Tag: moisturisers

10 ‘Botox in a bottle’ skincare products derms swear by
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This stabilised formula provides results more quickly than most other serums due to its potency. And, its combination of complexion-brightening ingredients makes it especially worthwhile to try if you have stubborn sun damage-related age spots and discolouration.

READ MORE: The best vitamin C serums we’ve tested. After something else? Shop the Medik8 Black Friday sale.
Key ingredients: vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, turmeric root extract

Who it’s for: anyone who wants a concentrated dose of line- and discolouration-reducing antioxidants

Fragrance-free: yes
6. Best Drugstore: Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAl 0.1 Intensive Cream

RetrinAl 0.1 Intensive Cream

Why it’s worth it: Nope, it’s not a typo — retinal and retinol may look almost identical on paper, but there’s a big difference in power. Retinal (a.k.a. retinaldehyde) is one step closer to prescription-strength retinoic acid, “with studies showing that it works ten times faster than retinol,” says Dr. Palmer.

Avène’s RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream uses a potent 0.1% retinal to tackle deep wrinkles, uneven texture, and loss of firmness. Hyaluronic acid adds plumping moisture, while the brand’s signature thermal spring water soothes sensitivity, giving you strong results without the harsh side effects. And despite the serious actives in the formula, “the cream has a lightweight feel and a smooth and non-greasy texture,” Dr. Palmer notes, making it an easy addition to your nighttime routine.
Key ingredients: 0.1% retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, thermal spring water

Who it’s for: people with deep-set wrinkles

Fragrance-free: yes
7. Best for Body: Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum

Body Reform Treatment Serum

Why it’s worth it: You might know the aesthetician-to-the-stars Shani Darden for her Best of Beauty Award-winning Retinol Reform serum, but this formula tackles the thicker, tougher skin below the neck. Body Reform Treatment Serum uses a potent 2% granactive retinoid (an advanced retinoid that delivers retinoic acid-level results with far less irritation) to smooth rough texture, firm crepey areas, and improve the look of dark spots.

It’s paired with proprietary Hydronesis, which helps break down dry keratin buildup while boosting moisture to reduce keratosis pilaris, plus vitamin C to brighten and support collagen and amino acids to plump and strengthen the skin barrier. You’d never know how hardworking the formula is based on its feel — “it’s such a soothing and lightweight serum that moisturises like a richer cream,” says Angela Lamb, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Key ingredients: 2% granactive retinoid, Hydronesis, vitamin C, amino acids

Who it’s for: people who want to retexturise, brighten, and firm all over

Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions:

Are topical creams as effective as Botox injections?

Injectables reign supreme when it comes to getting rid of fine lines, smoothing texture, and plumping lax skin. However, certain products can yield results similar to those of the neuromodulator botulinum toxin — a.k.a. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, among others — which works by relaxing the muscle contractions responsible for creating expression lines and wrinkles.

So, are there products that provide the near-immediate fine-smoothing effects of neuromodulator injections? No. At this time, at-home topicals aren’t advanced enough to act as swiftly and effectively as professional-grade treatments like Botox. Still, there are formulations with plumping and tightening ingredients that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin.

“Although there is no true ‘Botox in a bottle’ that is applied topically to the skin, there are great topical products that can give the appearance of softening expression lines and improving skin texture over time, particularly with neuropeptides,” confirms Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. You can even use them in tandem with professional Botox treatments (from a board-certified dermatologist, of course) to enhance and prolong its line-dissipating benefits.

What are the key ingredients in “Botox in a bottle” products?

“The best line-fighting creams are those that help build our skin’s own building blocks, namely collagen and elastin fibres,” explains Deanne Robinson, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist. She recommends topical retinoids, firming peptides, brightening vitamin C, and growth factors to help support skin cell turnover, increase collagen fibres, and hydrate the skin.

Certain peptides, like neuropeptides, also serve as neurotransmitters in the skin. They work similarly to botulinum toxin by limiting muscle movement — although to a much lesser degree than that in injectables. With that, consider these skin-care products, including moisturisers, serums, and treatments, your best bet for products that work like Botox injections — just without the pinch.

