Tinted moisturizers just might be the easiest thing to wear when it comes to makeup. Whether you're going for an easy-breezy look, a lighter alternative to foundation on sweltering days, or even something to wear on a night out, the versatile product has got you set. It pretty much does it all: improves your complexion, hydrates your skin, and leaves you with a dewy glow.
"Tinted moisturizer is basically a regular moisturizer, with pigment added," explains board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD. "It's lighter than foundation, providing less coverage, but if your skin tone is already pretty even, a tinted moisturizer is a great option to give you a no-makeup (makeup) look. Its primary goal is to moisturize while providing a hint of color to brighten your skin and give a glow."
The good and bad news, though? There are so many products to choose from out there. Some tinted moisturizers reign supreme over the others. So, if you're considering one, you're in luck. We went to the experts to help us choose.
For all our favorites plus expert picks, keep scrolling below.
Our Top Picks for the Best Tinted Moisturizers
- Best Overall: Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
- Best Universal Shade: Universal Tinted Moisturizer
- Best for Oily Skin: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
- Best for Dry Skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Jane Iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
- Best Shade Range: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
- Best Layerable Product: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Tinted Moisturizer
- Best Luxury: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint
Best Overall: Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Pros: Great for most skin types, lightweight, contains skin-soothing botanicals
Cons: Expensive
Key specs: 1.23 oz., SPF 15
This tinted moisturizer is a favorite of the entire Who What Wear beauty team. Formulated with antioxidant botanical extracts, this tinted moisturizer protects the skin from environmental damage. The lightweight product also smoothes fine lines and evens complexion.
Customer review: "I really like this tinted moisturizer. Applies easily, good light coverage, gives a little bit of sheen and good for dry skin."
Best Universal Shade: Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer
Pros: Blends flawlessly to match every skin tone
Cons: None
Key Specs: 1.7 oz., SPF 46
We're not saying this moisturizer is magical, but its anti-aging effects are second to none. The Universal Tinted Moisturizer is packed with SPF 46, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and a high concentration of niacinamide to nourish the skin while offering sheer, dewy coverage.
Customer review: "I'm getting to that age where I have fine lines, and my pores are not as small as they once were. Most foundations do them no favors, and I was looking for something light and moisturizing that could give light coverage without accenting my fine lines and pores. This is absolutely perfect!"
Best for Oily Skin: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
Pros: Noncomedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free
Cons: Shade range isn't great
Key specs: 1.9 oz., vitamin C
Celebrity makeup artist Jessica Smalls—whose clients include Janelle Monae and Yara Shahidi—also recommends Nars's tinted moisturizer. The oil-free product provides sun protection, keeps skin hydrated, and reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Customer review: "I am a new tinted moisturizer user. Previously, I was using foundation, but didn't like that it gave me a 'makeup look'. Because I am 60+, I typically use the Nars Tinted Moisturizer along with my repair serum and daytime moisturizer in order not to lose the anti-aging benefits of those products. When I do, my skin looks youthful, fresh, and bright...It is perfect. It provides color without looking like makeup. All I need to do is to add a touch of blush on my cheeks. I tried another more expensive tinted moisturizer for several weeks but returned it because it made me look too pale. The Nars Tinted Moisturizer provides the perfect amount of natural color, coverage and moisturizing. Excellent product."
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros: Oil-free, noncomedogenic, radiant finish
Cons: Finish may be too radiant for some
Key specs: 1.18 oz., SPF 30
It's easy to build coverage with this lightweight moisturizer to match your exact preference. It contains nourishing and protecting ingredients like squalane, mineral electrolytes, and mineral-based sunscreen. It's also perfect for acne-prone skin types because it's oil-free and noncomedogenic.
Customer review: "This is a fantastic moisturizer and it doubles as my foundation. I love that it has SPF 30 so I can be out and about with no sun worries. It covers perfectly and the color lasts all day. I love it."
Best for Dry Skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Pros: Dewy coverage, contains hydrating plant-based ingredients, a serum and tinted moisturizer in one
Cons: Finish may be too radiant for some
Key specs: 1 oz., SPF 40
Ilia's all-natural formula is good for sensitive skin types, according to Henry. It leaves a light, dewy finish and protects against sun damage. It's also a winner for dry skin as it contains super hydrators like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane.
Customer review: "Holy—I am over 70 and this stuff makes my skin super glowy and DOESN'T fill up the wrinkles! The smell? Seriously? Do you want awesome skin or something that smells great but does nothing?"
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Tinted Moisturizer
Pros: Affordable, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, contains antioxidants and vitamins
Cons: May be too matte for dry skin types
Key specs: 1 oz., SPF 20
Neutrogena's moisturizer is an affordable drugstore pick but works just as hard as the more expensive ones on this list. It has SPF 20 and anti-aging ingredients.
Customer review: "I love this stuff. Nice coverage, feels smooth going on and sets matte. (I like the C—V- “hydrating mineral sunscreen” too but I end up super shiny throughout the day.) Not a big makeup wearer but it works for me, evens tone and decreases some of the redness in my cheeks."
Best Luxury: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint
Pros: Provides a radiant glow, lightweight gel texture, creates a bare skin effect
Cons: Expensive
Key specs: "Micro-Fluid technology" delivers a water-fresh sensation
"Another all time favorite is Chanels Les Beiges Water Fresh tint," says celebrity makeup artist Georgie Eisdell, whose clients include Gwyneth Paltrow and Sophie Turner. "It is the ultimate no-makeup makeup tint. It blurs the skin so you really cannot tell there is anything on the skin but it really evens out the skin beautifully."
