While it might sound like a beauty myth to sceptics, firming your face with skin-tightening creams is only a swipe away. Don’t believe me? I consulted the experts, those regularly at an arm's length of the latest innovations and constantly swatching, dapping and testing new holy-grail salves, to uncover the proverbial skin-tightening cream of the crop.
As every beauty expert knows, properly prepped skin is the key to a radiant, glowing base. No matter how good your foundation is, it's all about focusing on your complexion if you really want it to look its best. It can sometimes seem as if there are a million and one products to apply before your makeup, from serums to primers and eye creams, but a simple yet effective moisturiser is all you need (alongside your favourite SPF, of course).
To maximise the potency of this step, why not make like the legions of celebrity makeup artists who swear by skin-tightening face creams to help give their starry clientele's skin that plump and toned look? If you're curious to know which creams they keep in their kits, then you're in luck, as I asked some of the most sought-after makeup artists in the industry to share their top picks, and also tapped some skincare experts for their favourite formulas, too.
From luxury skincare brands that do wonders at lifting your complexion to high-quality cheap moisturisers delivering doses of hydration while keeping skin smooth and taut, there are tonnes of terrific skin-tightening creams for you to choose from. I even tapped these beauty experts for their top skin-tightening cream application tips and tricks, so you know exactly how to get the most out of the products, too.
The best thing about these skin-tightening creams is that you don't need to spend a lot of time prepping or priming before applying makeup, so they're an easy addition to your daily routine. Keep on reading for everything you need on the best skin-tightening creams, and get ready to glow like never before.
Do Skin-Tightening Creams Work?
Skin-tightening creams work by packing skin with moisture, which has the effect of plumping up loose skin, making lines and wrinkles look less apparent. In addition, those that contain collagen-stimulating ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids will help to prolong this effect into the long term, too.
Are Skin-Tightening Creams Safe?
The majority of skin-tightening creams are totally safe to use. Just look out for ingredients that may cause sensitivity, such as retinoids or exfoliating acids, and avoid layering these with serums that also contain active ingredients.
What to Look for in Skin-Tightening Creams?
When choosing a skin-tightening cream, consider the texture first and foremost. Do you prefer a light gel texture or a rich cream? If your skin is more on the oily side, you'll probably perfer a lighter, thinner texture, whereas dry skin will need a thicker formula.
It's also important to be mindful of any active ingredients that may potentially cause sensitivity or may not layer well with other ingredients or with your makeup.
How to Apply Skin-Tightening Creams
"I know most people start applying their face cream from the centre and then spread outwards, but I like to do the exact opposite, and here’s why: Most of us have dry cheeks since the skin doesn't produce as much sebum there as it does other places like the T-zone. Therefore, applying most of the product to the cheeks and sides of your forehead will give you more hydration exactly where you need it," says Ali.
The Best Skin-Tightening Creams
- Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Brightening: Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream, £178
- Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Dry Skin: Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, £140
- Best Luxury Skin-Tightening Cream: Augustinus Bader The Cream, £230
- Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Plumping: Dior Capture Totale Firming & Wrinkle-Corrective Creme, £97
- Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Fine Lines: iS Clinical Youth Complex, £158
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Brightening:
1. Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream
"This cream from Sisley is one of my favourites. It's a super-lightweight formula that's great for creating radiance and a nice lifting effect," says Paris-based makeup artist and expert, Andreea Ali.
Formula: Cream.
Pros: Feels and smells luxurious.
Cons: Expensive price point.
Key ingredients: Rosewater, glycerin, shea butter.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Dry Skin:
2. Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask
"I actually use this face mask as a moisturiser for super-dry or dehydrated skin," Ali adds. "It plumps the skin and provides an immediate tightening effect. It’s truly an extraordinary product. I apply a small amount [to avoid] excess product on the skin, and then I continue with foundation. It's probably my most effective trick when I'm working with someone who has very dry skin."
Pros: It can also be used as a mask.
Cons: Expensive price point.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, grape leaf extract, rose oil.
Best Luxury Skin-Tightening Cream
3. Augustinus Bader The Cream
"This is a rich formula that hydrates the skin and leaves it with a healthy-looking glow."
Pros: We adore The Cream because it's arguably Augustinus Bader's most beloved product. But on the more technical side, it gives skin a glowy finish.
