Friends and Family Always Ask Me for Moisturizer Recs—Here's My Guide for Every Need and Budget
Something for everyone.
Tennille Jenkins is a Who What Wear Editor in Residence and Los Angeles–based beauty, wellness, and fashion expert who is on a mission to empower women at every stage of life.
I take my skincare regimen very seriously, and it's safe to say that moisturizers are a particular passion of mine. That said, even though I have plenty of ride-or-die formulas by now (don't worry, we'll get to those shortly) there are certain things that will absolutely give me the ick if I'm trying something new. For me, a new moisturizer is a definite no if it's overly scented or has too much fragrance. I like a product that smells nice, but there's a fine line when it comes to scent in my skincare—if it's too strong, it's going to bother me, no matter how good the formula is. Secondly, if a moisturizer doesn't absorb well, and if I'm still trying to massage it into my face 30 seconds later, it's a pass. I don't want something that's just sitting on the surface of my skin. Like, what's in it?! Why is my skin rejecting it?! Red flag.
To be a GOAT moisturizer, I love anything that's smooth, plumping, and lush on the skin. After all, your skin shouldn't look dull or lackluster after you've moisturized. I want glow! I want radiance! I also want formulas that play nicely with the rest of my skincare routine. If I hit the pan on a moisturizer, I know she's good, and I know she's staying in my routine or going to be recommended to my loved ones.
Without further ado, I'm sharing 24 of my all-time favorite formulas, organized by category. Whether you're looking for an all-star product that you can pick up at the drugstore or a formula that's so universal your partner will want to use it too, I've got you.
My Favorite All-Around Moisturizers
I'm obsessed with this cream. I try a lot of moisturizers (clearly) and this formula is just so unique. It's soft, silky, and designed to restore the youthful memory and elastin our skin starts to lose as we get older. It might be one of my favorite Tatcha products across the board, and that's saying something.
This is a really great all-around moisturizer, especially if you're in your 30s, 40s, or beyond.
This is my holy grail moisturizer. I just think it's a stunning, beautiful product, and I can only say great things about it.
My Favorite Nighttime Moisturizers
Again, this is another solid recommendation for anyone who's in their 30s or older. It targets everything you want to target!
I've talked about this cream so many times (sorry, not sorry!), but I've got it so bad for La Mer's Rejuvenating Night Cream. It is such a phenomenal product if you can swing the investment.
A sleeper! I don't think enough people know about this product. I actually went to Japan to learn all about the re-formulation of Shiseido's Future Solution line, and I just feel like the brand really kicks ass. The products are effective, beautiful, and something you actually look forward to using. I'm always going to cheer for this brand.
A classic! Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to love this when I first started testing it, but girl… she is GOOD!!! Gorgeous and I love her.
My Favorite Under-$35 Moisturizers
Affordable, effective, and great for pretty much anyone! I've fallen in love with this formula. Don't let the price deceive you, this is a really beautiful product.
I've used this for years, and the RoC's whole suite of products is actually phenomenal. I love that you can pick this up at the drugstore.
IYKYK—Cocokind is bomb. This cream, in particular, is fantastic. It's an award winner for a reason, and you'd never guess it's the price equivalent of three lattes. This is a fun brand to discover if you've yet to try.
My Favorite Luxury Moisturizers
Nicole Kidman, herself, told me she swears by this face cream. She said she can't live without it! So, obviously, I had to try it, and this stuff is WILDLY good, guys. Expensive, yes, but wildly good. It's so good that once you use it, you will be A-okay with making some compromises—cutting out your daily fancy matcha or a few of those other small habits that can build up to be costly!
I'm pretty down bad for Sulwhasoo. My skin loves this stuff, and I feel so much prettier when I use it. It makes you feel like a K-beauty luxury It girl. Jasmine Tookes is also a fan!
A luxury moisturizer category simply wouldn't be complete without another La Mer shout out. It's the definition of luxury. I personally love this Soft Cream, but I also like the classic Crème De La Mer, and it's a universal favorite.
My Favorite Moisturizers with SPF
This comes in a SPF 30, and it's what I reach for on those days when I know I'm going to be working from home and don't necessarily want to slather my face with a layer of regular SPF 50.
I can't have a favorite list of moisturizers and not include this specific SPF-infused formula from Shiseido. This is a little pricier than the Vital Perfection (see below) and even though both formulas are fantastic, this one is a bit richer and more emollient which I appreciate. I think a lot of women with mature skin will love this.
Again, I do seriously go to bat for this formula! If you're looking for something that's uber high-quality but lighter weight and more airy, I'd reach for this one versus the Future Solution LX Total Protective Cream, above.
So, this isn't technically a moisturizer, but I love it so much (and it is hydrating) so I'm going to force it as a moisturizer! It will make you look 10 years younger. It has niacinamide in addition to a few other high-level skincare products, and it's just one of those products where I can apply a nice serum underneath it and call it a day. I literally think anyone and everyone needs this product, but certainly if you have any kind of texture or fine lines. It's flawless skin, bottled.
My Favorite Moisturizers to Share With a Partner
Men will use this too! In addition to making skin look and feel great, this has such sleek, fuss-free packaging. The tube ensures there's no contamination, you can just squeeze it out and share.
Everyone knows this has become an industry gold standard. It's a beautiful product for so many reasons, and it's a multitasker which guys love.
My Favorite Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
I don't have sensitive skin, but my oldest daughter does—she has perioral dermatitis. Additionally, one of my best friends who is 48 has melasma and she is prone to redness and breakouts. She just has very, very sensitive skin. I asked them for their favorite products and this Tatcha formula was the overlapping favorite. They swear by it!
My friend, Carol, also loves this oil-free moisturizer from Shani Darden.
My daughter really loves this cream from Skinfix, but she doesn't apply it when she has a dermatitis flare. Carol, on the other hand, loves this formula and says it doesn't aggravate any of her skin sensitivity. It's great for the barrier.
My daughter swears by this moisturizing cream for perioral dermatitis. Obviously, it's always good to talk to a professional or a derm, but there are so many products that she simply can't use on her skin, yet she says she can always count on this stuff to get her through.
