The Best Summer Skin Tints & Tinted Moisturisers, Tried And Tested By Our Beauty Team

Forget foundation, consider these your beauty BFFs for a glowing, second-skin finish.


by Rachael Martin |
Updated on

Shopping for the best tinted moisturiser or skin tint is great for those looking for a happy medium between skincare and full-coverage foundation. They can blur imperfections, colour correct, boost hydration, and even protect skin from the sun – all while looking natural and healthy. We know shopping for new make-up and skincare depends on your skin type and preferred finish. Once you've found the best moisturiser for your skin - you can compliment your hydrated skin with your chosen tinted moisturiser or skin tint. Customers are looking to subtle makeup bases brimming with skincare benefits in a bid to streamline their routines and make their products work harder - there's a reason why Google searches for 'skin tint' are up 114%, after all.

Verity wears UBeauty THE SUPER Tinted Hydrator, £98

Skin tints and tinted moisturisers: what's the difference?

There's some cross over between skin tints and tinted moisturisers, but some key differences to consider too. Where a skin tint and a tinted moisturiser are similar is in their finish - both contain a lower concentration of foundation pigments to create a lighter, more natural glow. That said, while skin tints do offer pigment, they typically offer slightly less coverage than that of a tinted moisturiser. This is often down to the texture - tints tend to be more watery, while tinted moisturisers feel richer due to their hydrating properties.

Cassie wears Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint, £38

In terms of application, both can be applied and blended in a similar way to your favourite moisturiser. A tinted moisturiser or skin tint can replace the need to use a foundation if you're looking to keep your skin feeling more natural for summer. Plus, both often offer skin beautifying ingredients as part of their formulations.

Sameeha wears Brulée Beauty Skin Nectar, £35

Best skin tints at a glance:

Best radiant tinted moisturiser: NARS Cosmetics Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, £37

Best hydrating skin tint: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint,£49

Best new skin tint: Kosas CC Burst Tinted Gel Cream, £34

Best tinted moisturiser for sun protection: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin, £12.50

Best luxury skin tint: Ubeauty The Super Tinted Hydrator, £98

Rachael wears Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel, £34

Regardless of your skin type - there's a tinted moisturiser or skin tint ideally suited to you. If you're looking for a complexion product with a lightweight finish, why not ditch your usual foundation in favour of one of these sheer, skin-protecting numbers. If you’re after a fresh complexion and a juicy glow, keep scrolling for the best tinted moisturisers and skin tints approved by Team Grazia

Shop: The Best Tinted Moisturisers For Lightweight Coverage

Best new skin tint

Chances are you'll have seen this one on TikTok - it's beloved by content creators thanks to its skin beautifying abilities. It's light, but buildable, and can be teamed with a concealer for added coverage.

Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says: 'I've been testing this tinted gel for a few months now and I'm officially hooked. I have problematic skin (to say the least) so I need to be rest assured that incorporating any new base products into my routine won't break me out. This, I kid you not, has left me with some of the best skin I've had in years. I apply a small amount with my fingers tips and blend it across my whole complexion. Not only does it refine and even out my skin instantly, but the assortment of skin loving ingredients (think zinc and copper peptides) has plumped and soothed in the long run, too. Would recommend.'

Customer review: 'Usually I use Charlotte tilbury flawless filter with concealer where needed, but have fallen in love with this! Offers a skin-like finish, but with some perfecting elements. Looks so natural, is hydrating and lasts all day, new summer favourite!'

Pros

  • 14 shades
  • Brimming with skincare ingredients

Cons

  • Certain shades often sell-out

Best glow enhancing skin tint

Acting Head of Beauty Cassie Steer says: '"Your skin but better" is a phrase bandied about rather loosely in the beauty world but makeup maven Lisa Eldridge has absolutely nailed the kind of smooth, luminous, even skin that alludes to a certain lifestyle where you have the luxury of carving out time for ‘self-care’ whilst supping on golden mylk and gua sha-ing the bejesus out of a mere suggestion of dullness. She’s also got the tones (with 18 all-encompassing shades) just-so; I’m T3 which is one of the few pale shades I’ve tried that is neither too pink or too yellow. I also love that whilst it’s packed with 78% skincare ingredients to soothe and hydrate, my skin isn’t left feeling greasy. Did I mention I love it?’'

Customer review: 'A little goes a long way for a touch of radiance. I got lots of compliments when I wore this at the weekend.'

Pros

  • Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Glycerin, Vitamin E
  • Buildable coverage

Cons

  • None!

