup artist Emily Cheng (whose regular clients include Yara Shahidi [26], Laura Harrier, and Julia Garner) switches between the Augustinus Bader The Cream and The Rich Cream depending on the client's skin type, saving the latter for people who have drier complexions. "I love these because once it is well-massaged in, it leaves the skin silky smooth — a perfect base for foundation."
Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream
When makeup artist Nam Vo came to London to host her first international "Dewy Dumpling Masterclass," she sang the praises of the Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream [27] (£60), using it to prep the models' skin before starting on their makeup. "I need moisturiser to sink into the skin, which this does, and it's very plumping and hydrating," she explained, adding that it doesn't roll or peel off under foundation, a common issue with some face creams.
iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion
"Hydrating, leaves the skin feeling comfortable and nourished, and sits perfectly under makeup" is what Wolff said about the iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion [28] (£78), which she called out on her Instagram Stories for being one of her top five favourite moisturisers to use on clients with dry skin.
Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream
"If your skin is normal/combination, I would use the Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream [29] (£48)," said makeup artist Zoe Taylor (who is a spokesperson for the brand). "It gives skin the most beautiful glow and is a great prep for skin under your base. Try applying concealer only where you need it and skip a full base to really show the true beauty of the skin."
Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum
"For oily/combination or oily skin, it is important not to skip a nourishing moisturising step, however tempting it might be to try to avoid anything which might add shine. I love to switch in a serum in place of a moisturiser, and Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum [30] (£70) is great to plump up skin and hydrate without adding any greasiness," Taylor said.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
If you've got (a lot) of extra spending money, Graham recommends the La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream [31] (£407). "I am currently using Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. It's my superindulgent, rich product that works on the skin on a cellular level. It smells divine and really makes my skin look and feel great."
Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser in Golden
The Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser in Golden [32] (£92) has a warm golden tint not because it contains any pigment but thanks to a blend of micronised pearls that are gold, amber, and champagne in colour, mixed into the formula to not only impart a warm glow over your skin but also create an optical illusion and the appearance of smoother-looking skin. LA-based makeup artist (and Beauty Is Boring [33] founder) Robin Black loves using it under makeup during the summer months. "The subtle golden sheen makes me look healthy and tan, plus it looks lovely alone or under makeup," she explained.
Chantecaille Bio Lifting Cream
According to Wolff, the Chantecaille Bio Lifting Cream [34] (£300) is so rich and nourishing, it's almost like a mask. "It makes skin look plump, dewy, and glowy," she told POPSUGAR.