The 15 Best Skin Tints For That No-Makeup Makeup Look
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Whether you’re in a rush to get out the door or simply prefer a subtle makeup look, the best skin tints come in handy for their ability to impart radiance, even out your complexion, and feel featherweight on your skin. These lightweight complexion products aren’t just loved by makeup minimalists anymore — searches for top skin tints have over 929 million views on TikTok alone.
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“Skin tints are like a hybrid between a face serum and a tinted moisturizer,” explains celebrity makeup artist Romy Soleimani. “They are more sheer than most tinted moisturizers and have the consistency of a serum while having skin care benefits.” Cosmetic chemist and founder of FanLoveBeauty, Ginger King, adds, “It is the most natural-looking way to even out skin tone without perceivable product on face.”
Not only do these lightweight powerhouse products impart a subtle wash of color to even your tone, but they’re also often infused with skin care ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides that address issues like hydration, dullness, and environmental damage. Marc Reagan, a celebrity makeup artist and the executive director of global artistry and consumer experience at Bobbi Brown, adds that because skin tints tend to be weightless and hydrating, you most likely won’t get a cakey look that some full-coverage foundations could give you.
Because skin tints aim to give off a no-makeup makeup look, it’s important that you find the right one for your skin type and tone. While cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson agrees skin tints are ideal for most skin types because of their weightless feel and easy application, she says “to look at formulas to see whether it would cause irritation or not” when seeking out the one that’s best for you.
Just like the best foundations, skin tints come in a range of formulas to suit dry, combination, and oily skin types with varying levels of coverage to suit anyone. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to achieve a natural glow without looking like they’re wearing a face full of makeup.
With research into bestsellers on the market, recommendations from the experts we’ve spoken with, and firsthand product testing, we’ve compiled the best skin tints to add to your makeup bag.
Top Skin Tints of 2023
Best Hydrating: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Best Ultra Sheer: Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint for Dewy Sheer Coverage
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint + Vitamin C
Best Tint Moisturizer: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
Best with SPF: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Best Blurring: Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Best for Sensitive Skin: Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Best Luxury: Sisley-Paris Phyto Teint Nude
Best Natural-Looking: Ami Cole Skin Enhancing Tint
Best Collagen-Infused: Tula Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint SPF 30
Best Matte: Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint
Best for Dry Skin: Yves Saint Laurent Nu Bare Look Skin Tint
Best for Mature Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops
Best Clean: Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint
Best Serum: Trinny London BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum
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BEST HYDRATING SKIN TINT
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Size: 1.1 oz.
Shade Range: 18 shades
Finish: Dewy
Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, plant-based squalane, rambutan blend
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$49
$49
$49
When I tried Hourglass Veil Skin Tint, I was pleasantly surprised at how well its hydration claims held up. Meadowfoam seed oil helps to fortify the skin’s barrier while squalane prevents moisture loss and a rambutan blend boots moisture levels over time. The lightweight feel and radiant finish makes this TikTok-famous beauty product one of the best skin tints for combination skin. Because of that dewy finish, I wouldn’t recommend this to users with overly oily skin — but a little setting powder can help tamp down excess shine for a really nice, natural look for those who would want to give it a try.
What testers say: “I normally wear Nars tinted moisturizer for every day, but I really like Hourglass so thought I would try. This is very nice and it’s light so you can build the color if you need some extra cover. It’s much lighter to wear than the other Hourglass bases but it stays put, just remember to give it a good shake before you use it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $49
BEST ULTRA SHEER SKIN TINT
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint for Dewy Sheer Coverage
Size: 1 oz.
Shade Range: 12 shades
Finish: Dewy
Key Ingredients: Glycerin and diamond powder
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$26
$26
True makeup minimalists, this is for you. This Glossier formula might be the most sheer skin tint we have on the list, making it great for addressing minor issues like redness, but won’t do much in the way of masking breakouts or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This skin tint has an ultra thin, almost water-like texture and is something I like to use when my skin is already on its best behavior, to add a touch of glow. Available in 12 shades, this pick is packed with skin care ingredients like glycerin to hydrate and diamond powder to minimize the appearance of pores.
What testers say: “I love this product, but when they say sheer they mean it. This is a great product for those who rock the no makeup look (literally). It is extremely subtle. It will even out your skin and give a gentle glow.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
BEST DRUGSTORE SKIN TINT
Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint + Vitamin C
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Shade Range: 18 shades
Finish: Dewy
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
$13.98 $17.99 22% off
$17.99
$13.99
Fans of drugstore foundations know that Maybelline is the authority for budget-friendly formulas that feel like luxury, and same goes for this skin tint. This is Maybelline’s first longwear skin tint infused with vitamin C, and it’s even suitable for sensitive skin types. Offering a light-to-medium coverage, the dewy formula imparts a natural, radiant finish. While it does tout a full 24 hours of wear, this pick won’t get cakey and leaves you with a skin-like finish.
