• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Must-Have Moisturizing Products

March 11th, 2016 by Adia Goss 26 Comments

must have moisturizing products

I have combination skin, and I LOVE pampering it with all kinds of moisturizing serums, potions and masks. I’ve found that keeping my skin moisturized is the best way to keep it happy and avoid minor irritations and redness (my skin is also pretty sensitive, lucky me!).

Even though we don’t really experience severe winter weather in the Bay Area, thanks to indoor heating and cooler temperatures, I still load up on moisturizers, and these are my current favorites for keeping my skin moisturized and soft:

moisturizing products

My nighttime skincare routine is sort of long, but I love it. I turn it into a mini pampering session, and I’ll double-cleanse, tone, add a serum, then a moisturizer, then a facial oil…and this is on my “low key” nights!

Lately, I’ve been using Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture at night (you can check out my nighttime skincare routine here). It’s packed with avocado, sunflower and olive oils, and even though it also has shea butter, it somehow manages to feel light. I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks, but my skin feels really soft and plump in the morning after I use it. I’ve noticed no irritation, either, so this is a definite winner. It’s available now at Sephora for $72.

murad hydro dynamic cream

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence is another new product for me, and it’s awesome! I’ve been curious about essences since the whole K-beauty craze hit last year, so I was super excited to try it out. It has a very lightweight texture that soaks right into my skin and doesn’t leave it feeling greasy at all. Right now, I layer it under either Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture (night) or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (day), but I could see myself wearing this alone with just sunscreen during the summer.

It also has glycolic acid, which is a gentle exfoliator that helps to even your skintone. I am so happy with how this adds just the right boost of moisture to my skin, and if you have a moisturizer that leaves your skin dry towards the end of the day, consider adding something like this to your skincare routine. Or, if you have oily skin but need light moisture, this could be perfect. It’s available now at Sephora for $78.

murad essence

Kiehl’s is one of my go-to skincare brands, and whenever I need something, whether it’s an eye cream or cleanser, I usually head to Kiehl’s first.  

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is one of their best sellers for good reason. It just works. It moisturizes my skin without irritating it at all or clogging my pores. It’s one of my year round products. During cooler months I’ll layer it, and during the warmer months it works great alone.

If you have normal skin and you’re looking for an everyday (and night) moisturizer, definitely check it out. It’s available now at Nordstrom for $27.50.

As for when my skin is feeling dry and irritated, I immediately reach for First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Moisture Mask. Loaded with oatmeal and botanicals, it is so good! It’s super soothing, moisturizing, and feels really thick, but it’s still easy to spread over your face. I always bring it with me when I travel and apply it right after flights, and I also use it whenever my skin is acting up.

If you have sensitive and/or dry skin, look into this. Sephora also has cute little sets with mini sizes, making it even more perfect for travel. It’s available now at Sephora for $22 (or the travel size is $9).

fab-oatmeal-mask

I’m always looking for the next great thing, so let me know if you’ve found any great moisturizers lately!

Adia Goss


Adia is a lawyer by day and a beauty blogger by night. She believes that makeup should be fun and simple, but she also likes multi-step skincare routines (she’s complicated!). Adia loves the sight of a brand new highlighter, and she’s constantly looking for the perfect concealer. Follow her beauty adventures at Adia Adores (formerly beautyluxelife) and on Instagram.

Must-Have Moisturizing Products / Originally published March 11th, 2016

There are 26 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Kiehl's, Murad, Skin Care

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

Previous Post: A High Brow Collection: MAC Brows Are It!
Next Post: Leave a Comment for a Chance to Win a $50 Sephora E-GIFT CARD! (Ends Monday)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joyce says

    March 11th, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    I have the Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence and it has a silky texture that allows foundation to apply smoother. It wears well under makeup! I’ve also been enjoying it for the night time when I pair it with the Ultimate Moisture cream. =)
    Joyce recently posted … Swatches + Review: MAC Haul (Blush, Eyeshadows, Paint Pot & Foundation)

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:25 am

      I love the texture it has and it’s so light but still moisturizing!
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  2. LindaLibraLoca says

    March 12th, 2016 at 4:05 am

    The new Oskia 360 Renaissance moisturizer worked great for my combination oily skin, but I have to admit the essence sounds very tempting as well.
    LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara – Language of the fan

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:26 am

      I’ve been wanting to try Oskia. Anything else from the brand that you recommend?
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
      • LindaLibraLoca says

        March 13th, 2016 at 1:34 pm

        It was the only thing I have tried o far, so sadly, no other recommendations. But I will try and sample some other stuff as well.

