Tinted moisturisers are a great choice when you’re looking for a little bit of coverage and glow, but don’t want the hassle of applying a full face of make-up. They offer a lightweight, hydrating make-up base, whether you’re seeking subtle coverage or the inclusion of skincare ingredients. I’ve found that the best tinted moisturisers are smoothing formulas that are comfy to wear and provide a natural, healthy-looking finish.
A make-up shake-up is often needed from season to season, with a hint of a tint being a popular autumn purchase as our summer tans begin to fade. Just add a sweep of bronzer for a less heatwave-reliant sun-kissed look.
You may be searching for a sheer tinted moisturiser, foundation-style coverage with extra hydration, or an oil-free layer. There’s also a bit of crossover between tinted moisturiser and foundation for dry skin, CC creams and BB creams, too.
Whether you’re looking for a brightening boost or a base that stays put for hours on end, from matte to dewy picks, and those including SPF, there are plenty of tinted moisturiser options available for wear in all weather.
And to help you make an informed choice on what tinted moisturiser to buy, I’ve done some work. I’ve tested a wide range of products across many months, sampling some of the best tinted moisturisers on the market. After vigorous testing, I can bring you my list of the best available, from creams and gels to SPF faithfuls.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
With more than 16 years of experience in the media sphere, Helen Wilson-Beevers has written about and reviewed all kinds of beauty products. She’s interviewed several industry pros, including MUA Katie Jane Hughes and, when it comes to tinted moisturisers, Helen’s covered pretty much the entirety of the face base spectrum from foundations for dry skin to her favourite Merit complexion stick. Naturally, tinted moisturisers were her next point of call and, with all her beauty titbits in tow, Helen knew which brands to steer towards (and away from...) plus all the skin-loving ingredients to look out for. With her experience in the beauty industry, she’s a voice to trust.
How I tested
I spent months testing a wide range of tinted moisturisers across different price points, applying the formulas post-skincare before my blushes, brow gels and the rest. I looked at many things with each product, but above all I tested them for:
- Hydration: Tinted moisturisers are the hybrid between skincare and make-up, so they should hydrate the skin throughout the day. I looked at how well each one kept dryness at bay.
- Coverage: A good tinted moisturiser should even out skin tone without masking it. I tested each one for how well it covered redness, blemishes, or pigmentation, and if the coverage was buildable.
- Wearability: A tinted moisturiser should look good after hours of wear, it shouldn’t become textured nor should it disappear entirely. I wore each one through a full day to see how it held up to sweat, weather, and general life.
- Texture: The way a product blends and sits on the skin makes a huge difference, especially when your goal is a natural, dewy look. I paid close attention to whether it felt greasy, silky, thick, and how easily it applied with fingers or tools.
- Ingredients: Since this sits on the skin all day, ingredients matter, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. I checked each product for known irritants and beneficial skincare ingredients, to see how well it lived up to any skincare claims.
- Feel on the skin: Feel is arguably the most important factor. You want your skin to feel comfortable, not sticky or blocked. I judged each product on how it actually felt once applied.
- Shade inclusivity: Additionally, I paid close attention to the shade range offered by each brand to determine how accessible it is for different skin tones.
Keep reading for our edit of the best tinted moisturisers to suit all budgets, including matte, dewy and SPF picks.
The best tinted moisturisers for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Sculpted by Aimee hydratint moisturising tinted serum: £23, Sculptedbyaimee.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Mii Cosmetics skin secret cream tint, SPF 25: £24, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for a dewy finish – Huda Beauty glowish multidew skin tint: £15.30, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best for shine control – Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser oil-free natural skin perfector: £42, Boots.com
- Best for a natural finish – Glossier perfecting skin tint: £28, Glossier.com
Sculpted by Aimee hydratint moisturising tinted serum
Best: Tinted moisturiser overall
Size: 30ml
Shades: 20
SPF: 20
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Feels very hydrating
- Offers dewy glow
Take note
- SPF 20
This tinted moisturiser contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, so, it has a noticeably hydrating effect on skin, while delivering lightweight make-up coverage. The sheer silky finish leaves skin with a subtle natural glow, which is like a very light veil. I was impressed to find that the moisturised radiance was still there eight hours after application, too.
It’s a buildable formula that layers well. When I wanted a little more base, we added a bit of extra concealer. You can shop your shade according to undertone, too, including warm, golden, rosy and neutral options, which is really useful.