What testers say: “Lightweight buildable medium coverage that has a nice glow. Works well with my dry mature skin. Feels soft and easy to use. Love the formula and it was long lasting for a skin tint (a good couple of hours. I don’t wear primer or powder) Just need to find the right shade!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.98
BEST SKIN TINT MOISTURIZER
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
Size: 1.3 oz.
Shade Range: 14 shades
Finish: Dewy
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, and pansy flower
Amazon’s Choice
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$36
$36
This lightweight liquid formula imparts a radiant, dewy finish. Having tried this before, I love how easy it is to apply, and I typically opt to use my fingers instead of a brush. Because of the finish and its hydrating properties in the form of hyaluronic acid, I especially love this for the cooler months. And this skin tint would serve dry skin types well. Along with hydration, this skin tint is infused with licorice root extract to brighten and refine skin along with pansy flower, which serves as a free radical-foraging antioxidant.
What testers say: “Absolutely obsessed! Feels like I’m wearing nothing yet achieves an effortless glow and dewy effect.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $36
BEST SKIN TINT WITH SPF
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Shade Range: 30 shades
Finish: Dewy
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$48
$48
$48
We’d call this product one of the best skin tint foundations you can find, and it’s also on the top of Wilson’s list. “It’s an SPF 40, applies evenly, and leaves my skin feeling smoother,” she says. “What more can you ask for?” Along with SPF 40, Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is packed with a range of hydrating properties like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane, which is great for drier skin types. As for packaging, some users admit that there could be improvements, as their product sometimes leaks. The radiant finish wears beautifully under wetter products like liquid blush and cream blush, as well as powder formulas like bronzers.
What testers say: “I am over 50 and love this foundation (repurchased). Perfect shade and provides just the right amount of coverage. The only downside is the bottle gets messy!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $48
BEST BLURRING SKIN TINT
Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Size: 1.08 oz.
Shade Range: 25 shades
Finish: Natural
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$35
$35
This best skin tint for oily skin is a long-wearing liquid formula that’s super flexible, just like RiRi wanted it to be. Easy to apply, the Fenty Eaze Drop skin tint is a pro at blurring imperfections on the skin. But it’s the humidity-, sweat-, and transfer-resistant aspects of this formula that make this pick great for humid summers in the city or just your typical day down South. “It blurs my flaws really well and isn’t super heavy on my skin,” Wilson says. “It also holds back oil well.”
What testers say: “I am a girl who can not stand foundation. This is the perfect glowy base. It is pretty heavily scented, but doesn’t bother me. Does a great job of blurring.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
BEST SKIN TINT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Size: 1 oz.
Shade Range: 24 shades
Finish: Natural
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Kohl’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$30
This hydrating liquid formula is a good match for dry or combination skin types. With light coverage and a natural, radiant glow, this top Rare Beauty product delivers a skin-like finish to enhance what you’re already working with. Testers tout how comfortable it is to wear, as well as how easily it glides on during application to blur and hydrate.
What testers say: “Genuinely, this tinted moisturizer is beautiful. This is also buildable, and has SPF! It’s great for sensitive skin.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $30
BEST LUXURY SKIN TINT
Sisley-Paris Phyto Teint Nude
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Shade Range: 22 shades
Finish: Natural or radiant
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, kiwi extract, and acerola extract
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$105
$105
$105
For a minimal everyday makeup look, the Phyto Teint Nude is peerless. The formula offers a natural finish which I love and is easily buildable. The best part is that it comes in 22 shades with an emphasis on undertones, so there truly is a shade for everyone. My go-to method of application for this light liquid formula is with my fingers. After application I sometimes go in with a concealer to address any blemishes or dark spots I want extra coverage on.
What testers say: “This is a very light foundation in terms of texture. It doesn’t feel oily. It doesn’t feel heavy or caked on. It provides a nice level of coverage but doesn’t look like you have an extra layer of skin. It works perfectly for every day. I have heard the concealers are better but I have yet to try them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $105
BEST NATURAL SKIN TINT
Ami Cole Skin Enhancing Tint
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Shade Range: Six shades
Finish: Satin
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$32
$32
I bow down to the greatness that is Ami Cole’s Skin Enhancing Tint. Using this product was the first time I achieved an impeccable color match and felt like a formula truly embodied a natural, no-makeup finish. I’m being honest when I say I used this to the very last drop and would buy it over and over again in a heartbeat. This liquid formula doesn’t mask your natural complexion but creates a subtle blurring effect to enhance and add a soft glow.
