The best tinted moisturizers are the secret to a more radiant makeup finish. And if you haven’t already swapped your foundation for one, spring and summer are the perfect time to start. These pigmented hydrators serve as both skin deva and makeup, so you get both coverage and skin-boosting ingredients in one step. Whether you’re looking to conceal acne, even out discoloration, or hydrate areas of dryness, there’s a tinted formula here for you—from BB creams for redness to lightweight skin tints for no-makeup look. To help you find your perfect match, we consulted dermatologists and makeup artists and tapped Glamour editors for their favorites. Below, we found drugstore options, ones packed with SPF, formulas our testers with mature skin loved, and more.
Our top tinted moisturizers
- Best Overall: Laura Mercier Blurred Matte Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30), $50
- Best With SPF: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, $16
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen, $32
- Best for Deep Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $39
- Best for Mature Skin: Ilia Harika Serum Skin Tint (SPF 40), $48
Best Overall: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30)
.png)
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30)
Amazon
Blue Mercury
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Great shade range | Expensive |
| Controls excess oil and shine | |
| Blurs pores |
With 20 shades, built-in SPF 30, and French rose clay to absorb excess oil and blur pores, this formula earns our best overall title by delivering foundation-level coverage with a featherweight finish. It controls shine all day without going greasy, evens out skin tone and texture, conceals blemishes and redness, and blurs fine lines—making it a strong pick for anti-aging too. What pushes it to the top: It layers seamlessly with concealer, blush, and bronzer without pilling or creasing, and holds up through a full day of wear.
Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary says
“I wore this blurring tinted moisturizer in the blaring 80-degree sun of Florida during a recent trip to Disney, and it didn’t smudge, budge, or move throughout the day. It’s really lightweight but easy to build up, and I love that it only takes about two layers to get pretty much full coverage. This one is the most foundation-like of the bunch, and I’d definitely recommend using it if you want something to wear for a special occasion but don’t want to commit to a full-coverage beat.” — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Glamour UK commerce writer Shani Cohen says:
“The coverage is light to medium and buildable, so it evened everything out while still looking natural. It also worked really well with the rest of my makeup, layering nicely with concealer, bronzer, and blush. My only note is that it came up a little glowier on me than expected, so I added a touch of powder—but overall, it wore beautifully throughout the day.” —Shani Cohen, Glamour UK commerce writer
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: SPF, French rose clay
- Coverage: Light to medium
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best Lightweight With SPF: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
.png)
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Provides sheer coverage | The formula is a bit runny |
| Evens out skin tone | |
| Nongreasy |
What sets this formula apart as the best SPF pick is that the mineral zinc oxide protection actually feels like a tinted moisturizer, not a sunscreen. It has a zero white cast finish, applies just like a lightweight foundation, and controls oil for hours. A few layers fully conceal acne and discoloration without looking cakey. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t break you out.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This one did a great job of evening out my complexion without leaving behind shiny residue. It doesn’t suck up the oil too much or make my skin feel stripped or dry either. It blends in like a birçok tinted moisturizer and doesn’t leave any blotchiness or cast behind. This has already become a staple in my spring beauty routine, and I’m looking forward to wearing it well into the summer.” —A.M.K.
Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu says:
“Going off the texture alone, I would never guess that this is a zinc oxide formula. It feels so fluid and weightless, and I’m obsessed with the natural finish it leaves. This tinted sunscreen is sheer and forgiving—more like a blurring filter for your skin than a full-on foundation. On days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup but still want to even out my skin tone and give it a beautiful glow, I always reach for this.” —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide 20.9%
- Coverage: 40
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly | Not full coverage |
| Buildable coverage |
Tower28 SunnyDays SPF tinted sunscreen foundation won the 2022 Glamour Beauty Award for top clean foundation, but since it’s so lightweight, we consider it closer to a tinted moisturizer with built-in SPF. Here, it’s our favorite pick for sensitive skin types because it skips the typical sunscreen smell, blends in seamlessly without a white cast, and is accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it gentle enough for reactive skin types including those with eczema or rosacea.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says
“If I don’t feel like wearing a ton of makeup, I layer this one with blush and I’m good to go. I like that prickly pear and white sage extract in the formula additionally help protect skin from blue light and free radicals, respectively.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: SPF, prickly pear extract, aloe vera
- Coverage: Light
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Deep Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
.png)
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Blurs pores | Some reviewers crave more coverage |
| Matte finish |
This formula includes multiple cool, warm, and neutral undertones specifically developed for deeper complexions—something many tinted moisturizers get wrong. Beyond the range, dimethicone gives it a pore-blurring, skin-smoothing finish, while glycerin locks in hydration without adding shine. It evens out discoloration like hyperpigmentation and builds to a medium-coverage finish that conceals acne scars and pimples, as well as hyperpigmentation which is often a concern for dark skin. “I like this one for everyday wear because it blurs the pores of my nose and cheeks yet is üstün lightweight so I don’t feel like I’m wearing a ton of makeup,” says licensed esthetician and makeup artist Ivey Rogers.
Glamour senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers says
“This might be my favorite skin tint. It was light but still had full coverage. I’ve found that tinted moisturizers can feel oily or greasy, especially with oily prone skin—but not this one. It was buildable, blended well with my other products, and stayed matte the entire time. It didn’t crease at all, even in 80-plus-degree weather. It reminded me of Fenty’s Pro Filter Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, but less heavy. It’s perfect for a girls’ night out in the summertime. Another plus? It’s small enough to keep in your purse!” —Jazmin Gathers, Glamour senior social media manager
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin
- Coverage: Light
- Size: 1.08 fl. oz.
Best for Redness: Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Korean Tinted Moisturizer
.png)
.png)
Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Korean Tinted Moisturizer
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Great coverage | Hard to find in stock |
| Blends beautifully | Not a big selection of shade ranges |
| High SPF offering |
What makes this formula work for acne-prone skin is the niacinamide and glycerin combination: niacinamide hydrates without making skin overly dewy and has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm active breakouts, while glycerin smooths the skin barrier without clogging pores. This thick tinted moisturizer quickly conceals redness, bumps, and blemishes with just a layer or two. Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, likes this formula because it combines niacinamide to hydrate without leaving the skin overly dewy, plus glycerin to smooth the skin barrier. It also contains color-correcting pigments to even out discoloration and make skin appear more even-toned, matte, and fresh.
Glamour UK’s Cohen says:
“This was easily my favorite tinted moisturizer of the lot. It blended in so easily, gave me really decent coverage, and made my skin look so healthy. The kind of finish that makes you do a double-take in the mirror” —S.C.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, adenosine
- Coverage: Medium
- Size: 3.7 fl. oz.
Best for Dry Skin: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
.png)
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| SPF 30 | Pricey |
| Provides sheer coverage |
This formula genuinely hydrates throughout the day without leaving skin greasy or making coverage break down. Squalane delivers moisture without causing shine, botanicals soothe redness and absorb sebum, and the mineral SPF 30 adds sun protection without the typical heaviness. It builds to medium coverage, conceals redness well, and maintains a natural matte finish that doesn’t tip into dryness or flaking by midday. “This tinted moisturizer conceals redness well and has mineral sunscreen,” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Mudgil Dermatology.
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley says:
“This is one of the few products that didn’t cause breakouts when my skin was extra temperamental as a teen and again during pregnancy. I like that it offers a little bit more coverage than your average tinted moisturizer.” —Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, SPF 30
- Coverage: Light to medium
- Size: 1.18 fl. oz.
Best for Mature Skin: Ilia Üstün Serum Skin Tint (SPF 40)
.png)
Ilia Muhteşem Serum Skin Tint (SPF 40)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| SPF 40 | Formula is runny |
| Noncomedogenic |
We love this skin tint for mature skin types because it includes zinc oxide to deliver broad-spectrum SPF 40, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide which work together to hydrate, soften, and soothe—ingredients that directly address the concerns mature skin deals with most, from dryness to uneven tone. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology shares that the lightweight tinted moisturizer provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin. The formula is a bit runny at first, but it dries down to a medium coverage build that lasts all day and helps blur and conceal fine lines and wrinkles.
