The best tinted moisturizers for easy, sheer coverage and a dewy glow

Our beauty editors select the 16 best tinted moisturizers for 'your skin but better' results on every skin type

collage of three of the best tinted moisturizers by Ultra Violette, NARS and Avene
(Image credit: Future)

The best tinted moisturizers tip-toe the line between skincare and makeup, teaming a lightweight veil of coverage with hydrating ingredients. 

Softer, fresher finishes aside, tinted moisturizers really excel beyond your best foundation when it comes to skincare benefits. “A good tinted moisturizer should contain moisturizing heroes like hyaluronic acid as well as SPF,” explains pro makeup artist Hannah Martin

“If your skin is generally good, or you don’t like much coverage, then a tinted moisturizer is a great option as it’s lightweight,” advises global makeup artist, brand founder, and beauty expert Ruby Hammer MBE. “Some people change to tinted moisturizer in the summer as it’s more breathable, but if you don’t like the feel of foundation then you could happily wear a tinted moisturizer all year round.”

A crowd-pleasing product, the spreadable consistency of tinted moisturizers also means they stretch across a wider shade range and skin type spectrum than foundation. “Tinted moisturizers work across all skin types thanks to the availability of normal and oil-free varieties,” adds Martin. “They’re best suited to those looking to achieve a minimal makeup look with plenty of glow.”

How we tested the best tinted moisturizers for this guide

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Selection of the best tinted moisturisers from Nars, Chanel, Laura Mercier, YSL and L'Oreal Paris

A selection of the tinted moisturizers we tested for this guide

(Image credit: Future/Emma Stoddart)

Bridging the gap between skincare and makeup, the best tinted moisturizers should do it all – hydrating skin while providing lightweight coverage that doesn't look too heavy. To filter out the best from the rest, we tested each product throughout the course of a day to see not only how it looked on our skin, but how it lasted too. We wanted to ensure that, despite being lightweight, the formulas stayed put and didn’t transfer or oxidize after several hours of wear. 

We also paid close attention to application – as how to apply tinted moisturizer can vary from product to product. We tested these formulas with sponges, brushes, and our fingertips to see just how well they could be applied and blended into the skin. By doing this we found that while some, like Rose Inc’s Tinted Serum, work best with fingertips, others required a little more buffing with one of the best foundation brushes

The best tinted moisturizers, chosen by our beauty editors

L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum

(Image credit: L'Oreal Paris)

1. L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum

Best drugstore tinted moisturizer

Specifications

RRP: $14.99/£14.99
Shades available: 9
Finish: Satin
Benefits: Hydrating

Reasons to buy

+
High concentration of hyaluronic acid
+
Kind to skin
+
Buildable coverage
+
Lightweight formula for a natural look

Reasons to avoid

-
Glass packaging, so not ideal for travel

Without sounding too fangirl-esque, L’Oreal Paris has been behind some of our favorite ever beauty launches. The Pure Retinol Night Serum has been a fixture on our bedside tables since the first try, and don’t get us started on their Wonder Water conditioner. We had high hopes for this base, and we weren't disappointed. 

It’s as if they’ve taken the best bits of their bestselling hyaluronic acid serum (another favorite) but infused it with a tint of color for sheer, gorgeous coverage. It’s lightweight, thanks to the serum consistency, and contains 1% pure hyaluronic acid to leave skin feeling plump, hydrated, and happy. Not only is it the most affordable buy on this list, but it’s also the overall best tinted moisturizer of the lot, in our opinion. In a word - brilliant. 

Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil

(Image credit: Ultra Violette)

2. Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil

Best tinted moisturizer with UV protection

Specifications

RRP: $49/£38
Shades available : 15
Finish : Dewy
Benefits : SPF50

Reasons to buy

+
SPF50 protection 
+
Dewy finish 
+
Good amount of coverage 
+
Generous size bottle 

Reasons to avoid

-
Texture on the greasy side

We absolutely love how Ultra Violette has managed to rebrand the sunscreen category as something exciting and joyous to wear rather than a dreary essential, so had high hopes for this tinted version. There’s a satisfying amount of coverage, which worked such wonders on our dark circles we were left wondering if we’d already applied concealer. 