Cons: The expensive price point can certainly dissuade you from purchasing this cult-favourite beauty icon, but it is worth the investment.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, squalane, ceramides.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Versatility:
4. La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream
"This La Mer product is my personal favourite skin-tightening cream," says Ali. I use it on my clients and on my own combination skin. No formula has worked better for giving my skin lots of hydration, elasticity and radiance without that greasy feeling so many other rich creams can leave behind. This is a versatile, all-year-round kind of moisturiser—it's truly magic!"
Pros: Doesn't leave a greasy residue.
Cons: Expensive price point
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, algae, macadamia oil.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Plumping:
5. Dior Beauty Capture Totale Firming & Wrinkle-Corrective Creme
"I adore the Dior Capture Totale Firming and Wrinkle-Corrective Creme," says London-based makeup artist and expert Nikki Wolff. "The formula is rich without being greasy, so it really plumps and firms the skin whilst also wearing well under makeup."
Like this skin-tightening moisturiser, Wolff advises applying serums and moisturisers on your face and neck with a gentle, but firm sweeping motion.
"Smooth upward and outward. Any extra moments you can spend on massaging during your application, your skin will thank you for. Remember to be gentle around the eyes and pay the jawline and lymph area (at the sides of the neck) extra attention."
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides.
For
- Instantly plumps skin.
Against
- Contains fragrance.
Best Affordable Skin-Tightening Cream:
6. Olay Regenerist 3 Point Firming Anti-Ageing Cream
"For something affordable yet effective, I like Olay’s 3-Point Age-Defying Cream. It’s easily absorbed yet still hydrating, smoothing and firming," Wolff adds.
"I've become a huge fan of applying retinol creams, as they've made a night-and-day improvement to my skin texture and making my complexion smoother and plumper," says New York-based makeup artist and expert Morgane Martini.
Pros: Affordable price point. The product lasts a long time.
Cons: Unsuitable for those with a niacinamide allergy.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Fine Lines:
7. iS Clinical Youth Complex
"I love the IS Clinical Youth Complex. It's full of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and retinol, which are all great ingredients to tighten the skin whilst improving texture and reducing fine lines, especially around the eyes. I highly recommend this product," says Martini.
"When applying moisturiser before makeup, I like to give the product enough time to sink into the skin," says makeup artist Mira Parmar. "I also like to dampen the skin with a face mist which helps to lock in moisture for extra hydration."
Pros: Hydrates skin for hours.
Cons: Expensive price point.
Formula: Serum.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, fruit acids, vitamin B5.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Oily Skin:
8. Tatcha The Dewy Skin
"This rich cream works to hydrate and plump the skin. It is formulated with a special blend of hyaluronic acid and algae and it also contains ingredients to protect the skin against stressors, which is why I love it," says Parmar.
Pros: A dream skin-tightening cream moisturiser for oily skin.
Cons: Frequently sells out, so you have to get in quick.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, algae, ginseng.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream with SPF:
9. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50 Day Cream
"Another cream that is highly concentrated in hyaluronic acid. This product is beautiful on the skin and perfect for under makeup. It really firms and plumps, and for under £25, it's great for the purse too."
Pros: Formulated with SPF50 protection.
Cons: It may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Rough Skin Texture:
10. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Glow Moisturiser
"This is one of my favourite moisturisers to add a glowy finish to the skin and is great to use both alone and under makeup. It contains a duo of AHAs, an ingredient featured in some of the best facial exfoliators, which work to remove dead skin cells and reveal a radiant and plump complexion."
Pros: Smooths rough skin texture over time.
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Dehydrated Skin:
11. Olay Hyaluronic24 + Vitamin B5 Moisturiser
“The Olay Hyaluronic24 + Vitamin B5 collection is unlike anything else on the market...this is the ultimate thirst trap," says Birmingham-based dermatologist Sonia Khorana.
"This [formula] combines hyaluronic acid with powerful ingredients like vitamin B5, niacinamide and glycerin to deliver long-term skin hydration while strengthening the skin barrier."
Pros: Provides intensive hydration.
Cons: May not be suitable for those with niacinamide allergies.
Formula: Gel cream.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Makeup Application:
12. Merit Great Skin Moisturiser
"Merit is best known as a makeup brand, but their MO is great skin, so it only makes sense that they'd formulate skincare products with a skin-first approach," says Manchester-Based esthetician Grace Day. "Great Skin Moisturiser was specifically designed to be used under makeup, so as well as soothing skin and plumping it with moisture, it also doubles up as a primer to create the perfect base for concealer and foundation."
