7 Makeup Artist-Approved Moisturizers That Make Foundation Look Better

Why Makeup Artists Swear by These Moisturizers for Foundation
Top 7 Makeup Artist-Approved Moisturizers
Why is a good moiturizer important?
How to Use these moisturizers?
Top Recommended and Artist-Approved Moisturizers
Natural Remedies for moisturizers
FAQs

Why Makeup Artists Swear by These Moisturizers for Foundation

A great foundation starts with the right prep, and makeup artists know that the perfect moisturizer is key to a seamless, long-lasting finish. These formulas hydrate without greasiness, prevent pilling, and create a smooth canvas that makes foundation blend effortlessly. In 2025, with trends leaning toward dewy, skin-like glows, choosing a moisturizer that boosts radiance while controlling shine is essential. Whether you’re dealing with dry patches or oily T-zones, these artist favorites ensure your base looks airbrushed all day. We’ll break down why they work, how to use them, and more.

Top 7 Makeup Artist-Approved Moisturizers

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Makeup artist Jen Myles calls this her go-to for prepping skin before foundation. Its ceramide-rich formula repairs the skin barrier, absorbs in seconds, and leaves a soft, non-greasy base that foundation glides over without creasing.

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Daniel Martin, who preps stars like Jessica Alba, loves this for its quick absorption and hydration without residue. The hyaluronic acid plumps skin, making foundation look natural and even on dry or mature complexions.

3. Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel 3-in-1 Moisturizer

A favorite of Daniel Martin for locking in foundation without heaviness. This gel-cream hydrates deeply, controls oil, and creates a velvety canvas that prevents makeup from sliding or fading.

4. Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

Nam Vo uses this to prep models for dewy looks. Ceramides and ice plant extract soothe and plump, ensuring foundation applies smoothly and stays put for hours without pilling.

5. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Emily Cheng switches to this for drier clients like Yara Shahidi. Its TFC8 technology repairs and hydrates intensely, blending seamlessly under foundation for a luminous, second-skin effect.

6. Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum Moisturizer

Dior’s makeup artist-approved pick for a milky, ultra-hydrating base. Makeup pros rave about how it nourishes without greasiness, making foundation look fresh and radiant all day.

7. Nimya Wear It All Starts Cream

Created by makeup artist Nikkie de Jager, this primer-moisturizer hybrid sticks foundation like a magnet. Its marshmallow texture hydrates dry patches while keeping makeup locked in place.

Why is a good moiturizer important?

The right moisturizer acts as a bridge between skincare and makeup, filling fine lines, balancing oil, and creating an even surface for foundation to adhere to. Artists prioritize non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing formulas with humectants like hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and emollients like ceramides to seal it. In 2025, with clean beauty on the rise, these picks focus on multi-tasking: SPF for day, peptides for repair, and lightweight textures to avoid the dreaded “flashback” under lights. They work across skin types, gels for oily, creams for dry, extending wear by up to 8 hours and enhancing that “no-makeup makeup” glow. Skip it, and foundation can crack or fade; get it right, and your base looks pro-level polished.

How to Use these moisturizers?

Layering these moisturizers correctly ensures flawless foundation every time:

Cleanse Gently: Start with a mild cleanser to remove residue. Pat dry.
Serum Boost (Optional): Add a hyaluronic serum for extra plumpness; wait 1 minute.
Apply Moisturizer: Use a pea-sized amount, warm between fingers, and pat onto face/neck. Focus on dry areas.
Absorb Time: Let it sink in for 2-5 minutes (longer for creams). Do your brows or eyes meanwhile.
Foundation Follow-Up: Dab on with a brush or sponge for even blending, no streaks!
Day vs. Night: Use SPF versions daytime; richer ones at night for recovery.
Pro Hack: For oily skin, mix a drop with primer; for dry, layer over serum. Reapply midday if needed for touch-ups.

Top Recommended and Artist-Approved Moisturizers

These artist-endorsed staples are widely available and tested for makeup compatibility:

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: All-skin hero with prebiotics for barrier support.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Drugstore essential, fragrance-free, and ceramide-packed.
Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel 3-in-1: Thermal spring water-infused for soothing hydration.
Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream: Cooling, plumping with extremozymes.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: Luxe repair with stem cell tech.
Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Serum Moisturizer: Firming with fermented black rose.
Nimya Wear It All Starts Cream: Artist-made hybrid for instant grip.
Patch-test and start small to avoid reactions.

Natural Remedies for moisturizers

For a clean, gentle base, try these DIY alternatives artists love:

Aloe Vera Gel: Pure plant gel hydrates and calms; apply thinly for a dewy canvas.
Honey + Yogurt Mask: Mix equal parts, leave 10 minutes, rinse, probiotics plump without residue.
Coconut Oil Dab: Warm a drop for dry spots; absorbs fast under foundation.
Avocado Puree: Mash with olive oil for weekly deep hydration; smooths texture.
Green Tea Compress: Cooled tea soothes and preps; antioxidants fight inflammation.
Dilute and test for allergies.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if a moisturizer works under foundation?
A: Apply, wait 5 minutes, then test with a swipe of foundation, if it blends smooth, it’s good.

Q: Can I use a rich cream on oily skin?
A: Opt for gel-creams like Avène; heavier ones may cause shine, layer sparingly.

Q: What’s the best for mature skin?
A: Augustinus Bader or CeraVe, ceramides fill lines for a youthful base.

Q: Do I need SPF in my moisturizer?
A: Yes for day; it protects while prepping, preventing makeup oxidation.

Q: Why does my foundation pill?
A: Too much product or incompatible textures, use less and choose quick-absorb ones.

Q: Natural vs. branded, which is better?
A: Branded for consistency; natural for sensitivity, combine for your routine.

Q: How often to reapply under makeup?
A: Not needed, but mist with a hydrator midday for refresh.