Put simply, think of your moisturiser as your skin’s coat or protection, providing comfort and sealing the layers of toners, serums, treatments and eye creams you might apply. In today’s multi-step skin culture, what constitutes a good moisturiser is dependability: hydrating, non-irritating formulas that agree with your skin type, won’t interfere with your treatments, and work well under makeup, all the while minimising water loss to optimise your skin cell functions. Whether you prefer something thicker or more lightweight, the right moisturiser can fall anywhere on the price spectrum and arrive in many different guises. Ahead, we round up the best “holy grail” face moisturisers for every skin type.
Eau Thermale Avène
A lightweight cream infused with Avène’s proprietary thermal water that will ease irritation and intensely hydrate your complexion without suffocating your pores. This French pharmacy favourite agrees with the most sensitive of skin types and the most extreme of climates — be it hot or cold. The formula is fragrance-free and packaged in an air-tight tube to prevent contamination and perishability.
Eau Thermale Avène Tolèrance Extrême Emulsion; HK$138 at lookfantastic.com
La Mer
The crème de la crème of face creams. La Mer’s iconic Crème de La Mer changed the luxury skincare market with its famously rich formula and secret Miracle Both renowned for its anti-ageing, deeply soothing, and intensely healing properties. The cream is loved by generations of devotees that continue to justify its price tag.
La Mer Crème de la Mer 60ml; HK$2,700 at lamer.com.hk
Drunk Elephant
“Clean-Clinical” brand Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream is a water-gel formula that gives your skin a powerful dose of hydration, amino acids, growth factors and nine signal peptides. This lightweight formula helps maintain your skin’s collagen production and prevent its breakdown, leaving it firmer, stronger and balanced.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream; HK$535 at sephora.hk
Dr. Jart+
K-Beauty fixture Dr. Jart+’s Cermidin Cream harnesses the power of five different types of ceramides (5-Cera Complex) to provide intense, long-lasting moisture, strengthen the skin barrier and prevent water and moisture loss in harsh climates. Hyaluronic Acid and botanical extracts such as beetroot and Bifida Ferment Lysate probiotics fend off dryness and rough textures for smooth, supple skin.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream; HK$310 at selfridges.com
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Many a celebrity and model’s holy grail product, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream is an elegantly formulated moisturiser that targets signs of ageing, promotes skin regeneration, and is infused with the star ingredient purslane to keep skin hydrated and radiant all day. The fast absorbing and lightweight formula applies like silk and leaves skin firm, radiant, balanced and smooth.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream; HK$1,525 at JOYCE Beauty
Murad
An impeccably balanced, solid moisturiser that works brilliantly on its own but also cooperates superbly with serums and treatments so they can perform at their best. This lightweight cream provides 24-hour hydration that instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture without irritating ingredients or fragrances. Skin feels nourished and velvet-soft without any greasiness or residue.
Murad Hyrdo-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture; HK$630 at lookfantastic.com.hk
SkinCeuticals
As you age, your skin loses lipids (good fats), causing dryness, wrinkles and dullness. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is a moisturising cream formulated with the optimal and patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids, which mimics healthy, young skin as accurately as possible. This science-driven formula replenishes skin to restore fullness, minimise pores and correct signs of ageing.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2; HK$1,580 at lanecrawford.com
Malin + Goetz
Malin + Goetz’s customer-favourite Vitamin E Face Moisturiser combines natural ingredients with cutting edge technology to scientifically synthesise antioxidants Vitamins E and B5, as well as soothing chamomile fatty acids and sodium hyaluronate to gently hydrate and balance all skin types without leaving any residue. Fuss-free and multi-tasking, it’s the ideal base for makeup.
Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer 118ml; HK$440 at Malin + Goetz Hong Kong
Kiehl’s
A cult classic and number one bestseller worldwide, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream “absorbs moisture from the air to leave skin 2.3 times more hydrated,” according to the company’s studies. This rich but lightweight cream is formulated with glacial glycoprotein to lock in moisture and squalene oil to provide moisture that is easily absorbed. For more proof, 10 jars of this cream are sold globally every minute.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 50ml; HK$300 at kiehls.com.hk
REN Clean Skincare
An intelligent moisturiser that soothes inflammation and sensitivity while also protecting your skin from environmental stressors and pollutants. REN’s Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream is an ultra-mild hydrating cream enriched with Omega 3 and 7, calendula and chamomile oils (Bisabolol) to “train” sensitive skin to be less reactive and prone to redness, while helping repair the epidermis and re-establish its equilibrium.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream; HK$255 at net-a-porter.com
Fresh
A delicate yet potent gel-cream texture that delivers intense moisture thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid and time-release hydropatches. A blend of rose water, rose flower oil, Angelica leaf extract and vitamin E quench and soothe parched skin while leaving a delicate, subtle scent to delight the senses. Skin feels fresh, balanced and petal-soft.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream; HK$380 at sephora.hk
First Aid Beauty
First Aid Beauty’s hero product, Ultra Repair Cream, is an intensive all-over moisturiser that provides instant, fuss-free relief for dry, troubled, and eczema-prone skin. It’s formulated with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramide 3 and allantoin that provide immediate relief to parched skin and increases hydration by 169% upon application. It can be used head to toe and by all members of the family.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream; HK$110 at sephora.hk
Editor
Joanna FuCredit
Header image: Imaxtree