What testers say: “This is the greatest tinted moisturizer I found for my 55 year old skin. It looks natural, but evens out my skin tone and blends like butter. I have tried so many different foundations and I come back to this.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
BEST COLLAGEN-INFUSED SKIN TINT
Tula Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint SPF 30
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Shade Range: 30 shades
Finish: Natural/Radiant
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and collagen
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$40
$42
Tula’s Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Tint is a product I always come back to. It’s very breathable yet is easily buildable for anyone who wants to tailor their coverage. Packed with beneficial skin care ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and collagen, this pick brightens, moisturizes, protects the skin’s barrier, and addresses fine lines all in one. Those who deal with breakouts will appreciate these soothing ingredients — this is the best skin tint for acne-prone skin we’ve tested.
What testers say: “Love the dewy finish of this product with no chalky residue. I’m older and don’t want full coverage, just a touch to even out my skin tone. It does that beautifully but is a bit pricey for the amount you get.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
BEST MATTE FINISH SKIN TINT
Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint
Size: 1 oz.
Shade Range: 18 shades
Finish: Satin-matte
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, pea extract, and peach flower extract
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$32
$32
With its satin-matte finish, this skin tint is a pro at creating a blurring effect. Skin-loving ingredients like amino acids hydrate and condition while pea extract firms and peach flower extract defends against free-radical damage. Although this formula offers a light coverage that lasts up to 12 hours, a little goes a long way when applying (it’s similar to a BB cream or CC cream in this regard).
What testers say: “Love this lightweight foundation. You don’t need much, so squeeze out carefully. On my 3rd bottle.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
BEST SKIN TINT FOR DRY SKIN
YSL Beauty Nu Bare Look Skin Tint
Size: 1 oz.
Shade Range: 20
Finish: Radiant
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
$44
$44
$44
Especially great for combination and dry skin types, this YSL Beauty skin tint delivers a fresh, dewy finish with its liquid formula. A flexible water-cream texture allows for easy application that can be built up from light to medium coverage. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while glycerin hydrates and seals in moisture-leaving mallow to visibly brighten. A packaging plus is that the tube is made out of 30 percent post-consumer recycled material.
What testers say: “If you’re a light coverage girlie, you’ll love this. It blends beautifully and gives my skin a nice color. It’s long wearing and I noticed that I didn’t get oily a couple hours later at all.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $44
BEST SKIN TINT FOR MATURE SKIN
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops
Size: 1 oz.
Shade Range: 20 shades
Finish: Natural
Key Ingredients: Tsubaki oil, ginseng extract, and pomegranate extract
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
$68
$68
$68
A little goes a long way with these sheer serum-like dewy foundation drops from Westman Atelier. While I found this product easy to use, it was a bit much for the oily areas of my skin. But this would definitely be a great pick for dry and mature skin types that drink up moisture and hydration. It’s also an amazing quick fix for those who are prone to redness. This best skin tint also contains ingredients you’d typically find in a top face serum: tsubaki oil firms, ginseng extract brightens, and pomegranate extract neutralizes free radicals. Don’t forget to shake well before use.
What testers say: “Love this. Was skeptical because of the heavy price tag but this looks and feels so good. It’s light coverage but you can certainly layer it for more of a medium coverage. It gives you a natural glow and doesn’t feel heavy like some foundations can. Would recommend!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $68
BEST CLEAN SKIN TINT
Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint
Size: .54 oz.
Shade Range: 13 shades
Finish: Natural
Key Ingredients: Plant-derived squalane, grape seed, avocado, mandarin, jojoba, and olive oils.
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Space NK Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
$21 $42 50% off
$42
$42
This Milk Makeup formula with light coverage is ideal for those with drier skin types, as it’s packed with hydrating and moisturizing properties. Additionally, a reef-safe broad-spectrum SPF 30 is included in this formula to keep you protected and safe in the sun. A blend of skin-loving oils — grapeseed, avocado, mandarin, jojoba, and olive — leave skin moisturized and smooth.
