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15 Tinted Moisturizers That Are Basically the Paris Filter in a Bottle

Here’s the key to perfecting your “no makeup” makeup look.

By Margaux Anbouba, Tasha Nicole Smith and Nerisha Penrose
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Rosdiana Ciaravolo

A tinted moisturizer is basically the cure-all for indecisive people who can’t decide between just a moisturizer or a full face of foundation. The double-duty product blends skincare ingredients with the coverage of makeup (and sometimes sun protection, too!) to into one product that can seriously simplify your routine.

“Tinted moisturizers can be seen as an extension of your skincare routine, with the instant benefits of improved skin tone and added radiance,” says Dani Kimiko Vincent, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Kimiko. Also encompassing breakout-busting BB creams (which tend to offer slightly more coverage) and even fuller-bodied, color-correcting CC creams, “some tinted moisturizers address specific concerns including dry skin, acne-prone, or oily skin, and they often contain SPF to further simplify your routine,” she adds.

Whether you have sensitive or oily skin, or just want an effortless beauty routine, there’s a tinted moisturizer out there for you. We polled ELLE’s editors—all experts on getting ready in a rush (hello, deadlines) on their favorite tinted moisturizer on the market.

  • Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

    Best For Sun Protection

    Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

    $35 at Walmart
    Read more
  • Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

    For a Rihanna-Approved Option

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

    Read more
  • Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

    Best Clean Beauty

    Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

    Read more
  • Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation

    Best Drugstore Option

    Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation

    Read more
  • UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen

    Best of Amazon

    Elta MD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen

    Read more
Best For Sun Protection

Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Best For Sun Protection

Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

Now 42% Off
$35 at Walmart$46 at Walmart
Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Light coverage
  • Clean beauty
  • Radiant finish
Cons
  • May be hard to get out of the packaging

“It's hard to find something that agrees with my combination skin that's oily one minute and dry the next. This moisturizer disappears into my skin and leaves a soft glow all day long, and the hyaluronic acid makes sure I'm not caked up or dried out by the end of the day. It also has SPF 30 built in, cutting that extra step out of my routine. A must have!!!” —Kevin Leblanc, Fashion Associate

For a Rihanna-Approved Option

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
For a Rihanna-Approved Option

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Lightweight finish
  • Moisturizing
Cons
  • Thin consistency

“As much as I love a full glam look, my extremely dry skin does not, so opting for a tinted moisturizer has always been the best route for me. I love this skin tint because it gives me the coverage I’m looking for without drying out my skin. And it leaves a gorgeous dewy finish that I absolutely love!” —Tasha Nicole Smith, Beauty Assistant

Shades25
FinishNatural
Size1.08 fl. oz.
Best Clean Beauty

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Best Clean Beauty

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Pros
  • Skin-loving ingredients
  • Expansive shade range
Cons
  • Pricey

“By now, Ilia’s serum is part of my daily routine. I love that it feels lightweight but offers great, buildable coverage and makes my skin feel smooth and glowy. It works like foundation and skincare at the same time and I’m thoroughly obsessed.” —Erica Gonzales, Senior Culture Editor

Shades29
FinishDewy
Size1 fl. oz.
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Best Drugstore Option

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation

Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
Best Drugstore Option

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation

Now 20% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Serum texture
  • Super hydrating
  • Formulated for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Dries quickly

“If I’m ever in a bind and need a quick drugstore foundation, this moisturizing serum pick is my go-to. It’s feather-light but tinted enough to blur any blemishes or hyperpigmentation. Plus the ingredients add much-needed hydration to my chin and cheeks whenever they get dull and dry. Sometimes I even mix this product into my medium-coverage foundation to give it a moisturizing boost.” —Lauren Puckett-Pope, Culture Writer

Best of Amazon

Elta MD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen

UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen
Best of Amazon

Elta MD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Two-in-one with SPF
  • Dermatologist approved
Cons
  • Very light coverage

“My dermatologist advised me to wear SPF every day. This tinted sunscreen is a two-in-one that saves room in your makeup bag.” —Claire Stern, Digital Deputy Editor

Best Two-In-One

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Best Two-In-One

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Eczema safe
  • Vegan formula
Cons
  • May transfer

“I call this my ‘Farmer’s market’ foundation. Because I’ve discovered that my favorite bread vendor has lines starting from 9 AM on a Saturday, I need to hustle out of bed earlier than I would like on a weekend. On those mornings, I don’t really feel like putting on a full face, so this combo SPF, moisturizer, and light foundation will do. It gives me some coverage for acne scars and redness, and a dewy finish that makes me feel somewhat put-together while I play my favorite game of, ‘Which fancy celebrity Brooklyn mom is that?’ (The answer is usually Jemima Kirke).” —Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director

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Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Tint

Skin Enhancing Tint

Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Tint

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Black Owned-Brand
  • Fragrance-free
Cons
  • Has silicones

“I couldn't be a minimalist, ‘clean’ makeup girl even if I tried—I'm the full-glam type through and through. But on the days I want something light but still semi-full coverage, Ami Cole's Skin Enhancing Tint meets me right in the middle. The formula is a buttery smooth texture that doesn't leave a greasy finish, covers most of my post-picking dark spots, and can be easily built up to my desired coverage without feeling cakey.” —Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor

Super Lightweight

Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Teint Water Fresh Tint

Les Beiges Eau de Teint Water Fresh Tint
Super Lightweight

Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Teint Water Fresh Tint

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Skincare focused
  • Feels refreshing
Cons
  • Pricey

