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11 Tinted Moisturizers That Are Basically the Paris Filter in a Bottle

Here’s the key to perfecting your “no makeup” makeup look.

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Rosdiana Ciaravolo

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

A moisturizer has the very demanding job of providing nourishment and hydration daily. For makeup lovers, foundation can do the same thing, but, sometimes, a full face of creamy or matte foundation isn’t what we’re in the mood for. Some years ago, someone made the genius decision to combine the two to introduce the greatest makeup-skincare hybrid on the market: a tinted moisturizer. Basically a cure-all for indecisive people who can’t decide between just a moisturizer or a full face of foundation, the double-duty product blends skincare ingredients with the coverage of makeup (and sometimes sunscreen, too!) into one product that simplifies your routine in one step.

“Tinted moisturizers can be seen as an extension of your skincare routine, with the instant benefits of improved skin tone and added radiance,” says Dani Kimiko Vincent, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Kimiko. Also encompassing breakout-busting BB creams (which tend to offer slightly more coverage) and even fuller-bodied, color-correcting CC creams, “some tinted moisturizers address specific concerns including dry skin, acne-prone, or oily skin, and they often contain SPF to further simplify your routine,” she adds.

Our picks for the best tinted moisturizers of 2024

  • Les Beiges

    Best for Mature Skin

    Chanel Les Beiges

    $65 at Chanel
    Read more
  • Hermes Plein Air

    Best for Buildable Coverage

    Hermes Hermes Plein Air

    Read more
  • Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

    Best for Sun Protection

    Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

    Read more
  • Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

    For a Rihanna-Approved Option

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

    Read more
  • Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

    Best Clean Beauty

    Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

    Read more


Whether you have sensitive or oily skin or just want an effortless beauty routine, there’s a tinted moisturizer out there for you. We polled ELLE’s editors—all experts on getting ready in a rush (hello, deadlines) on the 11 best tinted moisturizers on the market.

Best for Mature Skin

Chanel Les Beiges

Les Beiges
Best for Mature Skin

Chanel Les Beiges

$65 at Chanel
Pros
  • Filter-like finish
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Thin consistency

Shades: 29

Finish: Dewy

Size: 1 fl. oz

“Ever wonder why your foundation may look cakey and dry by the end of the day? It’s literally because when you apply your skin care and makeup, your skin pulls all the water out of the products to hydrate itself. The key to preventing this atrocity is hydrated skin. The secret weapon? Well, this tinted moisturizer is a great star. It’s like a glass of water for your skin—and that’s no surprise, as H2O is one of the main ingredients. The pigmented micro-droplets blend seamlessly into your skin, providing light to medium coverage. My face looks and feels so refreshed when I wear this. It’s one of my favorites to take on beach vacations for that ‘no makeup’ makeup look.” Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

Best for Buildable Coverage

Hermes Hermes Plein Air

Hermes Plein Air
Best for Buildable Coverage

Hermes Hermes Plein Air

Pros
  • Lightweight finish
  • Buildable coverage
Cons
  • Pricey

Shades: 29

Finish
: Dewy

Size
: 1 fl. oz

“A French girl’s effortless beauty is always my makeup goal, and the Hermes tinted moisturizer gets the job done. Typically, I find products like these to be either too heavy or way too light, but this version hits the perfect middle ground. Not to mention, I get a little thrill knowing that I’m slathering one of the most luxurious brands on my face.”—Tatjana Freund, fashion and luxury commerce editor

Best for Sun Protection

Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Best for Sun Protection

Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Light coverage
  • Clean beauty
  • Radiant finish
Cons
  • May be hard to get out of the packaging

Shades: 14

Finish: Dewy

Size: 1 fl. oz

“It’s hard to find something that agrees with my combination skin that's oily one minute and dry the next. This moisturizer disappears into my skin and leaves a soft glow all day long, and the hyaluronic acid makes sure I’m not caked up or dried out by the end of the day. It also has SPF 30 built-in, cutting that extra step out of my routine. A must-have!!!” —Kevin Leblanc, ELLE fashion associate

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For a Rihanna-Approved Option

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
For a Rihanna-Approved Option

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Lightweight finish
  • Moisturizing
Cons
  • Thin consistency

Shades: 25

Finish: Natural

Size: 1.08 fl. oz

“As much as I love a full glam look, my extremely dry skin does not, so opting for a tinted moisturizer has always been the best route for me. I love this skin tint because it gives me the coverage I’m looking for without drying out my skin. And it leaves a gorgeous dewy finish that I absolutely love!” Tasha Nicole Smith, Beauty Assistant

Best Clean Beauty

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Best Clean Beauty

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Pros
  • Skin-loving ingredients
  • Expansive shade range
Cons
  • Can feel greasy

Shades: 29

Finish: Dewy

Size: 1 fl. oz

“By now, Ilia’s serum is part of my daily routine. I love that it feels lightweight but offers great, buildable coverage and makes my skin feel smooth and glowy. It works like foundation and skincare at the same time and I’m thoroughly obsessed.” —Erica Gonzales, ELLE.com senior culture editor