The texture is a little on the greasy side but that’s something we expected to come as part-and-parcel of such a high level of SPF. It’s great if your skin is dry or you favor a dewy makeup look, but if not a few sweeps of powder are enough to dial down any shine. We were impressed to see this comes in 15 different shades, which is a really great offering for a brand that doesn’t specialize in color cosmetics. They span a wide spectrum too, earning them extra brownie points for inclusivity. 

Sisley Paris Phyto-Hydra Teint

(Image credit: Sisley Paris)

3. Sisley Paris Phyto-Hydra Teint

Best premium tinted moisturizer

Specifications

RRP: $120/£85
Shades available : 4
Finish: Fresh
Benefits : SPF15 and hydrating

Reasons to buy

+
Creamy texture 
+
Impressive coverage 
+
Builds well 
+
Nice skincare extras

Reasons to avoid

-
Shade range is very limited 

Sisley Paris is a brand associated with the finer things in beauty, so it’s no surprise this tinted moisturizer feels incredibly luxe. The texture is rich and creamy, without feeling heavy or greasy, and leaves skin feeling and looking like silk with imperfections blurred. There are options for how to apply depending on the kind of look you’re after. Layer with a brush to a level of coverage comparable to one of the best lightweight foundations, or smooth on a little with your fingers and sheer out for a subtle finish. 

Real thought has gone into the skincare benefits of the formula, with a curated combination of plant extracts that aim to hydrate, energize and smooth your complexion while you wear it. It’s a real shame that this is only available in four shades, with golden as the darkest, which means it wouldn’t be suitable for all skin tones. The mineral SPF filters don’t help here either, as these can flash a white cast on deeper skin tones. 

Avene Antirougeurs Unifying SPF30 Tinted Moisturiser for Skin Prone to Redness

(Image credit: Avene)

4. Avene Antirougeurs Unifying SPF30 Tinted Moisturiser for Skin Prone to Redness

Best tinted moisturizer for reducing redness

Specifications

RRP: $25/£21.75
Shades available: 1
Finish: Lightweight
Benefits: Soothing and SPF30

Reasons to buy

+
Comforting for dry, sensitive skin 
+
SPF30
+
Barely there whisper of tint 
+
Feels lovely on the skin

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in one shade 
-
Pinky tone won’t suit all skin tones 

If your skin is sensitive or prone to rosacea, you’ll know that dialing down the appearance of redness can be really difficult - especially if you don’t like the feeling of a heavy, full-coverage base. Enter Avene. Unlike some other products on this list which are really color cosmetics diluted with moisturizer, this is skincare first and foremost. The creamy formula means it feels like you’re applying a moisturizer and leaves the skin feeling immediately soothed and cooled. That's thanks to ingredients like TRP-Regulin, which reduces redness, dextran sulfate, which helps reduce sensitivity, and the brand’s signature thermal spring water to soothe. 

It is only available in one shade, which is pretty light and pinky toned, but it melts so seamlessly into light to medium skin tones that it’s barely visible at all. We know all tinted moisturizers are, in theory, light coverage, but this is barely even a whisper. Sun exposure can be a trigger for rosacea and sensitivity, so the addition of SPF30 is a welcome one, but don’t leave this just for summer. It’s so so nice and nourishing that it would feel a waste not to wear it all year round. 

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

(Image credit: Summer Fridays)

5. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Best tinted moisturizer for dehydrated skin

Specifications

RRP: $42/£40
Shades available : 10
Finish: Light
Benefits: Hydrating

Reasons to buy

+
Good shade range 
+
Super hydrating 
+
Leaves skin looking healthy
+
Chic packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
Too low coverage for some 

The description of a “skin tint” hits the nail on the head for this one, as it feels more about subtly correcting and unifying the tone of your skin as opposed to really adding much in the way of coverage. We initially approached the packaging with caution, as the tapered nib on the squeezy bottle (combined with the name) made us think it would be very runny, but actually, it was less liquid than we expected. 

