Skin Tints Are the Lightweight Foundation Alternative I'll Be Wearing on Repeat this Summer
Breathable coverage.
When the weather gets warm, my threshold for heavy makeup drops fast. Just thinking about layers of product and powdery, full-coverage formulations makes my skin crawl. But I still want a complexion product that makes my face look more even, radiant, and gives a healthy summer glow. That's where skin tints come in. As celebrity makeup artist Keita Moore says, "A skin tint is lighter than a foundation with more sheer, breathable coverage that is meant to give a 'your skin, but better' appearance free of any heaviness."
The best skin tints and tinted moisturizers manage to even out skin tone and blur texture. It's makeup that lets skin breathe, can be built up for extra coverage, and comes in a formulation that blends when applied with minimal effort. And the cherry on top? Most skin tints double as skincare, packing in major hydration, sunscreen (only SPF 30 and above!), or antioxidants, so your skin gets added protection and moisture benefits.
That said, not every formulation cuts it. Some skin tints can disappear by midday or pill when incorporated with SPF. So after testing dozens, I (along with beauty editors and makeup artists) have narrowed it down to the 12 best skin tints that stand up to the heat, feel like air, and make skin look fresh.
Keep reading for the skin tints that manage to check my skincare and makeup boxes, below.
The Best Skin Tints
- Best Overall: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch
- Best With SPF: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40
- Best Drops: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Best Brightening: Saie Slip Tint
- Best Balm: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm
I admit, I was hesitant about a skin tint that costs $70 yet contains just over half an ounce of product. But with just one swipe of this uniquely formulated makeup, I was sold. The texture is a lightweight gel that contains encapsulated bubbles of pigment that break once blended into the skin, delivering the softest, most blurred, yet natural finish. Plus, it offers amazing light to medium coverage.
What I Love: Coverage totally evens out any redness or discoloration; Feels like air; Can be built up without looking cakey
What I Don't: High price for the amount of product
Finish: Natural
Shades: 24
SPF: No
Review for MC: "When I first applied this formula, I fully expected it to be a gimmick. Then, the bubbles of pigment all blended together, and once I brushed it into my face (with the cute, included makeup brush), I had the smoothest, most stunning complexion. This outperformed all of the previous skin tints that I've tried. Not to mention, it lasted a full 16-hour day." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano uses Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch.
As a beauty editor, tinted SPFs always make me raise my eyebrows. Most formulations function as makeup with a touch of sunscreen, not offering adequate protection to replace your actual SPF. That said, there are some formulas, like Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, that do the work of both, offering coverage and broad-spectrum sun protection—granted you apply it correctly (i.e., two full finger lengths for the entire face). This 100 percent mineral formula delivers a radiant, sheer wash of color that minimizes discoloration. It also never feels greasy, despite the amount of skin moisturizing oils in the formulation.
What I Love: Breathable formula that doesn't feel at all cakey; Buildable for extra coverage if needed; Online color matching tool is pretty accurate and easy to use
What I Don't: May pill if you don't allow a few minutes for it to dry before applying other products
Shades: 12
SPF: 40
Review for MC: "For years, I've been vehemently against skincare that doubles as makeup, but lately, I've been having a change of heart, partly because of this new sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon. The tinted formula has the largest SPF color range I’ve come across, so I was able to find a shade match easily (mine is MN230). While this product doesn't necessarily provide a ton of coverage on my skin, the slight color that it adds evens out my complexion, and I don't have that heavy, greasy feeling that I sometimes get at the end of the day when wearing a full face of makeup, which I love." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker uses Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen.
This next pick takes lightweight to a whole new level. The cult-favorite skin tint is basically like a serum with coverage in terms of texture and ingredient profile. Once applied, it delivers a sheer-but-buildable wash of color, while the actives get to work. Niacinamide evens out skin texture, hyaluronic acid draws water in, and squalane seals it all in for visibly smooth and plump skin.
