Tinted Moisturizer Reviews
I’m a big fan of tinted moisturizers. A lighter, more breathable option than traditional foundation, tinted moisturizers can bring coverage, hydration, and sometimes even SPF to your daily wear makeup routine. If you’re wondering what are the best tinted moisturizers out there to try, you’ve come to the right place. Here, I’ll be sharing the best tinted moisturizers I’ve tried, including formulas suitable for acne prone or sensitive skin.
Tinted Moisturizer vs. Foundation
First things first — is tinted moisturizer better than foundation? This kind of comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize coverage over breathability, then tinted moisturizers are probably not what you’re looking for. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a lightweight, hydrating base layer, then these products are probably the way to go.
Sunscreen with Tinted Moisturizer
Personally, I use tinted moisturizer as foundation, generally on top of a base layer of sunscreen. While it is generally a good idea to use a dedicated sunscreen beyond a tinted moisturizer with SPF, most of my favorites do wind up offering some sun protection.
The Best Tinted Moisturizers
The Best Tinted Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin:
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
As far as acne prone skin goes, I really love the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. This product comes in a huge array of shades and is exceedingly lightweight, providing a truly natural finish. The Ilia tinted moisturizer has hyaluronic acid and squalane oil in it, as well, both of which promote hydration in the skin. This formula is fragrance-free and offers sun screen coverage of mineral SPF 40. Pair it with or without a powder foundation and you’re good to go.
Available at Amazon, the Ilia website, Nordstrom, Revolve, and Sephora.
The Best Tinted Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30
While I definitely have acne prone skin, I tend to identify my skin concerns more as sensitive than anything else. For sensitive skin, the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a great option. Offering buildable but natural coverage, this formula is rather long-lasting and offers a natural finish. I particularly like this one for the warmer months, as I find it stays put pretty well with a light powder.
Available at Bloomingdale’s, the Laura Mercier website, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, and Shopbop.
The Best Tinted Moisturizer with Coverage:
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
If coverage is more of a concern for you, you may like the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue. A tinted moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and mineral SPF 30 sun protection, this is still a lighter coverage product but more of a cream base that, in my experience, offers greater coverage than the others listed here. A vegan formula with a natural finish, this bareMinerals option also features squalane oil, one of my favorite skincare ingredients!
Available at Amazon, the bareMinearls website, Macy’s, Sephora, Ulta.
If you’re interested in more beauty deep dives,
be sure to check out my guide to the best daily sunscreens here!
*This post was originally published on November 13, 2022. It was most recently updated on March 10, 2024.
1 Comments