Give Your Skin A Gulp Of Water With The Best Moisturisers Of The Summer

Hand-picked by a team of self-confessed skincare addicts.

moisturisers for dry skin

by Georgia Scott |
Updated on

Once you've found that winning moisturiser formula, your skin can transform almost overnight. Finding the best moisturiser for dry skin can be a game-changer, and if you're anything like us (read: incredibly fussy), you'll have a long list of requirements that your moisturiser needs to meet. Although you may be under the illusion that dry skin is only a winter concern, the sun can make the skin feel dehydrated and sensitive which is why finding a moisturiser for dry skin is top on the priority list this summer.

Much like our bodies, it's crucial to keep our skin hydrated in the sun. Not only will a good moisturiser flood the skin with hydration leaving a plump effect, but it can also serve as brilliant base for make-up for a flawless finish in the sun, which, with the addition of sweat causing the dreaded crease and smudge, is no easy feat.

The best moisturisers for dry skin at a glance:

Editor's choice: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £67 on Space NK.

Best multipurpose moisturiser for dry skin: Weleda Skin Food, £14.95 on LookFantastic.

Best moisturiser for dry skin as a make-up base: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, £79 on Charlotte Tilbury.

Your summer moisturiser needs to be working extra hard to replenish your skin with hydration, so we're here to guide you on the best moisturisers to shop - from moisturisers with spf to affordable moisturisers that won't break the bank, shop our buyer's guide on the best moisturisers to solve your dry skin this summer.

Shop: The Best Moisturisers For Dry Skin This Summer

Editor's choice

Tatcha The Dewy Skin CreamTatcha

Georgia Scott, Beauty Commerce Writer: 'I knew once I tried this, I'd be absolutely hooked. As someone with super dry skin, I crave a glow all year round and a moisturiser to instantly soothe and calm any sensitivity. I also look for a moisturiser that acts as the perfect base for make-up and this cream does it all. Not only does this rich cream soothe, comfort and calm my dry skin, it gives me the most flattering, radiant glow without feeling like I need any make-up. This cream gives me so much confidence and I can never see myself not using it in my routine.'

Pros

  • Rich, texture solves my dry skin concerns
  • Leaves a beautiful dewy finish

Cons

  • Heavy packaging for travel

Best multipurpose moisturiser for dry skin

There's a reason Weleda's Skin Food is stocked in the Love Island villa and is loved by so many celebrities and their make-up artists. This rich moisturiser solves dry skin in a flash with the blend of many natural ingredients to sooth and nourish the skin. You will find a blend of calendula, rosemary, sunflower seed oil and chamomile amongst the many ingredients designed to gently soothe and hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of any texture. It's also worth mentioning that this moisturiser is a great base for make-up and leaves the most radiant glow on the skin.

Pros

  • Multipurpose product can be used all over the body
  • Glowing base for make-up

Cons

  • Quite a strong scent

Best moisturiser for dry skin as a make-up base

Charlotte Tilbury Magic CreamCharlotte Tilbury

We couldn't possibly not include this classic moisturiser from Charlotte Tilbury. Her backstage secret works on every skin type to create the ultimate base for make-up. Not only does Magic Cream solve dry skin with the copious amounts of hyaluronic acid included, the pearlescent finish leaves the skin looking super radiant - perfect before you apply your foundation.

Pros

  • Maintains your complexion make-up all day
  • Great for all skin types

Cons

  • Slightly scented

Best luxury moisturiser for dry skin

Sisley Paris Black Rose Skin Infusion CreamSisley Paris

Beauty Editor, Racheal Martin tells us 'It genuinely pains me to tell you just how much I adore this moisturiser – there’s just no denying its gulp-inducing price point. But bear with me, because when I say that it’s worth the hype, I truly mean it.  Beautifully lightweight and satisfyingly fast-absorbing, this gel-cream helped to reduce the appearance of my fine lines and plump up the skin in mere weeks – I used it religiously before my wedding and my skin looked radiant on the big day – if I do say so myself. A cult classic for good reason.'

Pros

  • Multi-purpose benefits on the skin
  • Lasts longer that a typical moisturiser as you only need a small amount

Cons

  • Might be too rich for some

Best gel moisturiser for dry skin

Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Restoring Barrier Gel CreamSkinfix

Jade Moscrop, Commerce Editor says 'I discovered this cream by accident and I'm SO glad that I did. I use it every night (although you can use it twice a day) and it's made such a different to my skin's overall hydration. I used to suffer with dryness on my cheeks and chin but since using this, my skin is plump, glowy and more even. Its lightweight texture means it absorbs into the skin easily and doesn't sit on top like some others I've tried. Plus, the packaging is so clever - you just push the top down and get the exact amount you need. The only drawback? It has a very odd smell, almost clinical, which at first is a bit off-putting, but after seeing how glowy it made my skin and how much more hydrated it was, I've stopped noticing!'

