Finding the right moisturizer can make or break your makeup look. You want your foundation to go on smoothly and last all day without feeling greasy or cakey.
It’s a tricky balance. Your skin needs hydration, but the wrong formula can cause your makeup to pill or slide right off. We know how frustrating that can be.
We tested dozens of formulas to find the best ones. Some were too heavy, others just didn’t play well with our favorite foundations. The right choice depends on your skin type.
This review shares our honest results. We’ll help you find a moisturizer that creates the perfect canvas, so you can skip the guesswork.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
EnaSkin Retinol Collagen Face Cream | Intense Hydration | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light Neutral) | SPF 50+ Protection | PRICES |
 |
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream | Built-In SPF 30 | PRICES |
 |
No7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle | Day And Night Bundle | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light Medium) | SPF 50+ Protection | PRICES |
 |
No. 7 Early Lift and Luminate Triple Action Fragrance Free Face Cream Bundle | Fragrance-Free Formula | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light) | Buildable Full Coverage | PRICES |
EnaSkin Retinol Collagen Face Cream
This cream is a powerhouse for smoothing skin before makeup, thanks to its potent blend of retinol and hyaluronic acid.
It packs a 7% hyaluronic acid serum to deeply hydrate and plump your skin. The retinol and collagen work together to target fine lines and improve firmness. This creates a super smooth, even canvas for your foundation.
The texture is rich but absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. I found it layers beautifully under makeup, preventing any pilling or cakiness throughout the day.
Pros:
👍 Intense hydration from 7% hyaluronic acid
👍 Retinol and collagen target wrinkles and firm skin
👍 Absorbs quickly with a non-greasy finish
👍 Works for both day and night use
👍 Great for face, neck, and décolleté
Cons:
👎 Retinol can cause sensitivity for some skin types
👎 The rich texture might be too heavy for very oily skin
👎 Requires consistent use for best anti-aging results
My Honest Opinion:
If you want a moisturizer that does more than just hydrate, this is a fantastic choice. It seriously smooths out texture and fine lines, making your makeup look flawless. Just remember to use sunscreen during the day, as retinol increases sun sensitivity.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light Neutral)
This is a fantastic all-in-one product that moisturizes, primes, and provides serious coverage.
It’s packed with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and peptides. The SPF 50+ is a major plus for daily protection. It truly does the job of multiple products in one step.
The texture is creamy and hydrating, blending smoothly into the skin. It creates a perfect, non-greasy base that grips your makeup beautifully throughout the day.
Pros:
👍 High SPF 50+ sun protection
👍 Contains hydrating and anti-aging skincare ingredients
👍 Provides excellent, natural-looking coverage
👍 Long-wearing formula lasts all day
👍 Travel-friendly size is perfect for testing
Cons:
👎 The shade range can be tricky to match online
👎 Travel size is small, so you’ll use it up quickly
👎 Can feel a bit heavy if you apply too much
My Honest Opinion:
I love how this simplifies my morning routine. It’s my go-to when I want my skin to look flawless with minimal effort. Just remember, a little goes a very long way.
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream
This two-step bundle is a fantastic all-in-one solution for prepping and protecting your skin before makeup.
You get a daytime cream with SPF 30 and a richer night cream. The day cream creates a smooth, non-greasy base that layers beautifully under foundation. It’s fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin.
The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly. I found it didn’t pill or cause my makeup to slide around. It feels hydrating without any heavy residue.
Pros:
👍 Built-in SPF 30 in the day cream
👍 Fragrance-free formula is gentle
👍 Day cream provides a perfect smooth base
👍 Non-greasy and absorbs fast
👍 Great value as a day/night bundle
Cons:
👎 Night cream is too rich for some skin types
👎 SPF can leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones
👎 The packaging feels a bit basic
My Honest Opinion:
This is a reliable, no-fuss duo. If you want simple hydration and sun protection without fragrance, it’s a solid pick. The day cream is the real star for makeup application.
No7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle
This two-step system gives you daytime protection and nighttime repair in one convenient bundle.
I love that the day cream includes SPF 30, which is a must for daily wear. The night cream works while you sleep to firm and brighten your skin. Together, they create a smooth, hydrated base.
The texture is rich but absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. This makes it perfect for applying makeup right on top. The hypoallergenic formula is gentle on sensitive skin too.
Pros:
👍 Includes SPF 30 in the day cream
👍 Night cream works on firming and brightening
👍 Hypoallergenic and gentle formula
👍 Non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture
👍 Convenient day and night bundle
Cons:
👎 The scent might be strong for some
👎 Jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a pump
👎 Can feel a bit heavy for very oily skin
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic set if you want a complete skincare routine. The SPF in the day cream is a huge bonus, saving you an extra step. It creates a lovely, smooth canvas for your foundation.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light Medium)
This all-in-one cream is a fantastic multitasker that primes, perfects, and protects your skin before makeup.
