Looking for complexion coverage that isn’t too heavy but pigmented enough to even out your skin? How about an easy fix for dryness or redness? Tinted moisturizer is an effective solution to all of the above. Similar to foundations or concealers but giving a more natural look, the 2-in-1 formulas hydrate skin and diminish the look of imperfections, allowing you to streamline your morning routine thanks to the skincare-infused ingredients (they often have added sun protection to boot).
What’s more, the makeup multitaskers are available for all skin types and tones and come in a variety of finishes, from dewy to soft matte. Ahead, we lay out the best tinted moisturizers—all of which are under $50—from beloved brands like Laura Mercier, Ilia, Shiseido and more.
- Best Tinted Moisturizer Overall: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
- Best Tinted Moisturizer With SPF: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
- Best Tinted Moisturizer For Mature Skin: Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer
- Best Tinted Moisturizer For Oily Skin: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Tint SPF 20
- Best Tinted Moisturizer For Acne-Prone Skin: Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective Tinted Moisturizer
- Best Tinted Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
- Best Tinted Moisturizer For Darker Skin Tones: Ami Cole Skin Enhancing Tint
- Best Budget-Friendly Tinted Moisturizer: Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer
Best Tinted Moisturizer Overall
A Bestselling Formula
There are several reasons this tinted moisturizer is a bestseller. To start, you don’t have to squeeze into a shade; there are 20 flexible options available. On top of that, it’s infused with macadamia and kukui seed oils and also has SPF 30, so you get light coverage, a full day’s worth of hydration and added sun protection. The cherry on top? It has a soft, dewy finish that works for a variety of skin types.
Best Tinted Moisturizer With SPF
A Hydrating Skin Enhancer With Mineral Sun Protection
Don’t let the word “foundation” throw you off. This formula is light on coverage and heavy on good-for-you skincare ingredients—including niacinamide to improve texture and tone, hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate the skin and SPF 40—so it acts more like a serum. What’s even better: It’s free of silicone, fragrance and oils, and comes in 30 shades.
Best Tinted Moisturizer For Mature Skin
A Firming Skin Tint
This Beautycounter product is on the pricier side but completely worth it. It uses ingredients like vitamin C to help improve skin tone, radiance, firmness and elasticity over time. And it provides sheer coverage that won’t define or set into lines and wrinkles.
Best Tinted Moisturizer For Oily Skin
Coverage For Every Skin Type
Thanks to the brand’s proprietary Responsive Sensory Technology ingredients, this tinted moisturizer can adapt to the condition of your complexion and do its skin-perfecting job no matter your skin type. So if your skin is oily, you have nothing to fear by the end of a long day: This pick can keep your face looking and feeling fresh for up to 12 hours.
Best Tinted Moisturizer For Acne-Prone Skin
Makeup That Protects And Perfects
Honest Beauty’s tinted moisturizer is enriched with vitamin C, which is helpful for improving the appearance of acne scarring over time and preventing future hyperpigmentation. Plus, it contains allantoin, which soothes irritation and moisturizes.
Best Tinted Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
Coverage That Won’t Cause Your Skin To Freak Out
Tower 28 offers alcohol- and fragrance-free makeup—including this hybrid skin tint—that’s especially gentle on sensitive skin. It has the consistency of a tinted moisturizer with the coverage of a foundation, depending on how you apply it. SunnyDays also has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so it’s especially suitable for those with eczema.
Best Tinted Moisturizer For Darker Skin Tones
A Sheer Pigment That Leaves You Glowing
This nourishing option was crafted to make melanin-rich complexions (with neural, yellow and golden undertones) glow. And it’s formulated with ingredients like hibiscus flower extract and pumpkin seed extract to help soothe and balance the skin.
Best Budget-Friendly Tinted Moisturizer
An Affordable Color Corrector
Sephora’s namesake beauty collection includes this affordable tinted moisturizer, which performs as well as high-end options. It provides matte, lightweight coverage that cancels out imperfections, and best of all it feels like a second skin.