Best hydrating skin tint

Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin TintHourglass

Hourglass know a thing or two about creating a candlelight glow on the skin, and the new Hydrating Skin Tint definitely doesn't disappoint. The lightweight, hydrating formula melts into the skin to provide an even yet sheer coverage ideal for dry and dehydrated skin types.

Pilates coach Bryony Deery says: 'It goes on so natural and it's super hydrating. You could wear this on the beach and no one would think you have anything on' - speaking on the Grazia Beauty Life Lessons Podcast.

Customer review: 'Another great product from Hourglass, so excited when this came out. Super hydrating, very smooth and sheer coverage so perfect for the summer. Skin looks really good and feels very comfortable using this product, had to try several colours but found the perfect shade."

Pros

  • Hydrating formula
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Coverage might be too sheer for some

Best radiant tinted moisturiser

NARS Cosmetics Pure Radiant Tinted MoisturiserNARS Cosmetics

A brilliant substitute for foundation, this oil-free tinted moisturiser from NARS lends skin just enough coverage to stay put all day long whilst still allowing skin to breathe. If you love a radiant yet natural finish, you'll love the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser.

Customer review: 'This is my first tinted moisturiser that I have purchased so can't compare to others but this is amazing lasts a few hours have to wear with a primer underneath otherwise you can see my pores and a little powder on top to reduce the shine I would recommend it.'

Pros

  • Radiant finish
  • High SPF protection

Cons

  • Hard to tell when product has ended

Best skin tint for sun protection

Best skin tint for sun protection

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Beauty Pie
Price: £12.50 (with a membership)

www.beautypie.com

This wearable, everyday sheer tinted moisturiser from Beauty Pie keeps your skin looking naturally glowing and protected. Looking for a soft-focus finish? The dreamy formula of Super Healthy Skin is buildable but adds a radiant finish we're all craving.

Customer review: 'I have stopped using foundation since I discovered this. Good coverage lets your skin breathe I use the Beauty Pie SPF primer and this on top. Love it!'

Pros

  • Oil-free formula
  • SPF protection

Cons

  • Might not be enough moisture for dry skin

Best tinted moisturiser for all skin types

Laura Mercier Tinted MoisturiserLaura Mercier

Those who love the model-off-duty dewy skin look, the sheer yet natural formula of Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturiser is for you. The built-in SPF30 makes it a great everyday product.

Customer review: 'Great staple in the make-up bag. I've used this for years and highly recommend it. Applies well, blends nicely and doesn't feel heavy. I use bisque as I'm light skinned and always liked the colour when it blends. Great to also have an SPF within it. You only need a small amount as well so this purchase will last a while.'

Pros

  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Natural finish

Cons

  • None!

Best luxury skin tint

Acting Beauty Director Verity Clark says: 'Science-first skincare brand Ubeauty takes innovation seriously - peruse the clinical testing and white paper (a rarity for a beauty brand) if you so wish. Something called SIREN technology is the secret to the brand’s sell out success. Seriously, those moisturisers fly off the shelves. All you need to know is that each of the products is very, very hydrating. The same principle has been applied to the Super Tinted Hydrator. The skincare/makeup hybrid is essentially a tinted version of the best selling moisturiser. Coverage is sheer, almost imperceptible, but my god you’ll glow (not shine, don’t panic). Avocado and grapeseed oils plus hyaluronic acid feed skin with good stuff and you’re left with that much coveted skincare status of looking well rested. Yes, it’s eye-wateringly expensive but a little really does go a long way and the compliments you’ll receive go some way to justifying the cost.'

Customer review: 'Unless I’m going to an event I generally don’t care for full coverage foundations. But some tinted creams just don’t have enough to wear to work. The super tinted is perfect. I like that it gives me a glow and a little bit of color and coverage. Feels amazing. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to justify the price but I’m pretty obsessed and it’s been my go to “foundation” especially for spring and summer!'

Pros

  • 10 adaptable shades

Cons

  • Expensive

Best for yellow undertones

Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh says: 'When it comes to anything to do with base, a close to perfect shade match is one of my top requirements. Brulée Beauty takes pride in catering to golden and yellow skin tones as well as those in-between shades that are all too often neglected on beauty counters. With an innate understanding and respect for the spectrum of colours within the medium shade range, it's not a surprise that I found my perfect match with Brulée Beauty's Skin Nectar, Shade 3 to be exact. Described as a nourishing tinted moisturiser, it's quickly become my go-to amid the return of warmer weather thanks to its lightweight, comfortable feel, no-fuss application and high-quality, soft second skin finish. The best bit? Unlike most skin tints, this can be built up to full coverage, all without that heavy feeling. It will easily give your favourite foundation a run for its money this summer.'