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine says:
“It feels like a foundation. And it provided excellent coverage for my skin imperfections. My age spots were seriously taken down a notch. And with the serum’s nourishing skin deva ingredients, my skin had an amazing gleam and bounce when I wore it. But since it’s like a foundation, I needed a little time to beat it down and apply a bit of powder. I couldn’t exactly slap this on and zip out the door.” —Charlotte Twine, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Coverage: Light
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Oily Skin: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint
Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint
Sephora
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Great coverage | You have to shake the formula because it separates |
| Velvety smooth formula | |
| Plumps skin |
For oily skin, we love this pick that hydrates without being occlusive, delivering moisture without contributing to shine. Vegan collagen peptides plump and smooth fine lines, ceramides lock in long-lasting hydration, and antioxidant-boosting cactus extract helps even out discoloration and dark spots. The texture is an absolute dream (comfortable, light, fresh), and makes skin look radiant without excess grease. It also contains squalane, which is a great ingredient for oily skin types as it hydrates without being occlusive, for a lightweight veil of moisture.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says
“The coverage is a beautiful medium-to-almost-full with just a few layers, and it simply glides onto the skin like butter. It dries really quickly and plays well with lots of other makeup products, everything from concealers to cream blushes. It stays put all day long, too, and keeps the skin hydrated and fresh, without a crease or crack in sight.” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Vegan collagen peptides, ceramides, cactus extract, squalane
- Coverage: Medium
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
Most Long-Wearing: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint
.png)
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint
Amazon
Sephora
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Very hydrating | Pricey for the size |
| Plays well with other makeup products |
Apply this skin tint it in the morning and it won’t smudge, skip, or oxidize by evening. This lightweight gel skin tint is suitable for all skin types. The 12-hour formulation blends hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and blue agave extract to keep the skin hydrated and radiant all day. The jelly-like texture dries to a matte yet glowy finish that keeps skin looking blurred and smooth even through a full workday or long night out.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says
“It’s lightweight, feels cooling upon application, and stays in place all day long. I have combination skin that sometimes gets very oily in spots, so I was hesitant at first to try this because of how many hydrators it contains. The truth is, though, it has a jelly-like consistency that dries down to a matte yet glowy finish that keeps my skin looking blurred and smooth all day long, with little room for oily spots to crop up. I was also harika impressed with the longevity of this pick; it lasted through a 12-hour workday with just a bit of concealer and powder” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane
- Coverage: Light to medium
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Glow: Bobbi Brown Vitamin-Enriched Skin Tinted Moisturizer
.png)
Bobbi Brown Vitamin-Enriched Skin Tinted Moisturizer
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Wide shade range | We wish it higher SPF |
| long-lasting coverage |
This glowing formula includes a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and provitamin D, which work together to brighten, protect against free radicals, and give skin a lit-from-within luminosity that lasts for hours without tipping into greasiness. This luxurious tinted moisturizer is lightweight, hydrating, and buildable. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, and cactus flower extract strengthens the skin barrier—making it a strong pick for anyone looking to plump and minimize the appearance of fine lines while getting their glow on.
Glamour contributor Regina Hickerson says:
“The consistency was a little thin and required me to use more product than I normally do, but it works well if you’re looking for light coverage. The finish was a bit dewy; however, I was still able to achieve a matte look by applying powder. It definitely works for running quick errands or for a natural look. Although it was light coverage, I didn’t have to reapply it throughout the day, so the wear is great.” —Regina Hickerson, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
- Coverage: Light
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
The tinted moisturizers we tested but didn’t include
- Another tinted moisturizer we tested was the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation, which has buildable coverage that blurs and hides texture. It contains squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, and rambutan to give skin a healthy glow. While we liked the texture, it felt more like a foundation than a tinted moisturizer, so we removed it from the list.
