The best tinted moisturisers in 2024 for easy, sheer coverage and a dewy glow

A make-up bag classic, the best tinted moisturisers tip-toe the line between skincare and makeup, teaming a veil of coverage with hydrating ingredients. Think lightweight and comfortable to wear. 

Softer, fresher finishes aside, tinted moisturisers really excel beyond your best foundation in terms of skincare benefits. “A good tinted moisturiser should contain moisturising heroes like hyaluronic acid as well as SPF,” explains pro makeup artist Hannah Martin. 

"If your skin is generally good, or you don’t like much coverage, then a tinted moisturiser is a great option as it’s lightweight," adds pro makeup artist, brand founder and beauty expert Ruby Hammer MBE. "Some people change to tinted moisturiser in the summer as it’s more breathable, but if you don’t like the feel of foundation then you could happily wear a tinted moisturiser all year round."

A crowd-pleasing product, the spreadable consistency of these formulas also means they tend to stretch across a wider shade range and skin type spectrum than foundation. "Tinted moisturisers work across all skin types thanks to the availability of [regular] and oil-free varieties," Martin continues. "They’re best-suited to those looking to achieve a minimal makeup look with plenty of glow."

The best tinted moisturisers, reviewed by our beauty editors

Without sounding too fan girl-esque, L’Oréal Paris is the name behind some of our favourite beauty launches of all time. The Pure Retinol Night Serum has been a fixture on our bedside tables since we first tried it and don’t get us started on the Wonder Water liquid conditioner. In other words, we had high hopes for this makeup base and we weren't disappointed. 

It’s as if they’ve taken the best bits of their best-selling hyaluronic acid serum (another favourite) and infused them with a tint of colour. The result? Sheer, gorgeous coverage. It’s lightweight, thanks to its serum consistency, and contains 1% pure hyaluronic acid to leave skin feeling and looking plump, hydrated and happy. Not only is it the most affordable buy on this list, it’s also the overall best tinted moisturiser of the lot, in our opinion. In a word, it's brilliant. 

We absolutely love that Ultra Violette has managed to rebrand the sunscreen category as something exciting and joyous to wear, rather than a dreary essential, so we had high hopes for this tinted version. There’s a satisfying amount of coverage, which worked such wonders on our dark circles that we were left questioning if we’d already applied concealer. 

The texture is a little on the greasy side, but that’s something we expected to come as part-and-parcel of such a high level of SPF. It’s great if your skin is dry or you favour a dewy makeup look, but if not a few sweeps of powder are enough to dial down any shine. We were impressed to see that this comes in 15 different shades, which is a really great offering for a brand that doesn’t specialise in colour cosmetics. The shades also span a wide spectrum, so there's good inclusivity here, too.

Sisley Paris is a brand associated with the finer things in beauty, so it’s no surprise its tinted moisturiser feels incredibly luxe. The texture is rich and creamy, without any heaviness or greasiness, and it leaves skin feeling and looking like silk with imperfections blurred. You also have options in terms of how to apply it, depending on the kind of look you’re after. Layer with a brush for a level of coverage that's comparable to one of the best lightweight foundations, or smooth on a little with your fingers and sheer it out for a subtler finish. 

It's clear that real thought has gone into the skincare benefits of this formula, with a curated combination of plant extracts that aim to hydrate, energise and smooth your complexion while you wear it. Though the range has been expanded from four, it’s a real shame that it's only available in seven shades, Tan being the darkest, which means it isn't suitable for all skin tones. The mineral SPF filters don’t help here, either, as these can leave a white cast on deeper skin tones. 

If your skin is prone to rosacea and/or rosacea, you’ll know that dialling down the appearance of resulting sensitivity can be really difficult – especially if you don’t like the feeling of a heavy, full-coverage base. Enter Avène. Unlike some other products on this list which are really colour cosmetics diluted with moisturiser, this is first and foremost a skincare formulation. The creamy consistency means it feels like you’re applying a moisturiser and leaves the skin feeling immediately soothed and cooled. That's thanks to ingredients like TRP-Regulin, which reduces redness, dextran sulfate, which helps reduce sensitivity, and the brand’s signature soothing thermal spring water.