Buy now £23.00, Sculptedbyaimee.co.uk
Nars pure radiant tinted moisturiser
Best: Best tinted moisturiser for a make-up base
Size: 50ml
Shades: 17
SPF: 30
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Buildable
- Skincare ingredients included
This sheer, silky-soft tinted moisturiser is buildable and adds glowy radiance while being smoothing. It glides onto the skin easily, so I found a small amount goes a long way, which made the application process speedy as well. I also noted that, while it feels lightweight to wear, the product offers enough coverage to balance out uneven skin tone, and helps cover redness or dry skin. Skincare ingredients include vitamin E for conditioning and soothing, and we loved how comfy and weightless this formula is to wear.
The make-up base offers a dewy finish, making our skin look healthy and offering a boost on tired days. As it’s oil-free, the formula doesn’t cause any greasiness or block pores, and I saw a long-lasting effect that didn’t slide about. Plus, the tinted moisturiser includes SPF 30 for year-round sun protection. Even on heavier make-up days, we’ve been looking to this lightweight base, as it works well with a bit of extra concealer for more coverage.
Buy now £39.00, Lookfantastic.com
Huda Beauty glowish multidew skin tint
Best: Tinted moisturiser for a dewy finish
Size: 40ml
Shades: 13
SPF: None
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Hydrating
- Buildable
Take note
- Included squalane might be too oily for shine-prone skin
This 40ml tube comes in a selection of 13 shades, while the pump release applicator offers clean product distribution. Its fragrance-free rose oil blend offers a glowy finish, with skin-smoothing coverage. The reflective pearl pigments deliver a slightly iridescent finish, adding a gorgeous luminosity to the skin – I couldn’t get enough of it.
The deeply hydrating formula glides on, leaving the skin feeling quite dewy. While the formula is certainly buildable, I found it offered enough coverage from one coat and loved the glowy, healthy-looking finish it gave. A true multi-tasker, the skincare/make-up hybrid works equally well mixed with foundation and dabbed sparingly as a highlighter, too.
Buy now £34.00, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Erborian super BB cream
Best: Tinted moisturiser for a matte finish
Size: 40ml
Shades: 5
SPF: 20
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Matte
- Non-comedogenic
Take note
- Included alcohol can be drying
This BB cream serves up the natural look of a tinted moisturiser, with added SPF20. Ingredients include skin-balancing niacinamide and moisturising ginseng. There are five shades available, and the tube features cute, illustrated branding and a twist-off lid.
The formula hugs the skin with its silky soft texture, creating a smoothing all-over base. I noticed a small amount of product provides enough medium coverage to even out blemishes, and the matte finish isn’t at all drying. Plus, this is a non-comedogenic option, meaning it won’t block pores if you’re concerned about breakouts.
Buy now £38.00, Lookfantastic.com
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood flawless filter
Best: Tinted moisturiser for skin brightening
Size: 30ml
Shades: 11
SPF: None
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Illuminating
- Dewy finish
Take note
- Perhaps lighter than a standard tinted moisturiser
A cult favourite on TikTok, Charlotte Tilbury’s flawless filter is best described as a glowy tinted moisturiser/primer hybrid. Available in 12 shades, it gives a gently illuminating effect that I found to be smoothing on my complexion. Its glossy consistency adds a noticeable dewiness, leaving skin feeling soft and plump. I found the formula to be easily buildable as well as versatile and enjoyed it both on bare skin and mixed with my foundation.
I also liked adding it as a skin refresh when my make-up felt flat after hours of wear. If you’re going for a subtle tint, a small amount of product brings balancing brightness. The lightly floral scent and glam gold-topped 30ml bottle add extra appeal, too.
Buy now £39.00, Charlottetilbury.com
Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser oil-free natural skin perfector
Best: Tinted moisturiser for shine control
Size: 50ml
Shades: 20
SPF: 20
Skin type: All types
Why we love it
- Oil-free formula
- Great staying power
Take note
- Higher SPF would be preferred
This generous 50ml tube houses an oil-free formula, which is especially useful if you’re wary of products that may slide off the skin or cause excess greasiness. I found the tinted moisturiser created a natural, demi-matte canvas, without feeling drying or settling into creases. In terms of coverage, it’s lightweight but buildable, which I appreciated.
Skincare benefits include SPF20 and vitamin E, while the formula itself feels soothing and breathable. I was seriously impressed with the staying power of this formula: it stayed put for hours on end without any mid-wear shine appearing. It’s available in 20 shades, too.
