Maybe it’s because of this newfound work from home life, or maybe it’s because I just prefer lighter coverage formulas – but I’m all about tinted moisturizers these days. The good news is that brands are in on it too!
So many brands are coming out with tinted moisturizer forumulas for every skin tone and concern – in fact, it can get overwhelming.
That’s why I committed to testing 7 different tinted moisturizers and giving you my honest review. After completing the study, here’s what came out on top.
- Tarte Sea Hydroflex Serum Foundation
- NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
- Urban Decay Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator Foundation
- Essence My Skin Perfector Tinted Primer
- Saie Beauty Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
- Laura Mercier Oil Free Natural Tinted Moisturizer
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
- My Final Thoughts on Tinted Moisturizers
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Related: Foolproof Way to Make Your Own Foundation
Tarte Sea Hydroflex Serum Foundation
This one was the first one that I tried in my series and honestly, it was the one to beat. I still find myself reaching for it daily because I look how smooth the application is with a damp beauty sponge, brush, or even your fingers.
Price – $$
Coverage – 4.5/5
Longevity – 4/5
Shade Range – 4/5
Overall – 4.5/5
Best for – Someone who likes light + breathable coverage
My shade: 36N
See the full review here!
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
Coverage-wise this NARS option was a big winner. Where it lost some points was the shade range and overall longevity of the formula. This looks great for 5-8 hours, but can start fading when you are looking for 10hr+ of coverage.
Price: $$
Coverage: 5/5
Longevity: 4/5
Shade Range: 4/5
Overall: 4.25/5
Best For: Someone who likes a full-coverage formula
My shade: Mykonos Medium 0
See my full review here!
Urban Decay Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator Foundation
This was actually a tinted moisturizer I had tried in the past, but in the summer the formula was a little *too* glowy for me. The hydrator is wonderful if you have dry skin, but I’d probably stay away if you tend to be on the oily side.
The good news is that the shade range is *chef’s kiss*
Price: $$
Coverage: 4/5
Longevity: 4/5
Shade Range: 5/5
Overall: 4.25/5
Best For: Someone who likes a glowy finish
My shade: 50NN
You can see my full review here!
Essence My Skin Perfector Tinted Primer
Price-wise, this one is impossible to beat. I’ll admit that my hopes were low with this one because of its ridiculously low price tag, but also because it’s technically a primer and not a moisturizer. The silicone feeling that the formula has takes some time to adjust to, but I was pleasantly surprised and the coverage and how long it lasted.
Price: $
Coverage: 3.5/5
Longevity: 4/5
Shade Range: 3/5
Overall: 4/5
Best For: Someone who loves a drugstore find!
My shade: 30 Medium Beige
You can see my full review here!
Saie Beauty Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Clean beauty lovers, this one is for you! I generally prefer clean beauty, but the product has to work for me. Overall, I liked Slip Tint – but since i wear my SPF separately, I didn’t find the need to pick one with SPF in it. That’s a personal choice, but you may like it! The coverage was on the lighter end too.
Price: $$
Coverage: 3/5
Longevity: 4/5
Shade Range: 3/5
Overall: 3.75/5
Best For: Someone who likes a clean beauty option with SPF!
My shade: 4.5
You can see my full review here!
Related: The Truth About When To Throw Out Your Beauty Products
Laura Mercier Oil Free Natural Tinted Moisturizer
This one hurt a little because I love Laura Mercier and wanted to love this so much. Her tinted moisturizer is one that my sister has been using for over a decade, so I really had high hopes. Unfortunately, the formula didn’t last as long for me and the coverage was superficial.
I’d ask for a sample before committing to this one.
Price: $$
Coverage: 3/5
Longevity: 3.5/5
Shade Range: 5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Best For: Someone who likes an extended shade range.
My shade: 3N1 Sand
You can see my full review here!
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
Okay, fair warning, I had the highest hopes for this one because it was the most highly requested video – but it just fell flat. Could I have gotten a bad batch? Maybe. Some people said that the application is important and to use your fingers, but my just looked like my pores got bigger, my skin looked greasy, and it was just a bad color match – it immediately oxidized on my skin.
I would recommend getting a sample before buying this one.
My shade: Kokkini ST12
Related: The Biggest Mistake You’re Making When Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes
My Final Thoughts on Tinted Moisturizers
Always remember that different formulas with have different results for everyone. It’s always a good idea to get a sample since products can definitely add up in price. I hope this post helps you find a formula that you like, but overall the Tarte Hydroflex is my go to.
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