10 Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizers Of 2024
Keep your skin fresh and hydrated without spending too much on your skin care regime.
Vanessa is a Licensed Esthetician with 4 years of experience, certified Usui Reiki Level Two Healer practitioner, and certified by Yakov Gershkovich in Level Two Facial Buccal sculpting. She is also the co-founder of The Switch Suites - a luxury skincare wellness center in Bankers Hill, San Diego.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Moisturizers are a great way to keep your skin hydrated and fresh all day long. Tinted moisturizers are gaining attention, and there is the best range of best drugstore tinted moisturizers you can choose from. They provide a plumpy appearance to tired and dull skin instantly with a sheer tint. It works like a multitasking product providing light coverage for those who are not interested in heavy make up.
In the article, we have compiled the list of 10 drugstore tinted moisturizers you can buy online. Take a look and choose a product which best suits you.
In This Article
10 Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizers Of 2024
1. Best SPF Formula: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Moisturizer – Best Overall
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Moisturizer helps you achieve a polished complexion that looks natural and glowing from within. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid which is an active anti-aging ingredient that hydrates and plumps dry, dull, dehydrated, and aging skin. The broad-spectrum SPF 40 with transparent zinc oxide shields your skin from the harmful UV rays.
Its lightweight formula makes it perfect for daily wear for a long period.
It does not settle in fine lines, smile lines, and pores. You can wear it alone or as a base for foundation, making it the perfect product to include in your morning skincare routine. This miracle skin perfector evens out skin tone, blurs imperfections and leaves the skin feeling refreshed, supple, and full of life all day long. It is free of parabens and fragrance. It is also oil-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. Take a quick look at the video to get a glance at the reviewer’s experience before deciding on buying the product.
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid
- Locks in moisture
- Hydrates and plumps dry and aging skin
- Broad-spectrum SPF 40
- Long-wearing
- Makes the skin soft and supple
- Lightweight
- Smooth application
- Blends quickly
- Can be used alone or as a base
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Expensive
- Limited shade range.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 2,826 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Oil-Free Formula: DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer
The DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer is a broad-spectrum, tinted sunscreen moisturizer with SPF 46 that protects the skin from UVA and UVB ray damage, infrared radiation, and blue light damage. The formula offers sheer coverage and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E which adds firmness and gives an all-natural glow to your skin. It is lightly-pigmented which blends really well on your skin without leaving any white residue and is safe for use on irritated skin.
- Lightweight formula
- Oil-free formula
- Offers UV protection
- Anti-aging benefits
- Does not leave white residue
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
None
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 8,097 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Affordable: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Tinted Facial Moisturizer
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Tinted Facial Moisturizer is a dermatologist-recommended product. It offers retinol treatment to clear dark spots and uneven skin tone. The broad-spectrum SPF 20 protects the skin from harmful sun rays and prevents premature skin aging. This lightweight and non-greasy tinted moisturizer is formulated with antioxidants and vitamins and provides natural coverage with a luminous finish.
This daily tinted moisturizer hydrates reduces signs of aging and smoothens fine lines. It gives a dewy finish and natural-looking appearance to the skin. Reapplying it every 2 hours gives the best sun protection and keeps the skin looking fresh and young. Watch this video to learn about the reviewer’s experience and learn more about the benefits of the product.
- Contains SPF 20
- Formulated with clinically proven retinol, antioxidants, and vitamins
- Has anti-aging properties
- Smoothens skin texture
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reduces signs of aging
- Gives a dewy, natural-looking finish to the skin
- Light, skin-like coverage
- Not goopy and greasy
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Affordable
- Limited shade range.
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Moisturizer – Best Overall Best SPF Formula | DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer Best Oil-Free Formula | Neutrogena Healthy Skin Tinted Facial Moisturizer Best Affordable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 1 | - | - |
| Weight | 48 Grams | 1.7 Ounces | - |
| Dimensions | - | 6 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches | 1.5 x 0.88 x 5.13 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.7 Ounces. | 1.45 Ounces |
| Skin Type | - | - | All |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,826 | 8,097 | 1,453 |
| Price | $38 | $21.52 | $13.96 |
4. Best Lightweight: e.l.f Cosmetics Tinted Moisturizer – For All Skin Types
e.l.f Cosmetics Tinted Moisturizer has SPF 20 and protects the skin from harsh UVA/UVB rays. It is infused with natural ingredients like aloe vera leaf juice and cucumber that nourish and soothe the skin to impart a healthy glow.
The subtle wash of color evens out the skin tone and gives a radiant finish. It suits all skin types and smooths out fine lines. It can act as a moisturizing BB cream if you apply a primer before applying this tinted moisturizer. It leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and naturally healthy.
- Has SPF 20
- Infused with natural ingredients like aloe vera leaf juice and cucumber
- Nourishes and soothes the skin
- Lightweight
- Glides and blends well
- Non-greasy formula
- Suits all skin types
- Light coverage
- Makes the skin soft and smooth
- Imparts a healthy glow
- Affordable
- Contains oxybenzone.
- Limited shade range.