        Reply
  3. Kiss & Make-up says

    March 12th, 2016 at 4:50 am

    Love the sound of that mask! It’s going on my to try list 🙂

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:26 am

      It’s so soothing! Def check it out.
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  4. Michou says

    March 12th, 2016 at 5:04 am

    I’ve been dying to try the Murad Essence… This might be what gets me to finally bite the bullet!

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:28 am

      I think you’ll like it! It’s light but still really moisturizing. I know Murad comes out with sets pretty frequently, so maybe you’ll be able to find this in a set 🙂
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  5. Nivedita says

    March 12th, 2016 at 5:57 am

    I haven’t had the chance to try Murad. But I love the Kiehls’ Ultra facial Cream. But in winter, my skin turns so dry that nothing short of Nivea Creme classic, the one which comes in blue containers, works for me.
    Nivedita recently posted … Project Pan of March 2016

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:28 am

      Hm, I love Nivea body products but haven’t tried anything for the face…I’ll definitely check that out!
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  6. Carolina Braina says

    March 12th, 2016 at 7:04 am

    I love using face masks and the First Aid Beauty one is going straight on my wishlist!
    Carolina Braina recently posted … Show a Little Lovin’… March 2016

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:29 am

      It’s soo good, Carolina!
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  7. India says

    March 12th, 2016 at 8:00 am

    The travel sized First Aid beauty products are so so cute!
    India recently posted … New Arrivals At Costco Beauty!

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:29 am

      Aren’t they cute?!
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  8. Erin says

    March 12th, 2016 at 11:13 am

    For me my go to hydrators are:

    Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Instant Infusion which is an essence
    May Coop Raw Sauce which is another essence
    Fresh Seaberry Oil
    Sunday Riley Luna Oil
    Sunday Riley Good Genes
    Sunday Riley Tidal
    Caudalie Premier Cru
    Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Cream
    Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Cream
    Derma E Hydrating Serum
    Derma E Purifying Serum
    Sibu Sea Buckthorn Oil
    Erin recently posted … Juliette Has A Gun Anyway

    Reply
  9. 80sChicwithglasses says

    March 12th, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    I’ve been using the Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask. I live in the Midwest, and although our winter has been mild, the air is so drying. I love to use this as a part of my nightly routine. I have combo skin and I don’t feel that it’s too heavy when I wake up in the morning. I also love that it’s a squeeze tube, so the germaphobe in me doesn’t cringe at sticking my fingers in a container, lol!

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:31 am

      I am so with you on the tubes! Even if I’m the only one using it, I still don’t like the idea of putting my fingers into the same container over and over. You know I think I may have a sample size of the Clinique mask that came in a GWP…off to dig it up to try tonight 🙂
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
      • 80sChicwithglasses says

        March 13th, 2016 at 1:12 pm

        Please let me know what you think! I love it and it has truly saved my skin for dry flakes this winter 🙂

        Reply
  10. Lauren says

    March 12th, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    Have to try this mask! Once upon a time, Murad and I were best friends, and now we are enemies…I break out horribly. Definitely trying the mask though. I am all about skin care lately!

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:33 am

      Aw man, I hate having to break up with skincare brands! But, this mask is really great, I’m sure you’ll like it.
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  11. Michelle ComesLast says

    March 13th, 2016 at 8:07 am

    I’m going to have to try the Murad!

    Reply
    • Adia Goss says

      March 13th, 2016 at 9:34 am

      If you do, let me know what you think!
      Adia Goss recently posted … Inspirational Quotes by Inspirational Women {Week In Review Vol. 27}

      Reply
  12. Kelly B. says

    March 14th, 2016 at 4:14 am

    I’ve been meaning to try out the Murad range! I wasn’t sure how it would be for my skin type but it sounds like it would be a good investment for me!
    Kelly B. recently posted … Easy Day to Night Hair Tutorial

    Reply
  13. Kim says

    March 14th, 2016 at 5:57 am

    It’s always great when you find products that work well with your skin! I have an oily T-zone and have had excellent luck with CeraVe cleanser and moisturizer. Super simple routine and, comparatively, really inexpensive. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Anna Oh says

    March 14th, 2016 at 11:00 am

    I love your picks! The murad products look really lovely

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

window bed balcony

Saturday Surfing, Jan. 23, 2021

briogeo at ulta

Briogeo Now at Ulta!

duri when in rome

I’ve Found the Perfect Pale Blue Denim Nail Polish, and It’s Only $8

duri when in rome

This Matte Brown Classic Eye Makeup Goes With Everything

sonoma public library

Road Tripping in the North Bay Area: Historic Sonoma Plaza

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2020 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.