I have always preferred a low-effort beauty routine. That said, skin naturally evolves with age, especially once oestrogen levels decline, and it begins to require a little more care. I turned 62 over the holidays, and while a birthday facelift was never on the agenda, I’m very aware of the changes that come with mature skin. Wrinkles and increasing age spots are part of that reality, and I’m mostly at ease with them, though I could certainly be more disciplined about daily SPF use. Add to that the current harsh Arctic weather in the UK, and my skin has been feeling noticeably weathered.
Thankfully, the team at Kate Somerville sent me a generous Christmas gift box, and I’ve been enjoying the products ever since. The Total Repair Cream is undeniably expensive, but it has a beautiful, light fragrance that I much prefer, and after a couple of weeks my skin looks brighter and more refreshed. A colleague of mine, a devoted Augustinus Bader user, also tested the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cream and gave it her seal of approval. At night, I’ve been relying on the No7 Future Renew Night Cream, which performs brilliantly without costing a fortune.
Meanwhile, further north, my mum was struggling with her skin when I visited her in early December. She experiences rosacea across her cheeks, usually mild, but the cold had caused a flare-up. I picked up Weleda Skin Food Light from our local Tesco, and a few weeks later the results were clear. The calendula and chamomile had soothed her skin beautifully, calming the redness significantly.
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Expert Moisturiser Advice From Makeup Artists Over 50
To help you begin the year with healthy, nourished skin, I asked five respected makeup artists aged over 50 to share their recommendations for the best daily facial moisturisers, including the products they personally rely on. Below are their top picks.
Ruby Hammer, 64
Age is not a skin type; it’s simply a number. What truly matters is how your skin feels and behaves. Pay close attention to it. Is it dry, tight, dull or uneven? Those signs should guide your moisturiser choice, not your age. I favour restorative formulas packed with peptides, ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients strengthen the skin barrier, deeply hydrate, improve tone and restore softness.
A rich night cream with a buttery texture and subtle scent can turn skincare into a comforting ritual. Over time, skin appears plumper, smoother and more resilient. For something more straightforward, a mid-range moisturiser containing niacinamide, glycerin and squalane can be incredibly effective. Look for a silky, fast-absorbing formula that keeps skin comfortable and creates a flawless base for makeup.
On the luxury end, Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream are excellent. On the high street, L’Oreal Age Perfect and No7 Future Renew deliver great results. Consistency matters far more than complexity. The key is understanding your skin and choosing formulas that truly support it.
Louise Heywood, 52
I firmly believe that the combination of a high-quality serum and a moisturiser is essential for well-hydrated, makeup-ready skin. I invest more in my serum and follow it with a simple, affordable moisturiser. For dry skin, a serum is particularly important, especially during winter when cold air and indoor heating can be extremely dehydrating.
The serum does the heavy lifting, while the moisturiser seals everything in and keeps skin comfortable. I have very dry skin and love using La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum, followed by Bioderma Sensibio Defense Rich Active Soothing Cream in the morning, and Cetaphil Rich Night Cream before bed.
Carl Stanley, 57
An excellent and affordable option for year-round use is L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Cream SPF30. It feels richly nourishing on application but absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. Designed for over-50s, it helps reduce age spots and offers SPF 30 protection. It’s also widely available in supermarkets and often discounted.
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For enhanced hydration, I suggest pairing your moisturiser with a good serum. RoC Retinol Correxion Wrinkle Correct Serum has a lightweight formula that doesn’t sting, making it suitable for sensitive skin. You’ll wake up with skin that feels softer, smoother and more supple. The capsule format also makes it ideal for travel.
Anna Durston, 53
I’m a big fan of La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV SPF25. It provides effective hydration, enhanced by hyaluronic acid. There are two versions: a light formula for oily or combination skin, and a richer option for drier skin. I alternate between them depending on the season.
The fragrance is minimal, making it suitable for those sensitive to scented skincare, and the SPF 25 offers added protection on low-sun days. For combination or oily skin, Pai Skincare The Pioneer Mattifying Moisturiser is perfectly balanced. It mattifies beautifully without feeling heavy and works brilliantly under makeup. All Pai products are organic, vegan and designed for sensitive skin.
When winter dryness hits hard, The Moisturiser by Skin Rocks, formulated by Caroline Hirons, is a deeply nourishing option. It contains ceramides and lipid-rich oils that support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Available with or without fragrance, it can be used as a day or night cream depending on your skin’s needs.
Julie Read, 60
Recently, I’ve been reaching for budget-friendly Nivea, which is easy to find at Boots, Superdrug and many supermarkets. My current favourite is the Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Day Cream. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly and feels immediately effective.
Another staple is La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche, which has a gentle scent and a rich consistency that’s ideal for dry winter skin. For an indulgent treat, I turn to Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream, a luxurious option with a subtle fragrance that works beautifully as an overnight treatment.
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