January Beauty Products

If you've been using the same industrial-sized jar of moisturiser on dry skin and you’ve not seen any results, it might be time to rethink your regimen.

We often get caught up in a ‘more is more’ approach when applying moisturiser, but while this may feel great on thirsty skin, it’s all about the type of cream you use, rather than the amount you apply.

There’s plenty to consider when shopping for the right formula. What texture is best? What are the good ingredients to look out for – and what are the bad ones too? Suddenly, the straightforward task of applying moisturiser just got a little more complicated.

The best moisturisers for dry skin

Medik8's Advanced Night Restore cream is a tried-and-tested fave amongst the Cosmo gang. It may tip towards the pricey side, but the results are worth every penny; the ceramide-packed formula helps to restore the skin's barrier while keeping it hydrated and radiant.

Plus, if you're a stan of the brand's cult Crystal Retinal, this makes the perfect counterpart, reducing any potential irritation from the vitamin A.

Probiotics have become a hot topic in the skincare convo. Just like drinking a Yakult a day to keep your gut happy, using probiotics in a moisturiser keeps the skin’s microbiome strong, moisturised and protected against infection.

Many formulas have come through our doors, but Tula's 24-7 Moisture Intense day and night cream remains triumphant. The velvety texture feels like a treat to apply, especially if you suffer from dryness or sensitivity.

It quickly sinks into the skin to feed it with an incredible cocktail of skin-comforting ingredients like pre- and probiotic extracts, hyaluronic acid, squalane, peptides and collagen. Each one is formulated to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver an insane amount of hydration. See this cream as a comfort blanket for seriously stressed-out skin.

When you have chronically dry skin, you'll understand the annoyance of a foundation that looks patchy sitting on top of a dehydrated complexion.

If this is sounding all too familiar, Bobbi Brown's Face Base is a moisturiser that deserves your attention; it creates the perfect canvas to apply your makeup onto, while keeping your skin nourished and hydrated underneath.

All thanks to hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, the cream will keep your base smooth and plump throughout its wear.

Seriously, take a peep inside any famed MUA's kit and you're bound to find this inside.

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost gel is a bit of a high-street classic: it's got a very lightweight consistency, feels refreshing on irritation or redness, and does a stellar job at hydrating, plumping and nourishing the skin. It feels incredibly luxe, but won't make a high-end dent to your bank balance.

If you've ever had a fight with retinol and the retinol won (we're talking sore and irritated skin), we'd highly suggest getting your hands on Summer Friday's Rich Cushion Cream. As the name suggests, the cosseting formula sinks into areas of dryness and feeds the skin with antioxidants to mollify irritation. Trust us, this is a real treat for retinol-ragged complexions.