The 12 Best Tinted Moisturizers, Tested and Reviewed for 2026

The 12 Best Tinted Moisturizers, Tested and Reviewed for 2026Regardless of your lifestyle—whether you can only slot in 10 minutes to do makeup in the morning or simply hate multi-step routines—these multitaskers get the job done with little effort. After consulting a professional makeup artist, fellow ELLE editors, and reading through what felt like a thousand customer reviews, we come bearing our compilation of the 12 best tinted moisturizers for a flawless face, fast.” data-next-head/>Skip to ContentEvery item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Filippo FortisProsSubtle dewy finish ConsCoverage fades after long hoursAn Hourglass face emphasizes a fresh, natural finish where the light hits effortlessly. No need to layer on multiple products to get this look—Hourglass’s skin tint handles it all. Formulated to provide lasting hydration, it combines squalane, hyaluronic acid, and meadowfoam seed oil to give flexible coverage that can be built up to your preferred level without feeling heavy.Shades: 18Finish: RadiantSize: 1.2 fl. oz Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars An ELLE editor says: “I’m a full glam girl through and through, so anything ‘sheer’ or light coverage doesn’t entice me. However, this formula from Hourglass is the subtle, filter-like enhancement I love on those easy days where full glam isn’t needed.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor ProsLayers wellConsShade range could be betterBrushes can make application seamless, but with this formula, your hands create the true magic. The formula is weightless and transforms from a liquid to cream texture with a medium coverage finish. Shades: 20Finish: NaturalSize: 1 fl. oz Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 starsAn ELLE editor says: “When it comes to skin tints, the YSL NU Bare Look Tint is my holy grail. It feels incredibly lightweight on the skin—dare I say weightless—yet it provides impressive coverage that’s easy to build up or sheer out. The finish is my favorite part. It blends out into a natural, dewy glow without ever leaning greasy. Plus, a little goes a long way. I’ve been using the same bottle for almost a year! The only downside is the limited shade range, but with the right concealer and bronzer, it’s an easy fix.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowProsSkin-loving ingredientsExpansive shade rangeConsCan feel greasy Those with sensitive skin know how much of a struggle it is to find products that don’t irritate or cause a reaction. Thankfully, this tinted serum avoids sensitizing ingredients like fragrance, silicones, and oils as it also ensures that the skin stays moisturized and happy, thanks to hyaluronic acid and squalane.Shades: 29Finish: DewySize: 1 fl. ozAn ELLE editor says: “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 skin care at the same time and I’m thoroughly obsessed.”—Erica Gonzales, ELLE.com senior culture editorProsWeightless feelConsSome users dislike the applicator As the name suggests, the Make Up For Ever skin tint provides the skin with an instant boost of hydration, thanks in part to hyaluronic acid. The lightweight coverage allows for breathable layers when building intensity, so you never have to worry about looking cakey.Shades: 18Finish: Natural Size: 1 fl. ozSephora rating: 4.5/5 starsA Sephora reviewer says: “This is magic in a bottle for a dry skin girly like me. Goes on so smooth and doesn’t stick to dry spots, mixes well with lots of different bases too.”Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowWhen you’re running out the door but just want a touch of coverage before you have to face the world, try reaching for this tinted sunscreen. While SPF 40 is the main attraction, the formula has just enough pigment that it makes your skin look more even in a flash.Shades: 1Finish: NaturalSize: 1.7 fl. ozAn ELLE editor says: “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 directorSaie may be a makeup brand, but skin care is a huge part of its approach when formulating products. For example, this tinted moisturizer is packed with zinc oxide for sun protection, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and licorice root extract for a brightening effect.Shades: 14Finish: DewySize: 1 fl. ozOur expert says: “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, editorAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowProsNatural, dewy finish ConsCan feel a little greasy for oilier skin types This tinted moisturizer is a prime example of the many beauty products blurring the line between makeup and skin care these days. Some of the stars of the formula include plumping peptides, skin barrier-supporting ceramides, and soothing cactus extract. The shades stretch to accommodate several skin tones, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find your match. Shades: 16Finish: NaturalSize: 1.58 fl. oz An ELLE editor says: “If anyone knows a thing or two about a flawless, dewy base, it’s Danessa Myricks. Expanding her Yummy Skin line further, the tint version has the same filter finish as the tinted balm, just with more of a radiant dry-down. The buildable formula can work as a sheer veil on effortless days or can be built up to your desired coverage.