How to Use Water-Based Moisturizer for Hydrated Skin

Sometimes there’s just nothing better than drinking a tall glass of cool H20—it can be seriously refreshing! That’s especially the case if it’s super-hot outside or you just got done with a workout. And when it comes to your skin, using a water-based moisturizer is one way you can help keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated and refreshed. If you aren’t using a water-based moisturizer, or are just wondering what a water-based moisturizer is, it’s time to upgrade your skin care routine! Here, learn all about the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care line, which features three water-based moisturizers for different skin types. Find your water-based moisturizer match below, then get beauty tips for moisturizing like a pro. Cheers to happy, hydrated skin! 

FIND THE best WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE 

When it comes to picking out a water-based moisturizer, it’s all about choosing one that’s formulated for your skin type. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care line is like a “boost” of water for the skin, as it continually refreshes skin with hydration. The three water-based moisturizers in the line are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water. Pick the one that most suits your skin’s needs below. 

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin: Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you should skip out on moisturizing! In normal and oily skin, external factors like pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and an increase in oil production. As a result, your complexion may end up looking unbalanced and overly shiny. This oil-free, non-greasy water-based moisturizer helps reduce the look of excess shine, leaving your skin looking mattified and fresh. 

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin: Where’d your glow go? Well, normal and dry skin faces external factors like pollution and UV rays that can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, increasing loss of moisture and causing it to become drier. As a result, skin surface loses its glow, becoming dull-looking. This oil-free water-based moisturizer envelops skin with moisture. Immediately after use, skin will appear more luminous. 

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin: Your complexion needs a little extra loving! That’s because extra dry skin has a very fragile skin moisture barrier that can be easily damaged by external factors like pollution and UV rays. Skin consequently loses moisture, becoming easily dehydrated, feeling tight and uncomfortable. This water-based moisturizer provides much-needed comfort to extra dry skin.  

11 MOISTURIZING TIPS TO FOLLOW WHEN YOU USE A WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER

Picking out the best water-based moisturizer for your skin type isn’t the only step to helping keep your complexion hydrated. Here are other tips that can help you get your moisturizing routine into tip-top shape, along with using a water-based moisturizer. Follow along!

Moisturizing Tip #1: Start by Cleansing Your Skin

Before you apply your water-based moisturizer, make sure to cleanse your skin to help remove impurities like dirt, excess oils, and makeup from the surface of your skin. Just as you picked a water-based moisturizer based on your skin type, do the same with your facial cleanser. Need a recommendation? The L’Oréal Paris Idea Clean™ All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser lifts dirt and impurities without drying out skin. As far as how to cleanse your skin, do so in lukewarm water, as hot H20 can strip your skin of essential oils—and that can be drying. And there’s no need to be aggressive! Simply massage your facial cleanser onto your skin in gentle circular motions. 

Moisturizing Tip #2: Apply your water-based moisturizer to damp skin

Want to take your moisturizing routine up a notch? This is the tip for you! After you’re done rinsing off your facial cleanser, don’t immediately reach for your towel. Instead, apply your water-based moisturizer to damp skin, as this can help lock in hydration. 

Moisturizing tip #3: Be gentle during the application process

Again, just like with cleansing, it’s a good idea to apply your water-based moisturizer with a gentle hand. All you have to do is smooth it over your face. Yep, that’s it! 

Moisturizing tip #4: Use your water-based moisturizer morning and night

A proper moisturizing routine isn’t just one and done. Meaning: To help keep your skin hydrated, use your water-based moisturizer both in the morning and at night after cleansing. 

Moisturizing tip #5: Don’t forget about your neck!

Your face isn’t the only area that deserves a serving of moisturizer. Extend your moisturizing routine down to your neck by applying your water-based moisturizer there. Hello, hydration!

Moisturizing tip #6: Switch up your moisturizing routine based on the season

You may discover that your skin has different needs depending on the season. For example, if you live somewhere that gets cold and dry in the winter, you may find that a rich, thick cream is a better moisturizing option for you during that time of the year. On the other hand, if your summers are hot and sticky thanks to humidity, a lightweight face lotion with a matte finish may be all that you need to use to help keep your skin hydrated. As your skin’s needs change throughout the year, choose your water-based moisturizer accordingly!

Moisturizing tip #7: For travel, pair your water-based moisturizer with a micellar water

This two-step water-based skin care routine is perfect for those on the go. When you’re going on vacation, chances are you want to keep your skin care routine simple, right? So, in addition to your water-based moisturizer, pack a micellar water—a no-rinse cleansing option—with you. Micellar water is a French-favorite cleanser that has recently become buzzy stateside. It’s powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies, the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin hydrates and soothes, and the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types intensely purifies. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe the pad across your face. 

Moisturizing tip #8: Give your eye area attention

You know how we told you to pay attention to your neck when it comes to moisturizing? The same rule applies to your eye area, too! Use an eye cream that addresses your particular needs. The L’Oréal Paris Eye Defense is a light, non-greasy gel-cream that is specially formulated to defend against signs of premature aging around the eyes, such as puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Morning and night, apply it in small dots around the eye and smooth until absorbed. Use it after moisturizing with your water-based moisturizer. 

Moisturizing tip #9: Think about adding a facial serum to your routine

For an extra boost of skin hydration, consider adding a hydrating facial serum to your daily skin care routine. Typically, serums are applied between cleansing and moisturizing. 

Moisturizing tip #10: Layer Facial Oil Under Your Moisturizer

Feel like you need an extra layer of hydration? Add a facial oil to your routine before putting on your water-based moisturizer. Apply 4-5 drops into the palm of your hand. Then, with your finger, dab the facial oil in small dots onto cleansed skin. Smooth it on your face slowly, using the whole surface of your hands, then follow up with your water-based moisturizer. 

Moisturizing tip #11: Show your body the same care you show your face

We’ve already explained how to extend your skin care routine to your neck and your eye area—now it’s time to get the rest of your body in on the moisturizing fun! Keep a hydrating body lotion stocked in your bathroom so that you can apply one to damp skin after showering (in lukewarm water, of course!). 

YOUR STEP-BY STEP WATER-BASED MOISTURIZING ROUTINE

We know: We’ve thrown a lot of info at you! If you’re wondering where everything fits, we’re listing out the order in which you should apply your skin care products.

Step 1: Facial Cleanser

This should be the first step in your skin care routine. Remember: Use a facial cleanser formulated for your skin type—and be gentle while doing so!

Step 2: Facial oil or facial serum

If you feel that you need an extra layer of hydration, use a facial serum or facial oil after cleansing.

Step 3: Moisturizer

Now it’s time to apply your water-based moisturizer of choice. Don’t forget to extend the moisturizer past your jawline and onto your neck. In general, you’ll only need to use about a coin-sized amount of moisturizer to cover your entire face. 

Step 4: Eye cream

After you’re done applying your water-based moisturizer, move on to eye cream as the last step in your skin care routine. Now you’re good to go!

After all this talk of water-based moisturizers, do you have water on the brain? In that case, go ahead and read our article, Cold vs. Hot Water: What’s the Best for Your Skin?