- The Tarte Maracuja Tinted Moisturizer was another formula we put to the test. It’s easy to blend, gentle on sensitive skin types, and provides a long-wear matte finish. It also helps cancel out redness and inflammation with turmeric, making it great for acne-prone skin. We ultimately cut it from the list because the consistency is just a bit too messy, and it easily seeped out of the bottle when we stored it.
Frequently asked questions
How to use and apply a tinted moisturizer
“The best time to apply tinted moisturizer is in the morning after washing your face and applying face serums if this is part of your routine,” says Dr. Stull. “Those with drier skin may choose to apply a regular moisturizer prior to tinted moisturizer, although this may not be necessary for oilier skin types. Application of tinted moisturizer can be followed by concealer for extra coverage in particular areas, bronzer, and blush.”
Additional makeup is totally optional, though. “The beauty of tinted moisturizer is that it’s really all you might need, especially on days you don’t want to wear makeup. It’s a great all-in-one,” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Mudgil Dermatology, who also advises choosing tinted moisturizer with SPF if you’re not wearing sunscreen otherwise.
As for how to apply it? “With your fingertips is actually perfectly fine, though a makeup brush could help provide a more even finish,” says Dr. Mudgil. It’s simply a matter of personal preference.
Is tinted moisturizer better for your skin?
Maybe. Tinted moisturizer is possibly better for your skin than other heavier foundation options, because they often contain hydrating skin deva ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to help deeply hydrate skin, according to the dermatologists we spoke with. They also often contain SPF, which you don’t usually see in foundations, which makes them a better choice in warmer weather when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
What’s the difference between tinted moisturizer and foundation?
As for what differentiates tinted moisturizer from other types of makeup? “Tinted moisturizers offer lighter coverage in comparison with classic foundation preparations,” says Dr. Mudgil. “They are basically a foundation and moisturizer hybrid, which is perfect for days when full-on makeup isn’t needed or desired.”
What’s the difference between tinted moisturizer, BB cream, and skin tint?
“Tinted moisturizers are an excellent everyday alternative to foundation, offering lightweight, natural coverage. They effectively even out skin tone, reduce redness, and blur blemishes without feeling heavy,” says Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist in NYC. BB creams, on the other hand, may provide a bit more coverage and often have more skin deva ingredients, such as SPF, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, which can protect your skin barrier.
You’ll also often see the terms “tinted moisturizer” and “skin tint” used interchangeably. And for the most part, they are quite similar. The main difference? Tinted moisturizer typically includes more hydrating ingredients, while a skin tint focuses on ingredients that provide coverage and protection, such as SPF, according to the makeup artists we spoke with.
How to apply tinted moisturizer on mature skin and aging skin
Spickard recommends using less product and building up slowly. “Pump one to two pumps of the product onto the back of the hand and, using your ring finger, tap into the product and then apply directly to the face—center of forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Then gently use your fingers to buff the product in,” he says. “And remember, less is more!”
Are there any disadvantages to tinted moisturizer?
No, according to the experts we spoke with. Some may have less coverage than your typical foundation, but that can be easily remedied by pairing your tinted moisturizer with a good concealer.
We put more than a dozen tinted moisturizers to the test, separating the best from the rest based on their ingredients, texture, coverage, and longevity.
| Ingredients | Texture and Coverage | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| We looked for hydrating skin deva ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to help lock in moisture for hours. Some even contained skin-brightening elements like antioxidants and vitamins E and C to make skin appear less dull. | We selected ones with lightweight, radiant finishes that absorbed into the skin quickly and had medium to full coverage. These helped conceal dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. | Our favorite products lasted all day without the need for touch-ups. They also played well with everything from concealers to cream blushes; some even had sun protection. |
Meet the experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
- Carolyn Stull, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
- Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology in New York
- Kasey Spickard, NYC-based celebrity makeup artist
- Kelli Anne Sewell, NYC-based makeup artist
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Ivey Rogers, licensed esthetician and makeup artist
