If You’re Dry As a Husk, You *Need* These Nine Moisturizers
They’re the basis of your skincare. They hydrate, smooth, soothe, and set the stage for all your makeup, but let’s be honest — they are dang hard to shop for.
Some smell weird, others are too rich, and some are just plain too expensive.
So let’s break it down! For every product, I’ll share the pros and cons (of real testing!), along with a price point. No gatekeeping here— I’ll tell ya the truth, so you can find what’s best for YOU.
$ - Under $30
$$ - Under $50
$$$ - Under $100
Sunday Riley C.E.O Afterglow
This vitamin C moisturizer smells like neroli and gave me the best skin I’ve👏 ever👏 had👏. It’s brightly-hued, buttery, and majorly moisturizing. Give this bb a few seconds to absorb before putting on makeup — it may pill under certain formulas.
Pros: Actually delivers hydration that lasts throughout the day. Smells ah-amazing and leaves a serious glow.
Cons: Has tendency to pill if you don’t give it time to absorb. Strongly scented, so may not be the best option for those sensitive to fragrance.
$$$
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
Hands down the best budget-friendly moisturizer that, in all honesty, outperforms a lot of bougie formulas. Best of all? It’s got built-in SPF 15, which is great if you (like me) are a wee bit forgetful when it comes to applying your sunscreen.
Pros: Contains light-reflecting particles that instantly smooth out the skin and leave it looking luminous. Lockable pump top makes it perfect for travel (and saves you from having to dig around a jar with your fingies).
Cons: None!
$
Freck Beauty Rich Bitch
Surprisingly buttery, this bb is perfect for summer. Don’t be fooled by its rich texture, though, because it sinks in easily and never leaves my skin looking greasy (even when it’s hotter than hell outside).
Pros: Keeps breakouts from forming during hot months. Has a mild, fresh smell and plays nice with anything you layer under or over it.
Cons: None.
$$
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer
A fan of the brand’s cult-fave rose oil? You’ll wanna add this to your repertoire. Packed with antioxidants, it’ll be your best ally in the fight against pollution and airborne crap (while also tending to dullness), so you can keep calm and glow on, bb.
Pros: Gel texture. Obviously plays nice with facial oils and other serums.
Cons: Because it contains fermented lemon peel extract, expect a slight funkiness from the fermentation — fans of kombucha will immediately recognize it.
$$$
Antipodes Culture Probiotic ?Night Recovery Water Cream
This little jar is jammed with good-for-skin ingredients that are not only incredibly gentle, but also really, really calming. A smidge goes a long way, thanks to its light gel texture.
Pros: One of the lighter moisturizers on this list. Probiotics keep breakouts from forming.
Cons: While perfect for 75% of the year, it might be a bit too light for winter (but it layers really, really well with facial oils if you ever need an extra hit of hydration).
$$$
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
The hype is REAL on this one, y’all — thick and creamy, this is what I turn to when my skin is acting like a total fool. It’s incredibly versatile, too, working as both an overnight hydrator and a rich daytime cream if your skin is in need of major TLC.
Pros: Calms breakouts and irritation and restores the skin barrier.
Cons: Fragrance-free, though this may be a pro for some. I personally love a lil’ scent here and there — it makes my routine feel a bit more luxe. Can pill if layered with facial oils too soon after application.
$$$
Biotherm Life Plankton Essence Mask
If using this mask for the last ten years is wrong, then I don’t wanna be right. Its jelly texture is delightfully spreadable and it makes my face look positively GLOSSY (not to mention dewy as frig by morning).
Pros: It’s basically a concentrated serum, with repairing powers you should never not sleep on. Fab for sunburns, windburns, and fighting back against city pollution.
Cons: A little sticky, and not ideal for layering under oils.
$$$
Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer
Coming in at around $20 cheaper than Biotherm, this little jar is a fab dupe — even without the Life Plankton essence. Since it’s designed to work as a grippy primer for your makeup, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your skin’s getting moisturized while you’re rocking your fave beat.
Pros: Virtually no fragrance, and lightweight enough to not clog pores.
Cons: Dries tacky.
$$
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
A single jar of this can last for AGES, because a dollop is all you need to give your face the moisture it needs. If you’re looking for something thick and mattifying, this ain’t it — but if, instead, you’re on the hunt for a product that’ll brighten dark spots, smooth out texture, and fight back against dry skin, this is IT.
Pros: A little goes a long way. Leaves skin glowing. No intense fragrance, and doesn’t cause irritation.
Cons: Feels a touch greasy, so give yourself some time to chill before putting your head on a pillow.
$$$