We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The 10 Best Tinted Moisturizers Light coverage and hydrated skin for the win. By Grace Parsons Grace Parsons Grace Parsons is a contributing writer for Real Simple whose work has been published in The Spruce, The/Thirty, and The Quality Edit. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 08, 2024 Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Jessica Wrubel is an accomplished writer, copy editor, and fact checker, working for over 15 years for various publications owned by Tribune Publishing, The Arena Group, and Hearst Communications in the areas of Food, Health & Wellness, Travel, Lifestyle, Education, and Home Improvement. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Kristin Kempa For those who prefer a more natural look for their everyday makeup, tinted moisturizers make the perfect face base. As a lightweight and hydrating alternative to your favorite foundation, a good tinted moisturizer creates a soft canvas for the rest of your beauty routine and can even provide UV protection, depending on the formula. Lucky for us, tinted moisturizers come in a range of finishes, coverage levels, and textures, ensuring every skin type and tone has an option. To find the best tinted moisturizers, we researched and tested several popular formulas, considering shade ranges, finishes, amount of product per package, and SPF. We also spoke with celebrity makeup artists Nicole Bueno and Christin Zito Cook for expert insight on what to look for when shopping for one. Our Top Picks Best Overall: PÜR Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best With SPF: Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF 40 at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best for Dark Skin Tones: Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tint at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Medium Coverage: Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen at Sephora $32 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: SALE Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 15 with Hyaluronic Acid at Amazon $46 $27 Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Blurring Skin Tint at Sephora $36 Jump to Review Best Mattifying: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40 at Target $47 Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen at Sephora $30 Jump to Review Best Long Wearing: Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator at Sephora $18 Jump to Review Most Natural Looking: beautyblender 12-Hour Always on Radiant Skin Tint at Sephora $29 Jump to Review Best Overall PÜR Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon $36 at Walmart $36 at Ulta What Stands Out It applies seamlessly with multiple application methods. What Could Be Improved The finish could be too luminous for oily skin types. The PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is our top pick because of its blendability, considerable coverage, and longevity. With 16 dewy shades, this tinted moisturizer blends beautifully into the skin with just your fingertips or a brush. We’re happy to report it lasted throughout the day with minimal transfer or separation on the skin, especially in extreme winter weather conditions like high winds and frigid temperatures. We also loved that the formula didn't oxidize on our skin (the shade maintained its undertone and did not develop an orange hue after application). This product has a heavier consistency than other tinted moisturizers. Still, it provides more coverage than similar formulas, resulting in the need for less product to camouflage concerns like dark spots or redness. With additional sun protection and a considerable amount of product for the price, the PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 gets two thumbs up from us. Shades: 16 | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: Yes (20) Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Best With SPF Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF 40 PHOTO: Sephora $48 at Amazon $48 at Sephora View on Drjart.com What Stands Out The formula doesn’t pill when used over other skincare. What Could Be Improved The limited shade range does not work for those with lighter or deeper skin tones. BB Creams offer more than just the sheer, buildable coverage that tinted moisturizers are known for. The Dr. Jart Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer features SPF 40 and niacinamide, offering hydration and age defense when added to your makeup routine. We found the formula to have a silky, satiny feel with radiant coverage that doesn't cling to dry areas. This glowy formula works well with other cream makeup products, too, but we did find that it took longer than expected to dry after application. If you plan to use powder products like blush or bronzer, you should wait for the formula to set fully, avoiding the chance for them to look patchy on the skin. Shades: 4 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.35 Ounces | SPF: Yes (40) Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Best for Dark Skin Tones Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tint PHOTO: Sephora $32 at Amazon $32 at Sephora View on Amicole.com What Stands Out Despite the deeper hues, these shades do not oxidize once applied. What