The big downside is that it's only available in one shade, which is pretty light and pinky-toned and won't suit all skin tones. On light-to-medium skin tones, it melts in so seamlessly that it’s barely visible at all. We know all tinted moisturisers are, in theory, light coverage, but this is barely even a whisper. Sun exposure can be a trigger for rosacea and sensitivity, so the addition of SPF 30 is a welcome one, but don’t leave this just for summer (when it's best to wear a higher factor of sun protection in a dedicated sunscreen). It’s so nice and nourishing that it would feel a waste not to wear it all year round – which is a good thing, considering SPF should be worn 365 days a year!

The description of a “skin tint” hits the nail on the head for this one, as it feels more about subtly correcting and unifying the tone of your skin as opposed to really adding much in the way of coverage. We initially approached the packaging with caution, as the tapered nib on the squeezy bottle (combined with the name) made us think it would be very runny, but actually, it was less liquid than we expected. 

The finish is nice and glowy, making a very subtle difference to the skin that’s enough to perk up a tired complexion. It is possible to build a little in areas of redness with a brush - just use your hand as a palette. This is a real must-try if your skin is on the thirsty side, as the addition of hyaluronic acid and squalane delivers a quick fix of hydration to the skin. A good, broad shade range too. 

This cult buy reminded us why tinted moisturisers are the best option for an all-year-round base. In the summer, the lightweight formulation is the biggest draw, as the last thing you want to do in the heat is trying to master how to apply foundation while it simultaneously slides off your face.

Meanwhile in winter, a tinted SPF like this one offers light coverage while also protecting your face from those harmful, ever-present UV rays. A downside is that there's just the one shade, which isn't universal. It's also more sheer than other options we've tried, but if you don't mind that, the slightly shimmery (although – not glittery) finish gives that mega-watt glow.

We're all about convenience when it comes to makeup. If a product is multipurpose, quick to apply, or handily handbag-sized, it has our attention. So this quirky little option was pretty much always going to be a yes from us. A handy rollerball applicator that glides the makeup straight on? A glowing dewy finish? A bonus of SPF 30? Tick, tick, tick. 

While the rollerball is the selling point, you still need to blend this product in with a brush or your hands – this format just means you skip the step of dabbing it onto your hands before applying. Eco-warriors may not appreciate the plastic packaging, but we have to admit we loved the little button that helps you get every last drop out. Plus, the slim tube was great for chucking into our best tote bag and topping up throughout the day. 

If glowing skin is your goal, look no further than this radiance-boosting buy. Our skin looked illuminated immediately after applying, and it was an instant pick-me-up for dull, post-work-week skin. That’s down to the 92% natural ingredients – namely Damascus rose oil, which locks in moisture like a dream.

It also includes antioxidant-packed red pepper extract, which helps to protect skin from damage from pollution and blue light, which is emitted from the sun and devices like phones and laptops. The science behind the damage to skin caused by such devices is still hotly debated, so take that promise with a pinch of salt, but regardless of that it’s a solid choice pick for noticeable radiance. We especially appreciated the wide range of shades, which blend in beautifully with or without the best makeup brushes to hand and don’t leave any visible streaks.

Weighing up foundation vs tinted moisturiser? This NARS option might prove a happy medium. A slightly higher level of coverage makes this one of the best tinted moisturiser options if you’re used to a full-on foundation. It’s also buildable, so you can start with one light layer and add more to those areas where you want a bit more opacity. Sun protection is always a bonus and the broad spectrum SPF 30 included didn't give us that dreaded ghost face in flash photography.

It gives enough glow to make your skin look wide-awake and well-rested – even if you're surviving on significantly less than eight hours of sleep and haven't eaten vegetables in over a week. The finish is soft satin and it wears well, too, so you're not left wondering where it's disappeared to by 10am. This is a tried and trusted favourite loved by many a beauty editor for good reason. 

We can’t talk about the best tinted moisturisers without mentioning this global bestseller. Laura Mercier was one of the first brands to really popularise this lighter base option – and it’s all down to the brilliant, hardworking formula. It’s easy to use and it just works. Simple as.

Before testing for this guide, we had forgotten what an amazing product this is – you get that feeling of, "Sure, I know this is pretty good" initially, but when you actually start buffing it into the skin, prepare to be genuinely wowed. The difference it made to our skin was instant. It looked like we just had radiant, healthy skin, which is quite a feat the morning after enjoying two (OK, five) margaritas. It blended in so easily and really did have that "your skin on a good day" effect. Even better, there is also a lighter, more radiant version available, plus an oil-free one for those looking for skincare for oily skin. In other words, there's something for everyone. 

We really weren’t sure what to expect when we picked this one up. When you’re trying to find the best tinted moisturiser you cast your net far and wide and, to be honest, we hadn’t heard much about this swish-looking tube. It can sometimes feel like luxe brands just slap their well-known name on products without much care (cynical, us?), but this one really did impress us. It felt silky on the skin, spread on easily and blended nicely with a brush – as well as with fingers when in more of a rush. 

A recent reformulation has made the product even more skin-friendly, incorporating ingredients like Italian olive oil and fig extracts to moisturise and plump the skin. Although they sound a little bit salad-y, we really did feel like it sunk in nicely; our skin felt hydrated and happy after a whole day of wear. Our tester also experienced zero tell-tale dry, orange patches. Yes, it's pricey, but it would be a great one for the birthday or Christmas wish list.

It’s not often that we try a product and immediately fall in love. Usually, it takes a few days of testing it in different lights alongside other products before deciding whether it’s a keeper. But this tinted moisturiser changed all that. A silky, creamy base, it blends in like butter, delivering a dewy (not wet) finish that instantly makes you look and feel more polished. 

In terms of coverage, it’s a little heavier than some of the others we’ve tried, but it doesn’t feel heavy. It feels barely-there and can easily be built up in layers to deliver your desired coverage without ever looking caked on. To blend, we’d recommend using a stippling brush before pressing the product in with your fingertips – the warmth really helps it to melt into the skin. Overall, this is a must-try for anyone and – especially those who keen to step away from their best full coverage foundation but don't want to go too sheer. 

After hearing countless rave reviews, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on this tinted serum from Rose Inc. A total joy to apply, the pigment spheres – which are suspended in a skincare base of hyaluronic acid and squalene – burst on contact with the skin, blending in seamlessly. Super hydrating and refreshing, we found that this base is the perfect pick-me-up for tired and/or hungover skin (no judgment!).

Delivering a little less coverage than your average tinted moisturiser, this tinted serum isn’t designed to conceal or cover blemishes in the way the best drugstore concealers do. Rather it enhances your natural skin, imparting a very dewy freshness that will have people saying, “you look well”. For fuss-free application, we recommend applying this serum-like base with fingertips rather than a brush, as it melts away like a dream. 

When Chanel’s Water Fresh Tint first landed on our shelves back in 2019, it caused quite the fanfare. Beauty enthusiasts everywhere wanted in on this new-gen formulation, which features micro-droplets of encapsulated pigment to deliver a second-skin finish. A far cry from overly made-up "Insta-glam" look, this base offered a natural-looking and feeling alternative. 

Since launching, many other brands have attempted to replicate the formula, but we still adore Chanel’s Water Fresh Tint. A great staple, we love this base for when we want to forgo foundation in favour of a fresh-faced glow. For an even finish, we suggest using the brush that’s included with the tint – it’s densely packed with super soft bristles to expertly buff the product in. Then, finish with a dab of the best cream blush for a healthy, radiant makeup look. 

How we tested the best tinted moisturisers

Bridging the gap between skincare and makeup, the best tinted moisturisers should do it all – hydrating skin while providing lightweight coverage that doesn't look too heavy. To filter out the best from the rest, we tested each product throughout the course of a day to examine not only how it looked on our skin, but how well it lasted, too. We wanted to ensure that, despite being lightweight, these formulas stayed put and didn’t transfer or oxidise after several hours of wear. 

We also paid close attention to application – as how to apply tinted moisturiser can vary from product to product. We tested these formulas with sponges, brushes, and our fingertips to see just how well they could be applied and blended into the skin. By doing this, we found that some, like Rose Inc’s Tinted Serum, work best with fingertips, while others required a little more buffing with one of the best foundation brushes. 

