The best tinted moisturizers are multitaskers that rise to the challenge of hydrating and protecting your skin from sun damage, while also helping you look even and radiant in the process. The viral no-makeup makeup look is one aesthetic so many have tried to replicate, and having the right products is key. If you want glowing skin without the heavy coverage of a full foundation, you may want to consider adding a high-quality tinted moisturizer to your skin-care routine.
What exactly is a tinted moisturizer?
“The simplest way to think of tinted moisturizer is as a regular moisturizer plus pigment,” says Uchenna Okereke, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston. Depending on your skin needs, the pigment could be used for color correction or simply to add a glow to your natural skin tone.
They come in many forms, the simplest being a face moisturizer with an added skin tint that can feel like a light foundation, and usually some SPF component. There are also makeup/skin-care products like BB creams and CC creams that share the hydrating properties of a moisturizer and the blurring, color-correcting effects of a sheer foundation.
What should you think about when shopping for a tinted moisturizer?
Skin type
When you’re choosing a tinted moisturizer, a good place to start is with your skin type, Dr. Okereke says. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, go for one that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic (i.e., it’s been formulated to avoid clogging pores). Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli recommends a mattifying formula for anyone with oily skin. “Silicones like dimethicone are commonly used in tinted moisturizers,” he says. “They combat shine by creating a barrier over the pores and absorbing oil.”
If you have ultra-sensitive skin, steer clear of fragrances and harsh ingredients that could cause irritation, like alcohol or witch hazel. For normal, combination, or dry skin, Dr. Okereke recommends tinted moisturizers with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane. “Niacinamide is also becoming popular in tinted moisturizers because it’s great for evening out the skin tone and calming redness,” Scibelli tells SELF. Acne? Look for one with salicylic acid, which helps to control oil production and breakouts.
Sun protection
You’ll want to find added SPF benefits in your tinted moisturizer. They typically range from SPF 15 to SPF 45. It’s important to remember that, while many of these products do have some element of sunscreen protection, you probably don’t want to stop there. Dermatologists recommend that people wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They also note that, while BB creams and CC creams can provide some sun protection, you’re still going to get the best coverage (especially if you’ll be in the sun for extended periods of time) if you layer a dedicated sunscreen on top.
If you’re ready to add tinted moisturizer to your morning routine, here are some of the best tinted moisturizers that come with the seal of approval from dermatologists and makeup artists, from brands like BareMinerals, Laura Mercier, ILIA, Glossier, and Nars.