L’Oréal Midnight Cream Review ArticlePure

There aren’t a ton of things businesswoman and reality star Bethenny Frankel and I have in common. 

After watching a few seasons of Real Housewives of New York, I think it’s safe to say that she and I are not likely brunch compatible, but where Frankel and I do come together is our love for L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Cream.

The first time I saw her rave about this night cream on social media, I laughed so hard because she said exactly what I was feeling (in a slightly different New York accent) with the same passion and zeal — and foul language — that I would say it. I’ve been using L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Cream for more than a year, and it’s one of the best night creams I’ve ever used.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E, antioxidants, glycerin | Benefits: Hydrating,  | Skin types: All

As a beauty editor, I’ve tried hundreds (if not thousands) of skincare products at this point in my career, and this L’Oréal Midnight cream is so impressive because, for less than $30, you get a high-quality luxurious-feeling cream.

One of the major benefits of this face moisturizer is how hydrated and soft it makes my skin look and feel. This past summer, I was testing a new face wash, and it left my skin dry and flaky overnight. Just a dime-sized amount of midnight cream immediately erased the look of dryness and made my skin feel smooth. (Yep, it may be considered a night cream, but it’s okay to use in the daytime, too — just don’t forget your SPF!) 

This night cream is made with shea butter, vitamin E, and glycerin, which would explain why it’s so moisturizing, yet it still absorbs quickly, and I don’t feel it once it’s on. I’d consider this an occlusive moisturizer because it’s quite rich, but the soufflé-like texture is so light that I still use it in the warm months in small amounts (and again, when I need a large dose of hydration for really thirsty or crepey skin).

What Are the Benefits of L’Oréal Night Cream?

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Cream has many benefits, including the type of deep moisture that leaves skin looking radiant and glowy. 

My skin feels renewed and hydrated after using the anti-aging night cream before bed, and it looks brighter when I use it in the morning. When my skin looks hydrated and glowy, my complexion is more even, and my hyperpigmentation looks less pronounced. 

The moisturizer layers well under makeup without pilling and it adds a softness that makes me forget that my skin ever felt rough, textured, and dry.

Is L’Oréal Paris Midnight Cream Worth It?

Absolutely. This potent little cream is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a luxury skincare experience. 

I don’t have wrinkles and I haven’t experienced any skin sagging, so I can’t attest to how effective the cream addresses those concerns, but with 3,500 five-star ratings on the brand’s website, 4,250 five-star ratings on Target, and more than 700 jars bought in the past month on Amazon, I feel confident saying that it’s working its firming magic on someone (and smoothing a wrinkle here and there).

What I do experience is dullness and sallowness, and I see how Midnight cream infuses my complexion with a brightness and glow when I’m using it consistently. And yet, it never feels greasy and slick over the course of the day.

I prefer fragrance-free skincare because I’m so sensitive to abrasive smells being too close to my nose, and this night cream has a light, pleasant smell, like a sugary flower and a cloud had a baby.

I’m just glad it comes in a jar and not a pump so that I can get every single drop out of it without needing to cut the bottle (don’t judge me). I too hit pan on this product, and I prefer not to injure my knuckles for that last drop. Though if we’re being honest, I would if I had to.

Others Night Creams to Consider

Why Trust PEOPLE? 

Shalwah Evans is a senior shopping editor for PEOPLE. She has covered beauty for more than 10 years, with a specialty in skincare and skincare ingredients. She has tried hundreds of products over the years and has consulted with experts on various topics in skincare. 

Her acne-prone skin is often accented with hyperpigmentation and is changing as she enters the perimenopausal phase of her life. She’s found that L’Oréal Paris Midnight Cream has continued to work for her skin as it goes through different phases.