14 Best Tinted Moisturizers For Dark Skin, Recommended By An Esthetician
Help your dark skin glow with ample hydration using premium, skin-smoothening creams.
Raisa ZarinLicensed Esthetician
Raisa's passion for skin care and makeup began at a young age, inspired by her mother's experimentation with different products. While pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology in college, she realized her true calling and decided to change ... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
anjali sayeeBTech
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Using a color corrector, concealer, and a foundation is so much effort and time-taking. That’s why we have got you the best-tinted moisturizers for dark skin. It is a lightweight formula that adds a healthy, natural-looking glow to your skin. It also moisturizes the skin and hides imperfections. However, finding the right shade for your skin tone might get tricky for dark-skinned beauties. To help you cut the confusion, we have listed the 14 best-tinted moisturizers for dark skin. Grab your pick now and get ready to look flawless with just one product.
In This Article
14 Best Tinted Moisturizers For Dark Skin
1. Best Lightweight:jane Iredale Dream Tint
Want to reduce the appearance of pores with light coverage? Try the Jane Iredale Dream Tint moisturizer that is lightweight, water-resistant, and contains SPF 15. It provides sheer to medium coverage with a natural glow. The oil-free formula contains minerals that soothe your skin. This tinted moisturizer minimizes the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores and prevents trans-epidermal water loss. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen. This video of the tester’s experience provides further insights into the benefits of the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Reef safe
- Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
- Suitable for all skin types
- Contains SPF 15
Cons
- Does not blend easily.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,026 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
2. Best Oil-Free Formula:Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
The Nars Pure Radiant Tinted moisturizer is an advanced, oil-free formula with SPF 30PA+++. It provides a subtle tint of color and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots in just four weeks. This dermatologist-tested moisturizer is enriched with lush botanicals that hydrate your skin instantly. Kopara from French Polynesia and mineral-rich seawater revive the skin for a soft, smooth, natural, and radiant glow. Check out this video review featuring the tester’s experience to learn more about this product.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Long-lasting
- Contains SPF 30
- Contains natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might feel sticky.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 939 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
3. Best Hydrating:BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
The BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer contains SPF 18 and keeps your skin polished and nourished. It suits darker skin tones as well. The lightweight formula hydrates and protects the skin from sun damage. This tinted moisturizer provides sheer coverage and minimizes imperfections, improving your skin tone and texture with a natural finish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Contains moisturizing ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Contains SPF 18
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Feels chalky
"I like this BB cream's coverage. It evens out my skin tone without making it feel suffocated. It has a thick consistency but spreads smoothly. It gives me a non-shiny finish throughout the day."
4. Best For All Skin Types:lauramercier Tinted Moisturizer
The lauramercier Tinted Moisturizer is lightweight and adds a healthy glow to your skin. The SPF 20 protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. This moisturizer is long-wearing, and the color stays true even in humid climates. It contains a powerful blend of vitamins C and E that protects the skin from damage caused by the harsh environment.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Contains SPF 20
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Greasy
5. Best Long-Lasting:IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer
The IMAGE Skincare Prevention + Daily Tinted Moisturizer has a sheer formula that delivers a subtle hint of color to even out your skin tone and reveal a healthy and glowing complexion. You can use it everyday under makeup as it efficiently covers all the redness and spots after you undergo any professional treatment. It contains zinc oxide that offers broad-spectrum pure mineral protection against the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Its hydrolyzed pea protein protects your skin from the blue light and antioxidants combat environmental stressors. The Multi-action Digital Aging Defense combats the effects of blue light and environmental skin stressors that cause dryness, discoloration, and signs of premature aging.
