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With so many products available in the market, finding the perfect tinted moisturizer that suits your skin type and skin tone can be a challenge. Whether you want a natural glow, sun protection, or even skin tone, tinted moisturizers offer a versatile solution.
As a triple-board-certified dermatologist, I've curated a list of the best-tinted moisturizers that cater to different skin types and concerns, ensuring that you find the best product for your unique needs.
This article starts directly with the recommendations. If you want to learn the basics of what a tinted moisturizer is and what you should look for while buying one, you can scroll below the recommendations.
Top Dermatologist-Recommended Tinted Moisturizers
Here's an overview of the best-tinted moisturizers with more details on them in the section after this:
Best Tinted Moisturizer for All Skin Types: Halo Healthy Glow All-in-One Tinted Moisturizer by Smashbox SPF 25
Best Tinted Moisturizer for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin:Â NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Best Tinted Moisturizer for Textured Skin or Mature Skin:Â Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30
Best Tinted Moisturizer for Dry Skin:Â
Best Skin Tint: Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator
Best Tinted Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin:Â bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
Best Tinted Moisturizer For All Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Best for: All Skin Types, Especially Combination Skin
The Halo Healthy Glow All-in-One Tinted Moisturizer by Smashbox is probably the most celebrated tinted moisturizer on the planet! A favorite of so many celebrities and dermatologists, this multifunctional product combines a tinted moisturizer, SPF 25, and a primer all in one. It offers medium coverage with a natural, radiant finish, making it ideal for those looking to streamline their makeup routine without sacrificing skin protection or hydration. It includes hyaluronic acid, which provides lasting hydration, and niacinamide, which helps even out skin tone over time.
Pros:
Medium coverage with a radiant finish
Contains SPF 25 for sun protection
Infused with hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration
Includes niacinamide for skin tone evening and brightening
Acts as a primer, making it an excellent base for makeup
Cons:
Slightly higher price point compared to other tinted moisturizers
May require setting powder for those with very oily skin
Best for: Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer consistently ranks high due to its blend of lightweight, buildable coverage and skincare benefits. It includes vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin, and SPF 30 for added sun protection. This product is particularly favored for its natural, radiant finish that enhances the skin without feeling heavy.
Pros:
Lightweight with buildable coverage
Contains SPF 30
Brightening effects with regular use
Cons:
Can be slightly greasy for oily skin types
Best for: Mature Skin
Laura Mercier’s iconic tinted moisturizer provides a perfect balance of hydration and light coverage. It includes SPF 30, making it an excellent choice for daily wear. This product is loved for its ability to give skin a soft-focus effect while also providing the benefits of a moisturizer. Its reputation as a go-to product for a dewy finish is well-earned.
Pros:
Long-lasting hydration
Natural, dewy finish
Includes SPF 30
Cons:
Limited shade range
Best for: Dry Skin
This tinted moisturizer from Saie is known for its deeply hydrating formula, making it a top choice for dry skin. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, providing a dewy, luminous finish that’s ideal for a radiant glow. As much a skincare product as it is makeup, it’s a favorite for those who prioritize skin hydration alongside coverage.
Pros:
Hydrating with a dewy finish
Lightweight and buildable
Contains SPF 35
Cons:
May be too dewy for oily skin
Best for: Lightweight Coverage
This tinted moisturizer is praised for its lightweight, breathable texture that provides buildable coverage. It hydrates without feeling greasy, making it a versatile option for everyday wear. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer a natural, hydrated look without the heavy feel of traditional foundations.
Pros:
Lightweight and breathable
Buildable coverage
Non-greasy
Cons:
Lacks SPF
Best for: Sensitive Skin
This gel-cream formula is both soothing and hydrating, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or dry skin. It offers sheer to medium coverage and leaves a natural, dewy finish. The mineral-based SPF 30 provides added protection, making it ideal for those who need a gentle yet effective product.
Pros:
Hydrating and soothing
Suitable for sensitive skin
Lightweight and non-greasy
Cons:
Sheer coverage may not be suitable for those looking for more coverage.