“Tinted moisturizer isn’t exact what I would call this incredible product…it’s more like a tinted splash of hydration. The clear gel is a combination of water and skincare ingredients with tiny capsules of pigment floating inside—each one pops as you buff it across your face (I prefer to use my fingers for a really natural-looking finish) that’s more ‘vacation in a bottle,’ less ‘I just put on makeup.’” —Margaux Anbouba, Beauty Editor

Helps with Redness

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops

Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops
Helps with Redness

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Serum base
  • Medium coverage
Cons
  • Pricey

“I love every product I have tried from Westman Atelier. These drops are light and go on smoothly. They offer coverage and I get the feeling they are nourishing my skin.” —Sarah Zendejas, Senior Fashion Market Editor

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Long Wearing

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Long Wearing

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Two-in-one
  • Travel size to try
Cons
  • May pill over some skincare

“I get so many compliments on my skin when I wear this, it’s the best no-makeup makeup!” —Jade Vallario, Elle Editor

Best for Blue Light Protection

Iris&Romeo Best Skin Days SPF 30

Best Skin Days SPF 30
Best for Blue Light Protection

Iris&Romeo Best Skin Days SPF 30

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Clean beauty
  • Color corrects
Cons
  • May be too dewy

“I want two things from a tinted moisturizer: sun protection and a super-dewy finish. This cream from Iris&Romeo uses zinc oxide to block UVA, UVA, and blue light, but the magic is in the reflective pigments. They aren’t shimmery or glittery, but instead return light back at anybody who is looking at you, so imperfections like under eye darkness or redness are way less noticeable. (Remember: This is bonus sun protection! Makeup-spiked SPF isn’t enough to fully protect your skin.)” —Margaux Anbouba, Beauty Editor

Best Clean Beauty

True Botanicals Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30

Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30
Best Clean Beauty

True Botanicals Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30

Pros
  • Glowy finish
  • SPF 30
Cons
  • Can be too heavy for some

“I've always been a fan of mattifying beauty products as I struggle with an oily T-zone. But this airy tinted moisturizer actually makes me feel confident in rocking a dewy look, especially in the sweaty summer months when I want to go lighter on makeup. Formulated with ingredients designed to mimic the natural oils of the skin, it somehow provides a perfectly glowy finish without overdoing it. It's also gentle on skin, deeply moisturizing, and contains a solid SPF for necessary sun protection.” —Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor

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Best BB Cream

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40

Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40
Best BB Cream

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40

Pros
  • Color correcting
  • SPF 40
  • Smooth fomula
Cons
  • Only four shades

“This BB cream is my current must-have. I’ve been dealing with skin flare-ups, and this has done the perfect job of offering coverage without doing any damage to irritated areas. Even on clear skin days, I love the way this evens and brightens my skin tone. It’s totally the ‘your skin, but better’ effect. The only downside is I have to be super sure to really rub it into the jawline, otherwise it mingles with my regular moisturizer to form a line.” —Meg Donohue, ELLE.com Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Best Matte Natural Finish

GUERLAIN Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Foundation

Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Foundation
Best Matte Natural Finish

GUERLAIN Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Foundation

Pros
  • Liquid-to-powder formula
  • Layers well
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Not best for dry skin

"The foundation in Guerlain's iconic terracotta line is the lightest version of a medium-coverage complexion product out there. It’s just straight up middle of the line with everything: medium coverage, medium matte-to-dewy finish. It’s a great dupe for natural, healthy skin." —Margaux Anbouba, Beauty Editor

Best For Travel

Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Clean SPF 30 Foundation

Sunshine Skin Tint Clean SPF 30 Foundation
Best For Travel

Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Clean SPF 30 Foundation

Now 30% Off
Pros
  • Refillable
  • Made without silicones
  • Clean formula
Cons
  • May be challenging to apply

“This is my purse foundation—I like how it's compact and doesn't require a brush or even getting my fingers dirty if I need to re-apply. The oily/serum formula is light and hydrating; so easy to apply as a touch-up on the go and without messing up your beauty look. Plus, it's so fun to click the foundation out of the tube and roll it on.” —Margaux Anbouba, Beauty Editor

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What’s the difference between foundation and tinted moisturizer?

FAQs
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If you want added coverage without feeling too weighed down, opt for a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, as foundations are typically formulated to provide more coverage. “Tinted moisturizers offer lighter coverage than foundations and allow more of your natural skin to show through,” Vincent says.

What should I look for in a tinted moisturizer?

elle line break

When shopping for a tinted moisturizer, you want to consider your skin type and amount of coverage you're looking for. Choose a tinted moisturizer that suits your skin type, desired coverage level, and finish (dewy, matte, radiant, glowy, etc.). If you prefer a glowy finish, choose one that touts “radiance.” Also, you should look for skin tints with sun protection. Sunscreen should always be worn with or without makeup, but skin tints with SPF add an extra layer of sun protection.

How do I use a tinted moisturizer?

elle line break

While the formulas are different, tinted moisturizers can be applied the same way you would a foundation. You can use your hands for light, your-skin-but-better coverage or reach for a foundation brush to build up the coverage to your liking.

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Meet the Expert

elle line break

Dani Kimiko Vincent is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of the Japanese cosmetics brand Kimiko.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

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Margaux Anbouba wants to try it all and do it all…and she does as ELLE's beauty editor. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.

Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.

Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant.

Headshot of Margaux Anbouba
Margaux Anbouba
Beauty Editor

As ELLE’s beauty editor, Margaux wants to try it all and do it all…and she does. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.

Headshot of Tasha Nicole Smith
Beauty Assistant

Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
 

Headshot of Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

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