It combines a full-coverage foundation, a color corrector, and a hydrating serum in one step. You also get SPF 50+ sun protection and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
The formula feels lightweight and hydrating, not heavy or cakey. It creates a smooth, even base that helps your makeup last for hours without settling into fine lines.
Pros:
👍 Provides excellent SPF 50+ protection
👍 Hydrates with hyaluronic acid and peptides
👍 Offers buildable, natural-looking coverage
👍 Multi-tasking formula saves time
👍 Travel-friendly size is perfect for on-the-go
Cons:
👎 Shade range can be tricky to match perfectly
👎 The travel size is quite small
👎 Can feel dewy on very oily skin types
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a brilliant product for anyone who wants to simplify their routine. It gives you a perfected, hydrated base with serious sun protection, so you might not even need a separate moisturizer underneath.
No. 7 Early Lift and Luminate Triple Action Fragrance Free Face Cream Bundle
This day and night bundle is a fantastic two-in-one solution that primes your skin perfectly for makeup.
You get a complete skincare routine in one package. The day cream includes SPF 30 protection, which is essential. The night cream works while you sleep to improve texture.
The formula is fragrance-free, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind. This makes it an ideal smooth base for foundation.
Pros:
👍 Includes SPF 30 in the day cream
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle formula
👍 Provides 24-hour skincare coverage
👍 Absorbs quickly, not greasy
👍 Improves skin texture over time
Cons:
👎 The bottles are on the smaller side
👎 Night cream is quite rich
👎 SPF may pill with some foundations
My Honest Opinion:
I think this bundle offers incredible value for a complete routine. The day cream with SPF is a standout for under-makeup use. It’s a reliable choice if you want simplified, effective skincare.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light)
This CC cream is a true multitasker that primes, perfects, and protects your skin all in one step.
It offers natural-looking full coverage that evens out your complexion beautifully. The formula is packed with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and peptides for hydration.
It feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t settle into fine lines. The built-in SPF 50+ is a major bonus for daily sun protection.
Pros:
👍 Provides buildable, natural full coverage
👍 Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and anti-aging peptides
👍 Includes a high SPF 50+ sunscreen
👍 Lightweight, serum-like texture
👍 Travel-friendly size is perfect for testing
Cons:
👎 Shade range can be limited, especially for very deep skin tones
👎 The travel size is quite small for the price
👎 Can feel slightly heavy if you apply too much
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a fantastic choice if you want to simplify your morning routine. It gives you great coverage while actively caring for your skin, which I love.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Finish & Compatibility
The best moisturizer should create a smooth, non-greasy base. Look for a formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t pill or ball up when you apply makeup on top. A matte or natural finish works best for most foundations.
Hydration Level
Your skin type dictates the moisture you need. Oily skin benefits from lightweight, gel-based creams, while dry skin needs richer, creamier textures with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to prevent makeup from looking cakey.
Added Benefits (SPF, Priming)
For daytime, a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher is a major time-saver and protects your skin. Some creams also have priming properties to help your makeup last longer and look smoother throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a different moisturizer under makeup?
Yes. Your daytime/makeup moisturizer should focus on smooth absorption and a non-greasy finish, while your night cream can be richer and more treatment-oriented.
How long should I wait to apply makeup after moisturizer?
Wait 1-2 minutes for the product to fully absorb into your skin. This prevents slipping and helps your foundation adhere properly for longer wear.
Can I use a CC cream as both moisturizer and foundation?
Absolutely. Products like the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream are designed to be all-in-one treatments with hydration, SPF, and coverage, perfect for simplifying your routine.
Is SPF in my moisturizer enough?
For daily use, SPF 30 in your moisturizer is a great start. However, for extended sun exposure, you should still apply a dedicated sunscreen underneath for adequate protection.
What if my makeup separates during the day?
This often means your moisturizer and foundation have incompatible bases (e.g., water-based vs. oil-based). Try switching to a lighter, water-based moisturizer to see if it improves.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the ultimate all-in-one solution that primes, perfects, and protects, the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream is our top pick. It delivers serious hydration, broad-spectrum SPF 50, and flawless coverage in one step. If you prefer a dedicated moisturizer, the No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream bundle is the best value, offering day and night formulas with proven anti-aging ingredients and SPF 30.
Your choice depends on whether you want simplified makeup or a targeted skincare routine, but both options create a perfect canvas.