Customer review: 'For a long time, I was looking for a colour corrector and concealer together, basically a 2-in-I . I found this brand on Instagram and I saw how they are making makeup for brown girl skin tones. I bought their concealer as a trial and I got to say, it gives amazing COVERAGE!!!! My curiosity built when I saw that they had just launched a tinted moisturiser with SPF. I saw the amazing reviews and I just knew I had to buy it!!! I bought it and the shade match was firstly, very accurate! I don’t think I’ve ever dealt with a makeup brand that gives a spot on shade match. I bought shade 1 and even a little goes a long way. It gives an amazing finish and it doesn’t look too cakey or too less! Thanks for introducing this product! I will be buying the bundle from now on!'

Pros

  • Coverage is buildable
  • Contains SPF
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Packaging doesn't feel too premium

Best sheer tinted moisturiser

Best sheer tinted moisturiser

Glossier Perfecting Skin TintGlossier

If you prefer light over heavy coverage, give this tinted fluid a whirl. It blends in seamlessly to give 'your skin but better' results. If you love a super dewy finish, the Glossier Skin Tint is definitely one to try.

Customer review: "For someone who doesn't use foundation and doesn't like wearing too much makeup or being able to 'feel' makeup on their face, this is the perfect skin tint. it's buildable and blendable and dewy and lightweight."

Pros

  • Dewy finish
  • Buildable finish

Cons

  • Might not work for an oily skin type

Best hybrid tinted moisturiser

Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted SerumRose Inc

This super hydrating serum combines skincare and make-up to instantly moisturise, plump and even the skin. Rose Inc's Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum has a sheer yet radiant finish which is perfect for those who prefer a lighter coverage to their complexion products.

Customer review: 'A great product for that transition between summer glow and needing foundation coverage. Easy to apply and blend with a foundation brush. Feels extremely lightweight on my skin, much better than my usual tinted moisturiser. Excellent service in store, the adviser was knowledgeable and provided me with a fantastic colour match. Cannot recommend highly enough.'

Pros

  • Plumps the skin
  • Provides instant moisture to the skin

Cons

  • Some reviews say coverage is sheer

Best for darker skin tones

Beauty Assistant Renee Washington says: 'I can't get enough of Fenty's Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. It's like magic in a bottle. With 25 shades that actually consider undertones, finding my perfect match was a breeze. Plus, the blurring effect is amazing – it minimises my pores and evens out my skin tone in just a few drops. Whether I'm going for a barely-there makeup day or want a little more coverage, Eaze Drop builds beautifully without ever looking cakey. I love that it's comfortable in humid temperatures and maintains the same look throughout the day– win-win.'

Customer review: 'I applied a few drops in the morning all over my face and nine hours later it is still attached to my face (no primer needed). I had to apply some blotting powder but it’s not bad. Usually my skin can get a quite greasy with liquid foundation but not this one. 10/10 would buy again.'

Pros

  • 25 shades
  • Buildable light to medium longwear coverage

Cons

  • Sometimes tricky to squeeze out

Best natural tinted moisturiser

This cult classic tinted moisturiser from Chantecaille contains a myriad of ingredients, which have anti-irritant, antioxidant and anti-pollution properties, as well as a mineral sunscreen. Just Skin leaves a natural yet polished finish.

Customer review: 'Love love the texture, coverage with the lightness and dewy finish, it's very natural looking and makes the skin more even without being a block like foundation. Such a lovely product, pricey but I think it's worth it, I'm hoping it will last a while... I have already recommended and a friend bought it and she loves it too.'

Pros

  • Luxurious formula
  • Great for sensitive skin

Cons

  • Limited shade range

Is tinted moisturiser good for your skin?

These fluid tints are all about looking after your skin while adding just a hint of colour. Any good tinted moisturiser (and some skin tints too) will be packed with complexion-boosting ingredients to guarantee an even glow, such as added SPF, anti-ageing properties or extra hydration for dry skin.

Top tip? Don't apply too much product as this can cause pore blockages, as with most skin-tinting products. And always make sure you cleanse your face thoroughly every evening.

How do you apply tinted moisturiser?

For easy application, squeeze the product onto your index and middle fingers and blend into the skin, just as you would with regular moisturiser. Or, for a really smooth finish, dab a small amount directly from the bottle onto your cheeks and forehead before buffing it in with a makeup brush.

You can choose to use tinted moisturiser alongside your usual moisturiser, following the best eye cream for some extra hydration or swap out both your face cream and foundation for this one easy step – tinted moisturisers are a lazy girl’s beauty dream.

Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.

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