Tinted moisturizers offer the perfect combination of skin care and cosmetic coverage. Unlike foundations that can appear cakey or mask-like, these lightweight formulas even tone with a breathable tint that looks like a better version of your natural skin. Many also provide sun protection along with skin nourishing ingredients and antioxidants.
Finding the best tinted moisturizer means considering your key skin priorities. Do you want smoothing hydration, oil control, anti-aging effects or radiance? Our guide features 15 top rated tinted SPF moisturizers and illuminators that cover all the bases while letting your glow show through. We’ll compare key details and benefits to help match you with your ideal product.
This tinted sunscreen from CeraVe provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection along with a sheer tint to give skin a healthy glow. The mineral formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to deflect UV rays. It is also hydrating and helps restore the skin’s protective barrier.
This CeraVe tinted sunscreen is an excellent choice for protecting skin while providing a bit of coverage and glow thanks to the tint. As a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it is gentle for sensitive skin types. The addition of ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydrate and replenish the skin barrier. It wears beautifully under makeup as well. For comprehensive UV protection and a dewy glow, this CeraVe tinted moisturizer is a top contender.
This tinted moisturizer from Drmtlgy offers broad spectrum SPF 46 sun protection along with lightweight, buildable coverage thanks to its “universal tint” that works for most skin tones. It functions as a 3-in-1 moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen.
For a high level of SPF protection in a tinted moisturizer, this Drmtlgy product delivers. The SPF 46 rating surpasses most tinted moisturizers. We like the universal tint that doesn’t look washed out or fake. The hydrating formula combats dryness while protecting skin from UV damage. It also lacks added fragrance making it a good sensitive skin option. Overall an exceptional multitasking tinted sunscreen.
This L’Oreal Paris product is a lightweight lotion that gives skin a radiant glow thanks to light reflecting pigments. It can be worn alone to enhance skin’s natural luminosity or mixed with foundation to add highlight. Available in multiple shades to suit different skin tones.
For a quick boost of glow with sheer coverage, this L’Oreal Paris glotion delivers. It gives a lit-from-within radiance that livens up lackluster skin. We like that it can double as a foundation mixer for extra highlight. The texture feels weightless and comfortable on the skin. If you want subtle glow without much coverage, this easy-to-use luminizer skin tint fits the bill.
This Neutrogena facial moisturizer combines several anti-aging skin benefits. It contains retinol to improve skin texture, SPF 20 mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide for UV protection, and a sheer tint to even tone. The oil-free, lightweight formula won’t clog pores.
As an all-in-one anti-ager, this Neutrogena tinted moisturizer delivers retinol, sun protection and sheer coverage. Retinol addresses fine lines and boosts collagen over time for firmer skin while the SPF shields from sun damage. The lightweight, oil-free texture also makes it suitable for breakout-prone skin. For comprehensive anti-aging protection and skin evening effects, it’s a solid choice.
This L’Oreal Paris foundation has a lightweight, serum-like texture powered by hydrating hyaluronic acid. It provides light to medium buildable coverage with a seamless, nude skin-like finish. The oil-free, non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores and works for sensitive skin.
We love the barely-there nude finish this L’Oreal Paris foundation delivers. It feels weightless on the skin without emphasizing pores or texture. The hyaluronic acid provides a burst of hydration while the buildable coverage evens tone and diffuses imperfections without looking heavy or cakey. For ayour-skin-but-better coverage and a smooth, plumped effect it’s a wonderful drugstore formula.
This Saie Slip Tint offers mineral SPF 35 sun protection through broad spectrum zinc oxide along with a hydrating, lightweight tinted moisturizer. The oil-free liquid formula provides sheer coverage with a natural finish. Free of silicones, fragrance and essential oils.
For lightweight hydration and protection in one, the Saie Slip Tint delivers. We like that it relies on mineral zinc oxide for broad spectrum SPF coverage rather than chemical filters. The sheer coverage lets skin show through beautifully. And it lacks common irritants like fragrance and oils making it a solid sensitive skin option. If you want a barely-there tint with hydration and safety, it’s a winner.
This bareMineralsComplexion Rescue provides sheer coverage with mineral SPF 30 protection, hydration from hyaluronic acid and skin tones evening pigments. The oil-free, creamy gel formula works for sensitive skin types and won’t clog pores. It spreads easily without streaking.
We appreciate that this bareMinerals formula relies on non-nano zinc oxide for safe, broad spectrum sun protection. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps attract moisture to the skin for a smooth, bouncy appearance. The coverage imparts a soft, natural finish that doesn’t accentuate flaws or texture. For daily UV defense, free radical fighting antioxidants and a boost of hydration it fits the bill beautifully.
