If you’re someone who wants to perfect a no-makeup makeup look, you’ll need to know how to apply tinted moisturizer. These hybrid complexion products are known for giving glowy, light-to-medium coverage while also delivering major skin deva benefits (you’ll often see hydrators like hyaluronic acid or anti-inflammatory niacinamide listed on the bottle). Learning how to apply one correctly can make all the difference in the longevity of your look, even if it’s more minimal compared with a full beat.
Below, we asked makeup artists and dermatologists to weigh in on all of your complexion questions, including how to find the perfect formula for your skin type, application tips, and more. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to radiant, lit-from-within skin that lasts all day long and leaves your skin feeling moisturized.
How to choose the right tinted moisturizer
With the plethora of tinted moisturizers available (we’re talking lightweight skin tints, sticks, SPF formulas, and more), figuring out the right one for you can be overwhelming. First up, remember that this isn’t a full-coverage foundation. Instead, think of it as “your skin but better” and expect a natural finish. You might still see some texture, but it’ll even out your skin tone, add a little tint, and deliver a good dose of moisture.
Make müddet you know what works best with your skin type. “Each product will offer a unique formula and a specific finish,” says Neil Scibelli, a celebrity makeup artist. “Understanding your skin and what the product offers will help you make the right decision when purchasing.” If you deal with occasional flaking, you likely have dry skin. If your complexion gets slick by the end of the day, especially in the T-zone and around the nose, you have oily skin. If you deal with both dry patches and oiliness on different parts of your face, you have combination skin.
Once you’ve determined your skin type, also make mühlet you’re asking yourself what you really want in a tinted moisturizer. Does your skin need extra moisture because of dehydration? Is SPF a main factor for you? These are all questions Scibelli says to think about.
If you have dry skin, any tinted moisturizer will provide hydration, but keep an eye out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to replenish and lock in moisture. A water-based skin tint will provide light coverage while nourishing dry patches or flakes (bonus if they have SPF for sun protection).
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30)
QVC
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Amazon
Oily skin types should opt for a mattifying or gel formula to keep shine at bay. Look for ingredients like kaolin clay that help absorb excess oil, and mattify and blur skin. It’s also key to look for tinted moisturizers labeled as noncomedogenic if you have oily or acne-prone skin, as it won’t cause congestion.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Blurred Matte (SPF 30)
Amazon
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Dr.Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm (SPF 40)
Amazon
Sensitive skin types will appreciate nourishing ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides. Especially if you’re prone to redness, rosacea, or dry patches, niacinamide can help calm and soothe, evening out skin tone and texture. Ceramides, on the other hand, deeply nourish and retain moisture, which balances out dry patches.
Can I wear tinted moisturizer instead of foundation?
“Since tinted moisturizers tend to be lighter, more breathable, and less likely to feel heavy or cakey throughout the day, they’re an excellent foundation alternative,” says Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology. She recommends them if you wear makeup daily because it provides sheer coverage while letting your skin breathe underneath.
But if you’re going for a full-glam finish, a foundation is best. “If someone has a lot of discoloration, acne, melasma, or simply wants a full-coverage look that lasts all day and night, tinted moisturizer alone may not be enough,” says Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a makeup artist based in New Jersey. Though, Ventre agrees that tinted moisturizer is a great skin care–makeup hybrid for an everyday natural finish.
What is the best way to apply a tinted moisturizer?
Of course, you want to start any makeup routine with a clean face. You can even think of this as an extension of your skin deva routine. If you like using a serum, moisturizer, or primer, go in with one of those first, followed by your SPF (always!). Though some tinted moisturizers do have sunscreen in them, you’re likely not applying enough on your skin to get the full sun-protection value. So for extra protection, add your favorite facial sunscreen (the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a water-resistant broad-spectrum SPF of at least SPF 30). For primers, opt for a gel formula that will leave your skin smooth, hydrated, and ready for makeup. Then it’s time for the star of the show: your tinted moisturizer.
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e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Amazon
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Primer
Amazon
Start by putting a small amount of tinted moisturizer (you can always add more—buildable coverage FTW) either on the back of your hand or directly onto your face. Grab your favorite foundation brush or makeup sponge, or even use your fingers to rub it in. “I’ll typically apply a tinted moisturizer with a synthetic foundation brush first to distribute the product evenly,” says Scibelli. He focuses on layering, building from light coverage to fuller coverage as needed.
Apply in upward and circular motions. “I typically apply a tinted moisturizer in an upward motion,” he says. If you have some hyperpigmentation, breakouts, blemishes, or dark circles to cover up or you want some extra brightening power, this is where a concealer steps in: “Then I’ll go in with a concealer and conceal any spots that are peeking through the tinted moisturizer,” he says.
If you prefer lighter and more sheer coverage, “sponges can be a great option,” Scibelli says, as makeup sponges can soak up some of the product. “You can also do a final blend with a sponge evvel you’ve initially applied the tinted moisturizer to your skin, if needed,” he says, which helps diffuse the product for an airbrushed, skin-like finish.
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Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush
Amazon
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Beautyblender Original Sponge
Amazon
Wondering if you should top your tinted moisturizer with a setting powder? It depends on your skin type and what you’re looking for in your makeup. “Applying a powder over a tinted moisturizer is something I recommend to anyone who is looking to set their makeup for longer wear, for a slightly less dewy finish, or to control oil in their T-zone,” says Scibelli.
If you decide to set with a powder, use it sparingly. “I personally like to target where the powder is going so the skin still looks multidimensional,” Scibelli says. “I will typically powder more of the center of the face, like the center of the brows and around the nose and mouth area.” This way your face won’t look too matte, but you’ll still get long wear.
One Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Amazon
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Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder
Amazon
Once your base is set, it’s time to play with the rest of your makeup and get out the door. For a quick and easy look, a touch of bronzer, blush, and mascara can do the trick: “I think cream blushes are the perfect balmy finish to top off a tinted moisturizer,” says Scibelli. If you like a more bronzed look, you can even add a liquid bronzer like Saie Dew Bronze into your tinted moisturizer when you’re applying, he recommends.
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Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal
Nordstrom
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Saie Dew Bronze Liquid Bronzer
Amazon
Meet the experts
- Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, makeup artist based in New Jersey
- Neil Scibelli, celebrity makeup artist