Meet the experts
- Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in New York City
- Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Goldenberg Dermatology, based in New York City
- Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics, based in Chicago
- Angela Lamb, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Debbie Palmer, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Dermatology Associates of New York, based in Harrison, New York
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin
- Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin
- Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Connecticut
- Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Turner Dermatology, based in New York City
How we test and review products

When Glamour tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinise brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of line-fighting skincare products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists.

This story originally appeared on Allure.
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Christa Joanna Lee

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November 27, 2025
How to apply foundation to mature skin, according to pro makeup artists
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When it comes to creating a flawless makeup base, we’re often inclined to stick to the routine that works. But learning how to apply foundation to mature skin might make a world of difference—especially if your usual products and techniques aren’t delivering the same results they used to.

“Since our skin changes as we age, our makeup should too! Meet your skin where it is now,” says Laura Geller, whose namesake makeup brand Laura Geller Beauty caters to mature skin. If you’re dealing with new or different concerns, especially with foundation on changing skin, you’re certainly not alone.

“One of the biggest client frustrations with mature skin is that foundation often highlights what you’re trying to diffuse,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. That can mean product settling into expression lines on the face, making them appear deeper, or draining the skin of moisture, which highlights dryness and texture. But for every new concern, there’s a simple solution.

Featured in this article

Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Foundation

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Best Drugstore Option: L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

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Whether it’s a technique adjustment, a new formula, or a little extra skin prep, small tweaks can help you get the most out of your favourite foundation on mature skin.

Ahead, you’ll find expert-backed insight on…

11 best moisturisers for mature skin of 2025, reviewed

By Lisa DeSantis, Camilla Kay and Denise Primbet

How to choose a foundation for mature skin

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when selecting a foundation for mature skin in particular. Chief among them is retaining moisture: “As we get older, our skin craves hydration, not heavy, drying formulas,” Laura says.

When choosing a liquid formula, Christian recommends prioritising the following attributes:
- Light to medium buildable coverage. Heavy coverage options can be drying and might exaggerate texture on the skin.
- A satin or radiant-natural finish. Flat, matte options tend to settle into fine lines, while dewy options can highlight dryness or texture.
- High water content. Water-rich foundations sink into thinner surface skin seamlessly, and prevent cracking.
- Skincare support. Hydrating skincare ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can help smooth the skin’s surface and improve wear time.
- Gentle mineral or hybrid formulas. If you have sensitive, thinning, or reactive mature skin, these tend to be less irritating and often feel weightless.
Courtesy of brand

Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation

If you prefer a solid foundation to a liquid, Laura advises opting for a baked formula. “Baked products start as creamy pigments, then are baked for 24 hours to lock in moisture, leaving you with a silky, lightweight finish that glides right over fine lines,” she says.

Laura’s Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation is a good example: “It evens tone, brightens dullness, and never looks heavy on mature skin,” she says.

How to apply foundation to mature skin, step-by-step

Step 1: Moisturise.

Any makeup routine—at any age—should begin with clean, hydrated skin. “Mature skin loses water faster than it loses oil,” Christian says. He recommends prepping the skin with a moisture-locking serum (we love Medik8’s Hydr8 B5 Intense), “to plump the surface so that the foundation has something to grip onto.” Follow that with a non-greasy moisturiser, which helps to smooth texture in addition to hydrating.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Courtesy of brand

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

If you’re still seeing signs of dryness, Christian recommends adding a light layer of emollient, perhaps a thin ceramide cream, only to “high-movement zones,” including your smile lines and the corners of your eyes. “This keeps the foundation from cracking later. Let everything absorb fully, as rushing this step guarantees slip and separation,” he says.

Courtesy of brand

Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

Step 2: Apply a primer.

“If there’s one step you never want to skip as your skin matures, it’s primer, primer, primer!” Laura says. “Primer creates a gorgeous, smoothing barrier between your skin and your makeup so foundation doesn’t seep into wrinkles, look caky, or break apart midday.” She also notes that the right primer can be your ticket to richer colour payoff and longer wear.

Fenty Beauty Grip Trip Hydrating Primer

Courtesy of brand

Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting Make-Up Primer

Christian emphasises the importance priming with precision. “Use a hydrating primer on dull or dehydrated areas (cheeks, under-eye perimeter), and a smoothing or blurring primer very lightly on pores and smile lines,” he says.

Step 3: Apply your foundation.

