Tinted Moisturizer Vs. Skin Tint: What’s The Difference?

Tinted Moisturizer Vs. Skin Tint: What's The Difference?

Wearing a full face of makeup can be really nice and beautiful, but during hot and humid days it can be inconvenient because nobody wants their makeup to melt off their face. Fortunately, for those situations or when you’re in a hurry but still want your skin to look smooth and radiant, you can use tinted moisturizers and skin tints.

Tinted moisturizers are a type of cosmetic product that combines the benefits of a lightweight foundation with a cream. They contain colored pigments that provide sheer to medium coverage to even out your skin tone while also moisturizing your skin. You can choose between a matte or dewy finish, and some tinted moisturizers even come with sun protection. While they can enhance your appearance, they are not the best choice for covering up prominent blemishes or imperfections.

On the other hand, skin tints are described as “the sister product of a tinted moisturizer,” per Women’s Wear Daily. Cosmetic chemist and founder of FanLoveBeauty Ginger King told the outlet, “It is the most natural-looking way to even out skin tone without perceivable product on face.” Skin tints are super lightweight and give sheer coverage to conceal minor imperfections without the heavy feel of a foundation.

Both tinted moisturizers and skin tints give you dewy skin with minimal coverage and are great for fans of natural-looking skin. While they might look pretty similar when you apply them to your skin, they aren’t twins.

Tinted moisturizers hydrate your skin, but skin tints may not

A woman with glowing skin

Lyubov Levitskaya/Shutterstock

Tinted moisturizers and skin tints are an easy route to getting even-toned skin with a little glow and are perfect for the no-makeup makeup look, but they have one major difference.

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Bob Zonis, who is the senior formulating chemist at Beaumont Products and a cosmetic chemist, has stated that if a product is marketed as a ‘tinted moisturizer’, it needs to moisturize the skin to comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission. According to him, if a tinted moisturizer doesn’t moisturize, it violates the terms of both these organizations. There are skin tints available that contain hydrating ingredients, but only the ones that provide hydration to the skin can be called tinted moisturizers. If you want coverage that looks natural and provides hydration, you should choose a tinted moisturizer. Although many skin tints claim to be hydrating, it’s difficult to know for sure.

Byrdie’s pick for the best-tinted moisturizer is NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. It gives you flawless skin with light coverage and has vitamin C and mineral-rich seawater for extra brightening and hydrating benefits. If you’re looking for a skin tint that provides hydration, try Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. Finally, Women’s Wear Daily is a fan because it is infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane, which have uber-hydrating properties. Cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson told the outlet, “It’s an SPF 40, applies evenly, and leaves my skin feeling smoother,” and its one of her favorites.

Now, go forth and have a good summer with the perfect lightweight product!

Olena Aliamina
I am Olena Aliamina, a prefessional coach and makeup artist. I started my career in beauty industry back in 2016 as a makeup artist, and later on added professional hair design, lash extension and hair stylist skills to my portfolio. I hope you will like my articles and tips I share!