What testers say: “I absolutely love this skin tint! It’s one of my favorites, as someone who has dry skin and doesn’t like full coverage. I had a problem finding the right shade as this one is a little too light but the next shade is too yellow-toned for me. It’s a close enough match, though, so I don’t mind!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $21
BEST TINTED SERUM SKIN TINT
Trinny London BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Shade Range: 12 shades
Finish: Radiant
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
$50
This new tinted serum is a favorite of Soleimani’s for all the right reasons. “At the moment I’m loving the Trinny London BFF De Stress Tinted Serum because when I wear it, it feels like I don’t have anything on — it truly feels like a second skin,” she says. “I’m such a skin care lover, and I like my skin to shine through and this product just gives a little bit of a blur and then I just add a little concealer where it is needed.” While Soleimani notes that she prefers to use her fingers when it comes to the application of skin tints, she recommends the brand’s Complexion T-Brush for those who prefer tools. “It’s a perfectly dense and super soft brush that helps buff and blend for a seamless complexion,” she says
What testers say: “This is just a lovely serum sunscreen moisture for the first thing every day. I just love this product. Have told all my friends, and even my 88 year old Mum is wearing it. Thanks, Trinny.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
What to Look for in the Best Skin Tints
Finish: In general, skin tints appeal to a range of skin types, but that doesn’t mean every product is going to work for you. If your skin is oily, you might consider steering clear of products that emphasize their dewy finish. Or if your skin is dry or prone to dry patches, matte might not be the best for you. So look for skin tints with finishes that won’t exacerbate existing issues or highlight unwanted ones.
Key Ingredients: One of the best things about skin tints — and something that sets them apart from other complexion products — is that so many of them are infused with skin care ingredients. In this regard, think about what your skin loves when you’re applying your skin care products and translate that into the skin tint products you choose. For example, if you can’t live without niacinamide, then go for a skin tint that includes it. If hyaluronic acid serums are a staple in your routine, seek that out in a formula.
Coverage: The whole point of a skin tint is that it’s not a full-coverage foundation. Most formulas will deliver a sheer or lightweight coverage. “There’s a lot more flexibility with skin tints because they are so sheer,” says Soleimani. “Many brands have services that can help match your skin like Trinny London’s Match2Me which is an online quiz that finds the perfect shades.” However, if you do want something with a little extra, look for either a medium-coverage skin tint or one that is buildable so that you can easily tailor it to your needs.
How to Apply Skin Tints
When it comes to achieving smooth and even coverage, you have a couple of options for how to expertly apply skin tints, but don’t stress because application is relatively easy. The experts agree that clean hands or a makeup brush are the way to go. If you’re opting for a brush, Reagan recommends using light, feathery strokes in an upward and outward motion. For Soleimani, she likes to treat the application of a skin tint like an extension of her skin care routine. “I like to apply them using my fingers as I would a serum and really press it into the skin,” she says. Makeup primers will help your skin tint stay in place (particularly if it’s a super dewy skin tint or if you have oily skin), however they’re optional for this type of lightweight coverage.
How We Chose the Best Skin Tints
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
With so many skin tints on the market, it wasn’t an easy task to narrow it down to 15 products, but we had some help. Through expert interviews with cosmetic chemists and makeup artists, we focused on the aspects that made a good product based on their feedback and recommendations. Additionally, we made sure to go over reviews and ratings, and also factored in firsthand testing notes on these top formulas. Our list includes top skin tints for different skin tones as well as skin types like dry, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Romy Soleimani is a New York-based makeup artist and bona fide skin care lover. She’s well-known for techniques that achieve fresh, glowing second skin, as well as for her expert use of color. Not only has she worked with A-list clientele including Tracee Ellis Ross, Alicia Keys, and Reese Witherspoon, she’s also contributed her talents to editorials in publications like Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, and ELLE.
Ni’Kita Wilson is every editor’s go-to cosmetic chemist when they need the run-down on all of the makeup and skin care ingredients and formulations. Her nearly encyclopedic knowledge of the wide world of beauty and wellness helps writers and researchers distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to our favorite beauty products.
Marc Reagan is one of our favorite kinds of multihyphenates: a professional makeup artist with more than 18 years of experience painting the world’s most beautiful faces, and currently the executive director, global artistry and consumer experience at Bobbi Brown.
Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of FanLoveBeauty, a 100% natural and vegan beauty brand with a mission to inspire confidence through natural and clean beauty.
Meet the Author
Jamie Wilson is a New York-based beauty writer and editor. Prior to going freelance and contributing to brands like Glamour, Wilson previously held the title of beauty editor at Harper’s BAZAAR writing both print and digital features, trend stories, celebrity interviews, and cover stories. She is a self-proclaimed skin tint lover, and can usually be found testing out new products from her Brooklyn apartment.
This article was fact checked and reviewed by Leanna Yip, a veteran copy editor with over 12 years of experience, including eight years text editing researched shopping stories and in-depth product guides across several categories, including fashion, beauty, home, footwear, tech, gifts, and more.
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