Farewell, Foundation—These Are the 13 Best Tinted Moisturisers for a Fresh, Healthy-Looking Base

Maybe it's the freelancer in me, but I definitely have a soft spot for multitasking makeup products. After all, why do one thing when you can do two or three at the same time? It's just one of the reasons that I love tinted moisturisers so much. These days, I rarely apply foundation, but I still want a little something on my skin so that I feel polished when I step out the door—and the best tinted moisturisers not only even out my skin tone, but keep my skin moisturised and glowy all day.

Tinted moisturisers also provide a more natural-looking foundation finish without the intense coverage, which is what I prefer on a day-to-day basis—like an ever-so-slightly elevated version of myself. There are a lot of tinted SPFs available nowadays, but if you’re specifically looking for a hint of coverage with a lot of hydration, then a tinted moisturiser is your best option. BB creams, while very similar, are a little heavier in coverage, more like a foundation with a bit of hydration. And CC creams are even closer to foundations on the coverage spectrum and mainly offer colour-correction benefits.

What Is a Tinted Moisturiser?

"Tinted moisturisers are ideal if you just need a light base for the rest of your makeup to adhere to," explains celebrity makeup artist Tania Grier.

As for where a tinted moisturiser sits in your routine? If you're on the drier side, then you might prefer to layer a tinted moisturiser over a slightly richer moisturiser for added hydration or a glow-boosting moisturiser for more radiance, but if you have oily skin like me, then they really do work double-duty. A hydrating tinted moisturiser not only replaces my usual foundation or skin tint, but my moisturiser too. So, my routine typically looks like this: cleanser, serum, SPF, and then a tinted moisturiser. Because, despite having skincare benefits, this product still sits firmly in your makeup bag and therefore should always be applied over your SPF.

How to Apply Tinted Moisturiser

"I’d recommend applying tinted moisturiser with your fingers because sponges tend to absorb too much product," advises Grier. "However, if you want to build a little more coverage with your tinted moisturiser, then a soft foundation brush will give you a more even finish."

Grier also points out that you might need to experiment with the products that you apply on top. "Depending on the ingredients, some might clash with your primer or serum, and you could get a pilling effect," she explains. "It’s trial and error until you find the perfect blend."

Ready to find the best tinted moisturiser for you? I’ve tried a lot, and these are, without a doubt, the ones I recommend time after time.

The Best Tinted Moisturisers 2026

• Best Overall Tinted Moisturiser: Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser, £29
• Best Tinted Moisturiser for a Dewy Glow: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint, £34
• Best Tinted Moisturiser with SPF: Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil (£38)
• Best Everyday Tinted Moisturiser: Refy Skin Base (£30)
• Best Hydrating Tinted Moisturiser: By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Skin Tint (£48)

1. Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser

This is a firm favourite amongst my industry peers because it has such a please-all formula. Lightweight, hydrating and glowy, but not overly dewy, it gives skin a fresh, healthy-looking finish without feeling like you're wearing much makeup at all. The coverage is light to medium, so it takes the edge off uneven skin tone while still letting your natural complexion show through. Plus, I also like that the formula is designed to blur the look of pores and fine lines, rather than settling into them, which makes it great for everyone from combination to more mature skin. It blends easily with your fingers, too, which is always a bonus on busy mornings. Plus, it's available in 24 flexible shades and contains SPF 20 for a little added sun protection.

2. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint

3. Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil

While I’ll never advocate for relying on a make-up product for your sunscreen, the fact that this tinted moisturiser from Ultra Violette contains SPF 50 is an undeniable plus if you’re not so hot on applying daily sun protection or you want some added peace of mind. And SPF aside, the formula itself is delightful. Applied to the skin, it feels like a silky serum that leaves skin plump and glowy. So not only will your skin look amazing when you’re wearing it (the coverage is pretty remarkable and it’s undeniably radiance-boosting), but you can rest assured that it’s actually looking after your skin at the same time.