How to choose the best tinted moisturiser for you

If you’re used to a full-coverage base, it can be a bit intimidating to swap over to something sheerer. Heather Jackson, Smashbox’s National Trainer and makeup artist, shared her top tips with us below. 

• Chooe the formula carefully: This all depends on your personal preferences, but there are key elements to look out for. "The three things to think about are coverage, finish, and benefits"  says Jackson. "Do you want it to be invisible, or lightly opaque? Do you prefer a matte or radiant finish? Look out for some skin-boosting benefits, too, like SPF, hydration or any extra brightening ingredients to benefit the skin as you wear it." 
• Find your shade match: There are usually fewer shade choices with tinted moisturisers as these formulas are more flexible and, therefore, one shade can often work on multiple skin tones. Jackson recommends checking the brand's website when buying tinted moisturisers online. "Most stores now have digital shade matching tools and online chat teams to help you navigate, or even better virtual try on," she advises. Findation is another very helpful site, which allows you to input known foundation shades to find your match from another brand.
• Prep your skin: As with most things, it's all about the prep. "Even the best tinted moisturiser will need a primer; be sure to use one before applying, to help create the perfect canvas for your makeup." Jackson suggests. "Pick a brightening or slightly shimmery radiant buy, which will boost glow through the sheerer base." 
• Apply concealer strategically: You don't have to rely on your base alone to cover up blemishes, discolouration or dark circles, for example. "Just add your best concealer to areas like under the eyes and around the nose where you want a little bit more coverage," Jackson advises. 

What's the difference between BB cream vs tinted moisturizer?

If you're confused about the difference between BB cream and tinted moisturiser, you’re not the only one. “BB creams were originally made for those who had undergone laser treatment and needed a product to moisturise, provide high SPF protection and add a little tint to the skin,” confirms Martin. 

“Over the years, the lines between BB (originally “blemish balm”), CC (originally “colour corrector”), and tinted moisturisers have become blurred, with many different names providing the same things," she continues. "But, originally, BB creams were higher in SPF and more concentrated in healing skincare ingredients.” 

Now, most tinted moisturisers on the market go far beyond providing just coverage and moisturisation, with added SPF and active ingredients, too. The concept of BB cream has dipped in popularity as a standalone concept, too, making way for one big category instead. 

Is tinted moisturiser better than foundation?

Trying to compare tinted moisturiser and foundation is a bit like trying to compare a lightweight jacket to a cosy winter coat. They might sit within the same category but they are designed to do completely different things. Foundation spans a broader category than tinted moisturiser and can encompass a light level of coverage all the way through to a thick, über-pigmented base. They can also come in either powder or liquid form, whereas tinted moisturiser is always a liquid.

Tinted moisturiser also has a lighter texture than foundation, leaving a more natural and sheer veil of coverage. It’s a pair of 20 denier tights to full coverage foundation’s opaque, 200 denier finish. For some skin types – and for anyone who takes a more relaxed approach to makeup – that might be better. But there are still some drawbacks that might put others off. 

“Tinted moisturisers generally aren’t buildable in the same way foundations are,” says Ruby Hammer. “And they don’t have the same longevity as some heavier foundations.” Ultimately, it’s all down to how you want your skin to look and feel, as what’s best for you might not be best for someone else. 

Do you put on moisturiser before tinted moisturiser?

“You should absolutely still apply moisturiser before tinted moisturiser,” confirms Hannah Martin. “It may be that you need less, but you still need to prep your skin before makeup for it to look its best.”

You know that feeling when you’ve been for a run, or are waking up after a particularly heavy night out, and are absolutely gasping for a drink of water? Your skin can experience that same level of thirst when it's deprived of moisture. So if it’s naturally dry, or dehydrated from seasonal changes like sun exposure or whipping winds, you’ll need to replenish that hydration with a moisturiser before moving on to your base. If you skip this step, your thirsty skin will simply attempt to guzzle up your tinted moisturiser, resulting in a short-lived finish that quickly goes patchy. 

If you’re worried that your moisturiser will cause your tinted one to slip and slide, then choose a lightweight, water-based formula and leave a gap between applying each.