Could Be Improved Those with drier skin types should add moisturizer to prevent settling, and it doesn’t include SPF. The Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Tint is a serum-like formula that offers sheer coverage for those with a deeper complexion looking to enhance their natural beauty. The tint provides minimal coverage and allows the skin underneath to shine, making it ideal for a makeup minimalist than those needing a high-coverage product. We found it to be lightweight and undetectable when blended into the skin—it does its duty to provide light, smooth, and slightly blurred coverage. Note that this pick does not come with SPF, though it makes up for with controllable coverage, a scentless formula, and an easy application process. You won't have to worry about looking overdone or too matte with this complexion-enhancing pick. Shades: 6 | Finish: Satin | Size: 1 ounces | SPF: No Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Shauna Meany Real Simple / Shauna Meany Best Medium Coverage Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen PHOTO: Sephora $32 at Sephora $30 at Credo Beauty $32 at Kohls.com What Stands Out The formula is approved by The National Eczema Association, comes in many shades, and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. What Could Be Improved Most of the shades lean slightly yellow in undertone. For a one-stop-shop tinted moisturizer, look no further than the Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation. This expansive formula is described as a makeup-skincare hybrid, covering multiple skincare concerns, including redness and hyperpigmentation. With this option, we didn’t even feel the need to add concealer for under-eye circles. A little extra dab is all you need for any areas that need a bit more coverage. The result is a polished look that’s perfect for achieving healthy-looking skin every day. Better yet, it had our skin feeling hydrated without leaving a greasy residue, making it an ideal choice for all skin types. Tower28's shade range is one of the more robust options, too, using a reef-safe SPF that doesn't create an ashen tone to the deeper hues. Shades: 17 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: Yes (30) Real Simple / Amanda Klein Real Simple / Amanda Klein Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Best for Dry Skin Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 15 with Hyaluronic Acid PHOTO: Sephora $27 at Amazon View on Nordstrom $48 at Sephora What Stands Out The product feels weightless on the skin. What Could Be Improved The formula is runny and can be easy to over apply. Described as a two-in-one buildable skin tint, the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 15 with Hyaluronic Acid is our top choice for dry skin. Besides using the beloved humectant hyaluronic acid, this formula includes provitamin D and cactus flower to support a more resilient skin barrier. Our skin felt fantastic all day, and the luminosity really sticks around, but not in a greasy or oily way—a testament to the formula's ability to nourish the skin. Once dried onto the skin, the finish leans somewhat matte compared to natural, yet somehow, the tint doesn't lose its radiance. You won't find it clinging to dry patches when paired with a hydration-focused skincare regimen. Shades: 18 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.69 ounces | SPF: Yes (15) Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Best for Oily Skin Fenty Beauty Blurring Skin Tint PHOTO: Sephora $36 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com $36 at Kohls.com What Stands Out A small amount of product easily conceals concerns like blemishes. What Could Be Improved The product can be a bit messy because of the viscosity, and it doesn’t have SPF. For a moisturizing product that doesn't budge, go for the Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint from Fenty Beauty. The formula ranked high in our testing because it offered zero transfer and a buildable tint, setting down to a matte finish without powder. Despite the matte finish, we found that the formula felt weightless, and it didn't settle into any fine lines or pores. The shade range for this product is one of the most extensive on our list, too, which made color matching effortless and exact—this can be hard to do with tinted moisturizers, as most brands offer a minimal shade range with flexible hues designed to fit more than one skin tone. These expansive options showed no signs of oxidization after application, either, which is not an easy feat. Be aware that there is no SPF in this formula, though, so you’ll have to buy a separate face sunscreen. Shades: 25 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.08 ounces | SPF: No Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Alyssa Kaplan Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Best Mattifying It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40 PHOTO: Sephora $47 at Target $47 at Sephora View on Itcosmetics.com What Stands Out The brand has one of the most expansive shade ranges. What Could Be Improved The formula can cling to areas of texture on drier skin types. As a matte version of the brand's iconic CC+ Cream, the CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40 from It Cosmetics offers an opaque