Nicola Coughlan Cosigns the Cult-Favorite Moisturizer That's "So Good Under Makeup"

Soft, romantic makeup is trending, and there's a 99% chance it's due to the ethereal glam seen on season three of Bridgerton. If you haven't yet feasted on the cinematic eye candy that is the Bridgerton beauty looks, I'll save you a search: Members of the ton have been sporting fluttery, wispy lashes; perfectly blotted lips; blooming cheeks; and, of course, impossibly dewy skin.
The latter is basically the hallmark of the third season. Take it from Penelope Featherington herself! "Everyone is damn glowy," Nicola Coughlan says of her time on set during an installment of Vogue's Beauty Secrets. "Jessie Deol, who did my makeup this season, would make my skin glow in a way that I can never do."
I, for one, disagree with that self-assessment—Coughlan is practically radiating from my computer screen, and when she unveils her favorite face cream, I immediately understand why. It's a moisturizer that's capital-B Beloved by beauty editors aplenty, as it's known for giving the skin a plump, glowing appearance without a stitch of makeup. Find the juicy details below, plus a full rundown of Coughlan's skin-prep regimen.
Coughlan's Favorite Moisturizer: The Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream
I might have audibly gasped when I saw Coughlan display the unmistakable purple jar. Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream is not only deeply hydrating—it's brimming with skin-plumping heroes like hyaluronic acid, red algae, and squalane—but it's also a dream to layer underneath makeup. Multiple makeup artists I've spoken to have even used the moisturizer in lieu of primer thanks to its ability to provide a smooth, even canvas without leaving behind a greasy residue.
"This is so good under makeup," Coughlan agrees as she massages the cream into her skin, which she also describes as "really, really thirsty." Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream is perfect for both prepping and quenching the skin, so I can't think of a better choice. I've received numerous compliments on my skin whenever I wear this Tatcha number, and WWW Beauty Director Erin Jahns even experienced strangers coming up to her at the airport to tell her how beautiful her makeup-free complexion looks.
I will say that the texture is a bit thick—oil-prone skin folks, you might want to consider Tatcha's Water Cream instead, which has a much lighter consistency—but it sinks in generously and doesn't make you look greasy at all. It lends the prettiest satin-skin finish, primed and ready for more pillowy complexion products. (In Coughlan's case, it's Clé de Peau's Radiant Fluid Natural Foundation and the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer.) Shop the rest of her skincare routine below, and snag her makeup faves for dreamy glam.
Shop Coughlan's Full Skincare Routine
Coughlan adores this $10 hyaluronic acid serum (as do our editors, who gave it a WWW stamp of approval in a recent Deep Review).
Shop Coughlan's Makeup Must-Haves
Coughlan reveals she's "very obsessed with mascara," and, well, same. This Lancôme number even won "best overall" in our mascara Deep Review.

Jamie Schneider is Who What Wear’s senior beauty editor based in New York City. With over seven years in the industry, she specializes in trend forecasting, covering everything from innovative fragrance launches to need-to-know makeup tutorials to celebrity profiles. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English before moving to NYC, and her work has appeared in MindBodyGreen, Coveteur, and more. When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty finds, Jamie loves scouting vintage boutiques and reading thrillers, and she’s always down for a park picnic in Brooklyn.
-
I'm Not Going to Mess Around—These Are the 3 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Items I Can't Stop Thinking About (They Will Sell Out)
Some of my favorites are already gone.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 5 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are Living Rent-Free in My Head
Kitten heels, burgundy flats, and more.
-
Nordstrom Has Some Super-Effective (and On-Sale) Skincare Products—These 13 Will Sell Out First
Midsummer skincare reset, anyone?
-
Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian Just Cosigned Summer's Juiciest Nail Trend
Yellow nails are having a moment.
-
Celebrating the Beauty Legacy of Clueless 30 Years Later
Explore the exact hair and makeup staples used on set.
-
Gabbriette Swapped Concealer Lips for the Off-Season Combo That Weirdly Works for Summer 2025
We're dying to try it.
-
Lola Tung's TSITP Premiere Look Was Smoky, Sultry Perfection—Every $15-and-Under Item She Wore
Shop them here.
-
Spotted on Sabrina Carpenter's Nightstand: The High-Tech Tool That Gives You Butter Skin (I Can Attest)
The hype is real.
-
Plot Twist: My Dewiest Summer Skin Came Courtesy of This Unexpected Product
It's the number one essential for the season.
-
Frosty Silver, Baby Blue, and Cherry Red—Cool-Toned Makeup Is the (Unexpected) Star of the Summer
Major makeup inspo ahead.