If you have dry skin, you know the struggle. Your makeup can look flaky and cakey before you even leave the house.
Finding the right moisturizer to wear under your foundation is a game-changer. It can make your makeup look smooth and last all day long.
We tested dozens of moisturizers to find the best ones. We looked for formulas that hydrate deeply without causing pilling or greasiness.
This review is based on our real-world testing. We’ll help you find a moisturizer that makes your skin and makeup look amazing.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Evereden Kids Face Cream: Cool Peach, 1.7 oz. | Non-Toxic Formula | PRICES |
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No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Night Cream | Collagen Peptides | PRICES |
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No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle | SPF 30 Protection | PRICES |
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3% Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Single-Use Tubes (30 Pack) | Single-Use Tubes | PRICES |
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No7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle | Hypoallergenic Formula | PRICES |
Evereden Kids Face Cream: Cool Peach, 1.7 oz.
This gentle, clean formula is a surprisingly effective pre-makeup base for sensitive, dry skin.
It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil. They hydrate deeply without feeling heavy or greasy on your skin.
The texture is light and absorbs quickly. This creates a smooth, supple canvas that helps your makeup apply evenly and last longer.
Pros:
👍 Exceptionally clean and non-toxic formula
👍 Deep hydration without greasiness
👍 Absorbs quickly for a smooth base
👍 Great for sensitive skin types
👍 Pleasant, light peach scent
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 Smaller size than some adult moisturizers
👎 Scent, while mild, may not be for everyone
My Honest Opinion:
I was impressed by how well this kids’ cream worked as a makeup primer. It’s perfect if you prioritize clean ingredients and have skin that’s both dry and sensitive. You get a fantastic, non-irritating base.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Night Cream
This night cream is a powerhouse for dry skin, working overnight to deeply hydrate and repair your complexion.
It’s packed with collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump up fine lines. The formula also includes hibiscus to help even out your skin tone. You’ll wake up with a noticeably smoother, more radiant face.
The texture is rich but absorbs well without leaving a greasy film. I find it creates the perfect hydrated base for my makeup the next morning. Your dry skin will feel nourished and supple all day.
Pros:
👍 Intense overnight hydration
👍 Plumps fine lines with collagen peptides
👍 Evens skin tone with hibiscus
👍 Non-greasy, absorbs well
👍 Great value for the size
Cons:
👎 Scent might be strong for some
👎 Rich texture may be too heavy for oily skin
👎 Jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a pump
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, affordable night treatment for dry skin. If you want to wake up with a plump, even-toned canvas for your makeup, it’s a top contender. The results are genuinely impressive for the price.
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle
This two-step system is a fantastic all-in-one solution for dry skin that needs serious hydration and sun protection.
You get a dedicated day cream with SPF 30 and a richer night cream. The fragrance-free formula is gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. It’s designed to deeply moisturize while also targeting fine lines.
The day cream absorbs quickly, making it an ideal smooth base for makeup. The night cream is thicker, providing intensive overnight repair. The bundle offers a complete skincare routine in one purchase.
Pros:
👍 Includes SPF 30 in the day cream
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive skin
👍 Day and night creams target different needs
👍 Rich hydration perfect for dry skin
👍 Helps create a smooth makeup base
Cons:
👎 Two separate jars to manage
👎 Day cream might feel heavy for some
👎 Slightly higher price point for the bundle
My Honest Opinion:
I really like how this bundle covers all your bases. It simplifies your routine by providing targeted formulas for day and night, which is super convenient for busy people.
3% Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Single-Use Tubes (30 Pack)
If you want a perfectly prepped, hydrated base for your makeup that’s also super convenient, these single-use hyaluronic acid tubes are a game-changer.
This set comes with 30 individual 1.5ml tubes of a 3% hyaluronic acid serum. It’s designed to be gentle for sensitive skin while delivering a powerful dose of hydration. The single-serve format means you get a fresh, sanitary application every time.