Best for: Dry Skin
Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is celebrated for its hydrating ingredients and the added bonus of SPF 40. It’s particularly suitable for mature skin that needs both hydration and sun protection. The serum-like texture melts into the skin, leaving a dewy, youthful finish that enhances the skin’s natural glow.
Pros:
High SPF 40 protection
Hydrating with anti-aging benefits
Clean, cruelty-free formulation
Cons:
May be too dewy for oily skin types
Best for: Versatile Shade Range for All Skin Types
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint is renowned for its inclusivity, offering 25 adaptable shades that cater to a wide variety of skin tones. This skin tint provides light-to-medium coverage with a natural, soft-matte finish that blurs imperfections, making it ideal for all skin types, including oily and combination skin.
Pros:
Offers 25 versatile shades suitable for all skin tones
Light-to-medium coverage with a blurring, soft-matte finish
Ideal for all skin types, including oily and combination skin
Cons:
May require additional hydration for very dry skin types
How to Apply Tinted Moisturizer for the Best Results
For optimal results, apply tinted moisturizer with clean fingers, a sponge, or a brush. Start with a small amount and blend outward, building coverage as needed. For added longevity, set your tinted moisturizer with a light dusting of translucent powder, especially in the T-zone if you have oily skin. Always reapply if you’re spending extended time in the sun, especially if the product includes SPF.
Why Choose a Tinted Moisturizer?
Tinted moisturizers are a hybrid between skincare and makeup. They provide light to medium coverage while also offering hydration and sometimes even SPF protection. Unlike foundations, which can feel heavy, tinted moisturizers are lightweight and blend seamlessly into the skin, making them perfect for everyday use. They’re especially useful for those looking for a natural look or who want to streamline their skincare routine.
What to Look for in a Tinted Moisturizer
Skin Type Considerations
Dry Skin: Find a tinted moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane that help retain moisture.
Oily Skin: Opt for oil-free gel-based formulations that are non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.
Sensitive Skin: Choose products that are fragrance-free and contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
SPF Protection
Most tinted moisturizers can double as a tinted sunscreen, offering an SPF between 30-50. Also, the iron oxide in these tints protects the skin from visible light-induced hyperpigmentation.
However, if you are looking for tinted sunscreen specifically, you can check out my recommendations on tinted sunscreen for oily skin and tinted sunscreen for dry skin.
Coverage and Finish
Depending on your preference, you might want a product with a sheer tint or buildable coverage. If you have dry, sensitive skin, a tinted moisturizer with a dewy finish would be ideal. However, if you are someone like me with hyperactive oil glands, try to find something that gives a matte finish for longer-lasting coverage.
FAQs
Can Tinted Moisturizers Replace Foundation?
Yes, for those seeking a natural, lightweight look, tinted moisturizers can replace foundation. However, if you require full coverage, you may want to layer a foundation over your tinted moisturizer or opt for a more full-coverage product.
What’s the Difference Between BB Cream and Tinted Moisturizer?
While both provide light coverage and hydration, BB creams often include additional skincare benefits like antioxidants or anti-aging ingredients. Tinted moisturizers focus more on hydration and light coverage.
Do I Need to Wear Sunscreen Under My Tinted Moisturizer?
If your tinted moisturizer has an SPF of at least 30, it can suffice for daily use, provided that you are able to apply two-fingers worth of moisturizer. But if you are using the moisturizer sparsely, you'll need to layer it with sunscreen in sufficient amounts to get adequate sun protection. Also, most tinted moisturizers are not waterproof and tend to wipe off with sweat, therefore, for extended sun exposure, I'd strongly advise applying a dedicated sunscreen.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tinted moisturizer can significantly enhance your skincare and makeup routine. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or mature skin, there’s a tinted moisturizer that can meet your needs while providing a natural and flawless finish. With the recommendations above, you can confidently select a product that not only meets your skin's requirements but also enhances your natural beauty.
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