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The 12 Best Tinted Moisturizers We Tested That Deliver on Coverage and Hydration

The perfect marriage between makeup and skincare.

Tinted Moisturizer

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

TL;DR

Our favorite tinted moisturizer is the Tarte Maracuja Tinted Moisturizer thanks to its buildable coverage, hydrating formula, glowy finish, and impressive wear. If you’re looking for a more natural matte finish to suit oily skin, the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint is our top choice. 

If you like a “no-makeup makeup” look or you simply prefer a coverage product that’s lightweight and effortless to apply, we recommend investing in a quality tinted moisturizer. Think of a tinted moisturizer as a hybrid between foundation and regular moisturizer—it does the work of both in one step. Tinted moisturizers typically provide less coverage than foundation but they can be easier to work with, especially if you’re not a big makeup wearer. “They are a little bit more forgiving and the shade ranges are more flexible, making them a little more user-friendly than a foundation,” says celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell

We tested more than 30 options over two weeks to find the best tinted moisturizers for every skin type and makeup preference. We evaluated each one based on its coverage, finish, hydration, wear, shade range, and overall results, and ahead, we’re sharing the ones that deserve the Byrdie stamp of approval.

What We Like
  • Buildable coverage

  • Glowy but not greasy

  • Easy to blend

  • Wears well throughout the day

What to Consider
  • Could be a but too glowy for those with very oily skin

Shades: 20 | Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Natural/radiant | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

We love pretty much everything about this tinted moisturizer. It features buildable coverage that can be layered to blur discoloration, it’s creamy and easy to blend and gives the skin a beautiful radiance. One layer creates a semi-opaque veil of coverage on the skin while a second layer adds enough coverage to camouflage breakouts. The finish is glowy without being greasy, though people with very oily skin still might find it too luminous for them. 

Our tester, Stephanie, was impressed by how hydrating it felt, likely due to hyaluronic acid and maracuja oil (passionfruit oil) in the formula. It didn’t cling to dryness or uneven skin texture and remained smooth-looking and crease-resistant all day. If you’re looking for a tinted moisturizer that you can wear on minimal makeup days and for more glam makeup looks, this one’s for you.

Stephanie, age 25-34 with combination skin

 “The product looks smooth without even a hint of streakiness (this is something I feel happens often with tinted moisturizers). My skin has a luminous glow and looks moisturized.” 

What We Like
  • Weightless texture

  • Offered in 24 inclusive shades

  • Skin-like finish

  • Wears throughout the day

  • Contains SPF 20

What to Consider
  • Can settle into lines a bit

Shades: 24 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant/natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

This tinted moisturizer from Rare Beauty was beloved during testing; it was easy to apply, looked skin-like, and wore beautifully throughout the day. It features a medium, liquidy consistency that feels weightless and is a breeze to blend. We could apply an even layer using our fingers, a damp sponge, or a brush, and add a bit of additional coverage where needed by adding a second layer. Because the formula is somewhat runny, our tester, Michelle, noticed that it settled subtly into a few fine lines but this was easy to tap out with her fingertips. The finish is natural with a hint of radiance suitable for various skin types—not too much for oily skin, but just enough to give dry skin a glow. 

The formula contains SPF 20 (but remember the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a minimum of SPF 30). It also comes in 24 shades with a nice range of depth and undertones and is packaged in a chic and compact squeeze bottle that makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product. 

Michelle, age 35-44 with dry skin

“The product provided light to medium coverage but was very buildable. I was able to add more without it looking or feeling too heavy. Imperfections were less visible and I [achieved] an overall more even complexion.”

What We Like
  • Skin-like finish

  • Long-wearing

  • Contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin

  • Great for a variety of skin types

What to Consider
  • Coverage isn't the most buildable

Shades: 24 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

It is possible to get a high-quality tinted moisturizer on a budget, case in point: this pick from ColourPop. Available in 24 shades, there’s an option to suit most skin tones. We love that it has a natural finish and is hydrating but not greasy, so it works for all skin types. It applies evenly with a brush, a damp sponge, or your fingertips and dries down to a truly skin-like finish. It also has impressive lasting power; our tester found it wore well all day without creasing, settling into lines, or getting too shiny. 

