Reviewed & Ranked
Luxury Moisturisers for Relieving Persistent Dryness
We review the best luxury moisturisers for dry skin, with a focus on ingredients, texture, and real-world results, to help you find the perfect product for your skin type and needs
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The short answer
For dry skin, look for moisturisers with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, like the 1.7 oz Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, which provides long-lasting hydration and comfort
When it comes to relieving persistent dryness, many shoppers make the mistake of prioritising short-term hydration over long-term skin health. The best luxury moisturisers for dry skin not only provide immediate relief but also address the underlying causes of dryness, such as loss of firmness and fine lines. With a range of products available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this roundup, we'll review the top luxury moisturisers for dry skin, with a focus on ingredients, texture, and real-world results.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
The TFC8 cream with a genuine cult following among dermatologists.
The Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is our top-ranked moisturiser for dry, mature skin, with a velvety texture and strong firmness and texture results. This 1.7 oz cream contains peptides, vitamin E, and a growth factor complex, making it ideal for addressing loss of firmness, fine lines, and dryness. While it's expensive, the results are worth it for those who want a luxurious and effective moisturiser.
- ＋ Elegant, non-greasy finish
- ＋ Strong firmness and texture results
- ＋ Suits sensitive skin
- － Expensive
- － Results need consistency
- － Subtle, not instant
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
The La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream is a dense, lifting cream that provides immediate firming and long-wearing comfort. This 1.7 oz cream contains peptides, caviar extract, and other anti-ageing ingredients, making it ideal for mature skin that wants visible firming. While it's extremely expensive, the firming effect is real and immediate on the surface.
- ＋ Notable lifting/firming feel
- ＋ Sumptuous texture
- ＋ Long-wearing comfort
- － Extremely expensive
- － Fragranced
- － Heavy for oily skin
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
The pre-makeup glow cream backstage professionals swear by.
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is a hydrating and radiance-boosting cream that's perfect for makeup-wearers. This 1.7 oz cream contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, and other ingredients that provide an instant luminous finish and excellent makeup base. While it's more cosmetic than corrective, it's a great option for those who want a moisturiser that doubles as a primer.
- ＋ Instant luminous finish
- ＋ Excellent makeup base
- ＋ Pleasant to use
- － More cosmetic than corrective
- － Fragranced
La Mer Crème de la Mer
The cult Miracle Broth cream that rebuilt the luxury-moisturiser category.
The La Mer Crème de la Mer is a rich, buffered balm-cream that's ideal for very dry skin. This 1 oz cream contains vitamin E, squalane, and other nourishing ingredients that provide deep hydration and comfort. While it's very rich and fragranced, it's a great option for those who need intense moisture and a luxurious sensory experience.
- ＋ Deeply nourishing for dry skin
- ＋ Iconic, spa-like sensory experience
- ＋ A little goes a long way
- － Very rich for oily/combination skin
- － Fragranced
- － Premium price
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream
The Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream is a great option for sensitive skin, with a focus on panthenol and squalane. This 1.7 oz cream provides long-lasting hydration and comfort, while also addressing dryness, redness, and sensitivity. While it may not be as luxurious as some other options, it's a great choice for those who need a gentle and effective moisturiser.
- ＋ Gentle and non-irritating
- ＋ Long-lasting hydration and comfort
- ＋ Suitable for sensitive skin
- － May not be as luxurious as other options
- － Less effective for addressing fine lines and wrinkles
Key takeaways
- Look for moisturisers with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E for long-lasting hydration and comfort
- Consider the texture of the product and choose one that suits your skin type
- Address underlying skin concerns, such as loss of firmness and fine lines, with a product that contains ingredients like peptides and growth factor complexes
- Check the size of the product and compare prices to find the best value
- Be patient and consistent with your moisturiser, as results may take time to develop
Frequently asked
What is the best luxury moisturiser for dry, mature skin?＋
The Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is our top-ranked moisturiser for dry, mature skin, with a velvety texture and strong firmness and texture results. However, the La Mer Crème de la Mer is also a great option, with a rich, buffered balm-cream that's ideal for very dry skin.
Can I use a luxury moisturiser on sensitive skin?＋
Yes, many luxury moisturisers are suitable for sensitive skin. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream is a great option, with a focus on panthenol and squalane. However, always patch test a new product and start with a small amount to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
How often should I apply a luxury moisturiser?＋
Apply a luxury moisturiser once or twice a day, depending on your skin type and concerns. For dry skin, it's best to apply a moisturiser immediately after bathing or showering, while the skin is still damp.
What is the difference between a luxury moisturiser and a regular moisturiser?＋
Luxury moisturisers often contain high-end ingredients, such as peptides and growth factor complexes, and are formulated to address specific skin concerns, such as loss of firmness and fine lines. They may also have a more luxurious texture and scent.
Can I use a luxury moisturiser under makeup?＋
Yes, many luxury moisturisers are suitable for use under makeup. The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is a great option, with a hydrating and radiance-boosting formula that's perfect for makeup-wearers.
How long does it take to see results from a luxury moisturiser?＋
Results from a luxury moisturiser can take time to develop, typically several weeks or even months. Be patient and consistent with your moisturiser, and don't be afraid to adjust your routine as needed.
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