level of coverage with a finish that won't leave you feeling shiny by the end of the day. In 30 shades ranging from fair to deep, this tinted moisturizer feels closer to foundation than a skin tint, thanks to the formula's fluffy consistency and spreadability. Because of its texture, it is best to buff it into the skin with a brush to ensure you get the pore-refining and blurring effects of ingredients like lentil seed extract and air licium. Shades: 30 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1.08 ounces | SPF: Yes (40) Best for Acne-Prone Skin Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Sephora View on Rarebeauty.com $30 at Kohls.com What Stands Out The radiance of the formula does not emphasize dryness or texture. What Could Be Improved The product dispenser can make application messy. The Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is our top pick for acne-prone skin, given the product's lightweight feel, subtle luminosity, and ability to even out hyperpigmentation and blemishes. During the testing process, we found that the formula was more liquidy than we had anticipated, but it didn't change its ability to set onto the skin or build upon itself for a more full-coverage look. It was a simple and easy way to even out our complexion and made us feel more confident without having to wear heavier makeup. We found that the formula didn't oxidize on the skin, either, and that color-matching took minimal effort despite the more expansive shade offerings from the brand. It’s super easy to apply, too: Use your fingertips, a brush, or a sponge for an undetectable finish. Shades: 24 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: Yes (20) Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Best Long Wearing Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator PHOTO: Ulta $18 at Sephora $34 at Tartecosmetics.com $34 at Macy's What Stands Out The dewy finish doesn’t transfer onto clothing throughout the day. What Could Be Improved There is no SPF. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid and maracuja oil, you won't need to double up on moisturizer with this option from Tarte Cosmetics. The hydrating and buildable-coverage formula was one of the most long-wearing we tried, and it maintained a healthy radiance on the skin for the duration of our tests. We found it to be very buildable since it’s a liquid, though it doesn’t weigh down the skin at all if you do decide to add more. This makes it ideal for those who have more discoloration to conceal. Other notable attributes include a silky texture, an effortless blend, and the ability to sit undetected on the skin by not clinging to areas of texture or dryness. This Tarte Cosmetics pick is sure to create a more even and radiant complexion that lasts without worry of transfer. You’ll just need to include a separate SPF in your routine. Shades: 20 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Most Natural Looking beautyblender 12-Hour Always on Radiant Skin Tint PHOTO: Sephora $29 at Sephora View on Beautyblender.com $29 at Kohls.com What Stands Out The formula lasts all day despite the hydrating ingredients. What Could Be Improved Those with super dry skin should use a moisturizer underneath, and it doesn’t come with SPF. Out of all the tinted moisturizers we tested, the Beautyblender 12-Hour Always on Radiant Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide looked the most natural and effortless when blended into the skin. The lightweight and buildable formula never left streaks or areas of blotchiness when layered or once set onto the skin, offering a finish that wasn't too matte or overly dewy. The coverage is light to medium and easily buildable—we wanted a natural look and it delivered. It feels weightless on the skin and not-at-all sticky, which are two common complaints associated with many tinted moisturizers. With the thin texture, you'll get the best application with the brand's iconic beauty sponge. And, of course, don’t forget to add in a face sunscreen, since there is no added sun protection. Shades: 20 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Laura Ellefson Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Final Verdict After rigorous testing, the PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is our top choice, thanks to its seamless blendability, customizable coverage, glowy finish, and overall wear time. If you have oily skin, we highly recommend the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. Our Testing Process To find the best tinted moisturizers, we took 20 popular options and put them to the test both in our NYC lab and at home. First and foremost, we chose a shade that matched our skin tone. In the lab, we arrived with a freshly cleansed face free of any makeup and used a moisture reader to test our skin’s moisture level. We then followed the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the tinted moisturizer; if there wasn’t any, we used a makeup sponge, makeup brush, or our fingers to blend a nickel-size amount into the skin. At this point, we looked in the mirror to assess how it looked and write down any initial thoughts. Then, we let it sit for five to 10 minutes before gently patting our forehead, cheek, and chin with a blotting sheet, noting any oil or product transfer. We picked up