Pros

  • Clever packaging, dispenses just the right amount and no wastage
  • Sinks into the skin easily

Cons

  • Doesn't smell very pleasant

Best moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich MoisturiserLa Roche-Posay

When Gemma Lavers, Beauty and Fashion Commerce Writer tried the LRP moisturiser, she knew there was no going back. 'I'm so picky about what products I choose to put on my face, which is why Le Roche-Posay is always my go-to brand as I feel like all of its skincare is pretty fool proof. I use the Effaclar Duo+M in the evening everyday, however, when my skin feels particularly dry and dehydrated, I opt for the Toleriane moisturiser. This moisturiser is SO good at repairing your skin and getting rid of any redness. I'd say it works best as part of a night time skincare routine though as it's quite thick - but that does mean one tube lasts a long time.'

Pros

  • Great for sensitive skin
  • A little goes a long way

Cons

  • Works better at night

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Cream MoisturiserLaneige

Treat your skin to an instant shot of moisture with Laneige's water bank moisturiser. A firm favourite of Molly-Mae Hague's, this formula is designed to flood your skin full of hyaluronic acid, made it ideal for those with both dry Looking for a moisturiser that protects and boosts your skin's barrier? This one should head straight to your basket.

Pros

  • Great for all skin types
  • Locks in moisture and controls oil

Cons

  • Bulky packaging for travel

Best barrier repair moisturiser for dry skin

Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost MoisturiserOle Henriksen

Trending Content Editor, Aimee Jakes says: 'I've dabbled in many moisturisers in my time and the one I keep going back to is Ole Henriksen's Peptide Boost Moisturiser. The balmy formula melts instantly on the skin, works well under make-up and gives you that coveted radiant gleam in just a few swipes. With a plethora of hardworking hydration heroes (think: collagen, ceramides and peptides!) it works seamlessly to restore your skin's barrier. I rely on this for the last step of my skincare routine or as my AM hit of moisture during the colder months- it's essentially a glug of water for the skin and I would be lost without it.'

Pros

  • Helps to strengthen the skin barrier
  • Can be used day or night

Cons

  • Hard to travel with

If we can bottle up some of Hailey Bieber's perfect skin, we would do so in an instant. Rhode's Barrier Restore Cream is perfect for those who love using their powerful AHA's and BHA's to get glowing skin. Not only will this cream plump and smooth skin over time, it will work to repair your skin's barrier after exfoliation.

Pros

  • Full of nourishing ingredients
  • Great to use day and night

Cons

  • Need to pay for shipping to the UK

Laneige Water Sleeping MaskLaneige

Laneige's Water mask is a firm favourite for Samantha Price, Beauty and Fashion Commerce Writer. She says 'The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is my immediate go-to when problem skin arises, and, after using this, my skin feels instantly refreshed, hydrated and buttery soft. The whipped gel consistency is so lightweight on the skin despite being an overnight mask, and you can feel it working its magic instantly. It gives your skin a rejuvenated glow, and I can say it really helps to lift and brighten my complexion. A must-have in your beauty bag.'

Pros

  • Intense overnight mask to wake up with glowing skin
  • Gel texture

Cons

  • Might be quite rich for everyday

Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: ‘In my opinion I have the trickiest skin type. Read: Acne, excess oil and sensitivity. Oh, the joys! For that reason, I want something that feels light and airy, especially during the warmer weather. I'm just back from a holiday in Greece where I slathered the Simple Soothing Water Cream over my entire face and neck daily. Not only did it feel deliciously light on my skin, but I found it really balanced my complexion - by the end of my week away I looked brighter and more refreshed. 15% skin conditioners and organic aloe make for a refreshing duo, it would seem. A little goes a long way.'

Pros

  • A little goes a long way
  • Dermatologically tested

Cons

  • Those with very dry skin may need something richer

What is the best way to treat dry skin?

Of course, finding the right moisturiser to keep your skin comforted and hydrated is crucial to look after dry skin, however to focus on combatting the appearance of any unwanted texture, we would recommend exfoliation. Specifically, a chemical exfoliant will work to gently exfoliate the skin using a range of AHAs and BHAs depending on your skin type.

Do you need to wear moisturiser everyday?

In a word - yes, and especially if you have dry skin. Think about moisturiser like a coat or jacket to your outfit - you wouldn't leave home without it. A moisturiser coats and cares for your skin and creates a barrier between your skincare and make-up to protect the skin throughout the day.

Georgia Scott is a Beauty & Fashion Product Writer for Bauer Media, writing for Grazia, Closer and heat. Georgia specialises in beauty writing and spends her days hunting for the latest trending beauty products to get her hands on and review.

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