"Skin Tints" Are This Year's Answer to Makeup
:upscale()/2024/01/04/738/n/1922153/0791c1826596e059292d76.25222584_.jpg)
"Skinimalism" — the happy medium between minimal makeup and your bare skin — has continued to be one of the beauty trends that dominates year after year. Considering that more people have been paring back their beauty routines, and trends like the "clean girl" aesthetic have risen in popularity, we'd say that it's not going anywhere any time soon. To get in on the trend would mean finding a product that adds a hint of coverage while letting your real skin peek through. That's where "skin tints" come in.
Of course, it doesn't have to be labeled that way on the bottle (although many brands have started releasing their own versions of the perfect skin tint). It can also come in the form of BB cream, a tinted moisturizer, or even your own concoction of foundation mixed with a serum or oil.
It's true that the time we spent indoors and not in public social settings has inspired many people to take a break from heavier makeup and instead use lightweight options that enhance the skin while still looking natural. A tint is the perfect alternative if you want something double-duty that can hydrate but also lend a little coverage during your workday. You can even top them with a more full-coverage concealer if you have a few more blemished you'd like to cover up.
To create your own, makeup artist Cara Lovello recommends using a primer with a skin-healthy formula like the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer ($47). If DIY-ing products isn't your thing, head over here to check out some of our favorite skin tints on the market.
— Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy and Ariel Baker
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/08/920/n/1922153/64ba81605ff8c902d8fe88.29953923_Screen_Shot_.png)
:upscale()/2024/01/03/011/n/1922153/11fd8622cd023d73_netimgSdwM8e.jpg)
Best Affordable Skin Tint
E.l.f. Camo CC Cream ($15)
Prefer a soft-matte, full-coverage skin tint that won't break the bank? E.l.f. has you covered with this true drugstore gem.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/01/04/799/n/44344577/shopDObRCm.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/01/03/011/n/1922153/936319db0d18c080_netimgz2CHHb.png)
Best Luxury Skin Tint
U Beauty The Super Tinted Hydrator ($108)
The price of this U Beauty skin tint is up there, but with ingredients like shea butter, peptides, and avocado oil, your skin will thank you for all the love you're giving it.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/01/03/011/n/1922153/936319db0d18c080_netimgz2CHHb.png)
:upscale()/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/5a61257e1a100f39_netimgKbRSve.jpg)
Best Serum Skin Tint Foundation
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation ($48)
This cult-favorite product is part skin care, part makeup. The serum works to hydrate and smooth skin texture, all while providing light, natural coverage.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/5a61257e1a100f39_netimgKbRSve.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/43cfea932ed341e6_netimgEokSkk.jpg)
Best Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer
Tarte Maracuja Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer ($30)
Customers can't get enough of this hydrating Tarte formula. It comes in 20 shades, and feels super lightweight on the skin. Plus, it's vegan.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/43cfea932ed341e6_netimgEokSkk.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/d34e1fa050702e2e_netimgiyLhms.jpg)
Best Buildable Tinted Moisturizer
Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($38)
Thrive Causemetics's tinted moisturizer comes in 18 shades. It applies smoothly, and also provides buildable coverage, which is great for when you feel like you need a little something extra.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/d34e1fa050702e2e_netimgiyLhms.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/19/036/n/1922153/a751819e600770ac470c68.79077939_lm.webp)
Best Cult Classic Tinted Moisturizer
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($53)
Consider this product the OG of tinted moisturizers. It offers light coverage and a healthy glow. Wearing it is like looking at your best skin ever.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/19/036/n/1922153/a751819e600770ac470c68.79077939_lm.webp)
:upscale()/2019/02/06/793/n/1922153/4654eddf5c5b2152212f40.68678946_it_cosmetics_CC.jpeg)
Best SPF Tinted Moisturizer
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ ($47)
Another cult-favorite formula, this It Cosmetics CC cream is one of the only products of its kind because it provides lightweight, full coverage. (Yes, we said full coverage.) Plus it has SPF 50+.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2019/02/06/793/n/1922153/4654eddf5c5b2152212f40.68678946_it_cosmetics_CC.jpeg)
:upscale()/2019/02/06/789/n/1922153/a537a0047b39173a_netimgTvExNs.jpg)
Best Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($46)
The Nars formula is slightly thicker than your average tinted moisturizer, but it provides medium, glowy coverage that you'll obsess over.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2019/02/06/789/n/1922153/a537a0047b39173a_netimgTvExNs.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/a0517e94d1714378_netimgIzRThC.jpg)
Best Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer
ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer ($15)
Have dry skin and on the hunt for a hydrating skin tint? If you're looking for a more affordable option, this Colourpop one is it. It comes in 21 shades, and feels good on the skin, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid to the formula.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/19/052/n/1922153/a0517e94d1714378_netimgIzRThC.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/3fd84e82135b4259_netimgmwDqJq.jpg)
Best Mineral Tinted Moisturizer
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30 ($37)
Hydrating with a creamy, dewy finish? Check. Light-to-medium buildable coverage? Check. SPF 30? Check. This Bare Minerals tinted moisturizer has it all. You can read an in-depth review here.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/3fd84e82135b4259_netimgmwDqJq.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/351a2502fa4d0122_netimg4dbbfW.jpg)
Best Sheer Skin Tint
Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator Broad Spectrum SPF 25 ($43)
If you have dry or dehydrated winter skin, this Clinique skin tint will be the perfect fit for you as it doesn't emphasize any dry patches.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/351a2502fa4d0122_netimg4dbbfW.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/e19313abbc0071b6_netimgSQQIab.jpg)
Best Dewy Skin Tint
Morphe 2 Hint Hint Skin Tint ($18)
If you have a sunscreen with a horrendous white cast, a few drops of Morphe 2 Hint Hint Skin Tint ($18) can make it all better and add a luminous finish to your complexion.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/e19313abbc0071b6_netimgSQQIab.jpg)
:upscale()/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/e74cc2221b5fa1cb_netimgukOyS6.jpg)
Best "No-Makeup" Skin Tint
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25 ($41)
If you want to achieve that no makeup, makeup look this tint will become your new secret weapon. A soft-focused glow that screams "I drank all my water today?" Yes, please.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2021/01/21/934/n/1922153/e74cc2221b5fa1cb_netimgukOyS6.jpg)