Pros
- Offers protection from UVA/UVB rays
- Contains SPF 30
- Contains skin-loving antioxidants
- Sheer coverage
- Oxybenzone-free
- Avobenzone-free
- Octocrylene-free
- No ecamsule
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- No artificial fragrances
Cons
- Not for all skin tones
Quick Tip6. Best For Daily Use:BOBBI BROWN Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
The BOBBI BROWN Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer helps cover redness and uneven skin tone. Your skin looks soft, hydrated, and naturally radiant. The lightweight formula provides sheer coverage for a nude look. This moisturizer contains SPF 15 and can be used daily. Before buying, take a look at this video to understand the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Contains SPF 15
- Lends a radiant complexion
- Suitable for daily use
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Expensive
7. Best Non-Greasy:Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer
The Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer is lightweight and shields the skin against harmful sun rays. It offers medium coverage to create a flawless finish. This tinted moisturizer has a smooth texture that blends evenly into your skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
8. Best Cruelty-Free:Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector is enriched with retinol, antioxidants, and vitamins. This tinted moisturizer contains titanium dioxide and SPF 20 that protects the skin from the damaging UVA/UVB rays. It is blendable and provides sheer coverage for a youthful appearance. Retinol helps smoothen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This dermatologist-recommended moisturizer is formulated with retinol, which helps even tone the skin and instantly erase imperfections. Your skin will be left with a natural and dewy finish.
Pros
- Contains SPF 20
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Non-acnegenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Streaky
9. Best Vegan:PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer
This tinted moisturizer has SPF 20 and provides long-lasting nourishment to your skin. It is infused with shea butter, aloe vera, chamomile, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate. The PÜR’s Ceretin Complex helps renew your skin tone. This tinted moisturizer preps your skin and acts as a base for makeup.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Improves oil control
- BPA-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Contains SPF 20
Cons
- None
10. Best Multipurpose Formula:Honest Beauty Clean Corrective
The Honest Beauty Clean Corrective is a 6-in-1 multitasking tinted moisturizer. Its thicker formula primes, perfects, protects, blurs, brightens, and locks in skin moisture for up to 12 hours. This tinted moisturizer covers imperfections and creates an even skin tone. It contains SPF 30 which protects your skin against UVA/UVB rays. This moisturizer is enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin C that provides blue light defense. It is a perfect product for those looking for anti-aging benefits in a moisturizer.
Pros
- Lasts for up to 12 hours
- Buildable formula
- Contains skin-loving antioxidants
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Contains SPF 30
- No synthetic fragrances
Cons
- Thick consistency
11. Best For Dull Skin:Neutrogena Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Radiant Tinted Moisturizer provides good coverage and adds shimmer for a natural-looking glow. Like a tinted sunscreen, it protects the skin from sunburn and decreases the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. This moisturizer contains vitamins A, C, and E, which revive dull skin. It also has SPF 30 that provides breathable sun protection. Its sheer tint provides a perfect skin-like finish with a dose of hydration.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable formula
- Oil-free
- Contains SPF 30
- Can be used daily
Cons
- None
12. Best For Sensitive Skin:bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream contains broad-spectrum SPF 30. The oil-free formula blends into the skin easily and provides a refreshing water-burst sensation. This lightweight moisturizer is 98% naturally derived and the skin care ingredients provide the benefits of makeup. It keeps your skin hydrated without greasiness.
Pros
- Contains SPF 30
- Lightweight
- All-day wear
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Might feel blotchy.
13. Best Anti-Aging:Revision Intellishade Matte
The Revision Intellishade Matte is an anti-aging tinted moisturizer that imparts a touch of healthy color to your skin along with a radiant finish. It contains a blend of three peptides and broad-spectrum SPF 45 that provides UVA and UVB protection. The Pore-Minimizing Technology corrects, protects, conceals, brightens, and hydrates the skin.
This tinted moisturizer blends naturally with your skin tone, addresses your skin concerns, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The sheer mineral tint restores the youthful appearance of your skin. The product is enriched with white birch extract, yeast extract, plankton extract, and coenzyme Q10. The ascorbate helps brighten and even tone your skin, and lecithin improves the appearance of enlarged pores.