This affordable drugstore option from Wet n Wild delivers sheer to medium coverage with a smooth matte finish. The lightweight, gel cream formula contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. It provides buildable coverage that controls shine and blurs the look of pores and imperfections.
While many tinted moisturizers focus solely on hydration, we appreciate that this Wet n Wild option also perfects skin texture. The lightweight gel cream formula feels comfortable while controlling oil and minimizing the look of pores thanks to the soft matte finish. It also relies on hyaluronic acid rather than drying alcohols to impart moisture. For low cost, skin improving coverage it impresses.
As the name suggests, this Neutrogena Hydro Boost tint provides intense hydration powered by hyaluronic acid. The refreshing gel cream formula delivers sheer, buildable coverage with a dewy soft-matte finish. It glides over dry areas without accentuating flakiness and works well for sensitive skin.
The hero ingredient in this Neutrogena tint is hyaluronic acid which attracts and binds moisture to the skin for multi-layer hydration that lasts. We like the cooling, water-gel texture that instantly quenches dryness and sinks in quickly. The sheer tint can be built up slightly for more uniform tone. And the formula plays well with sensitive, acne-prone skin. For instant hydration with a hint of coverage, it delivers.
This EltaMD sunscreen moisturizer provides mineral broad spectrum SPF 40 protection through 9% zinc oxide content. The oil-free, fragrance-free formula contains hyaluronic acid for hydration. It applies sheer while shielding from UVA/UVB rays and free radical damage.
We appreciate that this EltaMD sunscreen relies solely on mineral zinc oxide rather than chemical UV filters. The SPF 40 rating offers greater protection than many tinted moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate provide lightweight moisture that won’t exacerbate oiliness. And it lacks common irritants like fragrance. For superb daily UVA/UVB defense with some hydration, EltaMD is a reliable choice.
Paula’s Choice created this SPF moisturizer specifically for oily and combination skin that’s prone to breakouts. The lightweight, shake-to-activate formula mattifies shine while providing broad spectrum SPF 30 mineral sun protection. It also smoothes the look of fine lines.
We appreciate that Paula’s Choice formulated this sunscreen moisturizer with blemish-prone complexions in mind. Zinc oxide delivers protective UV defense without clogging pores or exacerbating oils and breakouts. The subtle tint helps even tone for a more flawless appearance while the texture smooths over the look of fine lines and wrinkles. For oil regulation with protection it excels.
This Laura Mercier illuminating tinted moisturizer imparts a healthy, soft focused glow thanks to light reflecting mineral pearls. The lightweight, hydrating formula provides sheer to light buildable coverage with a natural finish. Vitamins A, C and E offer antioxidant protection.
While many tinted moisturizers are too sheer or fade over time, we like that this Laura Mercier formula allows flexible coverage while imparting luminosity. The mineral pearl pigments lend dimension without appearing overly shimmery or metallic. It wears comfortably while protecting skin from free radicals. For illumination with versatility, it stands out from the pack.
This broad spectrum SPF 44 sunscreen moisturizer from EltaMD shields skin from UVA and UVB rays using transparent zinc oxide. The lightweight, oil-free formula works for face and body without leaving a white residue. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and can be worn under makeup. Safe for sensitive skin.
We like that this EltaMD sunscreen relies solely on mineral zinc oxide for broad spectrum SPF 44 coverage. The formula feels comfortable on skin rather than thick or greasy. It provides some hydration without feeling heavy. And the tint blend in seamlessly without white residue making it easy to use anywhere including the body. For exceptional sensitive skin protection, it’s a wonderful choice.
Cetaphil formulated this facial moisturizer specifically to address the needs of redness-prone skin. It contains SPF 40 mineral sunscreen to protect while visibly reducing redness. The soothing, lightweight formula works to calm skin and minimize irritation behind redness and flushing.
Sensitive skin that’s prone to flushing, burning and visible capillary redness requires specialized care. We like that Cetaphil designed this facial moisturizer to target those issues with soothing ingredients that instantly neutralize redness. The mineral SPF 40 shields reactive skin from further damage. And the formula feels comfortable even on compromised skin barriers. For instant redness relief, it delivers.
This Cover FX tinted moisturizer imparts a luminous finish with light to buildable coverage. The nutrient-rich formula contains prebiotics, probiotics and algae extract to balance and nourish skin while protecting from environmental elements. Provides hydration and antioxidant protection.
We appreciate the soothing, microbiome-friendly ingredients Cover FX chose for this illuminating tinted moisturizer. Both prebiotics and probiotics nourish good bacteria to improve skin’s protective barrier function while defending against pollution and toxins. The algae extract provides antioxidant activity to combat free radical damage. And the luminous finish gives skin a healthy vibrancy.
