Beauty products: The top 10 moisturisers

Whether you're the sort of person that spends all day lounging under a sunshade or prefers logging in the hours in an air-conditioned office, moisturiser is - no doubt - essential to your beauty routine. But, how do you know what to look for when buying a face cream? Experts suggest finding one that is absorbed easily but that doesn't make your skin feel greasy or cause you to break out. Easier said than done. Here's the low-down on some of the most popular products, as tested by iVillage staff.

Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream; £29.50/50ml. This product was fantastic - not too greasy, but creamy enough to hydrate my thirsty skin. It's alcohol-free and is one of the few products I can use because I have eczema. I applied it once in the morning and it lasted all day.

Lancôme Vinéfit Complete Energising Moisturiser SPF 15; £24.50/50ml. This product is much thinner and less greasy than my current moisturiser, but I really liked the consistency. It quenched my skin without giving me spots, and it created a nice foundation over which to put make-up. I would consider buying this product in place of the current one I use.

Clinique Moisture Surge Treatment Formula; £17.50/30ml. I applied this light gel twice a day, and I liked it because it was easily absorbed into my skin but didn't leave me looking shiny. It made my skin feel slightly tighter and refreshed, and because I have a normal complexion it was perfect for me. Someone with drier skin might need a full-on cream, though.

Elemis Aromapure Absolute Day Cream (Normal to Dry); £23/ 50ml.
This cream was a nice medium weight - not too creamy - and it softened my skin without making me break out. The cream contained SPF 7, and it also came in a handy tube container - much more portable than the typical heavy tubs. I also liked the whole idea of using an aromatherapy/plant-based product.

Elizabeth Arden Daily Moisture Fluide Hydratant Quotidien SPF 15; £38/50ml.
This product leaves your skin feeling moisturised and smooth, and it's a perfect consistency - thin, but not runny. It contains SPF15, which is essential in these skin- conscious times, and its light scent is appealing. I had a few dry patches on my face and they've cleared up, and my skin feels fresher and smoother than before. I really like this product and would buy it in the future.