Makeup is amazing. You probably love it if you’re reading this. But no matter what, sometimes, wearing a foundation is a hassle. It can feel heavy, clog your pores, and just be too much. And when that is the case, makeup takes a back seat, and comfort is at the forefront. There is nothing worse than blending your makeup to perfection and then having it cake up, feel gross, or melt off.
If you relate to any of this, it may be time to dial back the heavier makeup routine and go with a glowy and lightweight feel. You want to let your skin breathe. You still want to protect yourself from the sun and conceal any breakouts or unevenness you may have. And there is a way to do it all… Tinted moisturizers are your skin’s BFF.
Nearly every brand around makes one, but some are definitely better than others. And one that may do wonders for you would be miserable on your sister. So let’s dive into the best and worst tinted moisturizers for you to indulge in.
One of the more affordable options is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint (Shop here). This won the Allure Best in Beauty Award. It is surprisingly thick and creamy for a tinted moisturizer but still feels lightweight on the skin and provides decent coverage. It has hyaluronic acid, which is a super moisturizing ingredient and is said to improve your skin. It feels hydrating, which makes it ideal for combination to dry skin types. Although oily gals may want to steer clear because it does not help cut down on the shine. The downsides, though; there is no SPF in this, the packaging is a nightmare, and there are only ten super cool or warm shades. So if you are neutral or very deep, you will likely have a hard time finding your shade match. But because this is so well-rated, hopefully, Neutrogena will amp up the packaging (praying for a squeeze tube) and extend this pathetic shade range.
This was one of the first tinted moisturizers around. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil-free with SPF 20 (Shop here) is ideal for oily skin. The coverage is definitely on the more sheer side, but it gives you a natural glow while still maintaining oil control. You can also top it with a touch of powder or setting spray to lock it in even more. It does contain decent sun protection, comes in a squeeze tube, and comes in 20 versatile shades, as well as a mini size for travel. The only downfall is that it is nearly $50, but then again, it is almost two ounces of product which is much more than most coverage products so, it will last a long while.
Another Allure Beauty Winner is the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer (Shop here). This is ideal for dry-skinned ladies as it is a gel-cream formula. It has an SPF of 30 and comes in 20 shades. It also provides your skin with ample hydration to last all day long. This is a beautiful product for those who are aging as well. It is lightweight, so it won’t settle into lines or wrinkles. Plus, it gives you a youthful glow.
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint (Shop here) is a winner for the lightest coverage but the lowest maintenance. This comes in 12 shades but is such sheer coverage that it is very forgiving. This product is not like the others in that it doesn’t actually conceal imperfections. It just gives your skin an all-over evenness and glow. It is not for those with oily skin as it stays a bit tacky on the skin and doesn’t set, nor is it for those looking for decent coverage. It really just looks like skin only a bit better. It works best when applied with your fingertips which means there is no need for a brush or sponge – ideal for gals on the go or the lazy makeup lovers. There is no SPF in this, so you may want to pull that into your routine in another format. But, if lightweight no-makeup makeup is your game, this is the winning product.
The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 (Shop here) brightens dull or uneven skin instantly. With 16 shades of this lightweight tinted moisturizer, you should be able to find a decent match. With this, you also get close to 2 oz of product and a nice level of sun protection. If you are new to the tinted moisturizer world, this is a great one to get your toes wet. It is thin and lightweight, enhances your skin, and gives you a glow everyone will be asking you about. This is also suitable for most skin types, just maybe not if you are super far on the oily or dry spectrum. It is another pricier one, but the thirst for an awesome tinted moisturizer is real.
Finally, more of an indie brand has released quite the product. The W3LL PEOPLE Bio Tint Moisturising Foundation SPF 30 (Shop here) is for those who are looking for the best of natural cosmetics. This formula is non-toxic, organic, vegan, sustainable, gluten-free, and has so much more goodness. It hydrates, brightens, smooths, and is free from pretty much everything that you try to avoid in your makeup and skincare. With that, using natural products can be a little less convenient for some. It just depends on your priorities. Natural products often separate, have a shorter shelf life, and can cause allergic reactions. So always check the ingredients for anything you’re sensitive to. But if organic makeup brings a smile to your face, this is the tinted moisturizer for you.