While we wish the coverage was a bit more buildable so we could customize it to our preferences, we love that it’s weightless on the skin and gives the complexion an overall blurred effect.

What We Like
  • Contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E

  • Non-greasy

  • Natural-looking coverage

  • Contains SPF 15

  • Inclusive shade range

What to Consider
  • Not very buildable

  • Some people found that it pilled or applied a bit blotchy 

Shades: 18 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: No 

Many tinted moisturizers marketed for dry skin end up being greasy, but this one allows dry skin to achieve a natural, not too dewy finish. It’s available in 18 shades ranging from very fair to very deep and offers sheer coverage that lets your natural skin shine through. We also appreciate that the formula contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to nourish parched skin. It lasted nicely throughout the day, maintaining its natural finish and looking fresh for several hours. 

One tester had a seamless application experience with this one, while another tester noticed a bit of patchiness or pilling. Sometimes pilling happens when you layer skincare and makeup products with different bases (water vs. oil), so because this formula is water-based, we recommend applying water-based skincare products. 

Ally, age 35-44 with sensitive/combination skin

“I honestly wasn't sure what sort of coverage I'd get with a tinted moisturizer since I'd never used one before, but was pleasantly surprised by how even this product left my skin. I really only had to do some spot cover-up with my concealer or foundation. I'd often get compliments on my skin [while using it], which hasn't happened since I was, oh, 10 years younger?” 

What We Like
  • Natural matte finish

  • Inclusive shade range

  • Buildable coverage

  • Long-wearing

What to Consider
  • Might not be hydrating enough for people with dry skin

Shades: 25 | Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Nautral/matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

If you have oily skin, perhaps you’ve found tinted moisturizers too dewy or even greasy in the past. However, this one from Fenty is lightweight and has a skin-like matte finish that doesn’t contribute to excess oil throughout the day. It has light-to-medium buildable coverage, which gives you some customizability in terms of how much blurring coverage you want on any given day. It’s blendable, looks smooth and natural on the skin, and wears beautifully with minimal fading or creasing throughout the day. 

While it’s certainly not drying, those with dry skin might not find it hydrating enough (aka, you might want to use a facial moisturizer before application). But if you’re looking for semi-matte, buildable coverage, impressive lasting power, and an inclusive shade range, this one hits all those points.

Alyssa, age 25-34 with combination skin

“It did a nice job of evening my skin tone while still letting some natural imperfections peek through. I think the wear of this tinted moisturizer is better than most I’ve tried because it's not as emollient or glowy, so it doesn't break down as quickly on the skin.” 

What We Like
  • Fragrance-free

  • Has a seal of acceptance from National Eczema Association

  • Natural finish

  • Buildable

What to Consider
  • Could have more cool-toned shades

Shades: 17 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

People with sensitive skin know finding a complexion product that covers existing irritation without leading to more irritation or sensitivity can be tricky. This Tower 28 tinted sunscreen is great because it’s fragrance-free (synthetic fragrance can be a source of irritation for some), has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association (meaning it’s suitable for people with eczema), and contains mineral SPF 30.

It offers light coverage that can be built up to blur discoloration, and we love that the lightweight, liquid-y consistency is easy to blend. It sets to a natural finish on the skin, providing an even wash of coverage and a healthy dose of sun protection. It’s great for no makeup makeup days and more done-up looks, though we wish there were some more cool-toned shades in the line-up to cater to more people with pink undertones in their skin.

What We Like
  • Includes collagen peptides to plump skin

  • Radiant finish

  • Lightweight on the skin

What to Consider
  • Not very buildable

  • Could be too glowy for those with oily skin

Shades: 16 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Our skin loses elasticity as we age, leading to less firmness and radiance. So, finding a tinted moisturizer that will boost hydration, conceal discoloration, and give your complexion a glow is key. This skin serum skin tint is great for mature skin because it has light coverage that blurs redness and sunspots while still letting a bit of your natural skin peek through. Its lightweight, lotion-like consistency also provides a glowy finish. We love that it’s formulated with collagen peptides and ceramides to plump and protect the skin barrier, and we found that it really did leave our skin feeling moisturized all day. 

