Frequently asked questions
How to use and apply a tinted moisturizer
“The best time to apply tinted moisturizer is in the morning after washing your face and applying face serums if this is part of your routine,” says Carolyn Stull, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC. “Those with drier skin may choose to apply a regular moisturizer prior to tinted moisturizer, although this may not be necessary for oilier skin types. Application of tinted moisturizer can be followed by concealer for extra coverage in particular areas, bronzer, and blush.”
Additional makeup is totally optional, though. “The beauty of tinted moisturizer is that it’s really all you might need, especially on days you don’t want to wear makeup. It’s a great all-in-one,” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Mudgil Dermatology, who also advises choosing tinted moisturizer with SPF if you’re not wearing sunscreen otherwise.
As for how to apply it? “With your fingertips is actually perfectly fine, though a makeup brush could help provide a more even finish,” says Dr. Mudgil. It’s simply a matter of personal preference.
Is tinted moisturizer better for your skin?
Maybe. Tinted moisturizer is possibly better for your skin than other heavier foundation options, because they often contain hydrating skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to help deeply hydrate skin, according to the dermatologists we spoke with. They also often contain SPF, which you don’t usually see in foundations, which makes them a better choice in warmer weather when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
What’s the difference between tinted moisturizer, BB cream, and skin tint?
“Tinted moisturizers offer lighter coverage in comparison with classic foundation preparations,” says Dr. Mudgil. “They are basically a foundation and moisturizer hybrid, which is perfect for days when full-on makeup isn’t needed or desired.”
“Tinted moisturizers are an excellent everyday alternative to foundation, offering lightweight, natural coverage. They effectively even out skin tone, reduce redness, and blur blemishes without feeling heavy,” says Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist in NYC. BB creams, on the other hand, may provide a bit more coverage and often contain more skin care ingredients, such as SPF, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, which can protect your skin barrier.
You’ll also often see the terms “tinted moisturizer” and “skin tint” used interchangeably. And for the most part, they are quite similar. The main difference? Tinted moisturizer typically includes more hydrating ingredients, while a skin tint focuses on ingredients that provide coverage and protection, such as SPF, according to the makeup artists we spoke with.
Can a tinted moisturizer help with discoloration?
A tinted moisturizer can generally help even out discoloration from dark spots, redness, or hyperpigmentation, but limit your expectations when it comes to coverage, says Dr. Queller. Ingredients found in tinted moisturizers, though, might actually help prevent discoloration from getting worse. “Look for tinted moisturizers that contain iron oxides, which can provide additional protection against visible light. That’s especially helpful for patients who are prone to hyperpigmentation or melasma,” she says.
How to apply tinted moisturizer on mature skin and aging skin
Tinted moisturizers can also be your skin’s secret weapon for anti-aging, according to Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton. As we age, skin often becomes drier and develops more texture, so heavier foundations can settle into fine lines and make that texture more noticeable,” she says.
As for how to apply it, Spickard recommends using less product and building up slowly if you have mature skin. “Pump one to two pumps of the product onto the back of the hand and, using your ring finger, tap into the product and then apply directly to the face—center of forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Then gently use your fingers to buff the product in,” he says. “And remember, less is more!”
Are there any disadvantages to tinted moisturizer?
No, according to the experts we spoke with. Some may have less coverage than your typical full-coverage foundation, but that can be easily remedied by pairing your tinted moisturizer with a good concealer.
We put more than a dozen tinted moisturizers to the test, separating the best from the rest based on their ingredients, texture, coverage, and longevity.
How we evaluated tinted moisturizers
We looked at the following criteria:
| Ingredients | Texture and Coverage | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| We looked for hydrating skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to help lock in moisture for hours. Some even contained skin-brightening elements like antioxidants and vitamins E and C to make skin appear less dull. | We selected ones with lightweight, radiant finishes that absorbed into the skin quickly and had medium to full coverage. These helped conceal dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. | Our favorite products lasted all day without the need for touch-ups. They also played well with everything from concealers to cream blushes; some even had sun protection. |
Meet the experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
- Carolyn Stull, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
- Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology in New York
- Kasey Spickard, NYC-based celebrity makeup artist
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Ivey Rogers, licensed esthetician and makeup artist
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a New-Jersey based makeup artist
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton
