7 Best Tinted Moisturizers

We all like to switch things up every now and then. As much as we love the look and coverage of liquid foundation, there are some days when we want to reach no-makeup makeup nirvana, or at least have something that’s lighter and more low-maintenance than a solid, full-coverage base. During these times, using a tinted moisturizer is the best way to go.

Tinted moisturizers don’t only offer refuge when we feel like wearing lighter makeup. They’re also perfect for hot and humid days because they feel less restrictive on the skin. What’s more, tinted moisturizers offer a bunch of other benefits apart from coverage, so they’re perfect for people with problematic skin who can’t wear heavy makeup.

Foundation vs. Tinted Moisturizer vs. BB Cream vs. CC Cream

You already know that for many people, a tinted moisturizer is a better pick during summer months because of how lightweight it is. However, like any other base out there, you can actually use tinted moisturizers all year round.

If that’s the case, what else separates tinted moisturizers from the usual foundation products? And how does it differ from other “lighter” bases, such as BB creams and CC creams? Check out their fundamental characteristics below.

Foundation

Foundation is undeniably the classic base makeup. Whether we’re talking about liquid, cream, or powder formulas, a foundation will be able to give you a range of shades, finishes, and coverage intensities.

Foundations are a popular choice for those who are looking for unbeatable coverage. Although sheer-finish formulas exist, most foundation products offer coverage that is somewhere between medium to full. On top of this, you’ll be able to find foundations that look either natural, matte, satiny, or dewy. What’s more, foundations typically boast the widest variety of shades among all face bases.

The downside? They’re relatively “heavier” and thicker than tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and CC creams. They also tend to be the least natural-looking.

Tinted Moisturizer

A tinted moisturizer offers sheerer coverage than a foundation. They’re also lighter, and most of them offer a “barely there” feel. True to its name, it’s pretty much a moisturizer that offers a hint of color, which makes it perfect for evening out your skin tone (provided that your face is pretty even-toned to start with) and giving your complexion an irresistible glow.

If you want something that is uber-simple to apply and has minimal coverage, tinted moisturizer may be your best bet. It doesn’t require complicated tools and techniques. You can simply slap it on with your fingers, and you’re out the door with very minimal blending needed. Of course, you can also use a makeup sponge or a brush for a more precise application, but it isn’t a requirement.

And because this product is essentially a moisturizer at its core, you get to enjoy an extra shot of hydration if your skin is feeling especially parched. If you’re on the oily side, on the other hand, using a tinted moisturizer will allow you to skip your usual moisturizer altogether. Talk about time-saving!

BB Cream

BB Creams became popular back when K-beauty first took the global beauty scene by storm. What makes BB creams special is that they offer additional skin-boosting benefits on top of sheer to medium coverage. A BB cream will typically contain moisturizing components, pigments, sunscreen, and skincare ingredients.

While these are amazing, the downside to BB creams is that they have rather limited shade and finish options. Most BB creams are dewy by default, so if you prefer a matte or semi-matte finish, you might not like BB creams at all. And because it’s a Korean beauty product, BB cream shades are mostly pale. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see BB creams that come in only two to three shades.

CC Cream

CC Creams, like BB Creams, offer sun protection and help address skincare concerns. However, the key difference here is that CC Creams focus on color correction rather than coverage. That said, they typically offer less coverage than the average BB cream, but they’re better for counteracting the effects of weird or excessive pigments on the skin—such as sallowness or redness.

Many CC cream brands also offer a relatively-wide array of shades, but not as much as foundations and tinted moisturizers. Unlike BB Creams, CC Creams can have either natural-looking, illuminated, or matte finishes.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for A Tinted Moisturizer

Your Skin Type

Because a tinted moisturizer is a skincare-cum-makeup product, it makes sense that you must take your skin type into consideration as you shop. Buying a product that is specifically targeted to the complexion concerns associated with your skin type will give you the best results.

Whether you have dry, oily, or normal skin, there’s surely something out there for you. Extra-hydrating and moisturizing formulas will give dry skin a nice boost, while long-lasting formulas that offer oil-control properties will work well with oily skin.

You should also be extra wary if you have sensitive skin. Look for tinted moisturizers that are free of irritants and harsh ingredients. If you have acne-prone skin, a light, non-comedogenic formula will do your skin wonders.

Coverage

How much coverage do you need? Tinted moisturizers may not offer the same level of coverage as a run-of-the-mill foundation, but it can still improve the appearance of dark spots, acne marks, and discoloration on your face.

