The best tinted moisturisers that pair skincare benefits with a wash of coverage
After much testing, our beauty team shares detailed reviews of the best tinted moisturisers to suit various skin types and budgets
Jess Beech
In an era of skindations and skincare-makeup hybrids, the best tinted moisturisers were the innovation that kickstarted the category, pairing pigment with a hydrating, moisturising base. These lightweight and comfortable bases offer far more lightweight than foundation, but will still add a wash of "something" to your complexion. And for those in the market, we've reviewed dozens to compile this detailed guide to the best.
Lightweight finishes aside, tinted moisturisers also excel in the skincare benefits department, particularly when compared to even the best foundations. “A good tinted moisturiser should contain moisturising heroes like hyaluronic acid as well as SPF,” says pro makeup artist Hannah Martin. Makeup artist, brand founder and beauty expert Ruby Hammer MBE agrees they are ideal for those who don't want much coverage because they're so lightweight. "Some people change to tinted moisturiser in the summer as it’s more breathable, but if you don’t like the feel of foundation you could happily wear a tinted moisturiser all year round."
Their spreadable consistency also means tinted moisturisers tend to span a wider shade range than foundation, which requires a closer match. "Tinted moisturisers work across all skin types thanks to the availability of [regular] and oil-free varieties," Martin continues. "They’re best-suited to those looking to achieve a minimal makeup look with plenty of glow." As Black Friday and Cyber Monday draw ever-nearer, now is a great time to invest – ahead is our beauty team's curated guide to the best tinted moisturisers on the market.
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The best tinted moisturisers, reviewed by our beauty team
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £14.99 | Number of shades: 10 | Finish: Satin | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
At the risk of sounding like fan girls, L’Oréal Paris is the name behind some of our favourite beauty launches of all time. Pure Retinol Night Serum has been a fixture on our bedside tables since we first tried it, not to mention the Wonder Water liquid conditioner. All this is to say our expectations were high hopes for this makeup base –and we weren't disappointed.
We found the True Match Serum to be as though L'Oréal has taken the best bits of their iconic hyaluronic acid serum (another favourite) and infused the formula with a tint of colour. The result? Sheer, gorgeous coverage. We loved the lightweight fee on our skinl, thanks to the serum consistency, while the inclusion of 1% hyaluronic acid left our skin feeling and looking plump, hydrated and happy. Not only is it the most affordable buy on this list, it’s also our overall best tinted moisturiser. In a word, we think it's brilliant.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Not the most premium or luxurious-feeling
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £38 for 50ml | Number of shades: 15 | Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Pentavitin, rice bran
We absolutely love Ultra Violette's rebranding of the sunscreen category as something exciting and joyous to wear, rather than a run-of-the-mill daily essential – so we had high hopes for their tinted SPF. There’s a satisfying amount of coverage here, which worked such wonders on our dark circles that we were briefly forgot whether or not we’d already applied concealer.
The texture is slightly greasy, but that’s something we expected to be part-and-parcel of such a formula containing this high level of SPF. We found it's particularly great on dry skin or when we wanted to create a dewy makeup look, but when that wasn't the case, a wash of powder was enough to dial down any shine. We were impressed to see a 15-strong shade range, too, considering the brand doesn’t specialise in colour cosmetic). These shades also span a wide spectrum, so there's reasonably good inclusivity here, too (though it would be great to see more shade options in future).
Pros
- Good level of coverage
- Fairly good choice of shades (though could be improved further)
- Comes with the added bonus of SPF
Cons
- Texture is slightly greasy
Reviewed by: Jess Beech
RRP: £42 for 30ml | Number of shades: 12 | Finish: Healthy | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid
The phrase “skin tint” hits the nail on the head for this formula, in our opinion, as the product feels more about subtly correcting and unifying the tone of your skin over adding much in the way of coverage. We initially approached the packaging with caution, as the tapered nib on the squeezy bottle (combined with its name) made us think it would be very runny. But when it came down to it, we were pleasantly surprised to find it less fluid than expected.
Once applied, we found the finish to be nice and glowy, making a subtle difference to our skin that was enough to perk up a tired complexion somewhat. It's possible to build it in areas of redness or discolouration with a brush; our preferred method is to use our hand as a palette. This tinted buy is a real must-try for thirstier skin, as we found the hyaluronic acid and squalane-based formula delivers a quick dose of hydration to the skin. There's a good, broad shade range here, too. All in all, one of the best sheer tinted moisturisers available.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Healthy-looking finish
- Sheer coverage
Cons
- Coverage won't be sufficient for all
Reviewed by: Jess Beech
RRP: £30 for 30ml | Number of shades: 20 | Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, mallow
It’s not often that we try a product and immediately fall in love. Usually, it takes a few days of testing it in different lights alongside other products before deciding whether it’s a keeper. But this tinted moisturiser changed all that. A silky, creamy base, it blends in like butter, delivering a dewy (not wet) finish that instantly makes you look and feel more polished.