"Key ingredients include oat extract and glycerin which help to soothe and moisturise skin, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid."
Pros: Preps skin for makeup.
Cons: Only available online.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, polysaccharides.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Mature Skin:
13. And Begin Serum-in-a-Cream
"Ectoin’s multitasking abilities make it the perfect choice...as it addresses three key skin goals for this [mature skin] life stage — firmness, hydration and protection. It also has the added benefit of helping to improve the skin's tolerance of retinoids," says London-based dermatologist Malvina Cunningham.
“Ectoin is gentle and works on all skin types. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation, making it particularly good for mature skin," Cunningham continues. For those with dry or dehydrated skin, its exceptional moisture-retention capabilities make it a fantastic hydrating ingredient. It also works well for oily, combination or acne-prone skin as it is not greasy and does not clog pores.”
Pros: Formula is personalised to your skin type and concerns.
Cons: Only available through subscription.
Formula: Serum-cream.
Key ingredients: Ectoin, azelaic acid, matrixyl 3000.
Best Skin-Tightening Cream for Long-Lasting Makeup:
14. Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
"If I want my makeup to last (and who doesn't?!), I will always choose a hydrating formula with a satin, almost primer-like finish, such as the Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream," says London-based makeup artist and esthetician Katie Onyejekwe.
"Dehydration can leave your base looking patchy within the hour, so a barrier-boosting formula that combines multi-weight hyaluronic acid and peptides, plus ceramides to lock it all in, is perfect for smooth, plump skin and a seamless base."
Pros: Supports the skin barrier.
Cons: May not be suitable for oily skin types.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, linoleic acid.
Shop More Skin-Tightening Creams:
15. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream Moisturiser
I'm extremely loyal to just a handful of moisturisers, and this cult-classic pick from Charlotte Tilbury is one I can count on when I want my skin to look plump, tight, and super-dewy. It's loaded with amazing ingredients like the brand's BioNympth Peptide Complex (which kick-starts collagen production, plumps and moisturises); along with damask rose water, organic aloe vera and luxe, delicate oils from rose hip and camellia.
Pros: Formulated with a cocktail of active ingredients and botanicals.
Cons: You'll need to layer with sunscreen.
Formula: Cream
Key ingredients: Vitamins C and E, peptides, hyaluronic acid, additional botanicals.
16. Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
Ole Henriksen skincare products never disappoint, and this gel-like moisturiser is one of my top picks from the brand. The skin-tightening cream formula is filled with peptides, ceramides, collagen and hyaluronic acid, keeping your skin deeply hydrated and giving a visibly plumped effect.
Pros: Can be applied in the morning and at night.
Cons: You have to be consistent with wear to see optimal results.
Formula: Cream
Key Ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, ceramides, collagen and hyaluronic acids.
17. Révive Moisturising Renewal Day Cream SPF 30
This is, hands down, one of the best day creams I have ever tried. The hydrating formula leaves you with super plump skin and a gorgeous, glowy finish. Plus, makeup glides on seamlessly over the top.
Pro: Helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Con: Quite costly.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, minerals, marine adaptogens and vitamins C and E.
18. No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Day Cream SPF15
This No7 cream is up there with some of the best luxury moisturisers on the market. Not only does it work to reduce fine lines, but it makes skin feels so hydrated and plump, and it sits incredibly well under foundation. If you like a really glowy, radiant makeup look, I couldn't recommend it enough.
Pro: Boasts extra protection against environmental damage.
Con: Takes two weeks to skin look visibly youthful.
Formula: Cream.
Key ingredients: Anti-ageing peptide technology, hyaluronic acid, hibiscus, vitamin C, SPF15 and pro-retinol.
19. iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion
You'll believe in magic after trying this ridiculously lovely moisturiser from IS Clinical. This brand make some of the most coveted skincare products in the industry, and it partnered with top makeup artists when it conceptualised and created this cream. It imparts a deeply hydrating, subtly luminous finish, and thanks to the addition of copper peptides, each application stimulates collagen production to help firm the skin.
Pro: Can be used during pregnancy.
Con: Expensive price point.
Formula: Rich cream.
Key ingredients: Pharmaceutical-grade botanicals, peptides and powerful antioxidants.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
