15 Best Tinted Moisturizers
Experience: 3 yearsEsha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Image: shutterstock
If you’re looking for the perfect fuse between a foundation and a moisturizer – it’s time you invest in a tinted moisturizer. These are a huge hit today, and we’ll tell you why – one, they’re good for your skin, and two, you can skip the load and give your skin the right amount of coverage for a glowy, flawless complexion. It’s time you speed up your morning routine and keep it au naturel with these long celebrated skin moisturizing products. We’ve put together 15 of the finest tinted moisturizers and their verdicts!
In This Article
Top 15 Tinted Moisturizers For Flawless Skin
1. Lotus Herbals Nutraglow Daily Tinted Moisturiser
- Lightweight
- Sweat-proof
- Contains SPF 25
- Long-lasting
- Subtle fragrance
- Provides sheer coverage
- Suitable for daily use
None
Lotus Herbals Nutraglow Daily Tinted Moisturiser Review
The Lotus Herbals Nutraglow Daily Tinted Moisturiser is lightweight and imparts a dewy finish. It provides sheer to medium coverage and contains SPF 25 that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. The sweat-proof formula is enriched with calendula extracts, aloe vera, and hibiscus that keep your skin hydrated.
2. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Lightweight formula
- Great coverage
- Easy application
- Comes with SPF 30
- Non-comedogenic
- Not suitable for extremely oily skin
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review
This tinted moisturizer from NARS comes in 9 different shades. It’s much like a BB cream, and it comes in a convenient tube packaging. Its consistency is perfect – it spreads and blends easily even with fingers. With its high SPF, it provides you advanced sun protection, hydrates your skin, and helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. For all you women with normal and dry skin, this one’s a must-try as it will last all day long.
3. Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer
- Creamy and hydrating formula
- Lightweight coverage
- Provides a nice dewy finish
- Large amount of product in the tube
- Good range of shades
- Insufficient sun protection (SPF 20)
Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Review
If you’re in search of a sheer-coverage base, this tinted moisturizer from Tarte is an ideal choice for you. With a creamy texture and lightweight coverage, it’s enough to even out minor imperfections and redness on your skin. It has specks of sparkles in it that blend into your skin, and you can’t really tell after having it on for a while. This makes your skin look super natural and adds a healthy glow to it. A little goes a long way, and the tube lasts forever. This is suitable for sensitive, normal/oily, and acne-prone skin. It’s available in 7 shades.
4. M.A.C Lightful C Tinted Cream SPF 30 With Radiance Booster
- Lightweight
- Eliminates the appearance of dark spots
- Offers a high SPF of 30
- Diminishes the appearance of pores, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Brightens skin
- Won’t work well on textured skin
M.A.C Lightful C Tinted Cream SPF 30 With Radiance Booster Review
This tinted cream by M.A.C comes in 9 shades, so it’s easy to find one that suits your skin tone. Its formula is very light and gives you an incredibly natural finish. Its coverage is fairly buildable, and it adds a dewy glow to your skin, which looks great. Here’s the catch – if you have very dry skin, you need to moisturize your skin well before you go in with this. Those with normal, oily, and combination skin will find it easy to work with this. The tube lasts you forever! Do give this a try.
5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20
- Goes on smoothly and blends easily
- Long staying
- Buildable coverage
- Absorbs quickly
- Adds a healthy, subtly glow
- Low SPF of 20
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Review
The Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer comes in two versions – the regular one and an oil-free version, which is meant for women with extremely oily skin. It’s available in a range of 15 shades, and you can easily find one that suits your skin. This contains antioxidants and vitamins C and E to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the environment. If you’re looking for sheer to medium coverage – this is a viable option. Also, it’s suitable for normal, sensitive, and mature skin.
6. Faces Canada Peaches N Cream Tinted Moisturizer
- Absorbed quickly
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Adds glow to your skin
- Peachy fragrance
- Contains parabens
Faces Canada Peaches N Cream Tinted Moisturizer Review
The Faces Canada Peaches N Cream Tinted Moisturizer makes your skin illuminated. The lightweight formula contains fine micro-shimmer particles that provide the perfect peachy glow.
7. theBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
- The multi-use product that covers flaws and protects from the sun
- Available in various shades to suit different skin tones
- Relatively fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Full ingredient list provided
- SPF 18 is quite low
- Lacks anti-aging components
theBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer Review
theBlam Balm shelter Tinted Moisturizer is a good multi-purpose cream if you are on the go. It covers redness and blemishes and can be used as a primer and a BB cream. Its ingredients are known to provide optimum protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. It also contains Dimethicone, which is a skin conditioner and makes the skin look plumper while increasing its moisture barrier with its anti-inflammatory properties. It comes in a convenient tube packaging, feels lightweight on the skin, and blends into the skin easily. At $25, this one’s a great value for money!
8. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
- Easy to blend and apply
- Lightweight
- Goes on smoothly
- Good pigmentation
- Average coverage (It would work for those with flawless skin)
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream Review
If you’re looking for a cream that feels light and comfortable on your skin – this one by Bare Minerals is a fitting choice. It looks shiny upon application since it’s a gel-based cream, but it settles into a semi-matte finish that looks very natural, and your skin looks healthier. With an SPF of 30, it provides good protection from the sun and stays on for a long period. This one is most suitable for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin. It’s available in 16 different shades.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,588 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
9. Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint
- Medium coverage, yet provides a natural look
- Moisturizing formula that blends easily, leaving a dewy glow
- Provides broad-spectrum UV protection
- Fragrance-free
- Low SPF of 15
Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint Review
If you’re someone with normal to dry skin and want some hydration and moisture, this skin tint by Hourglass is a wonderful pick. This rich cream is a fragrance-free formula that leaves the skin with a dewy, natural-looking finish. Its broad spectrum UV protection and a boost of skin-protecting antioxidants are a bonus. It comes in 12 shades with options for every skin tone. Coverage wise, this one’s buildable and goes up to good old medium coverage.
10. Josie Maran Argan Tinted Moisturizer
- Provides a great, natural-looking finish
- Contains argan oil
- Paraben and toxin-free
- Cruelty-free
- Made with organic ingredients
- SPF 30
- Thick consistency
- Not meant for oily skin
Josie Maran Argan Tinted Moisturizer Review
This cream by Josie Maran is a blend of a moisturizer, a sheer foundation and an SPF, all in one. It has a creamy consistency, is lightweight, and provides medium coverage. For those with dry and normal skin, this will work beautifully even during the summer, but women with oily skin can give this a miss as it can get super oily towards the end of the day and make you look greasy. This is great for everyday wear for an incredibly natural finish. Best for normal to dry skin only!
11. CoccoonProtective Radiance Cream
- Matte finish
- Contains SPF 30
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Provides full coverage
- Might get cakey and clog your pores
Coccoon Protective Radiance Cream Review
The Coccoon Protective Radiance Cream contains SPF 30 that protects and moisturizes your skin. It effectively conceals blemishes, sun spots, aging signs, and other imperfections. This tinted moisturizer contains vitamin E, Kakadu plum, pentavitin, and green tea that provide antioxidant benefits. It gives you the perfect coverage along with a radiant glow.
12. La Mer The Reparative Skin Tint SPF 30
- Keeps skin feeling moisturized and hydrated
- Sheer tint evens out skin tone and redness
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- SPF 30
- Expensive
- Poor shade selection
La Mer The Reparative Skin Tint SPF 30 Review
The catch with this product is that it provides a very sheer coverage. If you have little to no flaws, this skin tint by La Mer does a good job of covering up minor imperfections. It comes in five shades, which makes it a little difficult to find a suitable one for different skin tones. However, it evens out your skin nicely, leaving it feeling softer and more hydrated. Those with dry skin will really like its fairly creamy and thick texture. If you can afford to splurge $95, this one’s a must-try!
13. Pur~Lisse Tinted Moist Cream SPF 30
- Mineral formula
- Free of parabens, fragrance, and oil
- Good coverage
- Rich in antioxidants and helps soothe inflamed areas
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- SPF 30
- Poor shade selection
- Does not last long on oily skin
Pur~Lisse Tinted Moist Cream Review
Pur~Lisse Tinted Moist cream is an all natural mineral formulation for a healthy and natural-looking coverage. This one is great for those with normal to dry skin – and even combination skin to an extent. It’s perfect for wearing for short durations because it does not last very long. However, during winters, the staying power does improve. If you’re looking for something very light for your skin, this is an exceptional mineral makeup/sunscreen.
14. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Color Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Blends well and looks natural
- SPF 30
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Available in only four shades
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Review
On the hunt for a lightweight, everyday coverage that won’t break you out? Your search ends here. This light makeup holds up even for oily and aging skin. With its sunscreen element, it acts as a healthy skin cover and adds a beautiful glow to the skin. It provides good coverage and looks very flattering. We would recommend this to those with normal to dry and sensitive skin as its consistency is slightly thick. The shade range is, however, a disappointment.
15. Neutrogena SkinClearing Complexion Perfector
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Blurs out minor imperfections
- Dermatologist tested
- Does not clog pores
- Sheer coverage
- Average staying power
Neutrogena SkinClearing Complexion Perfector Review
For those of you with active acne and acne-prone skin, this tinted moisturizer by Neutrogena might be of some help. It claims to fight acne while providing even coverage. It does blend easily into the skin and contains Salicylic Acid, which helps treat blemishes. Its consistency is creamy and nice, but its coverage is a little below average. This one’s available in 5 shades and is meant for acne-prone, sensitive skin.
*Product prices may vary
Read more about Tinted Moisturizer And Its benefits.
*Subject to Availability
How To Choose And Use The Best Tinted Moisturizer – Quick Tips
If you’re ready to take a step back from foundation, there are plenty of options. You need to consider factors like your skin type, your shade, and the issues your skin has (if any).
- Choose a tint that is closest to your skin shade for a more natural finish.
- Going double-duty with hydration is allowed – if you have very dry skin, use a moisturizer underneath your tinted moisturizer to keep your skin more hydrated. If you have oily skin, you could still use a water-based or an oil-free moisturizer.
- While picking a tinted moisturizer, always check what skin type it’s recommended for, to get the most out of it for your skin.
- If you’re going to be out in the sun, especially during summers, it’s best to use a separate SPF formula because the SPF in your tinted moisturizer might not be sufficient to protect your skin.
- When you apply a tinted moisturizer, using the warmth of your hands/fingers to blend the product will help boost the glow of your skin. So, if you wish, you can take a break from your brushes and sponges for this step.
- If you deal with issues like acne, age spots, and hyperpigmentation, applying concealer after you put on your tinted moisturizer will give you long-staying coverage with a brightening effect.
Now that you’ve taken a crash course on how to choose and apply a tinted moisturizer, we hope you love the way it makes your skin look and feel. Those were our picks of the best tinted moisturizers out there that have created some major buzz. Do you have a personal favorite? Share with us in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tinted moisturizers provide enough coverage for skin imperfections like blemishes or discoloration?
Tinted moisturizers offer light to medium coverage, making them suitable for evening out skin tone and minor imperfections like light blemishes or discoloration. However, they may not provide full coverage like a foundation, especially for more significant skin concerns .
How does a tinted moisturizer differ from a regular moisturizer or foundation?
Tinted moisturizers combine the benefits of a moisturizer and a light foundation, providing hydration and a sheer tint to even out the skin tone. Regular moisturizers focus solely on hydrating the skin, while foundations offer more coverage and are typically used to create a more even and flawless complexion.
Are tinted moisturizers non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging)?
Many tinted moisturizers are formulated to be non-comedogenic, meaning they are less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts. However, it’s essential to check the product label to ensure it is specifically labeled as non-comedogenic if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Can tinted moisturizers be used as a lightweight alternative to foundation during warmer months?
Tinted moisturizers are often used as a lightweight alternative to foundation, especially during warmer months when heavy makeup may feel uncomfortable. The moisturizer provides a natural and breathable coverage that evens out the skin tone while feeling lighter on the skin.
Can tinted moisturizers be used to achieve a dewy or matte finish, depending on my preference?
Yes, tinted moisturizers are available in various formulations to cater to different skin types and preferences. Some provide a dewy or radiant finish, adding a subtle glow to the skin, while others offer a more matte finish, helping to control excess oil and shine throughout the day.
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.