Foundations and concealers might feel like a lot of labor and coverage on some days and for some people. While a full-coverage face has its place, there’s no doubting the easy and moisturizing properties of a tinted moisturizer. However, while the notion of a tinted moisturizer appears easy, there are numerous unique elements that distinguish between an OK tinted moisturizer and an excellent tinted moisturizer. And when we say “great tinted moisturizer,” we mean one that truly — you know…moisturizes.
So we asked makeup artists, cosmetic chemists, and Allure editors to break down their favorite tinted moisturizers. Try one of these 16 selections if you want cosmetics with extra skin-care benefits for plump, radiant, and hydrated skin.
Whether you wind up liking an older classic from a company like Laura Mercier or a risky new take like Ilia Beauty’s pigmented serum, your skin will be in much better shape as a result.
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
Many tinted moisturizers contain powder pigments that absorb skin oils, zapping part of your face’s natural hydration. To address this, BareMinerals coated its pigments in lauroyl lysine, a coconut-derived amino acid.
“The pigments will not dry out your skin because they are cocooned. Instead, the formula is extremely soft and silky “Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist, agrees. When those pigments are combined with glycerin and squalane, the result is a product that “actively increases hydration.” In addition to hydrating elements, the light, cooling gel evens out skin tone and reduces redness, leaving you with a lovely, dewy sheen.
No7 City Light Tinted Moisturizer
This No7 tinted moisturizer recipe is a fan favorite for its easy application and soothing light coverage. Although it has SPF 15, we recommend wearing an SPF 30 or greater underneath it, especially if you intend to go outside.
Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint
Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint combines squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. With the added benefit of SPF 40, this thick, moisturizing serum provides light but buildable coverage that you can apply quickly and simply with your fingertips.
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Saie’s Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer hydrates the skin while providing sheer, yet buildable coverage. Hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening licorice root extract are among the ingredients. In addition, the container contains SPF 35, which keeps skin protected and dewy.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer
When Selena Gomez introduced Rare Beauty, namely the Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer, she understood exactly what she was doing. This lightweight solution is available in 22 different colors and has a luminous vitamin E-infused finish.