Even the most fervent makeup maximalists want an effortless “no makeup makeup” look sometimes. For an even, radiant complexion that delivers a your-skin-but-better glow in seconds, there’s no denying the power of a good tinted moisturizer.
Tinted moisturizers experienced a huge resurgence during the COVID pandemic, as work-from-home routines become mainstream and heavier traditional foundations took a back seat. As such, they’ve moved from a summertime-only staple to a year-round essential.
What is a tinted moisturizer?
Think of a tinted moisturizer as a happy medium between a moisturizer and a foundation. The majority of formulas have sheer to light coverage—the goal is an even complexion with a hint of color that’s glowing and natural. It won’t replace your foundation if you’re looking to mask imperfections such as blemishes or dark spots. You’ll find various ingredients across different tinted moisturizers, but most formulas contain hydrating, nourishing and skin-softening properties.
Should tinted moisturizer replace your regular moisturizer?
Dry and dehydrated skin types should think of tinted moisturizers as an extra dose of hydration. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid and squalane and natural to dewy finishes to keep skin looking bouncy. Oilier skin types may be tempted to forgo moisturizer in favor of tinted moisturizer too, but not enough moisture makes skin oilier. The key is in the formula. Look for an oil-free tinted moisturizer with a natural or semi-matte-to matte finish, and salicylic acid and niacinamide in the ingredient list.
The Best 18 Tinted Moisturizers
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