Buy now £42.00, Boots.com
Glossier perfecting skin tint
Best: Tinted moisturiser for a natural finish
Size: 30ml
Shades: 12
SPF: None
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Hydrating
- Buildable
Take note
- Limited darker shade range
Although technically a skin tint, this sheer formula has moisturising properties, too. There are 12 shades available, each presented in the signature squeezy Glossier bottle. I found the formula to be a light colour wash that feels softening, thanks to hydrating ingredients such as glycerin.
It doesn’t cling to pores or settle in fine lines, instead, it offers a gently balancing veil. A tiny amount spreads quite far over the face and can be built up without any streakiness. The overall effect is one of a “no make-up” look, which is good if you opt for a subtle, easy-wearing base.
Buy now £28.00, Glossier.com
Chantecaille just skin tinted moisturiser, SPF 15
Best: Luxury tinted moisturiser
Size: 50g
Shades: 6
SPF: 15
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Soothing
Take note
- Pricey
This formula is available in seven shades, with three undertones to choose from: “balanced”, “soft rose” and “golden”. The SPF15 adds some protection, although, I layered it with a separate SPF product without any issues. The midweight formula has a velvety texture that feels luxurious and offers a moisturising finish, with light coverage. This product was also soothing on my face, which must have been down to the moisturiser’s calming ingredients, such as chamomile.
Buy now £77.00, Lookfantastic.com
Fenty Beauty eaze drop blurring skin tint
Best: Buildable tinted moisturiser
Size: 32ml
Shades: 25
SPF: N/A
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Good shade range
- Doesn't crease or cling to pores
This squeezy bottle has a hexagonal shape that will stand out in your make-up bag. There are 25 shades to shop in cool, warm, golden, neutral olive, bronze, and yellow undertones. I found the formula stretches across skin well without clinging to pores or creases, and layers seamlessly if you’re looking to build coverage.
A small amount goes a long way, and ir glides onto the face for quick and easy application. My complexion felt gently evened out. Although it feels hydrating on the skin, the tint doesn’t slip off.
Buy now £29.00, Boots.com
Vita Liberata beauty blur
Best: Tinted moisturiser for skin-smoothing
Size: 30ml
Shades: 4
SPF: N/A
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Moisturising formula
This face product from the self-tanning brand comes in a sleek tube with a wand applicator. The creamy tint slides onto skin and feels moisturising, thanks to nourishing ingredients such as aloe and shea butter. There are four shades, and the smoothing blend preps the skin well as a base.
The finish is very natural, so, if you’re looking for minimum coverage, this would be ideal. I particularly enjoyed using this as a primer before layering with other complexion products, but it would look great on bare skin in the summer.
Buy now £33.00, Boots.com
Kevyn Aucoin stripped nude skin tint
Best: Tinted moisturiser for hydration
Size: 30ml
Shades: 6
SPF: N/A
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Hydrating and smoothing
- Doesn't settle in fine lines or pores
This lightweight tint instantly smooths the skin, and feels ultra hydrating throughout the day, thanks to the inclusion of moisturising powerhouse hyaluronic acid. It delivers a sheer finish without any excess greasiness or shine. The formula feels comfortable to wear and doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores. I was still able to see my skin’s natural texture, but with a gentle layer of coverage balancing out any dryness and uneven tone.
Buy now £36.00, Sephora.co.uk
It Cosmetics your skin but better CC+ nude glow
Best: Tinted moisturiser with skincare-heavy ingredients
Size: 32ml
Shades: 22
SPF: SPF 40
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Smoothing skin effect
- Colour-correcting base
Although it’s technically a CC cream, I’d also use this hydrating It Cosmetics buy as a tinted moisturiser, and I love the smoothing skin effect created immediately after application. Skincare ingredients include hydration-promoting hyaluronic acid, balancing niacinamide and antioxidant green tea extract. As I’ve found the colour-correcting base helps even out any redness, I’ve been adding this product to my neck and décolleté, too.
The glow created is radiant but natural, and the serum component makes my skin feel comforted. It feels moisturising all day long, so, I’ve found it counteracts dullness as well. Plus, the broad spectrum buy includes SPF40.
Buy now £39.00, Boots.com
Mii Cosmetics skin secret cream tint, SPF 25
Best: Budget tinted moisturiser
Size: 30ml
Shades: 4
SPF: SPF25
Skin type: All - particularly sensitive
Why we love it
- Adapts to your skin tone
- Ideal for sensitive skin
This skin tint initially appears to have the same creamy white colour as a moisturiser, before cleverly adapting to suit your skin tone after application. The vegan-friendly product absorbs quickly, without any excess, and creates an impressively lightweight, sheer layer. Because of that, it doesn’t slide about – instead, I saw a refreshing effect and very subtle, almost invisible, tint with a natural moisturising effect rather than an overt glow or dewiness.
