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15 makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

No miracles, just moisture. From humid days to post-laser nights, these are the anti-ageing creams that makeup artists rely on when results have to truly matter

By Bryan Goh - 

Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work | Her World Singapore
Credit: Getty Images
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Anti-ageing creams can’t freeze time, but at best, they can help slow its more visible effects by softening fine lines, firming sagging spots, and lending skin that elusive plumpness marketers word as youthful. The right formulas, those with peptides, growth factors, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and the gold standard, retinol, can visibly improve texture and tone over time. Think of them less as magic potions, more as daily damage control.

They work in two directions: repairing past harm (sun, stress, dehydration) and helping the skin hold its own against future damage (see also: gravity, pollution, and your phone). Application-wise, it’s not rocket science. Just use them as you would your regular moisturiser. But with so many options promising miracles in a jar, which are worth it? Along with some of our favourites, we asked a few trusted makeup artists to share the best anti-ageing creams that they reach for backstage, on set, and off duty.

  1. 1. Sisley Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Cream, $690
  2. 2. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, $450
  3. 3. SK-II Skinpower Advanced Airy Cream, $192
  4. 4. Bioheal BOH Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream, $28
  5. 5. Estée Lauder Night Repair Overnight Treatment, $217 
  6. 6. Dior Beauty Prestige La Crème Texture Essentielle, $650
  7. 7. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream, $105
  8. 8. Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra-Rich Cream, $112
  9. 9. Derma E Anti-Aging Regenerative Day Cream, $41.29
  10. 10. Replenix Anti-Aging Lifting + Firming Neck Cream, $137
  11. 11. ClarityRx C-Results Vitamin C Hydrating Antioxidant Cream, $108
  12. 12. Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £48.00 (about SGD$83)
  13. 13. Neogence Anti-Aging Cream with Bakuchiol, $101
  14. 14. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Premiere Overnight Regeneration Cream, $198
  15. 15. Real Barrier Extreme Cream, $46

Sisley Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Cream, $690

Sisley Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

“Love this cream for its beautiful, lush textures”, says Larry Yeo (@larryyeo). Available in cream, extra-rich, and gel, it’s packed with plant extracts to improve and strengthen the skin barrier, and slow down skin degradation, while a wide range of humectants maintains moisture.

As for makeup wear? “All three textures give a nice bouncy finish that works well with newer foundation formulations — those that evaporate too fast and dry out too quickly — and allow them to blend easily without rubbing due to their hydrating finish.”

“The creams always settle comfortably, so it doesn’t disrupt your SPF. If you need something lighter for the day, you can use the gel format.” And yes, texture matters: “The most important choice to make when it comes to an anti-ageing cream is that the user has to have the best sensorial feel while using it.” The more pleasurable it feels, the more you’d use it, and when consistency increases, the better the benefits.”

Credit: Sisley

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, $450

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

There’s nothing particularly “rich” about this cream in the heavy sense — and that’s the point. “Albeit its name being rich, this is my favourite texture of the two offered because it’s super comforting and lightweight for our climate,” says Larry Yeo (@larryyeo). It layers well, sits quietly under SPF, and plays nice with both jelly occlusives and sheer foundations.

The brand’s TFC8 complex — a patented blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides — is designed to trigger repair. “The Rich Cream speeds up my skin healing post-laser work,” he says. “I also use this as a ‘serum’ before applying a layer of petroleum jelly over at night for a more dense occlusive layer.”

It’s not just for dry skin, either. It’s one of the best anti-ageing creams for layering under occlusives or post-laser recovery. “It is great for combi-oily skin to add bounciness back during skin prep without excessive heaviness.” His tip: start on the drier zones and spread what’s left over the T-zone. “Most foundations glide easily without foundation pooling around the pores.”

Credit: Augustinus Bader

SK-II Skinpower Advanced Airy Cream, $192

SK-II Skinpower Advanced Airy Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

“A good anti-ageing cream should hydrate and support elasticity without being too rich or greasy, especially in our weather,” says Kat Zhang (@katzhangmua). “It needs to absorb well, give the skin a smoother base, and not interfere with foundation.” This one is light, refined, and leaves behind a soft, powdery finish that subtly blurs fine lines; making it one of the best anti-ageing creams for people who wear makeup daily but hate feeling like they’re wearing anything at all.

