From foundations to concealer, we're guessing your bathroom cabinet is probably jam-packed with a plethora of makeup products. (Don't worry — ours are, too!). However, if you're looking to achieve a natural facial glow without that thick, cakey feel, skin tints are worth adding to your skin care arsenal.
"A skin tint is a makeup product that provides lightweight, breathable coverage designed to enhance your skin’s natural complexion," explains Dr. Noah Gratch, a board-certified dermatologist.
Along with Gratch, we spoke with Kristin Gunn, a celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa, to learn more about the key ingredients to look for in a skin tint as well as the various benefits associated with them.
Scroll down to shop the best expert-recommended and editor-tested skin tints from popular brands like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Charlotte Tilbury, Glossier and many more.
The best skin tints, according to experts and editors
Budget-friendly option: Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
- Easy to blend
- Leaves a dewy finish
- Shade may not be as expected
Shades: 12 | Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, diamond powder
Gunn loves this hydrating, natural looking and super lightweight skin tint. "If you’re into the dewy, minimalist makeup look, this is your jam!" she raves.
"It doesn’t provide a lot of coverage, so if you have rosacea or other skin imperfections it may not be for you. It does play well with concealer so that is also an option!" Gunn adds.
Expert pick: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
- Natural look
- Great coverage
- May be hard to apply
Shades: 25 | Size: 1.08 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin
Gratch recommends this bestselling Fenty Beauty by Rihanna skin tint. He says it's a fantastic choice for combination skin due to its ingredients that help keep the skin balanced and hydrated while offering a smooth, blurred finish.
This lightweight formula is also free of oils, phthalates and parabens.
Helpful for dry skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Lightweight
- Good coverage
- Smell may bother some
Shades: 28 | Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, plant-based squalane
Gratch is a big fan of this Ilia skin tint and says it's a great option for dry skin. “It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide, and it helps blur imperfections. Plus, it offers SPF-40 protection,” he explains.
Commerce writer Emma Stessman also loves this makeup product and agrees with Gratch that it's great for her dry skin.
Editor favorite: Anastasia Beverly Hills- Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
- Smooth texture
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to blend
- Shades may be lighter
Shades: 10 | Size: 0.63 oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil
Commerce editor Amanda Fama recommends this skin tint, which she says is extremely easy to apply with a few swipes. "It has opaque coverage with a seemingly matte finish, and it feels very lightweight on my skin. It doesn't feel drying, either (and I have very dry skin!)," she shares. Although the finish is rather opaque, the overall coverage feels lightweight and blends easily.
"Soft, satin finish:" Typology Tinted Serum
- Natural coverage
- Easy to apply
- Only need small amount
- Shade match may be difficult
Shades: 6 | Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane, aloe vera
"The French know what they're doing when it comes to multipurpose beauty products," states senior SEO editor Jess Bender. "Not only does this do an effective job as a light coverage skin tint that's easy to build up, but there's also the added benefit of vitamin C and squalane for all-day hydration and brightness," she continues.
"While other skin tints I've used offer up a dewier appearance which could translate as oily, this one provides a soft, satin finish that evens out redness across my complexion," Bender explains.
Gunn says this is the first skin tint she ever tried and felt like she had stumbled on a major secret no one knew about yet. "It is definitely a more natural look than some of the others," she adds.
Splurge option: Trinny London BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum
- Make skin soft
- Provides natural glow
- Expensive
Shades: 12 | Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Commerce editor Vivien Moon swears by this tinted serum from Trinny London so much so that she finished the entire bottle. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this smoothing serum provides little to medium coverage and is designed for normal to dry skin.
What are the benefits of skin tints?
If you prefer a more natural look and don’t like to pile on the makeup, skin tints are the way to go.
Skin tints tend to be less cakey than traditional foundations and offer a myriad of benefits. “Unlike a traditional foundation, which typically offers medium to full coverage and minimizes imperfections, skin tints offer lighter coverage giving a more natural and radiant finish,” explains Gratch.
“With its serum-like formula, skin tints are hydrating and help keep the skin moisturized, making them ideal for everyday wear,” he adds.
“Skin tints come in many different formulas designed to treat and address the needs of different skin types, offering skin care benefits like hydration, skin brightening, sun protection and anti-aging, all while providing a lightweight, natural-looking and buildable finish,” says Gratch.
“You ever wanted a real life filter?” asks Gunn. “Skin tints are it! They are typically sheer and can give the appearance of an even skin tone, give you a little glow, and many even include ingredients for hydration,” she continues.
Key ingredients to look for in skin tints
Just like with your favorite recipes, the ingredients used in your makeup and skin care truly do matter. “The best skin tints are made up of nourishing ingredients that hydrate the skin,” explains Gratch.
“Some of these beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide (to soothe the skin), glycerin (to draw in moisture) and zinc oxide (for broad-spectrum SPF),” he recommends.
Gunn adds that when it comes to skin tints, you can’t get enough nourishing ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins (specifically vitamin C for combatting free radicals) and hydration.
Frequently asked questions
The short answer is no. "Skin tints alone are not designed to treat acne, however some formulas contain soothing ingredients, like salicylic acid and niacinamide, which can help reduce inflammation in the skin," Gratch explains.
"Although skin tints can contain moisturizing ingredients, they should not be used as a replacement for a moisturizer," explains Gratch. He says it is recommended to apply a nourishing moisturizer before applying a skin tint to help keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Gratch recommends looking for a non-comedogenic formula to prevent clogging pores when selecting a skin tint. "Plus, always be sure to remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day for best results," he adds.
"Yes, many skin tints contain SPF, however the level of protection may not be enough for all-day sun exposure," suggests Gratch. "To ensure full protection, it’s best to apply sunscreen underneath your skin tint," he recommends.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best skin tints by enlisting the products of a board-certified dermatologists as well as a celebrity esthetician and skin care expert. We also asked our editors to share a few tried-and-true favorite skin tints as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD is a board-certified dermatologist serving patients from throughout Manhattan, Commack and Plainview, NY at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Kristin Gunn is a celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa.
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag