The Best Tinted Moisturizers for Every Budget and Skin Type

When it comes to effective, yet effortless beauty products, few outperform a good tinted moisturizer. Think of it as a lighter, more versatile alternative to foundation: Tinted moisturizer provides natural-looking coverage to even out your complexion, it blends into skin easily, and even packs benefits for your overall skin health. That is, if you choose the right one. There are a lot of tinted moisturizers on the market, so there’s something for everyone—and choosing the right one comes down to what you value in a product. Do you want something that won’t break the bank? A product that offers sun protection? One that won’t irritate sensitive skin? Whatever your preference, there’s a great tinted moisturizer to suit your needs.

Our top picks

What is tinted moisturizer and what does it do?

While it can be used in place of foundation, tinted moisturizer is more buildable, with just enough coverage to even out skin tone without feeling as heavy as a foundation might.

Many tinted moisturizer formulas also come with added SPF (either with chemical or mineral sunscreen ingredients) and/or ingredients that benefit the skin (such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid). As the name suggests, tinted moisturizer can also deliver moisture to your skin, according to Marnie Nussbaum, M.D, a New York-based dermatologist.

How we chose the best tinted moisturizers

We sought out products that will suit various skin types, whether oily, dry, mature, acne-prone, or sensitive. We also considered budget, shade range, finish, and more factors, including user reviews.

Per Dr. Nussbaum’s recommendation, we looked for products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which can benefit skin in the long run.

What to consider when buying tinted moisturizer

It’s important to consider your skin type, specific concerns, and what you want from your tinted moisturizer. Ultimately, what works for one person won’t work for everyone. According to Dr. Nussbaum, “A tinted moisturizer should have buildable tints so it does not have a foundation/makeup-like feel, but provides enough coverage to even out tone and texture.”

Best way to apply tinted moisturizer

This ultimately comes down to personal preference: You can either apply with a foundation brush, a beauty sponge, or simply use your fingers. Apply the product directly onto your face (or on the brush or sponge, if you prefer) and blend it into the skin until you’ve achieved the desired effect.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is tinted moisturizer better than normal moisturizer?

While tinted moisturizer can provide some moisture, it probably can’t completely replace your traditional moisturizer. It’s not so much about comparing the two products, but about allowing them to work together. “For some skin types, applying moisturizer prior to the tinted moisturizer would be beneficial,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “Regular moisturizer provides longer-term moisture and anti-aging benefits to the skin than tinted moisturizer. However, if you use tinted moisturizer as well, it gives you that extra boost of anti-aging benefits and hydration.”

How do I choose the right shade of tinted moisturizer for my skin tone?

Many brands have digital tools that allow you to upload a selfie in exchange for a color match suggestion. You can also look at product images to see which model’s skin tone is closest to your own and select your shade accordingly. Going to a store and having a sales associate help you find a color match is another option. You can also request samples of one or two shades to try them out at home and get a feel for which shade is best for you.

Does tinted moisturizer offer sun protection?

Many (but not all) tinted moisturizers do. However, relying solely on tinted moisturizer to provide sun protection isn’t wise, according to Dr. Nussbaum. She recommends applying SPF after the tinted moisturizer, even if your product does contain some sun protection.

Can tinted moisturizer be used as a primer or base for makeup?

Yes—but this works best if you consider your skin type when selecting your tinted moisturizer. “It's important to ensure that your tinted moisturizer is buildable and fits your skin's needs, for example, using a oil-free tinted moisturizer if you have oily skin, and a more moisturizing tinted moisturizer if your skin is on the drier side,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “This will ensure it helps your makeup lay smoothly.”