My Holy Grail Moisturizers of 2024: Keeping Dry Skin Happy in Melbourne

Minasan konnichiwa! Tina here! This year has been the year for emulsions, let me tell you. I have a very special one sitting right here on my desk, my holy grail of all time. I'm pretty confident it still holds that title. Now, I'm not saying it's a miracle cure or anything, but… well, you'll see!

We're diving deep into the best moisturizers of 2024. If that sounds like something you're interested in (and let's be real, who isn't interested in amazing skin?), then please keep reading! This is another installment of my end-of-year "best of" series, and this time, it's all about hydration.

As I mentioned in the first "best of" post, I'll be sharing all my most-used moisturizers from this year, from tried-and-true holy grails to exciting new discoveries. Just a quick reminder about my skin: it's dry and dehydrated, and I live in Melbourne, Australia, which tends to be on the drier side. So, hydration is key for me.

Let's kick things off with the moisturizers I've featured in previous "best of" posts, starting with my absolute holy grail.

I'm pretty sure it still deserves that title, even after all this time. It's the PE Calm Keto Cream. This beauty made my best-of moisturizers list back in 2022, and I've been using it religiously ever since. I'm not even exaggerating when I say I've gone through probably seven or eight empty tubes at this point! I've even gotten my mom and my auntie hooked on it. It's just one of those moisturizers that I can rely on no matter what – no matter the time of day, the season, or even my skin's condition. It just works.

The texture is a dream – rich and creamy, yet it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. It provides instant and long-lasting hydration, leaving my skin feeling plump, soft, and incredibly comfortable. I’ve even noticed a reduction in redness and irritation since incorporating this cream into my routine. It’s truly a game-changer for dry, sensitive skin.

I will admit, I've slowed down on using it slightly this year, simply because I need to test out other products for you guys (it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it!). But whenever I travel, or whenever I just want that one moisturizer I know I can depend on, the PE Calm Keto Cream is my go-to. Actually, fun fact: the one right here on my desk is a brand-new tube. I finished my last tube during my recent trip to Japan. I'm not going to open this one just yet because I have other moisturizers to get through. But honestly, I usually try to hold off on using it, and within a month or so, I cave and crack open a new tube. It's just that good.

This next one made my best-of moisturizers list in 2021: the Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream. If you've been following me for a while, you know how much I adore this stuff. I mean, even right now, I have three open jars/tubes! I have one big tube in my main bathroom, a small jar in my second bathroom, and another small jar in my travel bag. This is another moisturizer I always pack when I travel, especially when my skin is irritated or needs some extra TLC.

The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream has a lightweight, gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It contains guaiazulene, a natural ingredient derived from chamomile, which gives the cream its distinctive blue hue and provides powerful soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Whenever my skin is feeling red, inflamed, or just generally unhappy, this cream always comes to the rescue. It calms everything down and helps restore my skin's balance.

Now, let's move on to some new discoveries from this year.

First up is the Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream. This one has quickly become a staple in my routine. It's incredibly moisturizing and creates a protective barrier on the skin, which is perfect for my dry, dehydrated skin, especially during the colder months. I also love how it doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin, which is a huge plus for me. The cream has a slightly thicker texture than some of the others on this list, but it spreads easily and absorbs beautifully, leaving my skin feeling soft, smooth, and protected from the elements. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a deeply moisturizing cream that won’t clog pores.

Another new favorite is the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+. This is a multi-purpose balm that can be used on the face and body, and it's amazing for soothing dry, irritated skin. I've been using it mainly on my face, and it's been a lifesaver during those times when my skin is feeling extra sensitive or when I have any dry patches. It's also great for healing minor cuts and scrapes. The thick, balm-like texture creates a protective barrier over the skin, locking in moisture and promoting healing. It’s a true SOS product that I always keep on hand.

Moving on to emulsions! This year has been all about incorporating these lightweight hydrators into my routine.