22 of the Best Moisturisers for Hydrated and Glowing Skin, According to Experts

Trying to nail the perfect, natural-looking glow is certainly no mean feat. Trust me. I’ve been trying to suss it out for years. It seems some people are just born with a radiant complexion that oozes luminosity and health. In a bid to replicate this glow, I have tried virtually every single highlighting makeup product under the sun, and I am yet to find a formula that doesn’t give the game away somehow. Whether it’s chunky bits of glitter or my lack of ability to apply it to the most natural-looking places, I have been forced to admit defeat when it comes to highlighter.

So with highlighters out of the question, I have had to think outside of the box when it comes to upping my glow game. From primers to serums and cleansers to foundations, I have searched high and low for any product that can deliver a glowing radiance that might trick people into thinking it’s actually real. And finally, after many years of searching, I can say that I have found exactly what I have been looking for.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

While glow-promising cleansers only seemed to cause breakouts and illuminating foundations left me looking sweaty after just a few minutes, one product has really proved its glow-giving abilities in a way no other has been able to. A new kind of moisturiser has found its way into my routine.

What I call "glowing moisturisers” are predominantly skincare products that possess radiance-boosting properties. For example, some might be slightly tinted while others contain light-reflecting particles. You simply slap them on either as part of or after your skincare routine, leave skin bare or apply makeup over the top, and you’ll be glowing all day long with absolutely zero fuss. Don’t believe me? Keep scrolling for the glow-inducing moisturisers that guarantee effortless luminosity all day long.

1. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser

2. Templespa Skin Truffle Brightening & Rejuvenating Face Cream

3. L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Hydrating Cream SPF 50 with Niacinamide

4. Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser

5. Origins Ginzing Glow Radiance-Boosting Gel Moisturiser

6. Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème

7. Glossier Futuredew

8. Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer

9. The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Moisturiser

10. Decléor Green Mandarin Sun-Kissed Cream

11. Guerlain Abeille Royale Bee Glow Youth Moisturiser

12.Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

13. Erborian Glow Crème Illuminating Face Cream

14. Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer

15. Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Balm

16. Victoria Beckham Beauty by Augustinus Bader Golden Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer

17. Beauty Pie Pure Oxygen Radiant Glow Moisture Infusion

18. Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops

19. Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream

20. Liz Earle Revitalise & Glow Illuminating Gel Moisturiser

21. Temple Spa Truffle De-Light Hydra-Gel Moisturiser

22. Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturiser

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next Up: 15 Affordable Moisturisers That Feel So Expensive on the Skin

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.