In terms of coverage, it’s a little heavier than some of the others we’ve tried, but it doesn’t feel heavy. It feels barely-there and can easily be built up in layers to deliver your desired coverage without ever looking caked on. To blend, we’d recommend using a stippling brush before pressing the product in with your fingertips – the warmth really helps it to melt into the skin. Overall, this is a must-try for anyone and – especially those who keen to step away from their best full coverage foundation but don't want to go too sheer.
Pros
- Buildable formula
- Light-to-medium coverage
- Soft radiant finish
- Aesthetically pleasing tube packaging
Cons
- On the pricier side for the size
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £39 for 50ml | Number of shades: 16 | Finish: Radiant | Key ingredients: Vitamin C derivative, French Polynesian kopara, glycerin
Weighing up foundation vs tinted moisturiser? This NARS option might prove a happy medium. A slightly higher level of coverage makes this one of the best tinted moisturiser options if you’re used to a full-on foundation. It’s also buildable, so you can start with one light layer and add more to those areas where you want a bit more opacity. Sun protection is always a bonus and the broad spectrum SPF 30 included didn't give us that dreaded ghost face in flash photography.
It gives enough glow to make your skin look wide-awake and well-rested – even if you're surviving on significantly less than eight hours of sleep and haven't eaten vegetables in over a week. The finish is soft satin and it wears well, too, so you're not left wondering where it's gone by 10am. This is a tried and trusted favourite loved by many a beauty editor – and for good reason.
Pros
- Healthy-looking finish
- Decent level of coverage for a tinted moisturiser
- SPF is added bonus
Cons
- Won't suit those who like a somewhat matte finish
Reviewed by: Jess Beech
RRP: £55 for 30ml | Number of shades: 8 | Finish: Radiant | Key ingredients:
When Chanel’s Water Fresh Tint first landed on our shelves back in 2019, it caused quite the fanfare. Beauty enthusiasts everywhere wanted in on this new-gen formulation, which features micro-droplets of encapsulated pigment to deliver a second-skin finish. A far cry from overly made-up "Insta-glam" look, this base offered a natural-looking and feeling alternative.
Since launching, many other brands have attempted to replicate the formula, but we still adore Chanel’s Water Fresh Tint. A great staple, we love this base for when we want to forgo foundation in favour of a fresh-faced glow. For an even finish, we suggest using the brush that’s included with the tint – it’s densely packed with super soft bristles to expertly buff the product in. Then, finish with a dab of the best cream blush for a healthy and radiant makeup look.
Pros
- Hydrating, fresh-feeling texture
- Easy to blend
- Moisturising formula
Cons
- Very expensive for the size
How we tested the best tinted moisturisers
A selection of the tinted moisturisers we tested for this guide
To separate the best from the rest, we tested each tinted moisturiser contender throughout the course of at least one day to assess not only how it looked on our skin, but how well it lasted, too. A range of products from affordable brands right up to high-end luxury buys were tested to ensure we'd tried as broad a range as possible. All of the following factors were considered when making our selections.
- Price: Spending more money doesn't necessarily mean better-performing products, though there are cases where higher-end buys are better quality. If a product was more expensive, that needed to reflect in the ingredient list, user experience and performance.
- Packaging: As well as looking the part, the product packaging should make it easy to dispense, mess- and hassle-free.
- Shade range: We assessed how easy it was to find our shade and noted how inclusive the shade range is.
- Ease of application: How to apply tinted moisturiser can vary from product to product in terms of the best approach. We tested these formulas with sponges, brushes and our fingertips to see just how well they could be applied and blended into the skin. Some worked best with fingertips, while others required a little more buffing in using one of the best foundation brushes.
- How well they lasted: We wanted to ensure that, despite being lightweight, these formulas stuck around fairly well and didn’t transfer or oxidise after several hours of wear.
How to choose the best tinted moisturiser for you
If you’re used to a full-coverage base, it can be a bit intimidating to swap over to something sheerer. Heather Jackson, Smashbox’s National Trainer and makeup artist, shared her top tips with us below.
- Choose carefully: Key factors will help you pick one that complements both your skin and desired look. "The three things to think about are coverage, finish and benefits" says Jackson. "Do you want it to be invisible, or lightly opaque? Do you prefer a matte or radiant finish? Look out for some skin-boosting benefits, too, like SPF, hydration or brightening ingredients to benefit the skin as you wear it."