The finish is nice and glowy, making a very subtle difference to the skin that’s enough to perk up a tired complexion. It is possible to build a little in areas of redness with a brush - just use your hand as a palette. This is a real must-try if your skin is on the thirsty side, as the addition of hyaluronic acid and squalane delivers a quick fix of hydration to the skin. A good, broad shade range too. 

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense

(Image credit: Drunk Elephant)

6. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF30

Best tinted moisturizer with SPF30

Specifications

RRP: $36/£31
Shades available: 1 universal tone
Finish : Radiant
Benefits: Wrinkle-busting active ingredients

Reasons to buy

+
Flattering radiant finish
+
One suits-all shade makes it an easy buy
+
SPF 30 protects against UVA and UVB
+
Contains antioxidants

Reasons to avoid

-
Can look slightly orange on very pale skins

This cult buy reminded us why tinted moisturizers are the best option for an all-year-round base. In the summer, the lightweight formulation is the biggest draw, as the last thing you want to do in the heat is trying to master how to apply foundation while it simultaneously slides off your face.

 Meanwhile in winter, a tinted SPF like this one offers light coverage while also protecting your face from those harmful, ever-present UV rays. It's sheerer than other options we've tried, but if you don't mind that, the slightly shimmery (although crucially - not glittery) finish gives that mega-watt glow. 

Milk Makeup Sunshine Skint Tint

(Image credit: Milk Makeup)

7. Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF30

Best tinted moisturizer for on the go

Specifications

RRP: $42/£39
Shades available: 14
Finish: Dewy
Benefits: Hydration plus SPF30

Reasons to buy

+
Handy for your handbag
+
Bonus of SPF30
+
Vegan and cruelty-free
+
Quick to apply

Reasons to avoid

-
Some non-recyclable packaging

We're all about convenience when it comes to makeup. If a product is multipurpose, quick to apply, or handily handbag-sized, you have our attention. This quirky little option was pretty much always going to be a yes from us. A handy rollerball applicator that glides the makeup straight on? A glowing dewy finish? A bonus of SPF30? Tick, tick, tick. 

Although the rollerball is the selling point, you still need to blend it in with a brush or your hands - it just means you skip the step of having to dab it onto your hands before applying. Eco-warriors might not appreciate the plastic packaging, but we have to admit we did love the little button that helps you get every last drop out. Plus, the slim tube was great for chucking into our best tote bag and topping up throughout the day. 

Huda Beauty GloWish MultiDew skin tint in a tube

(Image credit: Huda Beauty)

8. Huda Beauty GloWish MultiDew Skin Tint

Best tinted moisturizer for glowing skin

Specifications

RRP: $37/£32
Shades available: 13
Finish: Glowing
Benefits: Hydrating with antioxidants

Reasons to buy

+
All-inclusive shade range
+
Skin feels hydrated in seconds
+
Instantly radiant skin
+
Waterproof formula makes it perfect for use on vacation, by the pool or on the beach
+
Vegan-friendly formula

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for matte skin fans

If glowing skin is your goal, look no further than this radiance-boosting buy. Our skin looked illuminated immediately after applying, and it was an instant pick-me-up for dull, post-work-week skin. That’s down to the 92% natural ingredients - namely, the Damascus rose oil which locks in moisture like a dream.

It also includes antioxidant-packed red pepper extract, which helps protect skin from damage from pollution, particularly the blue light which emits from our phones and laptops. The science behind blue light damage on skin is still hotly debated so take that promise with a pinch of salt, but regardless of that, it’s a solid choice pick for noticeable radiance. We especially appreciated the wide range of shades, which blend in beautifully with or without the best makeup brushes to hand and don’t leave any streaks or tell-tale tidemarks. 

