Learning how to apply tinted moisturizer is as fuss-free as the product itself. There are ways you can take your application to the next level (investing in a primer, brushing up on tools, and spritzing a setting spray) but the beauty of tinted moisturizer is that it's a far more laissez-faire product than normal foundation.
Tinted moisturizers are easier to apply than even the best foundations. And in turn, the best tinted moisturizers will be so seamless it’s impossible to tell where your skin ends and the product begins - so if you're debating foundation vs tinted moisturizer, this could swing it. "Thanks to tinted moisturizer being sheer in finish, the application doesn’t need to be as precise as say a full coverage foundation," explains pro makeup artist Hannah Martin. “It’s a great option when you don’t have a huge amount of time to get ready or don’t feel like you need to cover your skin. If your skin is looking good but you just want to even out your tone slightly, then a tint is perfectly sufficient.”
Equally, if you did want to cover your skin a little more, you don’t have to stop at tinted moisturizer. “Tinted moisturizer worn alone will create a more understated base for a natural, casual and relaxed look. However, I’ll often use a tinted moisturizer as a base and then layer concealer on top in the areas I want a bit more coverage for a more polished finish,” says Martin.
How to apply tinted moisturizer like a proffesional
1. Prep the skin first
We know, we know, the name is confusing, but a tinted moisturizer is not a substitute for an actual moisturizer. It’s a color cosmetic product, which means the levels of moisturizing ingredients inside the formula will be far lower than in a stand-alone moisturizer. By prepping with your best face moisturizer first, you’ll also increase the staying power of your tinted one. Dry or dehydrated skin greedily soaks up any liquid it can get its hands on like a sponge, so if your tinted moisturizer is the first step in your routine, it won’t be sticking around for long. Hydration is key if you want your tinted moisturizer to stay on for longer than it takes to make your morning coffee.
Another reason to moisturize is that tinted serum has far less coverage than a traditional foundation, and therefore more of your skin will be on show. Moisturizing will help your complexion look its best by plumping fine lines, smoothing away roughness, and evening out the texture of your skin to create a nice, clear canvas to work on.
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2. Start with a primer
A primer is a nice-to-have rather than a must-have in your makeup bag, but a good one will work hard to earn its keep. Consider it an optional step if your skin needs a little extra help before you apply your base. If your complexion is dull, try a primer with light-reflecting particles to restore brightness, a hydrating formula is the best primer for dry skin and a mattifying primer will help keep that pesky shine at bay.
If it’s the tone of your skin that’s the biggest bugbear, no thanks to dark circles, angry red blemishes, or stubborn pigmentation, then opt for a color-correcting primer instead. It will help to dial down these unwanted tones, taking the weight off of your tinted moisturizer. How to use primer will vary slightly by brand and the type you’re using, but generally, they go over skincare and under makeup.
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3. Pick up the right tools
… or don’t! The great thing about a tinted moisturizer is you don’t need to use brushes or sponges to get a gorgeous finish. “Tinted moisturizer is by its definition lighter in texture than foundation so you can just apply it with fingers if you wish,” says global makeup artist, brand founder, and beauty expert Ruby Hammer MBE. “As long as you blend, either tools or fingers are fine. The best makeup brushes or sponges will offer more control and be easier to blend quickly for those who are time-poor. It’s totally personal preference.”
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4. Work with a light hand
Now for the actual 'how to apply tinted moisturizer' bit. As the texture is light, it’s easy to go in quite heavy-handed when applying tinted moisturizer. Applying more product than needed isn’t going to give you increased coverage (if that’s what you’re hoping for, try the best lightweight foundations) but it will increase the likelihood of a patchy, uneven finish. If you’re applying with your fingers, take a moment to warm the product between them first before smoothing it onto the skin.
In areas where you really want to focus the product (for most of us that’s around the forehead, nose, and cheeks) press and pat your tinted moisturizer into the skin. Rubbing will only move the product around and can also drive unwanted redness. When applying with a brush, work in soft circular motions to buff the product onto the skin.
5. Consider concealer
On days when your skin isn’t playing ball, a tinted moisturizer might not be enough to blur any complexion gripes like dark circles or spots. If that’s the case, then top with a concealer in those specific areas. As the coverage is targeted, it’s not going to detract from the overall natural finish. For under the eye, choose a lightweight concealer that won’t settle into fine lines around your eyes or add extra bulk to existing puffiness. You’ll need something heavier and more pigmented for spots.
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6. Finally, set in place
Wondering how to apply tinted moisturizer so that it sticks around for longer? There are add-ons that can help increase its staying power. Powder can be too heavy and mattifying for some, and if you apply too much, it will undo all the hard work you’ve put into creating a natural, glowing, soft-focus base. However, if you’re someone with oily skin, you’ll likely need a little by 3pm. The more finely milled the powder is, the lighter it will be. If you’re in an anti-powder mindset, consider a setting spray instead. These clever spritzes will help extend the life of your base, and can also add a little extra glow.
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