Whether you’re looking for dewy skin, oil-free coverage, or some good, old-fashioned Anti-UV, the best tinted moisturizer with SPF to protect you (and your face).These multipurpose products check all the beauty boxes, providing plenty of moisture, sheer to medium lightweight coverage, and SPF Two in one, making them an easy-to-use must-have in every grooming routine.
“Tinted moisturizers are products that hydrate the skin by hydrating it, while also providing some tinted coverage to help naturally conceal blemishes and even out the appearance of skin tone and texture,” Marisa Garshick, MD, board certified dermatologist MDCS Dermatology, Tell charm. “In some cases, tinted moisturizers may also offer UV protection, in which case they’ll be labeled with SPF. This is a great multitasker for anyone who doesn’t like heavy or heavy makeup product because it can often provide some light coverage without adding an extra step to your routine.”
Makeup artists are fans too. “Tinted moisturizers are great for anyone on the go—they’re easy to apply with your fingers and activate with the warmth of your skin,” says the hairdresser and makeup artist Dani Katz. “They’re known for their soft coverage, but they still give you that healthy glow we all know and crave. I especially like using them during the day because many have SPF.”
Our top picks:
Best Overall Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30,$53
Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer: Maybelline New York Dream BB Cream, $9
Best Tinted Moisturizers for Mature Skin: Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer, $80
Best Tinted Moisturizers For Acne-Prone Skin: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $37
Best Tinted Moisturizers For All Skin Types: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF, $49
How is tinted moisturizer different from foundation or tinted sunscreen?
Similarly, a tinted moisturizer with SPF is not a foundation or tinted sunscreen-They’re more like what skin care does to both. “Tinted moisturizers are formulated to hydrate and nourish skin while providing softer, more natural coverage,” says Azadeh Shirazi, MDboard certified dermatologist La Jolla Dermatology“They’re different from makeup in that they’re more water-based than oil-based, and the formula is lighter. I think of them as skincare with a light tint.” You can basically think of them as Multi-Purpose Moisturizernot makeup or sunscreen that happens to be hydrating.
Tinted moisturizers also vary in coverage and finish. “Tinted Body Cream is a light, sheer, nourishing and moisturizing blend that Basics and Skin Care.This product is all about the no-makeup look and is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their skin looking like skin,” says professional makeup artist Nick Lujan Tell charm. “This has the benefit of having a natural skin-like finish with just enough coverage to balance out minor redness and concerns.”
Which tinted moisturizer is right for my skin type?
The best tinted moisturizer for you depends on what you want from the product.if you have sensitive skinFor example, Dr. Garshick encourages choosing a fragrance-free formula to minimize the potential for irritation or sensitivity.If you are looking for extra moisture or have mature skin, she recommends moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid; skin-soothing ingredients like niacinamide, green tea extract, and aloe vera; emollients like squalane to soften and soothe the skin; and barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides . “Additionally, some products with antioxidant benefits are especially helpful for those with mature skin, providing extra protection against free radical damage throughout the day,” says Dr. Garshick.
