Finding the best night cream for your skin type is one thing; finding one that you’re actually comfortable sleeping in is a whole other story.
It’s what makes this final pre-sleep skin step one of the most divisive, with some people swearing by a thick layer of the stuff, while others prefer a facial oil or to simply stop at serum.
But if you’re someone who likes to seal it all in with a cream (and reap the benefits of an extra protective layer too), these are the pots of pillowy goodness we recommend for every skin (and comfort) concern.
Best firming night cream
Chanel Le Lift Créme De Nuit
Combine this luxurious formula with a firm tension-relieving facial massage and you’ll find yourself defying gravity. The signature active ingredient, botanical alfalfa concentrate, helps to increase epidermal thickness for a firmer complexion, while encouraging renewal for smoother skin texture.
$225 at Myer
Best glow-getting night cream
Ole Henricksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème
If it’s dullness you’re trying to defy and a fresh face you crave, the overnight results of this gel-textured cream are hard to beat. Containing nature’s alternative to retinol, bakuchiol, as well as AHAs, it gently exfoliates and deeply hydrates for a transformative glow overnight.
$90 at Sephora
Best non-greasy night cream
OLAY Regenerist Whips Face Cream Moisturiser
With a texture more like an airy mousse than a cream, this lightweight veil will disappear into your skin at first swipe. So if you’re after hydration and nourishment, but really can’t stand any kind of residue, it’s the dream solution.
$48.99 at Priceline
Best night cream for dry skin
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque
Dry skin types who love nothing more than a rich, comforting cocoon of cream will find solace in the overnight masque category. This super skin hydrator contains an impressive moisture-retaining trio of glycerin, squalane and fountain plant to replenish and nourish even the most desert-like complexions.
$55 at Adore Beauty
Best retinol night cream
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
If it has to contain retinol or you’re not interested (we get it, it’s a damn good ingredient), then consider taking this powerful green pot for a test drive. It’s a whiz at diminishing fine lines, but those with sensitive and acne-prone skin will also find it to be clearing and calming at the same time.
$130 at Adore Beauty
Best night cream for sensitive skin
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream
When it comes to skin that’s easily irritated, look for ingredients that will help to strengthen the skin barrier rather than compromise it. This nourishing night cream utilises the hydrating and antioxidant properties of the lotus plant to comfort and protect skin, while peach leaf extract helps skin recover from stress.
$79 at Sephora
Best budget night cream
Sephora Collection Overnight Firming Cream
For under $40, this hydrating night cream will provide both exfoliating and plumping benefits, without the greasy residue. Its texture is thick but non-sticky, making it most suitable for dry and combination skin types. It’s also formulated with 95 per cent natural origin ingredients, with fruit acids and natural peptides responsible for the smoothing and regenerating action.
$40 at Sephora
Best brightening night cream
asap Anti-Ageing Night Cream
If pigmentation and uneven skin texture are your nemeses, consider this cosmeceutical serving your superhero sidekick. Its potent all-in-one formula helps to exfoliate overnight for improved cell turnover, stimulates collagen production and provides one serious hydration punch. You’ll wake with a brighter complexion that feels like silk to touch.
$58.50 at Adore Beauty
Best balancing night cream
Medik8 Refining Moisturiser
Too often those with oily or combination skin think a moisturiser is only going to make matters worse when actually it’s the contrary. This brilliant balancing cream hydrates and nourishes the skin without adding to the oil-slick areas. It will help to stabilise oil production while minimising the appearance of pores.
$98 at Adore Beauty
Best Anti-Ageing Night Cream
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
An upgrade to the brand’s award-winning daily moisturiser, The Rich Cream works to intensely hydrate and nourish the skin to support cellular renewal and dramatically improve the complexion’s appearance. Additionally, the product is clinically proven to reduce signs of ageing—that is, the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Plus, it helps to promote elasticity and support skin barrier function to prevent transepidermal water loss to ensure plump skin.
$120 at Augustinus Bader
