The best face creams for every skin type

You're practically radiant, darling.

Best face creams

by Ruby Barry |
Updated on

If the internet has taught us anything, it's that we need to up our skincare game - and that starts with the best face creams. Thanks to the past three years and a little thing called lockdown (you must have heard of it) we learnt to ditch the make-up and allow our pores to breathe. However, getting rid of the thick foundation makes us vulnerable to lots of other pollutants that we didn’t even think of. That’s why now more than ever, it’s important to use the best moisturisers on the market - so it's time to invest in a new face cream.

Despite some spots here and there, we think that letting our skin go all-natural is AMAZING. We just know now that we need to give it a helping hand. Face creams are jam-packed with skin-loving ingredients and can come under many names such as retinol creams , vitamin C moisturisers or barrier creams. Some may have SPF, some may not. Whatever your preference, we've got the ultimate guide to face creams right here. You're bound to find your perfect match.

The best face creams at a glance:

Best face cream overall: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, £27.50 on Sephora

Best budget face cream: SEFUSON Retinol Moisturiser, £9.99 on Amazon

Best face cream for combination skin: SKINKISSED Face & Skin Moisturiser Cream, £22.46 on Amazon

Whether you're looking for a lightweight daily moisturiser for your face or a thicker barrier cream that'll repair your cells for a fresh-faced morning - we've got it covered. Using the best UK retailers on the internet, like Amazon, Look Fantastic and Boots, you'll be able to buy your spanking new face cream at the touch of a button. It's time to start creating a skincare routine suited to you, and you only. Take your pick from below.

The best face creams to use at home

Best face cream overall

Kiehl's Ultra Facial CreamKiehl's
Price: £33.25 (was £35)

www.sephora.co.uk

Applying Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream once a day will help to replenish moisture in your skin and help to retain it. Whether it's morning or night, massage a small amount of cream on your face and leave it to dry. You'll have a strong barrier protecting your skin from the dry elements.

Customer review: "I have chronically dry skin and it's sensitive too, so finding a good moisturizer is hard. Many of them cause a reaction to my skin or bad breakouts. I tried this cream for a week now and I am sold on it. I don't think I even need to look for another cream that's how great it is. It's super moisturizing for my dry skin and when I wake up I have no texture anymore! And my skin stays hydrated long after I wear it. I'm able to wear it under makeup as well and it creates a smooth base for application. I love this cream. It's gentle and nourishing and now I want to try out other products from Kiehls. (This was my 1st purchase of a Kiehl's product)."

Pros

  • Well-renowned brand
  • Easily absorbed, lightweight texture
  • Lasts 24 hours
  • Formulated with moisturising and water-retaining ingredients (such as olive-derived Squalane)

Cons

  • Not mattifying

Best face cream for combination skin

SKINKISSED Face & Skin Moisturiser CreamSKINKISSED

Do you find that many face creams are too harsh on your skin? This light but effective SKINKISSED Face & Skin Moisturiser Cream suits all skin types and will help combat dry and oily patches. It can be used on both your face and as a body moisturiser. For best results, pair with the SKINKISSED Vitamin C Serum.

Customer review: "I have been using this moisturiser alongside my serum every day for the past week, and it looks as though I have barely touched it - because let me tell you, a little goes a long way! When the cream came, I did think the pot was a little smaller than the other creams I am used to; however, with many other moisturisers, I really need to build it up on my skin until I feel fully covered and hydrated, whereas, with this cream, I barely need to touch any product... This cream leaves my skin looking super glowy and feeling super smooth. One of the best moisturisers I have ever used and I would highly recommend it to anyone."

Pros

  • Formulated to soothe, nourish and hydrate oily skin, dry skin or combination skin
  • Suitable for men, women and teens
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Aloe Vera rebuilds natural skin tissue on the surface

Cons

  • Not anti-ageing
  • Amazon rating:
    4.4

Best budget face cream

SEFUSON Retinol MoisturiserSEFUSON
Price: £37.14

Fight the signs of ageing STAT with this SEFUSON Retinol Moisturiser Face Cream, at under £10 on Amazon. The packaging is amazing, the smell is amazing and the results are amazing. We call that a triple threat. It is the ideal moisturiser for dehydrated skin, and will have your skin practically radiant, darling.

