The best tinted moisturisers for lightweight coverage, comfortable wear and skincare benefits
After much testing, our beauty team shares detailed reviews of the best tinted moisturisers to suit various skin types and budgets
Gone are the days where foundation was your only choice of makeup base. Today's market offers a huge range of skin tints, CC creams and other "skindations". But the best tinted moisturisers arguably kickstarted the category of skincare-makeup hybrids. Pairing pigment with a nourishing skincare, these comfortable bases are known for being a lightweight alternative to foundation. But don't dismiss them as simply "no makeup makeup" – they still add a wash of "something" to your complexion alongside some smoothing and blurring. And after much testing, we've reviewed our favourites in detail in this need-to-know guide.
Lightweight feel aside, tinted moisturisers also excel in the skincare benefits department, particularly 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're ideal for those who don't want much coverage, thanks to their lightweightness. "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."
This spreadable consistency also means individual tinted moisturisers cover a wider shade range than a foundation, which requires a closer match. "Tinted moisturisers work across all skin types thanks to the availability of [regular] and oil-free varieties," Martin adds. "They’re best-suited to those looking to achieve a minimal makeup look with plenty of glow." Without further ado, here's our beauty team's curated guide to the best tinted moisturisers to shop now, for various skin types and budgets.
The best tinted moisturiser deals to shop now
The best tinted moisturisers, reviewed by our beauty team
RRP: £14.99 for 30ml | Number of shades: 10 | Finish: Satin | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
At the risk of gushing, L’Oréal Paris is the name behind some of our favourite beauty launches of all time. The Pure Retinol Night Serum has been a fixture in our evening routines since we first tried it, not to mention the Wonder Water liquid conditioners. All this is to say our expectations were high hopes for this makeup base – and we weren't disappointed.
We find True Match Serum to be as if L'Oréal took the best bits of its iconic hyaluronic acid serum (another favourite) and infused some pigment. The result? Sheer, gorgeous coverage. We love this base's lightweight feel on our skin, thanks to its serum consistency, while the 1% hyaluronic acid left it looking and feeling plump, hydrated and happy. Not only is it the most affordable option here in our guide, it’s also our pick for the best tinted moisturiser overall. In a word, we think it's brilliant.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Not the most premium or luxurious-feeling
RRP: £24 for 30ml | Number of shades: 20 | Finish: Radiant | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, Centella Asiatica water
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
With a 90% skincare base, HydraTint is described by Sculpted by Aimee as "makeup for skincare lovers". There's hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-supporting ceramides and soothing Centella Asiatica (cica) water in the mix. But don't be fooled by that description, as there's still just the right amount of tint that the results don't leave you wondering if you only applied regular moisturiser.
"I love this throwing on for a work-from-home day with video calls," says our contributing beauty editor Lucy Abbersteen. "It's a perfect balance of a touch of pigment to even things out, plus nourishing enough to keep skin happy through the day. It would play well with drier skin types without being so heavy that it overwhelms combo or oily complexions, like mine – which is left looking smooth and healthy when I wear it." For a skin pick-me-up that lasts fairly well over the hours, this is a reliable favourite.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Healthy-looking finish
- Just the right amount of coverage for a blurring "wash"
- Added bonus of an low-level SPF
Cons
- Very dry skins may want something richer, moisture-wise
RRP: £41 for 50ml | Number of shades: 16 | Finish: Radiant | Key ingredients: Vitamin C derivative, French Polynesian kopara, glycerin
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
If you're torn between foundation vs tinted moisturiser, this NARS option might prove a happy medium. A slightly higher level of coverage than the average tinted moisturiser makes this one of the best for those who still like 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
RRP: £33 for 40ml | Number of shades: 14 | Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, liquorice
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
This is perhaps the ultimate dewy tinted moisturiser, ideal for those who like their skin to have a well-hydrated and juicy finish. It's probably not surprising, then, that the formula is loaded with hyaluronic acid to keep skin's hydration levels topped up – as well as delivering some antioxidant benefits from vitamin C and liquorice. Although it is unquestionably dewy, it does still have a nice level of pigment.
Slip Tint's silky texture applies and blends like a dream, though we would point out that it's dewy finish, while lovely, might be a little strong on a naturally shinier oily complexion; Abbersteen notes that she feels the need to add powder on her oily–combo skin, which already has a baseline shine. But for those who struggle to maintain a radiant finish with makeup, this will be a real winner.
