Warmer temperatures are the perfect opportunity to ditch that heavy foundation for lighter coverage with one of the best tinted moisturizers. Those of us who live in temperate climates can honestly learn a lot from tropical destination dwellers who have learned a confidence-boosting makeup routine with minimal products.
“Growing up in Miami, because it’s so hot and so humid, you can’t really wear a lot of makeup there. So I like to have very, very light coverage, “says Camila Cabello in her episode of Rowingbeauty secrets Instead of foundation, opt for a CC cream as a base.
Tinted moisturizers, CC or BB creams, skin dyes or tinted sunscreens are pretty much all synonyms to describe formulas that pair skin nourishing ingredients with just enough pigment to cover blemishes or a skin blur effect. “The skin is inside, tinted moisturizers are a fantastic way to achieve light and flawless makeup,” says makeup professional Natasha Chauvet, who points out that all skin types can sport this barely present product.
Those with oily skin may be especially cautious, but don’t worry. “My favorite makeup for oily skin is to use a primer and set the makeup with a setting powder, translucent or suitable for your complexion”, advises famous makeup artist Tae René, continuing that this method will prevent your appearance from shifting during the day. If masking blemishes or dark spots is your concern, professional makeup artist Arielle Antoinette notes that “even with skin that has discoloration, you can spot concealer control” on top of your favorite tinted formula.
Ready to try one for yourself? Below, 13 of the best tinted moisturizers to add to your routine all spring and summer.
A classic choice
Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer for natural skin
Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer is definitely an OG and has been a favorite of beauty aficionados for years. In fact, RowingChristian Allaire, a fashion and style writer, calls it one of his hero makeup products. “Laura Mercier Lifetime Tinted Moisturizer! I never get more compliments on my skin than when I use it – the perfect amount of radiance and coverage, “she says.” I recommend it to all my friends who are wearing makeup and want light coverage. “
Endorsed by celebrities
Han Skincare Cosmetics Serum CC with SPF 30+
“Sunscreen is always very important. My mom always told me it was really important and I hate it when I get sunburned, “says Cabello, who is a fan of Han Skincare Cosmetics Serum CC. While she loves it for the featured SPF 30, this is also the ideal for moisturizing and even skin tone thanks to its cocktail of essential oils.
Oil-free options
Lancôme Skin Feels Good Nourishing foundation for the skin
Although it’s infused with SPF 23 and hyaluronic acid, what we love most about Lancôme’s tinted moisturizer is that it’s oil-free. Expect this to leave a smooth, velvety finish with no seams even before blushing.
Smooth-looking skin
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop shaded skin color
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty has given the industry many star makeup products and her skin tone is certainly one of the most memorable. Available in 25 shades, this is not only suitable for a wide range of skin tones, but works to smooth and blur skin in an instant, making it an excellent choice for reducing the look of pores or texture.
Skin care shortcut
Ilia Super Serum Skin Color SPF 40
Ilia’s Super Serum is a skin color that has also captured the hearts of Vogue editors. Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor, admitted in 2020 how the 3-in-1 Moisturizing Serum replaced her entire skincare routine. “This virtually imperceptible tint boasts a combination of niacinamide, squalane and hyaluronic acid that leaves my skin incredibly dewy, while the light coverage promises a Zoom-ready look; and the addition of SPF 40 makes everything sweeter (and safer!) for the summer, “she wrote.
For hydration throughout the day
Yves Saint Laurent Nu Bare Look Tint Foundation
The key to that dewy makeup-free makeup is an incredibly hydrated foundation. Follow your radiance-boosting skincare regimen with Yves Saint Laurent’s Nu Bare Look Tint foundation rich in glycerin, hyaluronic acid and mallow for a 24-hour hydration boost that rivals even the best moisturizers for the face.
Your skin but better
Rose Inc Skin enhances radiant skin tone
Famous make-up artist Jen Tioseco tells Rowing that “radiant skin with some coverage” will be on trend this spring: one of her favorites is Skin Enhance Luminous Skin Tint by Rose Inc. She says it’s “super light but even out skin just enough to look blessed with flawless skin ; and finally, it’s a clean beauty product! “
Brilliant lightening
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
Those looking for vitamin C to address hyperpigmentation, dullness and dark markings should consider adding NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer to their makeup assortment. Infused with not only the antioxidant, SPF and conditioning ingredient French Polynesian kopara, expect a sheer, radiant finish that can help protect and even out skin tone over time.
For buildable roof
Colored sun foundation SPF 30 Tower 28 SunnyDays
The Tower 28 SunnyDays is a recently introduced all-star tinted sunscreen that is already well-loved for pairing skin-loving benefits with buildable coverage. Designed to soothe stressed skin (through a cocktail of prickly pear, white sage, aloe vera and broad spectrum SPF 30), apply a little with your fingers to even out skin tone or use your favorite brush to cover actually discoloration.
Savior for sensitive skin
It Cosmetics CC + Cream with SPF 50+
The coveted CC cream from It Cosmetics will definitely not hurt you, especially if you have sensitive and capricious skin. Although it has full coverage with SPF 50, this is known to calm the skin as it fuses thanks to the collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid present.
Friendly wrinkles and pores
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Dye SPF 20
What’s better than a formula that adapts to your skin’s needs? Enter this Shiseido option which is made to combat heat, humidity, oil and even movement. And so, it has become a favorite of famous makeup artists Fiona Stiles and Brigitte Reiss-Andersen because it offers a light glow without exaggerating the look of wrinkles or pores.
Comfortable coverage
Fresh water dye by Chanel Les Beiges
As the name suggests, Chanel’s fresh aqua dye is made up of 75% water for a gel-textured formula that feels surprisingly refreshing. It is powered by pigmented micro droplets for weightless coverage.
Formula ready for the holidays
The Lip Bar Just A Tint 3 in 1 Tinted Skin Balm with SPF
Pairing your travel makeup bag with just a few TSA-compatible products is difficult enough, but The Lip Bar’s skin conditioner makes packing that much easier. Founded by Melissa Butler, the brand’s vegan and cruelty-free formula is made to protect, refine and hydrate at the same time, while also replacing the best skin care products.