Pros
- Contains SPF 45
- Imparts mattifying effect
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Blends easily
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
14. Best SPF:MDSolarSciences MD Mineral BB Creme
The MDSolarSciences MD Mineral BB Creme is a smooth, whipped formula that is a perfect match for your skin as it contains repairing agents offering anti-aging benefits. This blendable formula perfects the skin and protects it, prepping a beautiful canvas ready for makeup. It provides sheer coverage that settles into a natural matte finish. The dermatologist-developed formula offers SPF 50 and is suitable for rosacea and acne-prone skin. It is also ideal for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Dermatologist-developed
- Sheer coverage
- Blends well
- Compatible with deep skin tones
- Suitable for rosacea, acne-prone, and sensitive skin
- Matte finish
- SPF 50
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
Why invest in different products when you can get multiple benefits in one? Tinted moisturizers nourish your skin while concealing your imperfections. They are becoming very popular, and all for the right reasons. There are uncountable brands to choose from when it comes to tinted moisturizers for dark skin. Do not fret; go through our curated pointers to choose the best moisturizer for your skin.
Things To Look For In Tinted Moisturizers For Dark Skin
- Skin Type: When choosing a tinted moisturizer, ensure it is appropriate for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for an oil-based moisturizer. If you have oily skin, choose a water-based formula. For combination skin, choose either and pick a fragrance-free product for sensitive skin.
- Sun Protection: Always pick a moisturizer with SPF 30 or more. They protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent unwanted tanning.
- Ingredients To Look For: If you have a much drier skin, look at the ingredients list and choose a formula containing hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate. They replenish your skin with moisture, brighten your face, and provide soothing benefits. Additionally, opt for formulas rich in antioxidants to protect your skin from radical damage.
- Ingredients To Avoid: Stay away from formulas that contain parabens, phthalates, alcohol, gluten, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances and dyes. They rob your skin of its natural shine and leave it looking dull.
- Formula: Choose a creamy but non-sticky formula that glides seamlessly on your skin. Check the reviews and buy products that do not leave any residue. Side with formulas offering buildable coverage with a range of skin tones so you can touch up as and when required. Also, look for products that are not too heavy and offer a natural radiance.
- Long-Wearing: Choose a moisturizer that keeps your skin moisturized for eight to 12 hours daily. Ensure to pick a water- and sweat-resistant formula to achieve long-time hydration.
The Bottom Line
Why use three different makeup products when tinted moisturizers can give the same desired results? These magic potions are the best of both worlds (skincare and makeup). They keep your skin nourished while making it look flawless. The best-tinted moisturizers for dark skin hide imperfections and enhance your natural complexion to ensure a perfect glow. For a tinted finish and sheer coverage, try Jane Iredale Dream Tint. To reduce hyperpigmentation, try the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. The laura mercier Tinted Moisturizer is hydrating and ensures comfortable wear throughout the day. Some of these products have lightweight, cruelty-free, and oil-free formulae that get absorbed quickly and offer long-lasting results. However, steer clear of formulae that have a thick consistency and streak after application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tinted moisturizer work on dark skin?
Yes, tinted moisturizer works on every skin tone and imparts natural glow.
How do you apply tinted moisturizer to dark skin?
• Cleanse your face.
• Take a small amount of moisturizer.
• Use fingertips instead of a brush or sponge to apply the product.
• Focus on target areas and cover the blemishes evenly.
How often should you use a tinted moisturizer on dark skin?
You can apply a tinted moisturizer on your skin whenever you want for that unique natural glow.
Can I use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation?
No. However, although tinted moisturizer is not enough to provide full coverage like foundation, you can use it as a replacement.
Is it better to go lighter or darker with tinted moisturizer?
You may opt for a lighter shade of tinted moisturizer than that of your skin tone for a perfect blend.
Does tinted moisturizer clog pores?
Yes. If the tinted moisturizer is thick and heavy, it can clog pores.
Does tinted moisturizer need to be washed off?
Yes, wash off tinted moisturizer and other makeup products from your face before going to bed.
Does tinted moisturizer go on before primer?
No. A primer comes before a tinted moisturizer or foundation.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. Her deep understanding of skin’s needs and detailed research enables her to choose the best of products. After thoroughly exploring and reading many customer reviews, this list of the best tinted moisturizers for dark skin was put together. She says that these tinted moisturizers save the time of the makeup regime and leave a long-lasting moisturizing effect without clogging the pores.