What I Love: Contains powerful active ingredients; SPF 40; A little goes a long way
What I Don't: Some testers don't love the smell (though there is no added fragrance)
Finish: Radiant
Shades: 30
SPF: 40
Review for MC: "The hype about this skin tint is legit. I'll be honest: I was skeptical at first, but after taking out for a spin in the heat of the New York City summer I was an instant convert. It's super glowy (which I love), but I do find that I like to either apply it with a beauty blender or apply a bit of powder to take away the wetness. It never separates on my skin and plays well with all my other products." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Beauty Director Hannah Baxter uses Ilia Skin Tint.
Of all the skin tints I've tried, this one makes my skin look the brightest, both instantly and over time. The ingredient that gets all the credit? Licorice root extract, an antioxidant that has been shown to help fade dark spots and calm inflammation by regulating melanin production. Though it's subtle, I've noticed more even tone and less post-breakout discoloration. Combine that with hydrating hyaluronic acid and SPF 35, and you've got a skin tint that earns its skincare status.
What I Love: Licorice root extract has major brightening powers; Good shade range
What I Don't: If you're prone to t-zone oiliness, you'll need to set with a finishing powder
Finish: Dewy
Shades: 15
SPF: 35
Review for MC: "Saie’s Slip Tint has been a staple in my makeup bag since its launch literally years ago. I heard “super lightweight,” SPF 35, and hyaluronic acid, and was sold. I tried it, and never looked back. Besides the boost of hydration, my favorite thing about Slip Tint is the easy, breezy blurred look it gives my skin. Once applied, redness is banished, and I’m good to go. Also, it really is as lightweight as they say." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
This revolutionary skin tint is basically a BB cream bottled up into a convenient, easy-to-use cream formulation that only takes a few swipes to deliver an even, skin-like finish. The Beauty Balm Skin Tint feels more like a solid serum than a traditional base, thanks to a formula packed with smoothing and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid that helps soften the look of fine lines while keeping skin hydrated throughout the day. The sheer coverage blends easily, melting into the skin, and plays nicely with other products.
What I Love: Doesn't crease or settle into fine lines; Easiest formula to apply; Blurs texture
What I Don't: I found that it fades a bit by the end of the day
Finish: Natural
Shades: 16
SPF: No
Review for MC: "Once upon a time, I came across Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Beauty Balm Skin Tint while testing foundation sticks. This is a love story, by the way—and a pretty classic one at that. Beauty Balm wasn’t what I was looking for (it’s a BB cream in stick format, not a foundation), but it’s exactly what I needed. Light as air and so easy to throw in your bag for a quick touch-up, this silky serum stick is my go-to for a natural (but prettier than seconds before) finish." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky uses Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Skin Tint.
Think of this next skin tint as your coverage and serum hybrid—perfect for dry temperatures and complexions. Hourglass's Veil uses a moisture-packed formulation for smooth, silky skin. Hyaluronic acid attracts water to the skin for pumping hydration, while moisturizing squalane and meadowfoam seed oil work as emollients to trap it all in. With this pick, there's no cakiness or settling involved.
What I Love: Good skin range; Keeps dry skin from caking and makeup from clinging to dry patches
What I Don't: Luminosity may be too much for some
Finish: Dewy
Shades: 18
SPF: No
Review for MC: "The hydrating formula has ingredients like hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane to moisturize, which my skin can use more. Once I apply it, a little goes a long way for light coverage, and it leaves my skin looking radiant and naturally dewy. It’s powerful enough to hide redness and lightweight enough that it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing anything at all. Make sure to dab on some concealer for any bigger blemishes or dark circles you want to hide, as this won’t cover up everything the way a foundation would. I like setting it with a bit of powder after. It’s the perfect no-makeup makeup skin tint for those days I want to just swipe some mascara on and go! — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn uses Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint.
For an all-over glow, turn to L'Oréal's True Match Lumi Glotion. It basically guarantees sexy summer skin with its micro-fine shimmer that gives dewy, not sparkly. The beauty of this product is in its versatility—wear it alone, over or under makeup, or even mix it in with another skin tint for added coverage and an extra zhuzh of glow.