the moisture reader again to re-measure the skin’s moisture level. At home, we again began with freshly cleansed skin, applying a dime-sized amount. If we wanted more coverage, we added a second layer. We made sure to use each product three to four times each week during the weeks-long testing period and provided our insights at its end. Real Simple / Jessica Juliao How to Shop for Tinted Moisturizers Like a Pro Skin Type “If you tend to have oily skin, you’re probably not suited for a tinted moisturizer, as they don’t have great long-wear ability and tend to move around unless they are set with powder,” Zito Cook says. “However, if you tend to have dry or combination skin, and you’re feeling dry, this might be a great fit for you.” With so much innovation in the beauty space, some brands offer formulas with a natural or matte finish, though, which is perfect for those with oily skin. Formulation and Coverage Level Tinted moisturizers are inherently lighter in coverage compared to foundations (though light-coverage foundations exist, too). You can build it up from sheer to light, but it typically isn't enough to camouflage concerns like blemishes or hyperpigmentation. Bueno likes to carry fuller-coverage concealers in her kit for this reason. The formulation for tinted moisturizers won't vary like a foundation. You can usually find liquid, cream, powder, and even gel foundations, but the standard for tinted moisturizers is a liquid with varying finishes–radiant, matte, and natural, to name a few. Sun Protection SPF is an added benefit to a tinted moisturizer, but it isn't necessarily a deal maker or breaker—you should technically be using a standalone face sunscreen even if there’s SPF in your tinted moisturizer. Why? Bueno says you should aim for 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of SPF for proper protection, but applying that amount of tinted moisturizer would likely be too much for the average makeup wearer, despite the product's lighter coverage and texture. More Tinted Moisturizers to Consider DRMTLY Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 46: The lack of shades and the product's tendency to cling to areas of dryness left us wanting more. The coverage offered was minimal, and the formula didn't hold up after hours of wear, so touch-ups were necessary throughout the day. Still, it felt weightless on the skin, which isn’t always a given when SPF is present in the formula. Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint for Dewy Sheer Coverage: While we loved the dewy finish, weightlessness, and longevity of this one, the coverage was ultimately too sheer to recommend as a universal tinted moisturizer pick. It would be a stellar option for anyone with minimal imperfections or looking to even their skin tone, especially during the warmer months. Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Questions You Might Ask Can you use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation? Yes, a tinted moisturizer works instead of a foundation as long as you’re OK with minimal coverage. A tinted moisturizer can be a great multitasking product because it’s working to hydrate your skin while adding a hint of color, and it may help even out your skin tone. Are BB creams and tinted moisturizers the same? BB Creams and tinted moisturizers sound interchangeable, but they are not. BB Creams are known as blemish balms, and the purpose has a rich history rooted in cosmetic procedures. "BB cream was first developed in Germany by a dermatologist who wanted to give patients something to cover any visible irritation after treatments like peels and microdermabrasion while also being soothing on the skin," Bueno says. The coverage of BB Creams leans medium to full, whereas tinted moisturizer is often sheer with buildable coverage. BB Cream formulas also typically have additional skincare benefits with a natural finish, making it ideal for all skin types. Tinted moisturizers can be too hydrating for those with oily skin because of the hydration properties. Should you go darker or lighter with tinted moisturizer? Shade choice comes down to personal preference, but Zito Cook suggests selecting a slightly darker shade than your skin tone. "It is so sheer that it will not be noticeable, but it will add a little bit of a glow and sun-kissed look to the face." Bueno agrees, adding that those with freckles or dark spots would benefit from going slightly darker to "avoid an ashy appearance" to the skin. Is tinted moisturizer worth it? Anyone with a more minimalistic approach to their beauty routine could benefit from trying out a tinted moisturizer. "If you want something without much coverage, I think it could be a great solution for you, especially if it includes SPF, which is another important step in your daily beauty routine," Zito Cook says. Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Take Our Word for It This article was written by Grace Parsons, a beauty industry veteran, and writer with experience across the cosmetics, skin, and wellness industries. To find the best tinted moisturizers, we tested 20 popular options and evaluated them based on shade range, formula finish, product size, and additional SPF benefits. We also consulted celebrity makeup artists Nicole Bueno and Christin Zito Cook for their expert insight.