Customer review: "It applies like a dream. It doesn't "dry out" during the day and is lovely for nighttime. It also comes in a Very funky jar. No need to take the lid off. Just press down and it delivers the exact amount. I am a very happy lady."

Pros

  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Boosts hydration levels
  • Speeds cell turnover
  • Restores lost elasticity
  • Ensures long-lasting moisturising all day long

Cons

  • May make sensitive eyes water
  • Retinol is not recommended for those under 25
  • Amazon rating:
    4.3

Best face cream for sensitive skin

Happy Face™ Extreme Relief Cica Moisture CreamBeauty Pie
Price: £70
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eQlYPW1FLQRdaWlQaC0RJdwBTRBdBGTIPB0x%2FBxJJSRhxAlVVFHBBTUdcWAcZNFAJW1QFFXcLBQNMegkLSkRARQYbc0tQWFQYf1oQGTVQC0FYF1FCB0sxCl4IT2pfWkMLX15eGHpYWVRcDFNLfRxWQwJMXQ0ITVAEVVQJCAMAVwcC&x=v1&prdId=10944509423&barcode=Uw0EVFZVVwdXWwsDDQ4%3D

Update your morning routine and your Insta feed at the same time with this boujee Japanese Happy Face™ Extreme Relief Cica Moisture Cream. Not only does it look good, but it also helps to soothe inflamed patches which can be brought on by anything from a burning candle to using a different face wash. It's suitable for vegans and isn't tested on animals. Plus, it's at an amazing discount on Beauty Pie at the moment!

Customer review: "I am on my 4th tube of this. It’s absolutely fantastic for sensitive eczema prone skin. Really helps calm my face down after using acids. Sometimes in winter my skin needs a bit more moisture, so I tend to layer this with other creams to lock everything in. No scent which is AMAZING!"

Pros

  • Suitable for inflamed or rosacea-prone skin
  • Contains hydrating glycerin and squalane

Cons

  • Not as suited to combination/oily skin
  • Beauty Pie rating:
    4.6

Best retinol face night cream

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Pro-Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Night CreamL'Oreal

Are the kids keeping you up half the night now that their back-to-school routine has kicked in? You're not the only one... We have just the product for you, this anti-wrinkle, extra-firming night cream. The main ingredients are pro-retinol A and elastin, making the skin feel firmer and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Customer review: "Being 37 and tired from working, kids, the house etc etc (yawn) I needed a good night cream. My lines have really started to show lately so I needed something good. It not bank breaking. I've been using this for less than a week and already I've seen a HUGE difference. My husband even asked me why my skin looked so nice and I've had compliments from work asking what foundation I'm wearing. My skin is clear, smoother and I love the thickness of the product. I also love the smell - it's rich and indulgent. It's a win for me."

Pros

  • Anti-wrinkle + firming
  • Intensive action
  • Pro-retinol A + pro-firmyl technology
  • Skin's own 8 natural firmers: elastin, collagen I, III and IV, perlecan, integrins, fibrillin and chondroitin S,
  • Tested under dermatological control

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive skin due to retinol
  • Boots rating:
    4.4

Best collagen face night cream

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night CreamAntipodes

Treat yourself to this little number which will do wonders for your skin. Do you want that morning glow? This is exactly how you get it - with the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream. It has tons of anti-ageing properties to help you look and feel incredible, including oils that improve the stimulation of collagen in skin cells. Ingredients like ylang-ylang, jasmine and sandalwood will help you relax during this uncertain time. The best time to apply this is at sunset - perfect for that golden hour snap.

Customer review: "It’s my favourite night cream, leaves my skin soft and well nourished, it’s rich but not greasy. My skin looks great, fresh and healthy."

Pros

  • Avocado oil improves the stimulation of collagen in skin cells by up to 92%
  • Manuka honey acts as an antibacterial to clear blemishes
  • Calendula oil acts as a protectant against free radicals and environmental damage

Cons

  • Vegetarian only, not vegan
  • Look Fantastic rating:
    4.7

Best skin barrier face cream

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair CreamFirst Aid Beauty

Don't worry about a thing, this repair cream will come to your rescue as it promises to help with skin conditions like eczema as well as relieve any agitated bits. We'll take two! You can apply the cream when needed - you don't have to wait until nighttime to enjoy its cooling effects. Not only does the cream work as a moisturiser, but it also acts as a barrier to protect your skin. The cream is thick, so it makes it easier to apply to any sensitive areas.

