15 best moisturisers of *all time*, tried & tested by the GLAMOUR team

Do you need a moisturiser with SPF? Should it be fragrance-free, oil-free and from the same skincare brand as your cleanser? Oh, and what moisturiser do celebs use? Here's everything you need to know, plus GLAMOUR's edit of the 15 best moisturisers of all time, which includes a variety of new, trending and cult-favourite crèmes from brands such as Elemis, Clinique, Medik8 and La Roche-Posay that are definitely worth adding to both your wishlist and checkout basket. Enjoy.

Moisturisers fortify the top layer of your skin, increasing hydration at the surface, while facial serums use active ingredients such as salicylic acid to penetrate the skin more deeply and target specific skincare concerns (like brightness, dark spots, skin tone or anti-ageing). Moisturisers and serums are the main way we can treat our skin to an injection of potent ingredients, and using both will only maximise the benefits. Plus, moisturisers are a must-have if you tend to use exfoliating products too.

Both. For a day moisturiser, you should try and get some antioxidant action (vitamins A, B3, C or E) from your moisturiser so it's always a good idea to look out for potent plant extracts such as resveratrol, as well as some level of SPF (you still need to apply an actual sunscreen, though – something with at least SPF 30 should suffice). At night, should should use your night cream to incorporate a collagen-boosting retinoid, which is renowned for its rejuvenating, youth-boosting benefits.

After you’ve massaged in your moisturiser, don’t forget to gently dab on some eye cream (a caffeine eye cream, if you fancy), and use one of the best silk pillowcases while you sleep to complete your truly comprehensive skincare regime.

Just remember: everyone's skin concerns will differ slightly, so it's worth working out what your skin loves to sip on, taking into account seasonal or hormonal changes.

Consider texture. If your skin is usually oily, stick to a really light lotion or something gel-based. If your complexion is quite dry and you suffer from dehydrated skin, consider a generous slather of something thicker. And if you're looking to treat skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea, you might want to try a moisturiser with emollients to soothe your skin (though do consult a professional first). We've got more specific guides for each skin type down below:

• Best moisturiser for dry skin
• Best moisturiser for combination skin
• Best moisturiser for oily skin

If you've got a little more money to spend, our vote goes to Medik8. The Medik8 Advanced Night Restore is one of the best moisturisers we've tried, lightweight and formulated to provide nourishment to your skin all throughout the night. Plus, you can also check out their Daily Radiance Vitamin C moisturiser, which has a cashmere texture and uses a lipid-soluble form of vitamin C to provide exceptional antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals.

For affordable hydration and UV protection, reach for CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion, which is supercharged with a blend of three ceramides to lock in moisture to create the look of softer, smoother skin. It's also infused with CeraVe's patented MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology, so it delivers rich hydration throughout the day for a replenished effect as well as UV protection.

Elsewhere, Weleda's Skin Food has five stars all round, hailing it as a 'harsh weather lifesaver' as well as a throng of celebrity fans including Victoria Beckham, who loves to use it as a hand cream, and Julia Roberts, who reportedly slathers the rich, buttery balm from top-to-toe. There's also Tatcha's cult-favourite The Dewy Skin Cream, which contains a sophisticated blend of blend of hyaluronic acid and Okinawa algae to deeply enrich skin and instantly plump, leaving skin glowing with health and hydration.

For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.