Summer is right around the corner [HOLLA! 🙌 ], which for most of us, means making a few changes to our beauty routines. Ya know, in order to incorporate lightweight products that are perfect for the days spent soaking up the sun – rather than heavy foundations that are likely to sweat off by lunchtime! Insert: tinted moisturizers.
If you’re someone who prefers lightweight coverage during this season [as opposed to a heavy foundation], a tinted moisturizer is a great option! They offer a bit of color & coverage, without sacrificing that weightless feel. Wear them on their own, or layer under your usual beauty routine – the choice is yours. Either way, say hellooo to a sun-kissed summer glow – all while spending less time in front of the mirror and more time outside enjoying the season! And as a bonus: the majority of the products include SPF, something we can totally get on board with! With so many great products on the shelves, the LIY Team and Ambassadors took matters into our own hands – and skin! 😉 We tested a handful of the most popular tinted moisturizers on the market to find the best products for our skin types! Get ready to glow, friends. These are the best tinted moisturizers!
PS. Did you know we review products monthly?! For more LIY Tested & Approved Beauty reviews, click here!
The Results
- Best for Normal Skin Types: Tarte Skin Treat + SPF 20
- Best for Dry Skin Types: Ilia Skin Tint + SPF 40 [under $50!] and Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer + SPF 35 [under $40!]
- Best for Oil-Prone Skin: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Erin – Normal Skin
Top Pick: Tarte Skin Treat + SPF 20
Favorite Overall
I have been using this for a year or so now, and I have zero plans of changing it anytime soon. It is my everyday foundation as I love that it has SPF 20, provides a flawless finish, and goes on feeling like a cloud. You must try this for the softest, silkiest, smoothest formula! It stays on well all day, but doesn’t look cakey!
Best SPF Coverage
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer + SPF 30
I was excited to try this tinted moisturizer as it gets rave reviews – while it is a better option for SPF coverage, the application of it wasn’t my favorite. I felt like I was putting on sunscreen and it was a little oily to me. However, it did hold up all day long!
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Tinted Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
This was definitely the cheapest option I tried [under $10!] so while I love it for the price point, I didn’t love it from a coverage perspective. It gets the job done from a tinted moisturizer perspective, however, I would prefer the two above more!
Debbie – Dry Skin
Top Pick: Ilia Skin Tint + SPF 40
Favorite Overall
This feels very dewy and moisturizing and light on my skin. I have very dry skin and this feels very hydrating. This gives really great full coverage even though it feels really light. Worth the money!
Best for Full Coverage + SPF
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation + SPF 50
I loved this product! It has really good coverage and blurs my pores. It does have a thicker consistency, but feels light on my skin and not sticky at all. It’s very full coverage; I feel like this gives better coverage than any foundation I’ve tried! Great product, but not as hydrating for dry skin.
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Tinted Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
I liked this product but it’s probably my least favorite out of the brands I tested. It says it’s radiant, but I feel like it’s pretty matte. It felt very light on my skin, yet has pretty good coverage. Not sticky at all! A good “save” option if you’re on a budget!
Sthefany – Oily Skin
Top Pick: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Favorite Overall
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
I love this product! It feels like I’m not wearing anything. It’s light, but definitely evens out my skin tone. Also, it’s very blendable and buildable for more coverage. One complaint: this product does not contain any SPF, so I would recommend starting with a daily facial sunscreen before applying this one.
Hydrating Formula
Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer
Love It! Works amazing for my oily face and was the perfect match to my pre-summer color. I get oily fairly quick, but this maintains an oil-free look longer. It does great covering pigmented areas and the final finish is flawless! This product does not contain any SPF, so I would recommend starting with a daily facial sunscreen before applying this one.
Not Worth the Money
Not my fav. I really wanted to love this one. I’ve tried the radiant longwear foundation and I loved it, but this one is a no for me. It makes my face oily and sticky fairly quick after applying. If you have oil-prone skin, save your money and skip this one!
Heather – Dry Skin
Top Pick: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer + SPF 35
Favorite Overall
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer + SPF 35
The Saie Slip Tint felt great on my skin and gives me a dewy glow. The consistency is like mousse, so it feels really light and is hydrating! I really liked this one! Note: Initially it was a little runny so I had to discard the first few pumps and then it was fine! Be sure to shake well before using!
Best SPF Coverage
BareMineral Complexion Rescue + SPF 30
LOVE! Good coverage that felt great on and gives a perfect glow to my skin. I have dry skin and my skin loved this one, but if you are oily this one might not be the best for you.
Best Splurge for Summer
Beauty Counter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer + SPF 20
Great light coverage that feels great on my skin! This is a perfect daily product in the summer! Note: this is one of the more expensive products we tested – it is a bit of a splurge! But if you’ve ever tried any Beautycounter products before, you know they’re worth every penny!
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