Product | SPF Rating | Key Benefit |
---|---|---|
CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen | SPF 30 | Hydrating mineral formula |
DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer | SPF 46 | Buildable coverage |
L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion | none | Radiant glow |
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Perfector | SPF 20 | Anti-aging with retinol |
L’Oreal Paris True Match Serum Foundation | none | Hydrating hyaluronic acid |
Saie Slip Tint | SPF 35 | Hydration + zinc oxide protection |
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue | SPF 30 | Hyaluronic acid + antioxidants |
Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator | none | Controls oil and shine |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Tint | none | Intense hyaluronic acid hydration |
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen | SPF 40 | 9% zinc oxide |
Paula’s Choice Wrinkle Defense | SPF 30 | Controls oil and breakouts |
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer | none | Illuminating mineral pearls |
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen | SPF 44 | Transparent zinc oxide |
Cetaphil Redness Relieving Moisturizer | SPF 40 | Instantly reduces redness |
Cover FX Luminous Trio | none | Prebiotics and probiotics |
When selecting a tinted moisturizer, consider your key skin needs and concerns. Do you want extra hydration, anti-aging benefits, blemish control or sun protection? Make sure to choose an option suited for your skin type whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive or breakout-prone.
Sheer, illuminating coverage is suitable for normal to dry skin that needs a dewy glow. Look for options with built-in SPF if sun protection is a priority. Oily and blemish-prone skin may benefit from oil-controlling, non-comedogenic formulas with a soft matte finish.
Always check the ingredients to ensure sensitive skin compatibility. Mineral sunscreen filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to cause irritation. Make sure your shade match is seamless so the tint looks natural.
Tinted moisturizers bridge the gap between skin care and makeup. Most provide hydration through humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid along with beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants. Many also contain sun protection in the form of mineral or chemical filters.
Some tinted moisturizers feature anti-aging ingredients like peptides and retinol to combat wrinkles and loss of firmness. Mattifying, oil-controlling formulas work well for breakout-prone skin. Options with prebiotics and probiotics help nourish skin’s microbiome. And color correcting moisturizers counteract redness or sallowness.
When it comes to finish, tinted moisturizers run the gamut from luminous to matte. Sheer, buildable coverage is common to let your natural skin show through. But some offer medium coverage for balancing tone and diffusing imperfections.
When it comes to the overall best tinted moisturizer, our top pick is the CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30. This mineral formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad spectrum protection while the addition of ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydrate and restore the skin barrier. The lightweight, sheer coverage perfects tone with a healthy glow. For comprehensive UV defense and hydration, CeraVe delivers.
If hydration is your top priority, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint powered by hyaluronic acid excels. It attracts and binds moisture to the skin for intense, multi-layer hydration that lasts. The lightweight gel cream formula instantly quenches dryness without leaving behind greasy residue. For an refreshing, smoothing burst of hydration, this Hydro Boost Tint stands out.
One of the benefits of tinted moisturizers is that the sheer coverage and skin care ingredients make them suitable for daily wear if desired. Many offer antioxidants, hydrating hyaluronic acid, redness relieving botanicals and blemish fighters ideal for continuous use. Just make sure to remove it thoroughly at night and let skin breathe when possible.
Tinted moisturizers even skin tone while providing hydration and often SPF protection. They give light, breathable coverage that looks like skin rather than makeup. Foundations offer more pigment for opaque coverage. For no makeup makeup enhancement, tinted moisturizers excel. But full coverage foundations better disguise flaws.
Prepping skin properly ensures maximum wear time. Exfoliate away dry flakes then apply a hydrating primer evenly over face and neck before the tinted moisturizer. Let it fully absorb before continuing. Mix a pea size amount with a dot of foundation for extra adherence. Set with a translucent powder to prevent fading and sliding off skin.
Many tinted moisturizers contain at least SPF 30 which meets the FDA’s broad spectrum sun protection guidelines when used properly. Make sure to apply the recommended amount over all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours of cumulative sun exposure or immediately after swimming and heavy sweating. For extended outdoor activity, use a separate dedicated sunscreen.
One of the benefits of tinted moisturizers is that the sheer coverage and skin care ingredients make them suitable for daily wear if desired. Many offer antioxidants, hydrating hyaluronic acid, redness relieving botanicals and blemish fighters ideal for continuous use. Just make sure to remove it thoroughly at night and let skin breathe when possible.
Those with severely dry, flakey skin may find tinted moisturizers cling to patches and emphasize dryness without providing enough hydration on their own. However they can work beautifully over a rich night cream or facial oil. Acne-prone skin may want to avoid comedogenic formulas that contain shiny emollients which can clog pores and create breakouts.
Tinted moisturizers allow you to even skin tone with a boost of hydration and skin care benefits while looking like a more enhanced version of your natural complexion. For no makeup makeup radiance, smooth texture and protection from various elements, the options on our list deliver exceptional results suitable for everyday wear.
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