My Top 4 Face Moisturizers


top four face moisturizers

I would gladly wear my beloved face oils in the daytime, but thanks to the sub-tropical climate in which I live, I found out that oils and water (okay, sweat) do not mix very well together. Not to mention that I occasionally like to wear makeup, which means that the mixing becomes even more unpleasant. Therefore, during the daytime I rely on water-based moisturizers that are compatible with my skin type (combination) and that do not aggravate, but instead calm the ever-present redness that I have on my cheeks.

1. MV Skincare Rose Soothing and Protective Moisturiser. (Review here). I have been using this moisturizer for about eight months and I am still very much in love with it for multiple reasons. First, it moisturizes the skin well and it feels very soothing. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and calm. Second, it is non-greasy and has a matte finish. It’s absolutely perfect under makeup and my skin does not sweat it out (have you have experienced that sudden face sweating following the application of a moisturizer? This cream does not cause that). Third, it is balancing. It agrees with both my oily T-Zone and my easily irritated cheeks. Lastly, it smells beautiful, like fresh roses. I am on bottle number two and will repurchase again when I am out of it.

2. MV Skincare Oxygen Formula Moisturiser*. The texture of this one is very similar to the Rose Soothing and Protective moisturizer, but the Oxygen formula has been formulated to specifically benefit tired, stressed, and sun-damaged skin. I find it to be slightly more rich than the Rose one, but still not greasy at all. Works equally great under makeup and smells heavenly, so much that I wish they made a perfume with this scent.

3. Kahina Facial Lotion*. This is the most lightweight of the bunch, and it works so beautifully under mineral powder foundation. The texture is very light, yet it makes my skin feel hydrated and soft. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps my skin to stay supple and smooth throughout the day, and  also contains Argan oil, which does magic to my skin (balancing and blemish-healing). If you haven’t found an extra light, comfortable moisturizer to use during warm Spring and Summer days, this is definitely the one to try.

4. Pai Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream*. This moisturizer combines Geranium, which is known to be very beneficial to acne-prone skin types, and Thistle, which helps with reducing large pores. Although the texture is rich, it actually sets completely matte and makes a great base for makeup. A few months ago Pai’s moisturizers were all given a packaging makeover, and they now come in frosted glass bottles with an airless pump, which make the product last longer and allows use up to the last drop of cream.

Finally, I wanted to answer a question that I was asked quite often recently, and that is – where can you find MV Skincare in the US. The entire MV Skincare collection is available at The Detox Market online, and at their physical locations in LA and Toronto (lucky you if you can visit their shop in person!)

Have you successfully used any of the moisturizers I mentioned? I am very happy with these four I listed, but I have my eye on the Dr. Alkaitis Day Cream next. A tiny sample left me wanting more… have you tried that one?

EDIT: Check out my new favorite moisturizing, oil-free serum in this post. It is one of the best skincare products I have ever used.

*PR Sample




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