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editorProsFilter-like finishLightweightConsThin consistencyWhen you first dispense this product, you’ll see tiny beads of pigment floating in a clear, gel-like liquid. As you buff the formula in, the droplets burst and add natural-looking, soft-focus coverage to the skin. Shades: 29Finish: DewySize: 1 fl. ozOur expert says: “Ever wonder why your foundation may look cakey and dry by the end of the day? It’s literally because when you apply your skin care and makeup, your skin pulls all the water out of the products to hydrate itself. The key to preventing this atrocity is hydrated skin. The secret weapon? Well, this tinted moisturizer is a great start. It’s like a glass of water for your skin—and that’s no surprise, as H2O is one of the main ingredients. The pigmented micro-droplets blend seamlessly, providing light to medium coverage. My face looks and feels so refreshed when I wear this. It’s one of my favorites to take on beach vacations for that ‘no makeup’ makeup look.”—Danielle James, beauty expertAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowProsContains SPF 15 Natural finish ConsLimited shadesWhen you’re wearing Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer, you’re more likely to get compliments on your skin than on your base makeup—it’s just that undetectable. While we generally recommend opting for sun protection that has an SPF of 30 or more, the SPF 15 included in some of the shades can also act as a nice boost on top of your sunscreen of choice.Shades: 12Finish: RadiantSize: 1.7 fl. ozAn ELLE editor says: “I’ve always had a hard time finding a skin tint that evens out my skin without covering up my freckles. Chantecaille’s Just Skin gives just the right amount of coverage, and it genuinely doesn’t look like you’re wearing any makeup when you have it on. I also love the finish—I’ve tried so many skin tints that end up making my face look greasy, but this one makes skin look glowy without imparting too much shine.”—Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editorProsLightweight finishMoisturizingConsThin consistencyRihanna wanted to come up with a foolproof skin tint that blurs the skin, and that’s exactly what she did. Although it acts as a hydrating moisturizer, it also stays looking fresh for hours in hot, humid weather. What can’t the “Diamonds” singer do? Shades: 25Finish: NaturalSize: 1.08 fl. ozAn ELLE editor says: “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, ELLE beauty assistantAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowDr. Jart+ is first and foremost a skin care brand, which explains why the brand’s BB cream feels so good on the skin. If you apply enough of it, it can serve as both your foundation and sunscreen, which is a huge plus in any busy girl’s book.Shades: 4Finish: NaturalSize: 1.35 fl. ozAn ELLE editor says: “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 editorNeutrogena’s best-selling tint is both a sheer foundation and a deeply hydrating serum, thanks to vitamin B5. The ingredient is best known for its prowess in attracting moisture to the skin and keeping it there. Shades: 15Finish: DewySize: 1 fl. ozAn ELLE editor says: “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, ELLE.com culture writerAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowMeet the ExpertWhat’s the difference between foundation and tinted moisturizer? FAQsIf 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.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowWhat should I look for in a tinted moisturizer?When shopping for a tinted moisturizer, you want to consider your skin type and the 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, if you can, 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 apply tinted moisturizers?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.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowWhy Trust ELLE Beauty?HEARSTAs a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, editors spoke with trusted hair experts about tinted moisturizers. Beauty editor Nerisha Penrose and beauty writers Carol Lee and Emma Aerin Becker also searched the internet for the tinted moisturizers, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.Shop More ELLE Beauty EssentialsHEARSTMona Gohara, M.D. is a Yale-trained, board-certified dermatologist, Oberlin College-bred feminist, medical media expert, and member of the ELLE Beauty Advisory Board. Mona enjoys educating on skin health, skin cancer, skin of color, and sun protection. She has done this through writing, lecturing on the local, national, and international levels, and by engaging popular media. Mona is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, where she chaired the social media task force, The Women’s Dermatologic Society where she serves as president, and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, where she chairs the DEI Work Group. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

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