Powered by PITERA™, InfinitPower Technology, and white peony root extract, the formula focuses on elasticity, texture, and AT-0; the brand’s take on an ageing trigger factor. “The cream delivers a soft, diffused base. The skin looks smoother and fine lines are slightly softened, which is great for clients who want that refined look.”
“Thin layers, always,” Zhang adds. “I press it into the skin and let it settle for a minute before applying base.” It works both day and night, according to Zhang too who adjusts the amount depending on the skin types of her clients and herself.

Credit: SK-II

Bioheal BOH Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream, $28

Bioheal BOH Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

Firming and barrier-repairing without the usual weight, this cream offers a lifted, subtly glowy finish that doesn’t slide around under makeup. “BOH Probioderm uses Probioderm™, Core V-builder™, and 17 peptide complexes, which help with firming while repairing the skin barrier,” says Kat Zhang (@katzhangmua). “You can feel that lifting effect even though it’s still lightweight.”

“The cream has a ‘firmer feel’ but doesn’t feel oily or sticky. I like that it gives a subtle glow and preps the skin to feel tighter without heaviness.” Zhang recommends pressing it into the skin in thin layers and letting it settle before makeup. “It gives a lifted feel and leaves a slight glow, which makes the skin look healthy and fresh. It also holds foundation nicely on more mature skin.”

“The cream can be used day and night because of its firmer finish that has less of an oily feel, so I sometimes recommend it for clients who don’t like richer creams.”

Credit: Bioheal

Estée Lauder Night Repair Overnight Treatment, $217 

Estée Lauder Night Repair Overnight Treatment | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

“The best anti-ageing creams are hydrating, firming, easy to apply, and minimise fine lines. And very importantly, must not feel sticky,” says Angel Gwee (@angelgwee). That’s a tall order in our humidity, but this one pulls it off —rich enough for dry, air-conditioned nights, yet light enough for daytime if applied sparingly — making it one of the best anti-ageing creams that multitasks across climates and skin types.

“I would recommend applying just a thin layer in the morning if you have very dehydrated skin, and a thicker one at night, especially if you sleep in an air-conditioned room.” For fine lines, Gwee suggests a precise hand. “I recommend applying a thin layer of this cream, focusing on areas prone to fine lines. Let it absorb fully, which will take about three to five minutes, before applying makeup that also should be done with thin layers.”

The result? “The cream helps to give a hydrated and dewy finish, and ensures your makeup doesn’t crack in between fine lines, which can often happen to mature skin.”

Credit: Estée Lauder

Dior Beauty Prestige La Crème Texture Essentielle, $650

Dior Beauty Prestige La Crème Texture Essentielle | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

Angel Gwee (@angelgwee) notes that this cream has “a smooth texture, which guarantees fuss-free application”, and that it “reduces fine lines and promotes visible results” over time. Powered by Rose de Granville Extract and Rose Micro-Nutrients, the cream doesn’t just nourish and firm. Gwee adds that it also gradually adds volume. “You will notice an increase in volume after about two months of daily application.” 

It’s also a top-tier pick among the best anti-ageing creams that double as luminous makeup bases, while ensuring that “makeup glides on very evenly.” Gwee recommends using a light hand. “After cleansing and toning, gently press a small amount into the skin, focusing on areas that need extra hydration or care, like the under-eye and smile lines. Allow it to fully absorb for three to five minutes before applying primer or foundation.”
At night, she switches it up. “Apply a slightly richer layer to let the skin deeply repair and regenerate while you sleep.”

Credit: Dior Beauty

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream, $105

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

The number one quality Vivien Toh (@vivsbeautynotes) looks for in an anti-ageing cream? That it “does not cause milia seeds or clog pores, period.” This one passes the test, and then some, thanks to its ethically sourced Super Lotus, which hydrates, boosts radiance, and delivers antioxidant protection. 

“The texture of this product is silky smooth, and is great for people who need a good skin recovery treatment overnight but don’t like the feeling of heavier creams,” she says, making it earn its place among the best anti-ageing creams for sensitive, clog-prone skin.

Toh uses it strictly at night, but shares one trick for dealing with richer daytime creams: “It’s important to allow time between cream and makeup application, just so the skin will be able to absorb all that it can without coming in between skin and makeup — because that might affect longevity.” Her solution? “Drench a cotton pad in thicker toner or light serum, wipe away the excess cream, then proceed with sunscreen and makeup.”