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

(Image credit: Nars)

9. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30

Best tinted moisturizer for buildable coverage

Specifications

RRP: $46/£33
Shades available: 16
Finish: Satin
Benefits: Brightening

Reasons to buy

+
Oil-free
+
Broad-spectrum SPF30
+
Buildable coverage
+
Mattifying makes it ideal for those looking for a more perfect finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point 

Weighing up foundation vs tinted moisturizer? This might prove a happy medium. A slightly higher level of coverage makes this one of the best tinted moisturizer 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 areas where you want a bit more opacity. Sun protection is always a bonus and the broad spectrum SPF30 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 8 hours sleep and haven't eaten vegetables in well over a week. The finish is soft satin and it wears well too, so you're not wondering where it's disappeared to by 10 am. This is a tried and trusted favorite loved by many a beauty ed for good reason. 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

(Image credit: Laura Mercier)

10. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF30

Best classic tinted moisturizer

Specifications

RRP: $48/£37
Shades available: 20
Finish: Dewy
Benefits: Moisturising with antioxidants

Reasons to buy

+
It just works
+
Very wide shade range
+
Available in three formulations
+
Flattering on all skin types

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point than most

We can’t talk about the best tinted moisturizers without mentioning this global bestseller. Laura Mercier was one of the first brands to really popularize this lighter base option, and it’s all down to the brilliant, hardworking formula. It’s simple, easy to use and it just works. Simple as.

Before testing we had forgotten what an amazing product it is – you get that feeling of, "sure, I know this is pretty good", but when you actually start buffing it into the skin, prepare to be genuinely wowed. The difference it made to our skin was instant. It looked like we just had radiant, healthy skin, which is quite a feat the morning after enjoying two (ok, five) margaritas. It blended in so easily and really did have that 'your skin on a good day' effect. Even better, there is also a lighter, more radiant version plus an oil-free option for those looking for skincare for oily skin, so there's something for everyone. 

Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturiser

(Image credit: Charlotte Tilbury)

11. Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow Hydrating Tint Moisturiser

Best tinted moisturiser to look bronzed

Specifications

RRP: $40/£35
Shades available: One
Finish: Dewy
Benefits: Hydration

Reasons to buy

+
Hydrating for tried skin
+
Easy to apply and blend
+
Adds a healthy bronze effect

Reasons to avoid

-
May not work on all skin tones
-
Won't suit oily skin

The elephant in the room here is that all the best tinted moisturizers are pretty much unisex, so the USP for this one is a bit of a moot point. But, if it matters to you that this has been formulated to suit men as well as women, then fair enough. Either way, it's a great product. 

Charlotte Tilbury refers to this as summer in a bottle and we can see why - it gave us that bronzed, glowing complexion normally usually reserved for the end of August (or days when we've nailed how to apply bronzer). This, paired with the fact that it's only available in one tone means it may not be suitable for extremely fair or very deep skins, but if you’re anywhere in the middle of those two and looking for a glowing, fresh, 'back from vacation' complexion, then this will do the job nicely. You may also find any men in your life borrowing this from your makeup kit, so keep a close eye on it (or, buy two). 

Dolce & Gabbana Millennialskin tinted moisturiser

(Image credit: Dolce & Gabbana)

12. Dolce & Gabbana Millennialskin On-The-Glow Tinted Moisturizer

Best luxury tinted moisturizer

Specifications

RRP: $46/£39
Shades available: 15
Finish: Radiant
Benefits: Softening and hydrating

Reasons to buy

+
Luxe look
+
Light and easy to blend
+
Buildable coverage

Reasons to avoid

-
Not many shades for deeper skin tones

We really weren’t sure what to expect when we picked this up. When you’re trying to find the best tinted moisturizer you cast your net far and wide, and we hadn’t heard much about this swish-looking tube. It can sometimes be the case that luxe brands just slap their well-known name on products without much care (cynical, us?), but this really did impress. It felt silky on the skin, spread on easily, and blended nicely with a brush but also with fingers when in more of a rush. 