Customer review: "Very gentle moisturiser, bought this to replace my previous one from another brand that is discontinued. Only need a tiny amount as it spreads easly and is so moisturising, i have normal to dry skin which is sensitive and it hasnt broken me out at all. I use it twice a day and even when waking up face feels moisturised still. Love it!"

Pros

  • Enriched with shea butter, eucalyptus, oatmeal and ceramides
  • Protection against free radical damage
  • Safe for sensitive skin, as well as those with allergic eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis
  • No parabens, colourants or harsh chemicals

Cons

  • Can leave skin a little sticky
  • Look Fantastic rating:
    4.5

Best face cream primer for make-up

Glossier Priming Moisturiser RichGlossier

This luxurious face cream is perfect for prepping the skin for makeup. We're obsessed with this because it works wonders on all skin types. The beautiful lavender smell makes us feel super chilled out. Definitely won't leave your skin feeling greasy, so works well as a moisturiser for oily skin. The glossy texture and blend of botanical oils and glycerin melt into the skin to give you a smooth, dewy finish that’s perfectly prepped for make-up. Alternatively, you can opt for a tinted moisturiser, if you'd rather not put foundation on.

Customer review: "I love this moisturiser! I bought it hesitantly because it looked like it could be too much for my skin which is firmly between dry and oily (not quite normal- it goes between dry patches and small hormonal breakouts) and yet it's brilliant. A pea-sized amount is all I need to smooth over my skin and leave it perfectly moisturized, primed and ready for anything else I want to layer. It leaves my skin extremely soft which I love."

Pros

  • Moisturiser and primer duo
  • Botanical oils and glycerin create a dewy finish
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Ceramides and fatty acids reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier

Cons

  • May clog pores if left on overnight
  • Makeup Alley rating:
    0.4

Best travel face cream

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream - Travel SizedCharlotte Tilbury

Before committing to this, try out the travel-sized Charlotte's Magic Cream. You'll be obsessed with the results of your dewy, plumper-looking face that you'll have to upgrade to a bigger pot immediately, but we love that the small pot is perfect for travelling. What makes it so good, you ask? Well, it holds moisture for up to 24 hours - yes, we couldn't believe it either. The 15ml size fits perfectly in your make-up bag. You'll feel the effects of the cream as soon as you put it on.

Customer review: "This cream has truly changed my complexion and my life! It's worth every penny! It's so luxurious feeling when applying it to my skin and it quickly smooths and blends into my poor dry complexion. I swear I can hear my pores shouting THANK YOU! When I have any excess cream, I apply it to the backs of my hands. I am over 60, but I can't tell you how many times I've had friends tell me I have the hands of a 30-year-old! It's just such a pleasure to purchase a product that truly lives up to the hype!"

Pros

  • Recommended by celebs such as Lily James and Kate Moss
  • Boosts hydration by up to three times in just one hour
  • Skin appears two times firmer
  • Visibly reduces look of wrinkles in just four weeks

Cons

  • Fewer natural ingredients used
  • Charlotte Tilbury rating:
    4.6

Top tips on letting your skin breathe:

Drink more water

We’ve said it before and we'll say it again, you need to make sure to keep hydrated. According to Pure Luxe Medical, "Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed and helps maintain your skin's elasticity." People who drink large amounts of water daily "are less likely to suffer from scars, wrinkles, and soft lines and they won't show as many signs of ageing as those who drink little amounts of water." Drink up!

Choose the right face cream for your skin type

It might sound simple but choosing the right type of cream will do wonders for your complexion. Whether you have oily, dry or combination skin, there is the right one for you in the list above. There are also specific moisturisers for acne that'll help if you have a more medical problem on the skin.

Get into a routine

Using a product sparingly won’t help to solve your breakouts. You need to dedicate time to your skincare. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, there will be a face cream out there that is perfect for you. Just make sure you keep to it; you’ll thank us later. Also, don't forget to use an SPF on top, or a moisturiser with SPF - shield that precious skin from the sun, folks!

Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her "dupe queen", as there's not a product in the world she can't find a cheaper alternative for.

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