Credit: Fresh

Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra-Rich Cream, $112

Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra-Rich Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

Think of this as a use-in-case-of-emergency product: rich enough to comfort, light enough not to suffocate. “I love the ectoin component in this cream,” Vivien Toh (@vivsbeautynotes). “It’s a great ingredient in enhancing skin barrier function through its amazing hydrating properties, so it’s good for those who are starting to see fine lines due to dehydration.” And yes, it’s thick, but “rich without causing milia seeds or clog pores.”

She first met it out of necessity: “I like this cream for the fact that it is thick, but doesn’t feel waxy. I started using this when my skin was breaking out badly from climate change — I was travelling from humidity to dry climates — and this calmed my skin down so much while returning its plumpness that was lost from all the environmental stress.”

Use it as a night-only rescue as the best anti-ageing cream here if you need immediate soothing after travel, or just a serious moisture reboot.

Credit: Biossance

Derma E Anti-Aging Regenerative Day Cream, $41.29

Derma E Anti-Aging Regenerative Day Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

A lightweight, antioxidant-loaded moisturiser that does its job and doesn’t make a fuss about it. With vitamin A, astaxanthin, and pycnogenol, it hydrates, protects, and softens the look of fine lines without overpromising. Cruelty-free, vegan, and free of gluten and soy, it also sits nicely under makeup, which is more than you can say for most creams at this price.

Credit: Derma E

Replenix Anti-Aging Lifting + Firming Neck Cream, $137

Replenix Anti-Aging Lifting + Firming Neck Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

Brightening and tightening without the burning, this daily cream uses stabilised vitamin C and a solid lineup of antioxidants to hydrate, smooth, and fade dark spots and fine lines. The texture is silky but never greasy, making it wearable morning or night. A reliable choice for skin that’s looking a little dull and saggy, but not in full on crisis mode.

Credit: Replenix 

ClarityRx C-Results Vitamin C Hydrating Antioxidant Cream, $108

ClarityRx C-Results Vitamin C Hydrating Antioxidant Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

Developed for the neck and décolleté, aka the areas most likely to give your age away, this cream blends biomimetic ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide to lift, firm, and smooth slack skin. It’s medical-grade, dermatologist-recommended, and free of parabens and guilt towards animals. Apply generously, and don’t stop at the jawline.

Credit: ClarityR

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £48.00 (about SGD$83)

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

Hydration claims love a number, and this one throws out 100 hours. The formula combines hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and vitamin F for instant smoothing, with a prebiotic peptide to help defend against the usual modern offenders: pollution, stress, and screen time. It sinks in fast, leaves a soft, dewy finish, and keeps makeup in place without making a scene.

Credit: Medik8

Neogence Anti-Aging Cream with Bakuchiol, $101

Neogence Anti-Aging Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

This bakuchiol-based cream is a quieter alternative to retinol — plant-derived, non-irritating, and ideal for skin that’s tired but still trying. It pairs antioxidant-rich royal jelly protein with peptides to firm, smooth, and brighten without the drama. The texture is velvety, fast-absorbing, and crucially, won’t start a breakout while you’re trying to fix the last one.

Credit: Neogence

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Premiere Overnight Regeneration Cream, $198

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Premiere Overnight Regeneration Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

Designed for dry, fragile skin that needs overnight repair, this cream blends skin-replenishing ceramides with retinol and sea minerals to restore moisture and support collagen. A patented retinyl complex helps fade discolouration and soften fine lines, while the rich, comforting texture is best reserved for nights when your only plan is sleep.

Credit: Elizabeth Arden

Real Barrier Extreme Cream, $46

Real Barrier Extreme Cream | Makeup artist-approved anti-ageing creams that actually work

For skin that’s dry, flaky, red, or just in a bad mood, this ultra-moisturising balm delivers quick relief without leaving you shiny or stuck to your pillowcase. It melts on contact, absorbs fast, and uses MLE technology with omega ceramides to mimic your skin’s natural lipids. Clinically tested and eczema-safe, it’s one of the few rich creams that won’t punish oily or acne-prone skin for asking for moisture.

Credit: Real Barrier 
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