If you have oily skin or you’re looking for super buildable coverage, there are better options for you. But if you have dry or mature skin and want a hydrating tinted moisturizer that offers a bit of coverage, we think you’ll love this one. 

What We Like
  • Contains SPF 40

  • Buildable coverage

  • Contains glycerin to hydrate skin

What to Consider
  • Limited shade range

Shades: 4 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Natural/luminous | Cruelty-Free: No 

Many tinted moisturizers contain SPF, but considering that the recommended level of daily protection is SPF 30, a lot of them aren’t protective enough. Truthfully, most derms will recommend applying a separate facial sunscreen before makeup to ensure adequate protection but if you’re in a hurry, this complexion hero from Dr. Jart is a savior. Not only does it have SPF 40, it’s hydrating formula includes niacinamide and glycerin which do a beautiful job of evening out your skin tone and leaving your complexion with a luminous glow. 

A before and after photo showing the effects of using Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF 40

Byrdie / Jackie Cucco

What We Like
  • Great for minimal makeup looks

  • Very lightweight

  • Wears well throughout the day

What to Consider
  • Not buildable

Shades: 12 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

People who are just getting into makeup or prefer minimal makeup will love this tinted moisturizer from Glossier. Put bluntly, it doesn’t offer much coverage. We’re talking about very scant coverage. So while it’s not ideal for those who want to cover skin imperfections, it’s great for people who want to fool everyone into thinking they’re not wearing any makeup. It creates a very subtle and even veil across the skin, and leaves behind a bit of a radiant glow. It wore well with minimal creasing or fading, layered nicely with cream and powder products we applied on top of it, and felt comfortable and weightless on the skin. 

Amy, age 35-44 with combination skin

“This tinted moisturizer is very sheer and has super skin-like coverage. It has a very runny and serum-like formula that is not very buildable. However, it did even out my skin tone a bit, giving an overall brightening and radiant effect on my face.”

What We Like
  • Very buildable

  • Hydrating with Vitamin E

  • Doesn't emphasize skin texture

What to Consider
  • Can feel a bit thick

Shades: 16 | Coverage: Buildable/full| Finish: Dewy | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

If you’re seeking the benefits of skincare with the coverage ability of foundation, this is the tinted moisturizer for you. It contains SPF 20, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E to hydrate and nourish the skin, and boasts impressive buildable coverage. One layer did a fantastic job of evening our testers’ complexions and creating a radiant glow, while a second layer provided full coverage that resembled a true foundation. Because it’s so buildable, it’s a versatile product to keep in your makeup bag for a quick day-to-night adjustment. 

The texture is slightly thicker than most tinted moisturizers we tested, though we only noticed this when really layering it up. But even when we applied two generous coats, we still found it comfortable and were impressed by how well it wore throughout the day. 

Jenna, age 25-34 with acne-prone skin

“The coverage of this tinted moisturizer was honestly amazing. It was buildable, but I really didn't feel like I needed more than one layer (I like it natural-looking!). It was a little bit thicker than other tinted moisturizers I have used, but I actually enjoyed it because it helped cover up some dark spots and acne scars.”

What We Like
  • Provides lasting hydration

  • Buildable

  • Gives skin a beautiful glow

  • Doesn't emphasize lines or texture

What to Consider
  • Could be too dewy for people with oily skin

  • Can pill on top of freshly applied skincare

Shades: 18 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Despite the category name, many tinted moisturizers aren’t actually that moisturizing. But this one claims to boost moisture levels by up to 52% and we saw the evidence of that—it left our testers’ skin feeling hydrated all day long. In addition to its impressive moisturizing effect, we loved how natural and glowy it looked on the skin—it didn’t look heavy, patchy, or emphasize dryness. It’s a great go-to when you want to even your complexion and quench dryness in one fast step.

While we love the formula and thought the dewy finish looked gorgeous on the skin, it could be a bit much for those with grease-prone skin types. One tester also found it was inclined to pill a bit when she applied it directly over her skincare. We recommend letting your skincare products sink in for a few minutes before using this product.  