Customer review: "Adds a beautiful, very natural, shimmer to ones skin.It’s also very sheer and lightweight on the skin. I love this product."
Best for Sensitive Skin: Jane Iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Pros: Oil-free, weightless formula,
Cons: Shade range isn't great
Key specs: 1.7 oz., SPF 15
This mineral-based moisturizer is formulated with algae extract and antioxidants to hydrate, lock in moisture, and protect against free radicals. You'll get sheer to medium coverage with this one.
Customer review: "Absolutely love this tinted moisturizer! I've received countless many compliments on my makeup since I've started using this product.It blends flawlessly and looks like my skin (but better).The product provides light/medium coverage and conceals most blemishes (including dark circles).This product is well worth the money! Best tinted moisturizer I have ever used!"
Best Shade Range: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Pros: offers buildable, light coverage
Cons: appears shiny on oily skin types
Key specs: 1.35 oz., SPF 35
We're constantly enthusing over Saie's best-selling Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer for one reason: It creates the perfect no-makeup makeup look when you're in a time crunch. Its formula is filled to the brim with a blend of hydrating and nourishing ingredients as well as 100% non-nano mineral zinc oxide broad-spectrum SPF 35.
Customer review: "This tinted moisturizer feels so good on my skin. I love that it uses clean ingredients and contains SPF. It has light coverage that leaves my skin glowing. If I need more coverage, I just add some concealer or a drop of foundation."
Best Layerable Product: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Pros: has sheer-to-light coverage with a natural-looking finish
Cons: might be irritating for sensitive skin types
Key Specs: 1 oz
In our humble opinion, Summer Fridays' Sheer Skin Tint is super underrated. While we definitely understand the hype behind the brand's ultra-hydrating lip products, it's this tinted moisturizer that has fully captured our hearts. One of our editors uses this on the daily to add a touch of sheer color and hydration to her complexion without having to worry about any pilling or peeling.
Customer Review: "This formula is great and makes me more confident about my dry skin and acne! It says light coverage, but it does take away some of the visible spots and redness on my face! It feels very nice, not sticky, not patchy or orange, and can be easily applied with hands, not just a brush. I recommend to all!"
More Tinted Moisturizers We Love
While this is technically a CC cream and foundation rather than a tinted moisturizer, I think the formula is lightweight enough on the skin that it feels more like a tinted moisturizer.
Tom Ford's tinted moisturizer blurs spots, lines, and wrinkles, all with a lightweight finish. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid, jojoba oils, and SPF 15.
Treat your seriously dry skin with this ultra-hydrating cream. It's packed with hyaluronic acid and aloe. The sheer formula is long-lasting and sweat- and humidity-resistant.
FAQs
How do I find the right tinted moisturizer for my skin tone?
Because tinted moisturizers provide very light coverage, finding one that matches your skin tone is a bit different than shopping for a concealer or foundation. "Shade-matching the tinted moisturizers are different, because most don't have an exact color match, but more of a shade range," explains Smalls Keep some of these tips in mind:
1. Mix It Up: "Tinted moisturizers tend to blend into the skin pretty easily, and they are sheer so the color doesn’t have to be as specific when you're only seeing a tint of color. That’s not to say I don't use one or two shades even with a tint. I always mix!" says Eisdell. "I still match the same way I would a foundation—choose the closest color to the skin on your nose. I like to have the next shade darker to mix in with the color that matches my nose if I need a little more warmth."
2. Make Your Own: You can also make your own if you can't find a shade that works for you. "It's the easiest thing. Anyone can do it! I mix my daily moisturizer with a little bit of Armani Power Fabric Concealer and I get the most beautiful tinted moisturizer ever," says Andreea Ali, a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Natalia Vodianova and Izabel Goulart.
3. Think About Your Preferred Coverage and Finish: "Some tinted moisturizers are buildable, which means you can create the type of coverage you need, and some have SPF, which can slightly change the color. Decide which you want and go from there," Smalls explains.
What ingredients should I look for in a tinted moisturizer?
Again, not all tinted moisturizers are created the same, so it's important to read the labels and see what ingredients you're working with for your specific skincare needs. "Try to choose one with SPF for UV protection, along with antioxidants to combat sun damage and minimize fine lines," Henry suggests. And as for the ingredients you want to avoid, she recommends staying away from anything with fragrance or talc, which can cause irritation.
Keep your skin type in mind when you're shopping for a tinted moisturizer so you can make sure it's going to help (and not harm) any skin conditions you have. Henry broke it down for us:
Dry Skin: "Try and look for a tinted moisturizer that has moisturizing ingredients like avocado, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and aloe," she recommends
Oily Skin: "Choose an oil-free tinted moisturizer. That way, you’ll still get the moisture, but none of the pore-clogging oil."
Sensitive Skin: Look for something that's hydrating, fragrance-free, and with natural ingredients.
Normal or Combination Skin: Opt for a balanced tinted moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides for nongreasy hydration.
What are a few application tips for applying tinted moisturizer?
You don't need a fancy brush or sponge to apply a tinted moisturizer. All of the makeup artists I spoke to for this story said using your fingers is best. In fact, Ali said using a sponge would waste a lot of product.
"My favorite tip for applying tinted moisturizer is to apply it with your fingers," Smalls explains. "You're more likely to apply the right amount when you massage it in with your fingers, the same way you do your day time moisturizer," Eisdell adds that she prefers to apply a little bit more coverage to her T-zone, so she just taps some extra product to that area to finish.
Need more help choosing one? Here are some recommendations from our editors and the experts.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.