If the internet has taught us anything, its that we need to up our skincare game - and that starts with the 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 its 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, weve got the ultimate guide to face creams right here. Youre bound to find your perfect match.
The best face creams at a glance: Best face cream overall: Kiehls 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 youre looking for a lightweight daily moisturiser for your face or a thicker barrier cream thatll repair your cells for a fresh-faced morning - weve got it covered. Using the best UK retailers on the internet, like Amazon, Look Fantastic and Boots, youll be able to buy your spanking new face cream at the touch of a button. Its 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 1. Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream
Best face cream overall
Price:26.95www.sephora.co.uk
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Applying Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream once a day will help to replenish moisture in your skin and
... read morePros ConsProsWell-renowned brand Easily absorbed, lightweight texture Lasts 24 hoursFormulated with moisturising and water-retaining ingredients such as olive-derived SqualaneConsNot mattifying2. SKINKISSED Face Skin Moisturiser Cream
Best face cream for combination skin
Price:24.95View offer Description
Do you find that a lot of face creams are too harsh on your skin? This light but effective
... read morePros ConsProsFormulated to soothe, nourish and hydrate oily skin, dry skin or combination skinSuitable for men, women and teensVegan and cruelty-freeAloe Vera rebuilds natural skin tissue on the surfaceConsNot anti-ageing3. SEFUSON Retinol Moisturiser
Best budget face cream
Price:9.99View offer Description
Fight the signs of ageing STAT with this SEFUSON Retinol Moisturiser Face Cream, at under £10 on
... read morePros ConsProsReduces fine lines and wrinklesBoosts hydration levelsSpeeds cell turnoverRestores lost elasticity Ensures long-lasting moisturising all day longConsMay make sensitive eyes waterRetinol is not recommended for those under 254. Happy Face™ Extreme Relief Cica Moisture Cream
Best face cream for sensitive skin
Price:70www.beautypie.com
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Update your morning routine and your Insta feed at the same time with this boujee Japanese Happy
... read morePros ConsProsSuitable for inflamed or rosacea-prone skinContains hydrating glycerin and squalaneConsNot as suited to combination/oily skin5. LOreal Paris Revitalift Pro Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream
Best retinol face night cream
Price:12.99www.boots.com
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Are the kids keeping you up half the night now that their back to school routine has kicked in?
... read morePros ConsProsAnti wrinkle + firmingIntensive actionPro-retinol A + pro-firmyl technologySkins own 8 natural firmers: elastin, collagen I, III and IV, perlecan, integrins, fibrillin and chondroitin S, Tested under dermatological controlConsNot suitable for sensitive skin due to retinol6. Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
Best collagan face night cream
Beauty BayPrice:35.00www.lookfantastic.com
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Treat yourself to this little number which will do wonders for your skin. Do you want that morning
... read morePros ConsProsAvocado oil improves the stimulation of collagen in skin cells by up to 92%Manuka honey acts as an antibacterial to clear blemishesCalendula oil acts as a protectant against free radicals and environmental damageConsVegetarian only, not vegan7. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Best skin barrier face cream
Price:16.00www.lookfantastic.com
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Dont worry about a thing, this repair cream will come to your rescue as it promises to help with
... read morePros ConsProsEnriched with shea butter, eucalyptus, oatmeal and ceramidesProtection against free radical damageSafe for sensitive skin, as well as those with allergic eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitisNo parabens, colourants or harsh chemicalsConsCan leave skin a little sticky8. Glossier. Priming Moisturizer Rich
Best face cream primer for makeup
Glossier.Price:35uk.glossier.com
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This luxurious face cream is perfect for prepping the skin for makeup. Were obsessed with this
... read morePros ConsProsMoisturiser and primer duoBotanical oils and glycerin create dewy finishCruelty-freeVeganNon-comedogenicCeramides and fatty acids reinforce skin’s natural moisture barrierConsCan clog pores if left on overnightNo reviews on Glossier site9. Travel Sized Charlottes Magic Cream
Best travel face cream
Charlotte Tilbury Price:26www.charlottetilbury.com
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Before committing to this, try out the travel-sized Charlottes Magic Cream. Youll be obsessed
... read morePros ConsProsRecommended by celebs such as Lily James and Kate MossBoosts hydration by up to three times in just one hourSkin appears two times firmerVisibly reduces look of wrinkles in just four weeksConsLess natural ingredients used, pricey for small jar although a little goes a long way Top tips on letting your skin breathe: Drink more water
We’ve said it before and well 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 skins elasticity. People who drink large amounts of water daily are less likely to suffer from scars, wrinkles, and soft lines and they wont show as many signs of aging 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 thatll 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, dont 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 theres not a product in the world she cant find a cheaper alternative for.