Key ingredients include soothing vitamin E and white tea extract, so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. If you prefer a subtle finish that doesn’t look like make-up, this tinted moisturiser ticks that box.
Buy now £24.00, Amazon.co.uk
Elf camo hydrating CC cream
Best: Tinted moisturiser for full coverage
Size: 30ml
Shades: 30
SPF: 30
Skin type: Dry, oily, and combination
Why we love it
- Not as expensive as some other options
- Long-lasting
Take note
- Can feel a little heavy on the skin
This Elf CC cream is infused with hydration-promoting skincare ingredient hyaluronic acid, which gives it a moisturising element. It offers a full-coverage effect if you’re seeking a tinted moisturiser/foundation hybrid, and it provides a smoothing finish over blemishes and patches of dry skin. I also saw a dewiness, offering a natural-looking glow. After applying a small amount, the formula felt quite thick, but this meant a little bit went a long way, and it stayed put on my skin for several hours. It’s available in 30 shades, and you can choose between cool, neutral, and warm undertones.
Buy now £15.00, Amazon.co.uk
Kosas BB burst tinted gel cream
Best: Gel tinted moisturiser
Size: 30ml
Shades: 24
SPF: N/A
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Lightweight
Kosas’s BB cream has a gel-like texture and it felt refreshing and soothing on the skin during application. It’s extremely lightweight and offers a sheeny layer of coverage that is moisturising, thanks to hydrating ingredient glycerin. I found the formula spreads easily and absorbs fast, and it feels like a layer of comforting skincare with a tint rather than make-up. This is an option for those seeking a completely natural look and minimal coverage, with it offering a healthy, natural finish and a subtle glowing dewiness.
Buy now £34.00, Sephora.co.uk
Ilia super serum skin tint
Best: Tinted moisturiser for demi-matte coverage
A skin tint presented in a skincare-style bottle with an applicator pipette to reflect its serum formula, this Ilia buy is available in a selection of light, medium and deep shades. It’s packed with skincare ingredients, including balancing niacinamide and hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid and squalene, and we loved how silky soft this combination made our face feel.
The skin tint offers a light to midweight demi-matte coverage, which is also buildable, and it helps counteract the appearance of redness and blemishes, without feeling cloying. I also noted that the formula smooths dry areas and creates a natural radiance.
Buy now £42.00, Spacenk.com
Naked Sundays cabana glow mineral glow serum drops
Best: Tinted moisturiser for a summery glow
Size: 40ml
Shade: One
SPF: 50
Skin type: All
Why we love it
- Sheer tint
- High SPF
While this is mainly a serum with an added glow, I thought it was worth mentioning as an illuminating skin tint in a universal shade. The sheer tint from this sun protection brand comes complete with added SPF 50, and I’ve been loving it as either a primer under heavier make-up or as a standalone hydrating base. It’s designed to be used as your SPF layer and an appealing way of adding such a layer into your routine. I saw a radiant effect on our skin immediately after application and I found that our tired face looked brightened, too.
Buy now £40.80, Nakedsundays.com
Your tinted moisturiser questions answered
What’s the best tinted moisturiser?
My best buy for tinted moisturisers is the Sculpted by Aimee hydrating moisturising tinted serum, as it offers a healthy-looking finish and subtle coverage. It’s affordable, too, and comes in 20 different shades. The sheer silky finish leaves skin with a subtle natural glow, just like tinted moisturser should. After vigorous testing, I can hardly fault it.
Meanwhile, Ilia super serum skin tint also includes several hydrating skincare ingredients and creates lightweight coverage. If you have oily skin, it Cosmetics+ offers a glow with shine-balancing niacinamide, while Nars pure radiant tinted moisturiser is a buildable make-up base that helps cover redness or dry skin.
Is tinted moisturiser better than foundation?
Whether or not a tinted moisturiser can be considered better than a foundation depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. The most pronounced difference is the level of pigment in the product, which helps with colour correction and covering pimples and fine lines. While foundations will typically offer more coverage, tinted moisturisers deliver a more pared-back look and often provide more skincare benefits. So, if you are looking for a more natural, your-skin-but-better finish, a tinted moisturiser will make a great new addition to your make-up bag.
Want more recommendations? We’ve rounded up the best moisturisers for sensitive skin