What I Love: Delivers a glass-like glow, not shimmer; Can be used in a multitude of ways; Bronzes skin
What I Don't: Doesn't provide coverage like it provides glow
Finish: Luminous
Shades: 5
SP:? No
Review for MC: “The L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer is my go-to skin tint. Originally, I bought this after running out of Supergoop’s Glowscreen and refused to drop another $38. Well, L’Oréal’s is half the price and better. It’s a lightweight hydrator with just enough color to make me feel cute in the morning (without feeling like a full beat is necessary). I use shade Medium Glow for an all-over chic and shimmery shine.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Beauty Writer
Malcia Greene uses L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion.
While no skin tint is meant to be full-coverage—that's kind of the point—but this one from YSL comes impressively close while still feeling weightless on the skin. It has the most smoothing, tone-evening finish of any skin tint formula I've tried, yet it layers seamlessly and works with just about any product you pair with it, no matter the texture. It's breathable, buildable, and surprisingly versatile for all skin types. Honestly, the formula is so good, it's constantly sold out.
What I Love: Performs like a medium-to-full-coverage foundation but has the texture and finish of a skin tint; Buildable
What I Don't: Shades are always sold out
Finish: Radiant
Shades: 20
SPF: No
Customer Review: "This skin tint will have your face looking flawless! I love this one for my no-makeup-makeup days. It is buildable for a night out as well and doesn't ever feel cakey or too thick like other tints that I've tried in the past. This is a new staple for me and I will be repurchasing over and over again." — Nordstrom
Skin tints are especially well-suited for mature skin because they offer just enough coverage while leaning heavily on moisturizing, skin-softening ingredients. Despite its name, What The Foundation behaves much more like a skin tint because the formula is sheer, balmy, and intensely hydrating, making it a smart pick for anyone concerned about makeup settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, it visibly plumps the skin and leaves behind a dewy, youthful-looking finish.
What I Love: Best applied with fingers for an easy process; Never cakes; Skin looks fresh and hydrated
What I Don't: Settles in the jar, you'll need to mix it up often
Finish: Natural
Shades: 16
SPF: No
Customer Review: "I’m in love with my skin again. I was a skeptic at first because I hadn't tried many different kinds of foundations before, and they all looked caked on. I am 54 years old, and my skin with this foundation looked like I wasn’t wearing makeup, looked fresh. I love it." — Jones Road
One of the first skin tints to really break through the market, Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint still never misses. It's one of the best formulas for smoothing the complexion, thanks to diamond powder particles that help blur the look of pores and uneven texture without feeling heavy or clogging the skin. The coverage is sheer, but the soft-focus effect leaves your face looking more even, polished, and basically airbrushed.
What I Love: Texture is smoothed out due to powder particles; A little goes a long way; A ton of product in the bottle; Great option for sensitive skin
What I Don't: Need to build up for enough coverage to even out discoloration
Finish: Natural
Shades: 11
SPF: No
Customer Review: "I don't typically wear foundations or powders on my skin. So I don't like heavy makeup looks. This skin tint is the perfect no-makeup-makeup look. I've tried a few other lightweight products, but this is my absolute fave!" — Sephora
While most skin tints skew super dewy, Iconic London's offers a more natural finish that leans ever so slightly matte. It gives complexions that soft, real-skin look without veering into dull or flat territory. The formula contains hyaluronic acid—an excellent lightweight humectant—so it keeps skin hydrated without adding excess shine or heaviness. My favorite part? It builds beautifully, making it a reliable option for days when I'm dealing with breakouts or extra redness.
