This summer, tinted moisturisers are a must-have in any beauty enthusiast’s makeup bag. After all, what could be better than a product that combines hydrating ingredients with lightweight coverage? Similar to lightweight foundations, a tinted moisturiser will help you achieve that “no-makeup makeup” look (skinimalism is still among the biggest makeup trends in 2022, after all). Think of it as the perfect marriage between skincare and makeup that will even out your skin tone and leave you with the most natural-looking finish.
Tempted? Summer is the perfect time to ditch full coverage foundations for a base that’s much more breezy, so we’ve rounded up the very best tinted moisturisers, tried and tested by GLAMOUR editors. And wonderfully, most of the best tinted moisturisers also provide UV protection of up to SPF 50. Result.
Best tinted moisturisers at a glance:
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lightweight foundations, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product, best setting spray and more.
What is a tinted moisturiser and how should you apply one?
As the name suggests, it’s a day cream and foundation hybrid that’s suitable for most skin types. Tinted moisturisers are designed to hit that “in-between” spot between your regular moisturiser and a full-coverage foundation – similar to a CC cream or BB cream. If you look at it from another perspective, it’s a skin boosting moisturiser that just so happens to even out your complexion with a beautiful hint of colour. When it comes to application, there’s no reason why you should deviate from your regular base technique. Are you a makeup sponge girl? Or are you fond of the good-ol’ brush? Either option is more than acceptable, but if you’re someone who’s into a natural look, we recommend using your trusty fingers.
Within the same category, there are plenty of options for tinted moisturisers, so rest assured that you can easily find a formula that fits your skin type and your favourite makeup look. Tinted moisturisers are a sliding scale: some offer more coverage; some offer more high-tech skincare. While some contain SPF for sun protection, others feature hyaluronic acid for much-needed hydration and some are good for sensitive skin. Elsewhere, you’ll find tinted moisturisers with vitamin C or tinted moisturisers with collagen to aid in anti-ageing.