If you’re using a liquid formula, Christian recommends pumping a small amount onto the back of your hand first. Use a dense, flat brush to pick up a minimal amount of product, and apply it to your skin. Laura recommends using “light sweeping or buffing motions,” while Christian suggests “light circular motions to sheer the foundation out and stretch it toward the hairline.”

Courtesy of brand

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Courtesy of brand

Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100

Both experts advise against applying a heavy layer of foundation all over your face. Instead, dot it strategically onto the areas where you want more coverage, evening of skin tone, or brightening. Christian says to “avoid loading crow’s-feet, deep lines, and the outer jaw” with more foundation; these are areas where the product might settle in and draw more attention.

Step 4: Remove excess product.

To avoid a caky finish and product settling into fine lines, it’s a good idea to remove the excess foundation from the surface of your skin. Christian’s pro tip: “Take a damp makeup sponge and press—don’t drag—over the skin. This pushes pigment into texture and lifts off extra product.”

Step 5: Set and finish.

If you prefer to set your foundation with powder, Christian recommends only setting the areas where your face moves the most (smile lines, sides of the nose, and under the eyes if needed). Use a small, fluffy detail brush or a puff to very lightly, gently tap powder into these areas.
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Grace McCarty

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November 26, 2025
These are the best lightweight moisturisers for oily skin

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Do I still need a moisturiser if I have oily skin?

Definitely. According to Jodie Kidd – supermodel-turned-founder and creative director of Skin & Tonic – one of the biggest skincare myths is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturising. “In fact, skipping moisturiser can make things worse, as your skin overcompensates by producing even more oil,” she explains. “The key is to choose a lightweight formula that hydrates without adding any extra shine.”

In fact, founder of Allies of Skin, Nicolas Travis, believes that oily skin is not a permanent state. “If you balance your skin with the right products, you can reduce the production of excess sebum so that skin is balanced and happy,” he says.

What is the best moisturiser for oily skin?

The best moisturisers for oily skin will hydrate and nourish your skin, while also being non-comedogenic – meaning that they wont block the pores. “Essentially, you want a formula that hydrates, without feeling occlusive,” Travis adds.

For a trusty everyday moisturiser for oily skin, you can’t go wrong with the CeraVe Oil Control Facial Moisturising Gel-Cream. Completely non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, it’s been formulated with mattifying starches, oil-regulating niacinamide, and three separate ceramides to help support and strengthen the skin barrier.

Alternatively, for completely weightless hydration in the form of a cooling gel, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser is a great affordable option – and it’s formulated with the humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help draw moisture into the skin. Seeking something considerably more luxurious? The Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream is packed with sophisticated antioxidants, and make a luxurious night cream for oily skin.

“Meanwhile, if you’re primarily concerned about breakouts, look for a gentle oil-balancing formula that’ll help to hydrate and clarify the skin,” suggests Kristal Goodman, head of product innovation at THG Labs. Our top pick would be the Caudalie Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid – which is a lightweight fluid-lotion enriched with clarifying salicylic acid, and oil-regulating niacinamide.

What is the 3 minute rule for moisturiser?

The “3-minute rule” works on the face and body, and basically refers to the idea that you should apply moisturiser within three minutes of bathing, showering, or washing your face, as then you’ll lock-in maximum hydration before the water evaporates from your skin. Essentially, it makes your moisturising far more effective.

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Georgia Lockstone, Denise Primbet, Emma Hobday

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November 4, 2025
Dua Lipa just launched a new skincare line and it’s all about next-level glow

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Put simply, TFC5 includes biomimetic peptides, moisture-enhancing proteins and protective antioxidants to nourish the skin barrier, improve elasticity and kickstart renewal but at levels designed for a younger 18 to 35-year-old audience.

To test drive the formulas, Dua took the lab samples on tour. “I was like, this is the perfect test if my skin can keep up with all the travelling and the dancing and the sweating and the makeup. When it [Dua’s skin] was showing up for me, even on the hardest days, I was like, OK, we’re onto a winner.” She added that she noticed her skin was calmer and felt stronger, too. “Sometimes I tend to get a little bit of redness. And it really kind of took a lot of that away.”

In a very un-celeb move, she’s more excited about letting her skin “reset and recharge” rather than jump on a new, trending makeup look for the upcoming party season. “With my tour wrapping up towards the end of the year, I’m really just looking forward to giving my skin a bit of a break from makeup and leaning into more of a natural, less-is-more look,” she said.

As for Dua’s top tip for reinvigorating dull, winter skin? Instead of highlighter, “I always use the Supercharged Glow Complex to help give my skin that glowy look and keep it hydrated at the same time. It’s like magic in a bottle and goes to work immediately after you put it on.” See you in the queue.

My verdict on every product in the DUA collection:

I was one of the first beauty editors to receive top-secret lab samples from the DUA skincare range. Here are my honest thoughts:

DUA Balancing Cream Cleanser

DUA Balancing Cream Cleanser

One of my favourite types of cleanser is a cream-to-foam formula because it does the job of lifting away makeup and daily grime but is still gentle on the skin. I like how the DUA Balancing Cream Cleanser left my pores feeling squeaky clean without stripping my skin and that there’s even the hero TFC5 complex in this step, alongside prebiotics to help balance the skin, tsubaki oil to melt away makeup and lipids to hydrate.

DUA Supercharged Glow Complex

DUA Supercharged Glow Complex

I’m actually obsessed with this product. For the past few weeks, the Glamour team has been asking what I’m using on my skin as it’s defying winter’s grey, dull, withered legacy. Well, team, here it is – a vitamin-packed serum designed to firm the skin and give it a mega-watt glow with TFC5, niacinamide and a non-irritating marine ingredient that mimics retinol.

DUA Renewal Cream

This gel-cream moisturiser is the dream consistency for me. It strikes the perfect balance between being deeply hydrating and not being heavy or pore-clogging. I love how it leaves my skin feeling bouncy, but it is also powered by some scientifically heavyweight ingredients, including TFC5 and a peptide to keep the skin barrier strong. Better still, I like how Dua has made this a very inclusive product. It plays nicely with sensitive and spot-prone skin, too, thanks to a blend of amino acids and pre- and postbiotics to calm any redness and balance the skin.

For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.

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Fiona Embleton

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November 4, 2025
What does today’s new law on retinol mean for your beauty products?

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Reports about a new EU law on retinol, one of skincare‘s most popular ingredients, have rocked the beauty world since they were announced last year. On 1 November 2025 they go into effect, prompting people on social media to ask, ‘Is retinol going to be banned in Europe?’

The short answer is no. You will still be able to buy products containing retinol, but there will be new rules in place.

Under an amendment to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, there will be a clamp down on the percentage of retinol – a vitamin A derivative – found in over-the-counter products, including retinol serums and moisturisers.

Face and hand products will now be limited to an equivalent of 0.3% pure retinol, with body lotions allowed to contain 0.05%. Any new retinol products that don’t comply with these restrictions can no longer enter the EU market.

Retinol can transform your skin – here’s your simple guide to finding the right one, according to experts

By Lottie Winter and Fiona Embleton

Is skincare with high concentrations of retinol unsafe?

According to consultant dermatologist and surgeon, Dr Magnus Lynch, these new restrictions are not implying that products with higher concentrations of retinol are unsafe. Instead, the new restrictions aim to limit overexposure to vitamin A.

“The vast majority of vitamin A is consumed through diet, either in the form of vitamin supplements or via foods such as fish oils, liver, milk, eggs and carrots and is essential for vision, immune function and skin health,” Dr Lynch says. “Excessive dietary consumption, however, can cause ‘hypervitaminosis ’, which can lead to liver damage and other health problems.”

That said, it’s also important to remember that, in reality, the quantity of retinol absorbed through the skin is low. In its report, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety said: “Compared to food, the contribution of vitamin A from cosmetics is lower. However, it will add to the overall consumer exposure, and this may be of concern for consumers with the highest exposure (5% of the total population) to vitamin A from food and food supplements.”

Dr Lynch adds that the EU is likely more concerned “about the theoretical risks of birth malformations should a woman fall pregnant while using retinol and the risks of skin irritation and inflammation from topical application.”

Do these retinol restrictions affect the UK market?

The UK is no longer in the EU so these new retinol restrictions aren’t legally binding in this country. However, it’s likely that they will still affect us, says dermatologist Professor Firas Al-Niaimi. “The UK has continued to closely align with EU cosmetic regulations, so it is reasonable to expect similar changes to be adopted,” he notes.