A recent reformulation has made the product even more skin-friendly, incorporating some hydrating ingredients like Italian olive oil and fig extracts to moisturize and plump the skin. Although they sound a little bit salad-y, we really did feel like it sunk in nicely and our skin felt hydrated and happy after a whole day of wear. We also experienced zero tell-tale dry, orange patches. Yes, it's pricy, but it would be a great one for the birthday or Christmas list.

Yves Saint Laurent NU Bare Look Tint

(Image credit: Yves Saint Laurent)

13. Yves Saint Laurent NU Bare Look Tint

Best tinted moisturizer for everyday wear

Specifications

RRP: $38/£27
Shades available: 20
Finish : Dewy
Benefits: Hydrating and soothing

Reasons to buy

+
Wide shade range
+
Buildable coverage
+
Easy to blend
+
90% skincare based

Reasons to avoid

-
A little heavier than other products

It’s not often that we try a product and fall in love with it immediately. 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 moisturizer 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 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 fingertips – the warmth helps to really melt it into the skin. Overall, this is a must-try for anyone and everyone - especially those who are keen to step away from their best full coverage foundation but don't want to go too sheer. 

Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum

(Image credit: Rose Inc)

14. Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum

Best tinted moisturizer for sheer coverage

Specifications

RRP: $49/£36
Shades available: 14
Finish: Luminous
Benefits: Smoothing, plumping and hydrating

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to blend
+
Refreshes skin
+
Hydrates with hyaluronic acid
+
Delivers good glow

Reasons to avoid

-
Very light coverage

After hearing countless rave reviews, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on this tinted serum from Rose Inc. A total joy to apply, the pigment spheres – that are suspended in a skincare base of hyaluronic acid and squalene – burst on contact with the skin, blending in seamlessly. Super hydrating and super refreshing, we found that this base is the perfect pick-me-up for tired and/or hungover skin (no judgment!)

Delivering a little less coverage than your average tinted moisturizer, this tinted serum isn’t designed to conceal or cover blemishes as the best drugstore concealers do. Rather it enhances your natural skin, imparting a dewy freshness that will have people saying, “you look well”. For fuss-free application, we recommend applying this serum-like base with fingertips rather than a brush, it melts away like a dream. 

L'Oréal Paris Skin Paradise Tinted Moisturiser

(Image credit: L'Oréal Paris)

15. L'Oréal Paris Skin Paradise Tinted Moisturiser

Best tinted moisturizer for dry skin

Specifications

RRP: $16.99/£10.99
Shades available: 10
Finish: Luminous
Benefits: Moisturising and antioxidant-rich

Reasons to buy

+
Hydrating for tried skin
+
Protects against pollution
+
Radiant results

Reasons to avoid

-
Can transfer 
-
Limited shade range
-
SPF20 is lower sun protection than other products in this guide

If you’re someone who stocks up on skincare for dry skin, then this could be the best tinted moisturizer for you. Ultra-hydrating, the affordable beauty base is laced with powerhouse ingredients (including aloe vera, witch hazel, and ginger) to moisturize and nourish skin while delivering a veil of glowy coverage. 

On testing, we found that this one was easy to blend and build – and has a nice satin, radiant finish. The only downside, however, is that it did start to transfer by the evening. So if you’re after a base with really robust staying power, you may want to look elsewhere. With that being said, the formula does boast SPF 20 and antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect skin from UV rays and pollution. Which is a double tick in its favor!

Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Tein

(Image credit: Chanel)

16. Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Teint

Best tinted moisturizer for vacation

Specifications

RRP: $65/£51
Shades available: 8
Finish: Radiant
Benefits: Moisturising and refreshing

Reasons to buy

+
75% water makes for a hydrating feel and finish
+
Moisturizing properties
+
Lightweight coverage for an easy makeup look
+
Easy to blend 

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive, albeit very luxurious

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 that features micro-droplets of encapsulated pigment to deliver a second-skin finish. A far cry from overly made-up ‘Insta-glam’, this base offered a natural-looking 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 favor 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. Finish with a dab of the best cream blush for a healthy, radiant makeup look. 