What We Like
  • Lightweight, serum-like consistency

  • Buildable coverage

  • Natural, skin-like finish

  • Lasts beautifully on the skin

What to Consider
  • Could be a bit more hydrating

Shades: 20 | Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Tinted moisturizers are often formulated with a lot of emollient ingredients (moisturizing butters, oils, etc.), so they tend not to last as long on the skin as traditional foundations. If you’re looking for a hydrating base product that won't make you sacrifice longevity try this one. It contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and smooth the skin but it’s not greasy or oily, so it holds up well throughout the day. It might not be moisturizing enough for people with dry skin, but it’s a great option for humid summer days or oily skin types. 

The serum-like texture melts into the skin to create an even veil of coverage and offers a fresh, natural-looking finish. The buildable coverage will blur breakouts and discoloration, though it still lets your natural skin shine through. Once it set, it lasted well without fading, creasing, or emphasizing fine lines or texture.

Laura, age 25-34 with combination skin

“The consistency was a lightweight liquid and did not settle into pores or lines. It instead improved the look of pores, dullness, and discoloration! The dewy look it gave to my skin lasted all day (up to 12 hours).”

What to Look for in a Tinted Moisturizer

  • Shade Range: While you’ll want to get as close a match to your skin tone as possible, it’s not as crucial with tinted moisturizers as it is with foundation. “A lot of brands don’t carry as full of a range with tinted moisturizers as they do foundation,” says pro makeup artist Amber Amos. “However, since the pigment isn’t as full force, offerings typically cover a range of shades.” Look for a shade with your skin’s same undertones with a similar depth. 
  • Finish: Just like foundations, tinted moisturizers come in a variety of finishes. If you have dry skin, look for one packed with hydrating ingredients with a radiant or dewy finish. If you have oily skin, one with a natural or matte finish that won’t contribute to excess oil. 
  • Coverage: Although tinted moisturizers typically offer light to medium coverage, some offer almost undetectable coverage, and others can be built up to full coverage. It’s ultimately a matter of preference, but if you want a super versatile product, look for one with medium buildable coverage that you can sheer out or layer up to achieve your desired look.
FAQ
  • What’s the best way to apply tinted moisturizer?

    A tinted moisturizer should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine or in place of foundation in your makeup routine. If you have super oily skin, you can replace your regular moisturizer with a tinted moisturizer to minimize excess oil. The product you choose can be applied the same way you would apply foundation—with your fingertips, a damp makeup sponge, or a foundation brush. It’s totally up to you and what you prefer, though Sewell recommends pressing it in with your hands so it sinks into the skin and looks seamless. Note that you’ll yield the most coverage if you apply it with your fingertips or a brush.

  • How can you make a tinted moisturizer last on your skin?

    There are no rules for makeup application, but we typically recommend applying concealer after your foundation in areas that could use a bit more coverage. This helps prevent you from over-applying the product and ending up with thick or cakey makeup. 

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She’s been using and testing tinted moisturizers for more than a decade, and she’s tried nearly every one on this list for herself. She has combination skin that leans oily during the summer, and her go-to is the Fenty Eaze Drop Skin Tint. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. 

She also spoke with experts to discuss important things to consider when buying tinted moisturizer. Those experts included:

  • Kelli Anne Sewell, a celebrity makeup artist, content creator, and founder of Makeup By Kelli Anne. She has worked with clients like Alix Earle, Brooks Nader, and more. 
  • Amber Amos, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients like Lil Nas X, Slick Woods, Travis Scott, and more.

What Is Byrdie Verified?

We created the Byrdie Verified seal of approval to help our readers find the best products to buy—it’s that simple. We rigorously research and test a broad range of beauty, wellness, fitness, and fashion products, both in our Manhattan-based lab and at home. We develop comprehensive testing methodologies and compare products side by side to help you determine which ones are worth your hard-earned money.

But that’s not all: We often re-test product categories and update our recommendations throughout the year to account for the latest trends and product launches. Our recommended products run the gamut from budget to splurge-worthy, and we’re not loyal to any one specific retailer or brand. Since our recommendations are based on our personal first-hand experience—each product we recommend must earn the Byrdie Verified seal fair and square.

In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust—all day, every day.

Edited by Ally Hirschlag
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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  2. Baumann L, Bernstein EF, Weiss AS, Bates D, Humphrey S, Silberberg M, Daniels R. Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2021 May 14;3(3):ojab019. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojab019. PMID: 34195612; PMCID: PMC8239663.

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