4. Refy Skin Base

For everyday makeup, when you want something that evens out your complexion without too much effort, this skin base delivers. It has a lightweight gel formula that offers buildable coverage with a natural finish that's an ideal option for days when you don't want to bother with full foundation. Plus, it's also formulated with hyaluronic acid and the brand's Inclusium™ complex to support hydration and skin barrier health.

“Refy’s tinted moisturiser is a true skincare-makeup hybrid. Unlike other tinted moisturisers that I’ve used in the past, it feels genuinely hydrating—and as a result, never turns cakey as the day progresses. It’s light coverage for sure, but just enough to even out my skin tone and mute any underlying redness and breakouts. It would work well for any skin type, and comes in an impressive shade range, so I find myself recommending this all the time," says freelance beauty editor Grace Day.

5. By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Skin Tint

“It’s no secret that I don’t love wearing a notable base. In fact, I really resent it. Most days, a smattering of concealer in particular areas of concern is all I can be bothered with. Although the reason for this approach isn’t exclusively to do with lack of time. In fact, the reason I prefer to steer clear of foundation, skin tints and tinted moisturisers is because of the amount of product I have to apply over the top to add life and dimension back into my face—bronzer, blusher, powder, highlight.

This new tinted moisturiser from By Terry, however, doesn’t require any of that. With eight forms of hyaluronic acid, skin-smoothing peptides and regulating niacinamide, it’s quenching, hydrating and melts onto the skin without a trace. Plus, it claims up to 24 hours of wear. The result is a your-skin-but-better finish that generally makes you look like your healthiest. My gripe, as is always the case with By Terry products, is the lack of shades. With nine available, I wear shade eight, but there's only one deeper shade, meaning it might not extend to the deepest skin tones," says Brittany Davy, Who What Wear UK junior writer.

6. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

So many beauty editors adore this tinted serum, which imparts a glowing radiance and is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients including hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide and plumping squalane. I've found myself more drawn to formulas like this in my late 30s, when I'm increasingly keen for my base to give my skin a little extra help rather than simply cover it up. It offers light-to-medium coverage that evens out skin tone while still letting your natural complexion show through, with a dewy finish that makes skin look fresh and healthy. The mineral SPF 30 is another plus, although I'd still apply a dedicated sunscreen underneath. If you love a radiant base that just feels like really great skincare, then this is brilliant.

7. L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum

8. Dr. Jart+ Korean Premium Beauty Balm SPF50

Combining buildable coverage with skincare ingredients designed to support the skin barrier, this skin-smoothing formula is ideal for combating uneven texture and redness. The formula contains 2% niacinamide and glycerin to help moisturise and strengthen the skin, while SPF 50 provides additional sun protection. I like that it aims to even out the complexion without feeling like a traditional full-coverage foundation, making it an option for days when you want a little more help blurring the look of your skin.

"Whilst this isn't strictly a tinted moisturiser, this BB cream is my go-to when I want a lightweight yet perfecting base. A small pump blends effortlessly into the skin, and it has a cushiony texture that miraculously blurs over my pores and uneven skin texture without looking heavy or cakey. I've been using it for years, and I'm yet to find anything else that tops it," says Eleanor Vousden, Who What Wear UK beauty editor.

9. Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

"I was so sceptical about Kylie Cosmetics, but I'd seen so many rave reviews of this Skin Tint that I convinced myself to give it a try. Wow - it is incredible! Soft matte, blurring and with a second-skin finish, it sits beautifully on the skin. I've worn it to the office, on holiday, day-to-day, and it always delivers. Plus, there is also a really wide shade range with plenty of undertones to choose from - something that's often a rarity with skin tints, where brands tend to offer a more limited shade selection. Trust me, set aside your first impressions and give this a try," says freelance fashion and beauty journalist Jazzria Harris.

10. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30/PA+++

11. Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturiser 

12. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50

13. MAC Cosmetics Strobe Dewy Skin Tint Moisturiser

How We Tested

Working as a beauty editor for over a decade, I have tested most of the tinted moisturisers on the market. I drew on my past experience and current favourites to create this list, as well as calling on fellow beauty editors and makeup artist experts for their input. As such, this list of the best tinted moisturisers suits an array of skin types and occasions.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.