The Best Tinted Moisturisers For A Fresh-Faced Base
Protect, brighten and unify with these smart formulas
In the current climate, the contents of our make-up bags are undeniably shifting—and tinted moisturisers look set to become a cornerstone.
In the age of Zoom meetings and virtual Friday-night drinks, a full face of foundation feels stifling. In our new, reduced beauty routines, there is little place for heavy formulas or complex techniques. What’s more, as the lines between skincare and make-up continue to blur, everything on our shrinking shelves must offer multi-faceted benefits: now, a foundation that offers little more than a mask seems old fashioned.
This shift in thinking has opened the floor to a new school of tinted moisturisers: hybrid products that offer pollution shields, sun protection and skin-conditioning benefits alongside a veil of unifying, brightening coverage—not to mention the fact that, crucially, skin still looks like skin.
Here, see the 10 best tinted moisturisers for a lighter look—and a lighter make-up bag.
This article originally appeared on Harper's Bazaar UK.
An oil, rather than a cream, this one sits in a category all of its own. Available in 16 shades, the jojoba and avocado-based formula feels light on the skin, but delivers enough moisture to make a dry complexion look dewy for hours. Coverage is minimal, but the glossy effect packs a punch.
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There are several reasons why people rave about this cult hero. Firstly, there's the coverage: high enough to convert even the most loyal foundation users, yet never dry or cakey. Then, there's the wide-reaching shade range. And finally, proper broad-spectrum SPF50 protection: leagues ahead of the token SPF usually found in make-up.
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Ideal for oilier skin, Chanel's classic Les Beiges tinted moisturiser contains mineral pigments and blurring powders to absorb oil and unify the complexion. Containing SPF30, your sun protection is covered, too.
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Kevyn Aucoin's latest launch really taps into the demand for glossy, glass-like skin. Stripped Nude Skin Tint has an extra-light, almost gel-like texture that doesn't dry or settle, instead imparting a light-reflecting glow that lasts all day. It won't cover angry blemishes, but it will skim over pigmentation and rough texture, leaving skin looking even.
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Givenchy's new offering contains more coverage than most, making it ideal for anyone looking to cover redness or blemishes. It has more of a matte finish, so will sit especially well on oily skin. Antioxidants ward off free radicals, while the shade range – categorised by undertones – is easy to navigate.
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New launches might be arriving at an increasing speed, but this one remains one of the best. Loved for years, Laura Mercier's oil-free tinted moisturiser will control shine and oil production while unifying the skin and boosting radiance. It's an effortless, one-and-done choice for low-key make-up days.
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If you're after that luminous, just-had-a-facial effect, nothing comes close than this under-the-radar gem. The balmy formula feels instantly refreshing on skin, but delivers mid-weight coverage that'll disguise imperfections and skim over dark circles with ease. Don't rest on the SPF15 (you'll still need a higher-factor sunscreen beneath), but when it comes to a glowing finish, this one wins.
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Not just for sensitive skin, this one is an all-round winner. The lightweight gel-cream boosts hydration without calling on oils (ideal for the easily congested), while the 20-strong shade range fully hits the mark. There's even SPF30 to keep you protected during the day.
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Embodying the Glossier philosophy, this light-as-water skin perfector delivers 'you, but better' skin in seconds. Coverage is, of course, minimal, but if you're after hydration as well as a visible glow boost, look no further.
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Sitting somewhere between a skin tint and a foundation, this one offers substantial coverage without the dying effects of traditional foundations. It's buildable, so you can easily mask dark shadows or blemishes, and contains hyaluronic acid to keep skin supple and hydrated.
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