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Fiona Embleton

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November 1, 2025
I have dry skin and this tinted moisturiser is my everyday go-to

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“Unlike generic tinted moisturisers, which are designed to add hydration with just a touch of pigment, BB creams – or ‘Beauty Balms’ – are designed to merge these skincare effects with makeup pigments and SPF whilst still being relatively lightweight,” muses Rose when I quiz her on the matter.

“CC Creams – or ‘colour correctors’ – merge makeup, skincare and SPF with the specific intention of colour correcting any uneven tones to create a more even canvas. These tend to have slightly more pigment and coverage as they’re used to correct things like redness, pigmentation or acne.” She continues, “DD creams, or ‘Daily Defence’ creams, are the least popular. Daily defence really pertains to a cream like the others, but this time with ingredients designed to offer high SPF protection or protection against environmental aggressors with targeted ingredients like vitamin C.”

Long story short, the market is full of options. Lots of them are great, but some are also quite meh, which is why I’ve narrowed down the very best tinted moisturisers for all skin types, budgets and preferences. I’ve tried to keep this list to tinted moisturisers only, but we have more guides on the best BB creams and CC creams if you like the sound of them too. For now though, if you like the sound of a lightweight tint to keep you feeling fresh and confident this summer, then just keep scrolling – ‘cos a healthy glow is but a click away.

How we tested tinted moisturisers

Throughout the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tried hundreds of tinted moisturisers, having tested said formulas on a variety of skin types, skin tones and age groups. When reviewing each formula, we’ve assessed the final look and whether it lasts all day, as well as value for money and how innovative it is compared to other options on the market.

Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lightweight foundations, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product, best setting spray, best retinol serums, best moisturisers and lotions, best body scrubs and more.

For more beauty content from our Beauty Commerce Contributor Humeara Mohamed, follow her on Instagram @humeara and TikTok @humearaa.

Scroll for our full edit of the best tinted moisturisers…

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Elle Turner, Sophie Cockett, Denise Primbet, Humeara Mohamed

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May 3, 2024
I’m a beauty writer with dry skin and these hydration-boosting moisturisers are my holy grail

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Good-quality moisturising lotions are also known to include other high-grade skincare ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin E, green tea extract, niacinamide, aloe vera and vitamin C – all contributing towards not only nourishing your face, but also to help with various skin conditions (such as acne, rosacea and eczema), tackle breakouts, calm itchy and flaky skin and even reduce appearance of fine lines.

When should you moisturise?

First, remember that regardless of your skin type, it’s important to moisturise all year round. And with winter fast approaching, moisturising is more important than ever, especially for the dry-skinned. After all, it’s the time of year in which skin goes into overdrive – skin barriers are easily depleted, and all moisture is zapped in the blink of an eye, both of which are most often caused by the combination of the bitterly cold British weather (yikes) and the constant need to have the central heating on at all hours of the day.

What do dermatologists recommend for very dry skin?

“As the weather turns colder, skin tends to become drier and more sensitive,” shares Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe’s consultant dermatologist. Dr Granite also advises to really take the time to massage your chosen product in, ideally for at least 30 seconds to really maximise the effects. “And if you find yourself reaching for it several times a day, you might want to consider a richer product,” she adds.

Which brand of moisturiser is best for dry skin?

When it comes to choosing the one, it all comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Are you after a quickly absorbing lightweight formula that doesn’t cost a fortune? Check out the BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream. You also can’t go wrong with the CeraVe Moisturising Cream, which is a firm fav in the GLAMOUR office. A good mid-range option is the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, featuring a water-gel cream consistency and is packed with skin-loving proteins and nutrients that maintain your skin’s natural elasticity. But if you’re budget allows you to splurge, we recommend considering the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, which contains a trifecta of skin lipids – pure ceramides, natural cholesterol and fatty acids.

For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.

Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides to the best moisturiser for combination skin, face masks, anti-ageing creams, night creams, hyaluronic acid serum and vitamin C serums, face toners and eye creams.

Read on to view the very best moisturisers for dry skin in 2024 for all budgets and preferences…

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Denise Primbet

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January 28, 2024