What I Love: Buildable; Evens out discoloration and acne; Long-wearing finish that won't cake
What I Don't: Those who love a glow will need to add a dash of highlight
Finish: Satin
Shades: 9
SPF: No
Customer Review: "I didn’t expect much from this, figured it’d just be another product that I’d use until I panned and would try something else next. That is not what happened at all. This blurs so well, and the color is absolutely perfect! It is so hard to get a good, cool-toned product!" — Sephora
One of the most impressive new launches on the market comes straight from the drugstore and costs under $15. Kiss New York's new tinted moisturizer is specifically designed for medium to deep skin tones. Thanks to iron oxides and broad-spectrum filters, it helps neutralize white casts while delivering SPF protection and added defence against blue light. The formula also includes a slew of antioxidants and a peptide complex that supports collagen and elastin.
What I Love: Iron oxides protect against blue light-causing hyperpigmentation, which is a condition especially prevalent in deeper skin tones; Multitude of undertones
What I Don't: Heavier than some of the skin tints on this list
Finish: Natural
Shades: 6
SPF: 32
Customer Review: "I really like these next of how versatile and adaptive they are! I also like that it has an SPF rating, as I sometimes forget to apply sunscreen. I like the texture and consistency of the tinted moisturizer and highly recommend this for anyone who likes lighter makeup and is looking for LIGHT coverage with some sun protection!!" — Amazon
What Are Skin Tints?
Skin tints—also sometimes called tinted moisturizers—are essentially a lighter, sheerer alternative to foundation. They're designed to give a "your skin, but better" finish without any heaviness, Moore says. They're breathable, barely-there formulas that even out skin tone, and can also add a subtle glow if that's the finish you're looking for.
While skin tints technically work for everyone, Moore says they're especially great for dry skin types, mature skin, or anyone short on time. In short, they're an ideal option if you want a natural-looking finish or an easy-to-use product that's not a lot of fuss.
What Should I Look for in a Skin Tint?
- Ingredients
Because skin tints offer a sheerer coverage, they typically incorporate other active ingredients to protect and hydrate, which in turn, helps the skin give off that natural, yet radiant effect. Makeup artist Mia Dondero previously told MC to look out for "any face tints with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are a great find, because it’s going to add extra skincare benefits like plumping the skin, smoothing texture, and extra hydration," she says.
- Coverage and Finish
When choosing a formula, figure out the level of coverage you want, and just as importantly, the finish. While skin tints are lighter than foundation in nature, some offer more coverage, while others are buildable. Dondero recommends reaching for a skin tint with a glowy finish, noting that a little radiance can help blur texture and give the skin a softer look.
Because skin tints have a thin consistency, Moore emphasizes that prep makes all the difference. Since more of your natural skin will peek through, he suggests moisturizing first and using your fingers to lightly press the tint into your skin for the best result.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire is an authority on beauty, having written numerous stories about must-have makeup formulas, including the best tinted sunscreens and the best eyebrow gels, among others. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by beauty writers after extensive testing over several weeks.
While the best skin tint for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list.
Meet The Experts
Keita Moore is a highly sought-after celebrity makeup artist based between New York City and Los Angeles. With a passion for transforming faces into works of art, Keita has earned a reputation as the go-to makeup artist for A-list celebrities across the globe.
Throughout his career, Keita has collaborated with an impressive array of renowned beauty brands including Armani Beauty, Covergirl, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Chanel Beauty, and others. His skillful artistry can be recognized on every occasion, including red carpets, music videos, high-profile press junkets, or striking editorial shoots. Among his celebrity clientele include iconic figures such as Janelle Monae, Iman, Adut Akech, Tessa Thompson, Laverne Cox, and Mary J. Blige, to name just a few. Embracing diversity, Keita's talent knows no bounds as he masterfully crafts looks that stand the test of time.
Keita’s work has graced the covers and pages of esteemed publications such as Vogue, Elle, Rolling Stone, Interview, InStyle, W Magazine and more, solidifying his place as an influential force in the beauty industry.
Mia is a pro makeup artist based in both L.A. and New York City. Her work has appeared on the runways of NYFW, in campaigns for Inked by Dani, Extensible Jewelry, Navy Hair Care (and more), and in editorial spreads.
