What Is A Tinted Moisturizer And What Are Its Benefits?

You can now nurture and hydrate your skin while providing it with an even complexion.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Reema Das Mallik, MD, PGDCC
Written by Nisha Baghadia, MA (Mass Communication)
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Anu Pallavi, BA  • 

There are many creams, lotions, and moisturizers you use every day in your beauty care routine. But have you ever heard of a tinted moisturizer? For your everyday makeup application, foundations are not the right choice. Instead, you need something lightweight and seamless that blends well with your skin to give you an even-toned complexion and a natural-looking glow. You may have already heard about BB and CC creams, but among all the products, liquids, sticks, and tints, narrowing down to what formula works the best for you might be overwhelming. It is a product that bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. On days that you want your makeup to be quick and minimal, it can help hide any imperfections and impart a radiant glow.

If you have never heard of a tinted moisturizer before, we have got you covered. This post will be your ultimate guide to picking a tinted moisturizer. Keep reading to know more!

protip_icon Keep In Mind
  • Skin Type: Tinted moisturizers, known for providing hydration and locking in moisture, are best suitable for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.
  • Coverage: Since the concentration of tint is low in the product it may not provide full coverage or be long-lasting.
  • Type Of Occasion: Tinted moisturizers are best suitable for daily wear or informal gatherings as they provide light and natural coverage..
  • Weather: While they work well in all weather conditions, tinted moisturizers are an exceptional addition to your winter makeup routine.

Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer swatches on woman's hand
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Image: Shutterstock

A tinted moisturizer as specified in the name itself is a moisturizer with a slight tint in it. It gives a slight polished look or a little tint to the skin compared to a foundation.It contains humectantsi  XA substance mainly in skin care products, such as hyaluronic acid, that possesses water-absorbing properties and helps to keep the skin hydrated. , anti-oxidants, and a few other ingredients like iron oxides and titanium dioxide that make your skin appear youthful.

A difference between the foundation and the tinted moisturizer to be noted is that in the former, titanium oxide is present in around 14 to 15% quantity, while in the latter it is present in just about 3% quantity. This ingredient is used to deliver the color to the skin.

A foundation is used to cover the skin with an even shaded layer to form the makeup base for flawless and perfect-looking skin that still needs depth via contouring, highlighting, and concealing in case of hyperpigmentation. While the best tinted moisturizer works just like a good moisturizer, hydrating the skin while at the same time it evens out the complexion and offers a smooth and silky finish for a natural, no-makeup look.

Usage

Woman applying tinted moisturizer on her cheeks
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Image: Shutterstock

While a foundation offers a luminous tone to your skin, it is not that easy to apply. You need to dab it all over the skin perfectly for proper coverage. The main advantage of a tinted moisturizer is that you need not worry about applying.

Like any other lotion or cream, just take a small amount of it and apply it to the skin. Also if you like the dewy look, this product alone is enough. There’s no need for powder at all. If you are more of a matte lover, use a sheer powder and you are done. So, choose the one nearest to your skin tone. Also, this product is suitable for dry to combination skinned beauties since they impart oiliness to the skin.

Melissa Van Dijk, a makeup artist and vlogger, shares how she found the right shade of tinted moisturizer for her face: “I discovered on my own that sometimes brands just have two or three shades and that’s it, but there are also other ones if you have a closer look where they have a little bit more of a range so that every skin tone can wear them (i).” She continues to explain how she applies it, “You can either take the tinted moisturizer from the tube directly and then apply it on your face or you can also take it on the back of your hand – and this is also what I prefer so that I can take it from the back of my hand and then apply it evenly over my face.”

How To Apply A Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizers are lightweight, easy to apply, and blend in seamlessly. Here is how you can apply a tinted moisturizer:

1. Cleanse the skin of dirt, germs, and impurities that can hinder the makeup application process.
2. Pat dry your skin and use a hydrating moisturizer to prevent your tinted moisturizer from flaking off throughout the day.
3. Apply a pea-sized amount of the tinted moisturizer to your cheeks, forehead, nose, and under-eye area.
4. Gentle massage it into your skin with your fingers.
5. Use a makeup sponge to get to the sides of the nose and inner eye corner.
6. Apply a concealer or CC cream for extra coverage.
7. Then, use some setting powder for a matte finish or setting spray for a dewy look.

Advantages: Why Use Tinted Moisturizer?

Woman holding a tube of tinted moisturizer beside her face
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Image: Shutterstock
  • The consistency is thinner than any other creams like foundation and BB cream.
  • It feels very light weight on the skin.
  • Unlike a BB cream, you can choose from a wide range of shades.
  • Moisturizes and hydrates your skin.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Tinted moisturizers are versatile as they hydrate the skin with a natural dewy look and even spare you the effort of applying primer and foundation after applying a moisturizer.

Disadvantages

  • Anti-aging or whitening properties are absent in tinted moisturizers.
  • It may not suit oily skinned beauties. It totally depends on the product itself.
  • No pigmentation at all which is very important. BB creams have this advantage of being pigmented.
  • They stay less on the skin and also give less color to the skin.
  • Expensive
  • Very less SPF is provided by these products and this might range from SPF 15 to 30 while BB creams start from SPF 30.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Regardless of whether your cosmetics have SPF or not, always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF above 30.

Although tinted moisturizers provide good coverage, some people may need extra coverage if they have skin issues like blemishes or discoloration. A tinted cream may give less color to the skin but stays on the same as a BB cream.

If you have fewer blemishes or almost an even skin tone you can definitely go for a tinted moisturizer. If not, a BB cream may be your choice. Also a tinted cream is preferable for the teens and early twenties, since around this time the skin doesn’t require much more than this. As one’s age increases, the all-in-one properties in a BB cream make it essential for daily use.

Infographic: The Pros And Cons Of A Tinted Moisturizer

A tinted moisturizer combines the benefits of a moisturizer and a foundation. However, it is important to learn its pros and cons before you decide to use it. Well, we have done the research for you. Check out the infographic below to learn more.

The Pros And Cons Of A Tinted Moisturizer (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

On all those days when you do not wish to apply thick and overpowering layers of foundation and let your skin breathe, a tinted moisturizer will rescue you. It will give you that flawless look that you usually get after applying a foundation. It has a lightweight texture, provides sheer coverage, has a dewy finish, and above all, keeps your skin hydrated. We hope the tips shared in the article have helped you get a clear idea about tinted moisturizers. Go ahead and purchase one and we are sure you will love this product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a BB cream and a tinted moisturizer?

Tinted moisturizers are available in different shades, unlike BB creams. They are thinner like other foundations and unlike creamy BB creams.

Do you wear moisturizer under a tinted moisturizer?

If you have dehydrated skin, you can wear moisturizer under your tinted moisturizer for healthy skin and appearance.

Should you wash off tinted moisturizer?

Yes. Any makeup applied to the skin should be removed at night thoroughly. Hence, you should wash off your tinted moisturizer.

Is tinted moisturizer considered makeup?

Though the color pigment used in a tinted moisturizer is lighter than a foundation, it is still considered makeup.

Key Takeaways

  • Tinted moisturizer is a hydrating foundation cream with sheer coverage.
  • It has a reduced titanium oxide composition, making it suitable for daily use.
  • It is lightweight and easy to apply, similar to using a moisturizer.
  • Being a hydrating cream, it may not be effective for oily skin.
  • The color tint may not be able to cover up blemishes. People with even skin and not fond of cakey foundations should try this product.
What Is A Tinted Moisturizer

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to apply a tinted moisturizer for a natural, glowing look! Follow this easy step-by-step tutorial to get the perfect finish.

Personal Experience: Source

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