Contrary to popular belief, everyone needs a good moisturiser in their skincare routine—even if you've got oily skin and live in a hot and humid climate like Singapore. The idea of a good moisturiser is relative, simply due to the fact that every skin type has different needs. For instance: Those with oily, acne-prone skin would require something more hydrating and less occlusive with active ingredients, like salicylic acid and Vitamin C, to keep pores clean and combat hyperpigmentation.
Someone with dry skin, however, would benefit from using a moisturiser with humectants to help their skin retain moisture throughout the day. Then there are those with combination skin, and finding the right moisturiser becomes trickier, but not impossible. In this case, a gel-cream hybrid would be your best bet.
Now that we've established what qualities to look for in a good moisturiser, let's move on to what makes for a great one. Aesthetically-pleasing packaging aside, high-end moisturisers pack a punch with scientifically-proven proprietary ingredients that work in tandem with your existing skincare routine to achieve longterm skin goals. Some help combat signs of photoageing while others nourish and calm compromised skin. Ahead, we share old and new favourites that have become a staple on our vanities.
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This refreshing, jelly-like moisturiser packs a serious punch with over 50 plant extracts working to boost cell regeneration and combat signs of ageing. It promises to soften fine lines and plump up skin.
Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge Fresh Gel Cream, $640 for 50ml, SISLEY.
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Hit the reset button with this rejuvenating powerhouse. Containing the brand’s exclusive Cellular Complex as well as extracts of peony root and calendula flowers, this rich cream deeply hydrates, firms, and minimises the appearance of wrinkles.
Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream, $1950 (about S$2546) for 50ml, LA PRAIRIE.
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Infused with the delicate essence of rose, this lightweight cream imparts a radiant glow while delivering intensive hydration. Harnessing the power of Lancôme’s specially-grown Perpetual Rose, which helps deliver the active ingredients into the cells, this cream restores its youthful vitality.
Absolue Light Cream, $539 for 60ml, LANCÔME.
This luxurious cream—inspired by the healing properties of honey bandages—features four types of honey and royal jelly that boost the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, and moisturising beeswax butter. Expect your complexion to feel super soft, and look smoother and firmer with regular use.
Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Rich Cream, $245 for 50ml, GUERLAIN.
This silky night cream is packed with peptides for cellular renewal, hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid for intensive hydration, and 13 per cent lipid infusion to protect the skin barrier. Slather it on at the end of your night-time skincare routine to seal in all the goodness.
Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment, $217 for 65ml, ESTÉE LAUDER.
Rich and nourishing, La Mer’s The Rejuvenating Night Cream targets eight signs of visible ageing such as fine lines, dullness and uneven texture. Using a sea-borne skin renewal complex combined with its Miracle Broth, it boosts skin renewal, and resists collagen, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid breakdown.
The Rejuvenating Night Cream, $750 for 60ml, LA MER.
Shiseido's newly reformulated regenerating cream renew skin’s vitalising forces. Concocted with the ENMEI herb from Mount Inbuki in Japan and the brand's proprietary LongGenevity complex, it boosts from within. The results? Brighter, bouncer, and smoother skin.
Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream, $450 for 50ml, SHISEIDO.