Best Drugstore Option

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation

Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
Best Drugstore Option

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Serum texture
  • Super hydrating
  • Formulated for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Dries quickly

Shades: 15

Finish: Dewy

Size: 1 fl. oz

“If I’m ever in a bind and need a quick drugstore foundation, this moisturizing serum pick is my go-to. It’s feather-light but tinted enough to blur any blemishes or hyperpigmentation. Plus the ingredients add much-needed hydration to my chin and cheeks whenever they get dull and dry. Sometimes I even mix this product into my medium-coverage foundation to give it a moisturizing boost.” —Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE.com culture writer

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Best of Amazon

Elta MD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen

UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen
Best of Amazon

Elta MD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Two-in-one with SPF
  • Dermatologist approved
Cons
  • Very light coverage

Shades: 1

Finish
: Natural

Size
: 1.7 fl. oz

“My dermatologist advised me to wear SPF every day. This tinted sunscreen is a two-in-one that saves room in your makeup bag.” Claire Stern, digital director

Best Two-In-One

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Best Two-In-One

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Eczema safe
  • Vegan formula
Cons
  • May transfer

Shades: 17

Finish
: Natural

Size
: 1 fl. oz

“I call this my ‘Farmer’s market’ foundation. Because I’ve discovered that my favorite bread vendor has lines starting from 9 AM on a Saturday, I need to hustle out of bed earlier than I would like on the weekend. On those mornings, I don’t really feel like putting on a full face, so this combo of SPF, moisturizer, and light foundation will do. It gives me some coverage for acne scars and redness, and a dewy finish that makes me feel somewhat put-together while I play my favorite game of, ‘Which fancy celebrity Brooklyn mom is that?’ (The answer is usually Jemima Kirke).” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director

Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Tint

Skin Enhancing Tint

Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Tint

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Black-owned brand
  • Fragrance-free
Cons
  • Has silicones

Shades: 6

Finish: Natural

Size: 1 fl. oz

“I couldn’t be a minimalist, ‘clean’ makeup girl even if I tried—I’m the full-glam type through and through. But on the days I want something light but still semi-full coverage, Ami Cole’s Skin Enhancing Tint meets me right in the middle. The formula is a buttery smooth texture that doesn’t leave a greasy finish, covers most of my post-picking dark spots, and can be easily built up to my desired coverage without feeling cakey.” Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

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Best Clean Beauty

True Botanicals Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30

Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30
Best Clean Beauty

True Botanicals Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30

Now 75% Off
Pros
  • Glowy finish
  • SPF 30
Cons
  • Can be too heavy for some

Shades: 18

Finish
: Natural

Size
: 1 fl. oz

“I’ve always been a fan of mattifying beauty products as I struggle with an oily T-zone. But this airy, tinted moisturizer actually makes me feel confident in rocking a dewy look, especially in the sweaty summer months when I want to go lighter on makeup. Formulated with ingredients designed to mimic the natural oils of the skin, it somehow provides a perfectly glowy finish without overdoing it. It’s also gentle on skin, deeply moisturizing, and contains a solid SPF for necessary sun protection.” Sam Peters, Hearst senior commerce editor

Best BB Cream

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40

Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40
Best BB Cream

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40

Pros
  • Color correcting
  • SPF 40
  • Smooth fomula
Cons
  • Only four shades

Shades: 4

Finish
: Natural

Size
: 1.35 fl. oz

“This BB cream is my current must-have. I’ve been dealing with skin flare-ups, and this has done the perfect job of offering coverage without doing any damage to irritated areas. Even on clear skin days, I love the way this evens and brightens my skin tone. It’s totally the ‘your skin, but better’ effect. The only downside is I have to be super sure to really rub it into the jawline, otherwise, it mingles with my regular moisturizer to form a line.” —Meg Donohue, ELLE.com associate fashion commerce editor

What’s the difference between foundation and tinted moisturizer?

FAQs
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If you want added coverage without feeling too weighed down, opt for a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, as foundations are typically formulated to provide more coverage. “Tinted moisturizers offer lighter coverage than foundations and allow more of your natural skin to show through,” Vincent says.

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What should I look for in a tinted moisturizer?

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When shopping for a tinted moisturizer, you want to consider your skin type and the amount of coverage you’re looking for. Choose a tinted moisturizer that suits your skin type, desired coverage level, and finish (dewy, matte, radiant, glowy, etc.). If you prefer a glowy finish, choose one that touts “radiance.” Also, you should look for skin tints with sun protection. Sunscreen should always be worn with or without makeup, but skin tints with SPF add an extra layer of sun protection.

How do I use a tinted moisturizer?

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While the formulas are different, tinted moisturizers can be applied the same way you would a foundation. You can use your hands for light, your-skin-but-better coverage or reach for a foundation brush to build up the coverage to your liking.

Meet the Expert

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Dani Kimiko Vincent is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of the Japanese cosmetics brand Kimiko.

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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

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Margaux Anbouba wants to try it all and do it all…and she does as ELLE’s beauty editor. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.

Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.

Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine’s beauty assistant.

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