If your skin is pretty good to start with, you might find that a sheer formula is enough to give you a subtle glow without feeling too heavy. If you need more than a sheer wash of color, look for a product that offers medium coverage.

SPF

Although tinted moisturizers aren’t as well-known as BB Creams for offering extra sun protection, some brands do incorporate SPF in their formulas. While it’s true that nothing will ever truly beat a standalone sunscreen product when it comes to fighting the harmful effects of UV rays, a little extra help from a tinted moisturizer wouldn’t hurt.

So, when looking for a tinted moisturizer, decide if you need a high-SPF product—or any SPF at all. At least SPF 30 is recommended if you’re extra sensitive to the sun.

Finish and Shade Range

We all have our preferences when it comes to the type of finish we want from a face base. Some of us like it super dewy, while others totally live for the matte look. The good news is that no matter what your preferred finish is, tinted moisturizers will give you a more natural-looking version of that (compared to what you’ll get from a foundation, that is).

And, of course, nothing is ever more personal than shade. Even if you really want to have a specific tinted moisturizer, you’re probably not going to enjoy using it as much if you can’t find the right shade for your skin tone. Remember: the right shade should match both your face and neck. Otherwise, you’ll end up looking like you’re wearing a mask.

Longevity

Long-wearing formulas aren’t reserved for people with oily skin. Even dry-skinned gals can find themselves looking for a dependable, all-day tinted moisturizer when the peak of summer hits. Of course, there are also some of us who couldn’t care less about the longevity of our makeup, especially if you’re sitting in an air-conditioned room all day. That said, take your preferences into consideration when choosing which product to buy.

Additional Benefits

One of the best things about tinted moisturizers is that they offer coverage on top of the skin-enhancing effects of moisturizers. Some brands take it a notch higher and deliver more skin benefits in addition to the usual color-and-moisture combo.

For instance, some tinted moisturizers, like the Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer and the e.l.f. Tinted Moisturizer, have added Vitamins A, C, and E that have antioxidant properties. Another example would be a product that contains tea tree oil which helps fight acne.

How to Apply a Tinted Moisturizer

After you have chosen a tinted moisturizer, it’s time to figure out how exactly you should apply it on your face to achieve great results. One thing to note though is that tinted moisturizers are pretty flexible—meaning you can apply them using different techniques and still end up looking amazing.

However, if you’re totally clueless about how tinted moisturizers work, you may use the following steps as a general guide.

1. Squeeze out a small amount of tinted moisturizer on your hands. Anything between a pea-sized and a penny-sized amount should work, depending on the amount of coverage you need.
2. Dot the tinted moisturizer all over your face—making sure to apply the product on your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and near your temples.
3. Using your fingers, blend the tinted moisturizer using upward sweeping motions.
4. Check for any harsh lines or unblended edges. Make sure to blend everything with your fingers until you get an even coverage.
5. Apply a little bit more product on areas that need more coverage and blend as needed.
6. If you like wearing powder, go ahead and dust a very light layer of setting powder on top of the tinted moisturizer.

Does A Tinted Moisturizer Need to Be Washed Off?

Yes. Don’t confuse tinted moisturizer with your average skincare moisturizer. It’s a skincare-slash-makeup product, so it has to be washed off at the end of the day.

Just because it’s a moisturizer that may or may not offer additional skincare benefits does not give you the license to leave it on your skin all night long. As with any other makeup product, failing to remove tinted moisturizer before you go to bed puts you at risk of clogged pores and breakouts.

More Tinted Moisturizer Tips

• You may use a sponge or a blending brush to get a more controlled coverage. However, nothing really beats your fingers when It comes to applying and blending tinted moisturizer.
• If you want to maintain a dewy finish, you may opt to use a setting spray instead of a powder to set your tinted moisturizer. If you find that your tinted moisturizer is already long-lasting on its own, you can even get away with not setting it with anything at all.
• For spots and areas that need more coverage, feel free to layer some concealer on top of your tinted moisturizer. Start small as concealer is very easy to overdo.
• To further shorten your makeup application time, you can mix tinted moisturizer with your primer. This enables you to cut one more step out of your routine.
• Pay close attention to your hairline, ears, and jawline when blending out a tinted moisturizer. Even though it’s not as harsh of a product as a foundation, you still want to make sure that it blends seamlessly along the perimeters of your face.
• One of the best things about tinted moisturizers is that they’re a lot easier to reapply than foundations. That said, make sure to blot your face with a good oil-control sheet before you go for a mid-day touchup to ensure that your makeup stays fresh-looking even at the end of the day.