Pros
- Lovely dewy finish
- Hydrating formula
- Silky texture applies well
Cons
- Will be too dewy for some preferences and skin types
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £38 for 50ml | Number of shades: 15 | Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Pentavitin, rice bran
We love that Ultra Violette has managed to rebrand 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 (which comes in 15 shades). There’s a satisfying amount of coverage on offer here, which disguised our dark circles so well that we were briefly forgot whether or not we’d already applied concealer.
The texture is slightly greasy, but that’s to be expected from formulas with this level of SPF. We found it's particularly great on drier 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. These shades also span a wide spectrum, so there's reasonably good inclusivity here, too, but it would be great to see more shade options on offer 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
RRP: £42 for 30ml | Number of shades: 12 | Finish: Healthy | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid
Reviewed by: Jess Beech
The term “skin tint” hits the nail on the head for this formula, in our opinion, as the product feels more about subtly evening out and unifying your skin's tone rather than adding much coverage. We initially approached the packaging with caution, as the tapered nib on the squeezy bottle (combined with its name) signalled to us that the formula would be on the runny side. But when it came down to it, we were pleasantly surprised to find it wasn't too fluid.
Once applied, we thought the finish was nice and glowy, making a subtle difference to our skin that was still enough to perk up a tired complexion. You can also build the formula in areas of redness or discolouration with a brush; we preferred using 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, it's one of the best sheer tinted moisturisers available.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Healthy-looking finish
- Sheer coverage
Cons
- Coverage won't be sufficient for all
RRP: £56 for 30ml | Number of shades: 8 | Finish: Radiant | Key ingredients:
Reviewed by: Jess Beech
When Chanel’s Water Fresh Tint first landed on our shelves all the way back in 2019, it caused quite the fanfare. Beauty enthusiasts everywhere wanted in on this new-gen formulation, which is pretty unique. Micro-droplets of encapsulated pigment are suspended in the hydrating serum base to deliver a second-skin finish. A far cry from the overly made-up "Insta-glam" look of the same decade, this base was the natural-looking and feeling antithesis.
Since launching, many other brands have attempted to replicate this formula, but we still adore Chanel’s version. We love it 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, 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 make sure our final list was only the best-performing tinted moisturisers, we tested each contender over the course of at least one day – assessing not only how it looked on our skin, but how well it lasted, too. These contenders came from affordable brands right up to high-end luxury buys, 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.
- Shades: We assessed how easy it was to find our shade and noted how inclusive the overall 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.
- Lasting power: Despite being lightweight, we still wanted these formulas to be able to stick around fairly well, without transferring or oxidising after several hours of wear.
How to choose the best tinted moisturiser – and apply it well
If this is your first foray into tinted moisturiser, you may be unsure of the best way to master a more sheer base. Heather Jackson, Smashbox’s National Trainer and makeup artist, has shared her top tips below.
- Coverage & finish: "The three things to think about are coverage, finish and benefits" she says. "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 they're more flexible, so one shade can span a few skin tones. "Most stores now have digital shade matching tools and online chat teams to help you navigate, or even better virtual try on," Jackson says. Findation is another very helpful site, which allows you to input known foundation shades from other brands to find your match in a new one.
- Prep the skin: "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."
- Conceal 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. "Add your best concealer to areas like under the eyes and around the nose where you want a little bit more coverage," Jackson advises.
What's the difference between BB cream vs tinted moisturiser?
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 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 usually go beyond simply providing coverage and moisturising, with added SPF and skincare ingredients, too. The BB cream category has also shrunk in recent years, making way for a wider "skincare-makeup hybrid" category.
Is tinted moisturiser better than foundation?
Comparing tinted moisturiser and foundation is like comparing lightweight jackets with cosy winter coats; technically, they sit within the same general category, but they have different purposes. 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 where full coverage foundation is opaque and 200 denier. For some skin types – and those with 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, the choice comes down down to how you want your skin to look and feel, as what’s best for you might not be 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 when you wake up after a particularly heavy night out, or right after going for a run, and you are absolutely gasping for water? Your skin experiences that same level of thirst when deprived of moisture. So if it’s naturally dry or dehydrated from changing weather, you’ll still need to replenish it with moisturiser (and sunscreen) before any makeup 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 product to allow each one to settle.
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.
Lucy Abbersteen is a freelance beauty editor and one of woman&home's contributing beauty editor. With a decade of experience in the industry, in her own words she has "lost count" of the number of makeup bases she's tested on her oily-combination skin – which means she has a good sense of which tinted moisturisers are truly the top-performing buys.
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.