How to choose the best tinted moisturizer 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, offers her top tips:

  • Pick the right formula: This all depends on your personal preferences, but there are key elements to look out for, says Jackson. "The three things to think about are coverage, finish, and benefits. 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 any extra brightening ingredients, to benefit the skin as you wear it." 
  • Find your shade match: There are usually fewer shade choices for tinted moisturizers, but that's because they're more adaptable and can work with more than one tone of complexion. Jackson recommends checking the brand's website when buying tinted moisturizers online. "Most stores now have digital shade matching tools and online chat teams to help you navigate, or even better virtual try on," she advises. 
  • Prep your skin: As with most things, it's all about the prep. "Even the best tinted moisturizer will need a primer. Be sure to use one before applying, to help create the perfect canvas for your makeup." Jackson suggests. "Pick a brightening or slightly shimmery radiant buy, which will boost glow through the sheerer base." 
  • Get clever with concealer: You don't have to rely on your base to cover up blemishes, discoloration, or dark circles. "Just 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 and tinted moisturizer?

Confused about the difference between BB cream and tinted moisturizer? You’re not the only one. “BB creams were originally made for those who had undergone laser treatment and needed a product to moisturize, provide high SPF protection and add a little tint to the skin,” explains Hannah Martin. 

“Over the years, the lines between BB (originally “blemish balm”), CC (originally “color corrector”), and tinted moisturizers have become blurred with many different names providing the same things. But, originally, BB creams were higher in SPF and more concentrated in healing skincare ingredients.” 

Now, most tinted moisturizers on the market go far beyond providing just coverage and moisturization, with added SPF and active ingredients too. The concept of BB cream has dipped in popularity as a standalone concept too, creating one big category instead. 

Is tinted moisturizer better than foundation?

Trying to compare tinted moisturizer and foundation is a bit like trying to compare a lightweight jacket to a cozy winter coat. They might sit within the same category but have been formulated to do completely different things. Foundation spans a broader category than tinted moisturizer and can encompass a light level of coverage all the way through to a thick, uber-pigmented base. They can also come in either powder or liquid form, whereas tinted moisturizer is always a liquid.

Tinted moisturizer has a lighter texture than foundation, leaving a sheerer, more natural veil of coverage. It’s a pair of 20 denier tights to full coverage foundation’s opaque, 200 denier finish. For some skin types, and anyone who takes a more relaxed approach to makeup, that might be better. But there are still some drawbacks that might put others off. 

“Tinted moisturizers generally aren’t buildable in the same way foundations are,” says Ruby Hammer. “And they don’t have the same longevity as some heavier foundations.” Ultimately, it’s all down to how you want your skin to look and feel. What’s best for you might not be best for someone else. 

Do you put on moisturizer before tinted moisturizer?

“You should absolutely still apply moisturizer before tinted moisturizer,” confirms Hannah Martin. “It may be that you need less, but you still need to prep your skin before makeup for it to look its best.”

You know that feeling when you’ve been for a run, or are waking up after a particularly heavy night out, and are absolutely gasping for a drink of water? Your skin can experience that same Saharan-type feeling when deprived of moisture. So, if it’s naturally dry, or dehydrated from seasonal changes like sun exposure or whipping winds, you’ll need to replenish that hydration with a moisturizer before moving on to your base. If you skip this step, your thirsty skin will simply attempt to guzzle up your tinted moisturizer, resulting in a patchy finish that won’t last. 

If you’re worried that your moisturizer will cause your tinted one to slip and slide, then choose a lightweight, water-based formula and leave a gap between applying each. 

Rhiannon Derbyshire
Senior Beauty Editor

Rhiannon Derbyshire is the Senior Beauty Editor for Woman & Home and other publications. 


She started interning for glossy magazines while working alongside her Fashion Journalism degree. There, she was lured to the beauty desk, seduced by matte lipsticks, posh shampoos, and every skincare product imaginable. 10+ years into her career, she can confidently tell you why the best mascaras are always high street, and why SPF is a non-negotiable all year round. Ask her about her curly hair routine, skincare minimalism, and how to find the exact right red lipstick

With contributions from