- Shade match: Tinted moisturisers usually come in fewer shades as formulas are more flexible, meaning one shade can work on a few skin tones. Jackson recommends checking the brand's website when shopping online: "Most stores now have digital shade matching tools and online chat teams to help you navigate, or even better virtual try on." Findation is another very helpful site, which allows you to input known foundation shades to find your match from another brand.
- Prep the skin: As with most things, the success lies in the prep. "Even the best tinted moisturiser will need a primer; be sure to use one before applying, to help create the perfect canvas for your makeup." Jackson says. "Pick a brightening or slightly shimmery radiant buy, which will boost glow through the sheerer base."
- Use concealer strategically: If you're concerned about less coverage, you don't have to rely on your base alone to disguise things like blemishes, discolouration or dark circles. Here, "add your best concealer to areas like under the eyes and around the nose where you want a little bit more coverage," Jackson suggests.
What's the difference between BB cream vs tinted moisturizer?
BB cream and tinted moisturiser are often confused, but there are key differences. “BB creams were originally made for those who had undergone laser treatment and needed a product to moisturise, provide high SPF protection and add a little tint to the skin,” says Martin.
“Over the years, the lines between BB (originally “blemish balm”), CC (originally “colour corrector”) and tinted moisturisers have become blurred, with many different names providing the same things," she adds. "But originally, BB creams were higher in SPF and more concentrated in healing skincare ingredients.”
Today, tinted moisturisers tend to go beyond simply providing coverage and moisturising, with added SPF and skincare actives, too. The concept of BB cream has also dipped in popularity as a standalone concept, making way for a wider 'skincare-makeup hybrid' category instead.
Is tinted moisturiser better than foundation?
Comparing tinted moisturiser and foundation is akin to comparing lightweight jackets with cosy winter coats; they sit within the same general category but are designed to do completely different things. Foundation is a bigger category than tinted moisturiser, encompassing everything from lightweight coverage through to thick, ultra pigmented bases. They also come in powder, cream, balm and liquid forms, while tinted moisturiser is always some kind of cream or liquid.
Tinted moisturiser is also lighter than foundation, resulting in a more natural and sheer wash of coverage. It’s 20 denier tights to full coverage foundation’s opaque, 200 denier. For some skin types – and for anyone who takes a more relaxed approach to makeup – that might be better, but others won't be so keen.
“Tinted moisturisers generally aren’t buildable in the same way foundations are,” says Hammer, “And they don’t have the same longevity as some heavier foundations.” Ultimately, it’s down to how you want your skin to look and feel, as what’s best for you might not be best for someone else.
Do you apply moisturiser before tinted moisturiser?
“You should absolutely still apply moisturiser before tinted moisturiser,” confirms Hannah Martin. “It may be that you need less [moisturiser], but you still need to prep your skin before makeup for it to look its best.”
You know the feeling that comes after a run or when you wake up after a particularly heavy night out, and are absolutely gasping for water? Your skin can experience that same level of thirst when deprived of moisture. So if it’s naturally dry or dehydrated from changing weather, you’ll need to replenish with moisturiser (and apply your sunscreen) before moving on to your base. If you skip this step, your thirsty skin will simply absorb more of your tinted moisturiser, resulting in a short-lived finish that soon goes patchy.
If you’re worried that your face cream will cause your tinted moisturiser to migrate, choose a lightweight, water-based formula and leave a bit more time between applying each.
Our expert panel
Rhiannon Derbyshire is senior beauty editor at woman&home and other women's titles. During her career, she's specialised in beauty, fashion, interiors and health, but beauty remains her favourite topic. She's tested dozens of makeup bases over the years, including tinted moisturisers, and was the main tester for this guide.
Jess Beech is an experienced fashion and beauty editor with more than a decade of experience in the industry. She has written for woman&home, GoodtoKnow, Now, Woman, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Own and Chat, and was formerly deputy fashion & beauty editor at Future plc. She's very experienced in testing and reviewing makeup, including tinted moisturisers.
Hannah Martin is a makeup artist with more than two decades of experience, as well as the author of Makeup: A Masterclass In Beauty. Having worked with some of the biggest beauty brands in the world, she has also worked with celebrity and royal clients over the years.
An industry legend, makeup artist Ruby Hammer MBE has decades of experience as well as an eponymous beauty brand and has worked on everything from commercial and editorial shoots to fashion catwalks and TV shows. All about embracing natural beauty, she's well-versed in the power of a good tinted moisturiser.