Pro Tip5. Best For for Sensitive Skin: NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil
NYX Cosmetics Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil has done the best job at creating 12 shades of tinted moisturizer in the drugstore range. It is a lightweight formula that feels feather-light on the skin. The breathable coverage with a seamless satin finish makes the skin look perfect and glowing throughout the day. It blends well on different skin tones and feels natural. The hydrating glycerin helps deliver up to eight hours of skin hydration.
Some of the other hydrating, moisturizing, and nourishing ingredients are aloe vera leaf juice powder and cucumber fruit extract. These help cool the skin and lower inflammation. The non-comedogenic formula is ideal for sensitive acne-prone skin. Titanium dioxide protects the skin from harsh sun rays. This tinted moisturizer never cakes and can be used as a makeup base or as a contour. However, it is best recommended to test the product on a small skin area before incorporating it into your routine to keep skin issues at bay!
- Available in 12 shades
- Feather-light formula
- Blends effortlessly
- Aloe vera and cucumber soothe the skin.
- Gives a natural no-makeup look
- Non-comedogenic
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Titanium dioxide protects the skin from harsh UV rays.
- Does not become cakey
- Can be used as a skin base or a contour
- Affordable
- Heavier than a tinted moisturizer.
- Contains oxybenzone.
- May settle on pores and fine lines.
6. Best Anti-Aging Benefits: Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Tinted Face Moisturizer
The Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Tinted Face Moisturizer is formulated keeping three main purposes in mind, protection, hydration, and firmness. This moisturizer is suitable for normal to oily and combination skin types with SPF 30 protection. The formula reduces the risk of sun damage while catering to signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. It is infused with antioxidants and resveratrol that repairs and renews damaged skin due to sun exposure, to reveal a glowy finish. Using it daily helps even out skin tone and provides proper hydration to your skin to achieve a radiant complexion.
- Offers UV protection
- Anti-aging benefits
- Evens out skin tone
- Offers radiance
- Suitable for daily use
- Long-lasting results
- Non-greasy formula
- Provides matte finish
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- None
"This moisturizer has become a staple in my morning skin care routine. It blends very smoothly on my skin, making it a perfect base for makeup. The finish is matte and the sunsunscreen also makes it the perfect choice for everyday makeup."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 4,086 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
7. Best Travel-Friendly: No7 City Light Tinted Moisturiser
With SPF 15, the No7 City Light Tinted Moisturiser offers advanced protection from daily environmental stresses like pollution, dust, and UV rays. No7’s patented antioxidant complex helps boost natural defenses. City Light is combined with SPF 15 to help defend against the aging effects of the sun and prevents future visible skin damage. It is the perfect sheer skin-perfecting tinted moisturizer that gives an instant moisture boost and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day. This lightweight anti-aging skincare product wears comfortably on the skin. It enhances radiance and is suitable for sensitive skin. It does not make the skin greasy as the day rolls.
- Has SPF 15
- Patented antioxidant complex
- Prevents sun damage and premature skin aging
- Enhances radiance
- Non-greasy
- Affordable
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Limited shade range
- Watery
8. Best For Skin Texture Enhancement: Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Tinted Moisturizer
The Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Tinted Moisturizer is formulated to conceal, correct, brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin with a sheer finish. This five-in-one formula reduces premature aging signs, like wrinkles and fine lines, while providing adequate UV protection with its effective broad-spectrum SPF 45. This clinically-proven anti-aging foundation is infused with peptides, coenzyme Q10 THD ascorbate, lecithin, and a blend of yeast extract, white birch extract, and plankton extract to protect skin from aging, help brighten the skin, and hydrate and enhance skin texture. It is suitable for all skin types including combination and oily skin. However, ensure that the product is tested on your skin beforehand to steer clear of future allergic reactions.
- Oil-free formula
- Hydrating formula
- Offers anti-aging benefits
- Enhances skin texture
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
None
9. Best Buildable: Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Tinted Moisturizer
Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Tinted Moisturizer is formulated with rich antioxidants, vitamins, green tea leaf extract, coconut oil, jojoba esters, beeswax, and exotic Indian lotus extract. Almost 98.8% of this daily tinted moisturizer is of natural origin. It protects the skin from environmental aggressors.
This is one of the best drugstore tinted moisturizers that blend into the skin like a dream and give it a sunkissed glow throughout the day.
The lightweight formula gives a natural finish, controls oils, and leaves the skin supple and glowing all day long.
You can also use it as a base makeup underneath a foundation. It is free of parabens, phthalates, petroleum and SLS. This tinted moisturizer comes in six different shades and provides sheer to medium buildable coverage.
- Formulated with antioxidants and vitamins
- Contains 98.8% natural ingredients
- Gives a sunkissed glow to the skin
- Gives sheer to buildable medium coverage
- Available in 6 shades
- Can be used as makeup base
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petroleum-free
- SLS-free
- May clog pores.
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Does not absorb quickly.
"This tinted moisturizer is great for daily use. It adds a natural glow to skin along with good amount of hydration. It offers good coverage and does not feel heavy at all."
10. Best Water-Resistant: Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer – Best For All Ages
Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer is 95% organic, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and suitable for all ages. It contains SPF 30+ and 23% nano zinc oxide as a physical sunblock to protect the skin from harsh UV rays. The main ingredients are organic green tea and black tea leaf extract, organic hemp seed oil, organic coffee bean, organic sunflower oil, natural mango butter, natural rosemary, organic cocoa butter, and organic beeswax. It is also packed with antioxidants and vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
This lightweight ultra-moisturizing formula gives the skin a healthy glow, feels non-greasy on the skin, blends effortlessly, and comes in a biodegradable, reusable plastic-free tin. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Contains SPF 30+ and 23% nano zinc oxide
- Formulated with USDA-certified organic natural ingredients
- Packed with antioxidants and vitamin E
- Protects the skin from environmental aggressors
- Gives the skin a healthy glow
- Adds a flush of color for natural-looking makeup
- Blends effortlessly
- Comes in a biodegradable, reusable plastic-free tin
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Non-GMO
- Reef-safe
- Cruelty-free
- Not for sensitive skin.
- Not suitable for acne-prone skin.
- Limited shade range.
These are the top 10 drugstore tinted moisturizers. But before you pick one, here’s a list of things to check in a good tinted moisturizer.
How To Choose The Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer
Here’s a checklist to help you out:
- Moisturizing – Tinted moisturizers are essentially formulated to provide hydration to the skin. They should not make your skin feel tight and dry. If you have oily skin, you may use a water-based lightweight tinted moisturizer.
- Sun Protection – It should have SPF of at least 15. Check for ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are physical sunblocks that provide better protection against the UV rays. Avoid sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone if you are pregnant. Here’s a list of pregnancy-safe sunscreens.
- Skin Type – Check if it suits your skin type (especially if you have sensitive skin or mature skin). You do not want to have any ingredient that clogs the pores or causes skin irritation. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid if you have mature skin. It helps keep the skin hydrated and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Those with oily skin can use an oil-free matte or semi-matte finish formula. An intense moisturizing formula will be the best pick for dry skin. In addition, go for a professional-grade formula with skin-loving ingredients for the best results.
- Antioxidants – Antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, green tea extract, etc. are beneficial for your skin. These protect the skin from harmful free radicals.
- Shade – Tinted moisturizers provide very sheer coverage that enhances the natural skin. But it must match your skin tone. You may need to blend two shades together to get your perfect skin tone. But do not wear a tinted moisturizer that’s too dark, too orange, too yellow, or too white for your skin tone.
Things To Keep In Mind
- Tinted moisturizer is not a BB cream. It will not provide good coverage or pore-filling properties necessarily. If you are looking for a BB cream, here are Japanese BB creams and BB creams for dark skin tones.
- It should not be goopy and greasy.
- Tinted moisturizers should be lightweight.
Infographic: Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer: Ingredients To Look For & Avoid
If you want a plump and fresh glow, a drugstore tinted moisturizer is what you need. It hydrates your skin and adds a subtle tint. However, not all products on the market will suit your skin type. Hence, you need to learn about the key ingredients in a tinted moisturizer and look out for them. Check out the infographic below to know more about the good and harmful ingredients in tinted moisturizers.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
For casual makeup, you can replace primers and foundations with the help of tinted moisturizers. These moisturizers offer the perfect glow along with a polished complexion that makes your skin look refreshed and supple. Try EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Moisturizer for UV protection and hydration, while the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil is perfect for sheer coverage with a skin-like finish. The Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Tinted Face Moisturizer is perfect for mattifying effects. Moreover, the tinted moisturizers on our list are free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. You can apply these moisturizers effortlessly as they blend well and don’t cause patches in your skin. For the best results, make sure that the moisturizers are used as a base for your makeup products. But, before buying any product, check out the reviewer’s experiences on various e-commerce platforms!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach. She devoted hours of research and has carefully curated the list of the best drugstore tinted moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated and fresh all day long. In addition, these products have been closely reviewed and selected based on user feedback on multiple online forums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a drugstore tinted moisturizer and BB cream?
Tinted moisturizers provide more hydration than BB cream. However, BB cream offers more coverage than a tinted moisturizer.
Should you set tinted moisturizer with powder?
No, you do not need powder to set the makeup while using a tinted moisturizer.
Do you need to use regular face moisturizer before applying tinted moisturizer?
Yes, you can apply regular moisturizer before applying tinted moisturizer.
Is tinted moisturizer as effective in covering scars, etc. as concealer and foundation?
No, tinted moisturizer does not cover blemishes as effectively as a concealer or foundation.
Does tinted moisturizer go before sunscreen or after?
Apply tinted moisturizer before the sunscreen. Vanessa Huerta, Licensed Esthetician and Co-Founder of The Switch Suites explain, “You always want to apply a layer of SPF before targeting tinted coverage. This ensures that the product is absorbed into the skin and provides full sun protection.”
Is tinted moisturizer better than foundation for mature skin?
Yes, tinted moisturizer helps in skin nourishment and rejuvenates mature skin with a glowing touch.
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