The lightweight serum absorbs quickly without any sticky residue, which is ideal under makeup. I found it created a smooth, plump canvas that helped my foundation apply evenly and last longer throughout the day.
Pros:
👍 Incredibly convenient and hygienic single-use format
👍 Perfect for travel or keeping in your makeup bag
👍 Lightweight and absorbs quickly, no pilling under makeup
👍 Gentle formula suitable for sensitive skin
👍 Provides intense hydration to smooth dry patches
Cons:
👎 Can generate more plastic waste than a bottle
👎 Requires you to remember to grab a new tube daily
👎 Might not be cost-effective for everyday long-term use
My Honest Opinion:
I love the convenience and guaranteed freshness of these tubes. They’re fantastic for travel, gym bags, or if you just want to simplify your morning routine. For dry skin, they deliver a serious hydration boost that makes makeup application a dream.
No7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle
This day and night bundle is a powerhouse for dry skin that also wants anti-aging benefits.
It provides deep hydration with a triple-action formula. The day cream includes SPF 30 protection, which is essential. The night cream works to repair and replenish while you sleep.
The texture is rich but absorbs well without feeling greasy. I found it created a smooth, plumped base that made my foundation apply flawlessly.
Pros:
👍 Includes SPF 30 in the day cream
👍 Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula
👍 Targets dryness, firmness, and radiance
👍 Night cream provides intensive overnight repair
👍 Bundle offers complete morning and night care
Cons:
👎 The price point is higher than some basic moisturizers
👎 The rich formula might be too heavy for very oily skin
👎 You must use both creams to get the full benefit
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic choice if you want to tackle dryness and signs of aging simultaneously. The built-in SPF is a huge bonus, making your morning routine simpler. It’s an investment, but the dual-action results are worth it for dry, mature skin.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Type & Ingredient Focus
For dry skin, look for hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. Avoid formulas with drying alcohols or heavy fragrances if your skin is sensitive. The right ingredients create a smooth, plump base for makeup.
Texture & Absorption Time
A good pre-makeup moisturizer should be rich enough to quench dryness but absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Creams and lotions are ideal; heavy ointments can cause makeup to slide off.
Additional Benefits (SPF, Priming)
Consider a day cream with built-in SPF 30 for sun protection. Some moisturizers also have light-reflecting or priming properties to help makeup look smoother and last longer throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a night cream as a pre-makeup moisturizer?
It’s not ideal. Night creams are often richer and heavier, which can make your makeup pill or slide. For daytime, use a lighter, fast-absorbing formula specifically designed for day wear.
How long should I wait to apply makeup after moisturizer?
Wait 2-3 minutes for the moisturizer to fully absorb into your skin. This creates a hydrated canvas and prevents your foundation from mixing with the cream, which can cause uneven application.
Is hyaluronic acid serum a good pre-makeup step?
Yes, a hyaluronic acid serum is excellent for an extra hydration boost under your moisturizer. Apply it to damp skin, let it absorb, then follow with your cream to lock in all that moisture.
What if my moisturizer makes my foundation pill?
Pilling often happens when skincare and makeup formulas (like silicone vs. water-based) clash. Try letting each layer dry completely, use lighter applications, or switch to products with compatible bases.
Do I need a separate primer if my moisturizer is hydrating?
Not necessarily. A well-formulated, fast-absorbing moisturizer can act as a perfect primer for dry skin. If you have specific concerns like large pores, you can add a targeted primer only in those areas.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a reliable, all-in-one solution, the No7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle is our top pick. It provides serious hydration with SPF 30 protection for the day and reparative care at night. If you want a simple, clean, and effective single cream, the Evereden Kids Face Cream is a fantastic gentle option. For an intense hydration surge before makeup, layer the 3% Hyaluronic Acid Serum under your chosen moisturizer.
Your best choice depends on whether you want a bundled routine or a single superstar product, but each of these will effectively combat dry skin under makeup.