The Best Face Moisturizer Lotions

Apr 29, 2011 | By Joshua Duvauchelle

Dozens of facial moisturizers fill the shelves of your favorite drugstore or department store. The choices can be overwhelming. Don't waste your money on ineffective moisturizers. Narrow your options by focusing on the facial moisturizing products that have been rated and praised by beauty experts, whether for their superior moisturizing effects, anti-aging potential or sun-protecting defense.

Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Moisturizer

In its Best Beauty Buys 2009 listing, InStyle magazine ranked Skinceuticals' Renew Overnight Moisturizer as the top evening cream for oily skin. Writing for the magazine, dermatologist Yolanda Holmes liked the moisturizer because it was lightweight and was bolstered with skin-rejuvenating ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, which help to clean and clear clogged pores.

Dr. Denese New York Triple Strength Wrinkle Smoother

Paula Begoun, author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," handed Dr. Denese New York's moisturizer her top "Paula's Pick" award and said it was one of the best department store-brand lotions. "It is an elegant moisturizer," writes Begoun, with skin conditioners and damage-reducing ingredients such as peptides, antioxidants and shea butter.

Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer SPF 25

Clinique's sun-shielding facial lotion made it into Elle magazine's list of top 5 SPF-boosted moisturizers. The magazine says it will help to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration that arises from sun damage, and leaves your skin moisturized and feeling "soft and silky."

Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral Moisture Lotion

Estee Lauder's lotion comes from its Vita-Mineral cosmetics line. Begoun says it's one of the best department store lotions for normal to dry skin. It's lightweight enough to smooth under your makeup, with various humectants and emollients bonding to your skin to lock in moisture and leave your face looking smooth and supple.