These Lightweight Tinted Moisturizers Will Make You Ditch Foundation for Good

ProsPlumps and deeply hydrates skin without feeling heavy Easily buildableConsMight not be the best pick if you're looking for fuller coverageWhether you want a sheer wash of color to even out your skin tone or prefer more coverage for special occasions, this versatile tinted moisturizer can do both—and always leaves your complexion looking natural and fresh. Skin gets a surge of plumping moisture from a mix of polyglutamic and hyaluronic acids that works throughout the day to keep you comfy. By the time you take your makeup off at the end of the night, you’ll feel just as fresh as when you first applied it in the morning.One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve never tried a makeup product with more hydration than this skin tint—it makes my face look smooth, plump, and juicy without feeling heavy. In addition to its hydrating ingredients, it’s free of pore cloggers, so it’s great for acne-prone skin.” — JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsPolyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, grapefruit extractCoveragesheer-to-mediumFinishRadiantProsLeaves you with a filtered skin effectIt's sheer yet beautifully evens out skin toneConsWe wish there were more shade optionsThe ultimate no-makeup makeup tinted moisturizer, this lightweight formula provides a sheer wash of color for a filtered skin effect. Featherlight hydrators—lookin’ at sodium hyaluronate, a smaller form of hyaluronic acid—keep skin soft and supple throughout wear without clogging pores. It’s rare for a formula to work for all skin types, but this one truly does.One Cosmo editor says: “I've gone through multiple tubes of this tinted moisturizer in a few different shades because it's so reliable to travel with. When I don't want to think about my makeup but want a teensy bit of coverage, this does the trick and plays well with every concealer, bronzer, blush, etc. that I own.” — BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsSodium hyaluronateCoverageLightFinishNaturalAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLoaded with hydrating ingredients that make skin v glowyHas a medium, buildable coverageConsWe wish there were more shade optionsPacked with mega hydrators, including aloe, hyaluronic acid, and maracuja oil, this tinted moisturizer gives your skin an enviable glow—while you’re wearing it and after you wash it off. (Yep, it works overtime!) Even with all the hydration, the formula doesn't feel heavy or suffocating on skin, which is surprising considering how easy it is to build coverage. One layer gives you a lovely sheer finish, but you can easily work up to medium coverage.One Cosmo editor says: "I rely on this in the summertime when I want a lil more coverage for special occasions but still prefer a fresh vibe. It's extremely lightweight but covers a lot. It's pretty damn long-lasting too—I checked the mirror more than 10 hours after I had applied it and still didn't need to touch up." — BGKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsMaracuja oil, hyaluronic acid, aloeCoverageMediumFinishDewyProsHoly Grail Award winnerDoesn't irritate sensitive skin, per testingConsIt's a bit of an investment, but lasts a long timeThe secret behind Gracie Abrams’ stunning glow on her Cosmo cover? This natural tinted moisturizer that provides a ‘your skin, but better’ finish. It seamlessly evens out your skin tone and adds a smidge of coverage on any acne or dark spots, but it still feels and looks just like your natural skin.Although it's called a ‘skin tint foundation,’ it's more aligned with a true skin tint thanks to a mix of hyaluronic acid and squalane. Plus, meadowfoam seed oil helps give your complexion a pretty sheen without looking oily or cakey.One Cosmo editor says: “This tinted moisturizer gives my skin that plump, juicy look that I crave. And the tint is just right—sheer and blendable but still opaque enough to provide some meaningful coverage.”— LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORKey features at a glanceKey IngredientsHyaluronic acid, squalane, meadowfoam seed oilCoverageLight-to-mediumFinishNaturalAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsUltra-moisturizing formula is ideal for dry skin typesDoesn't irritate sensitive skinIncludes SPF 35ConsMight be a tad oily for acne-prone skin typesAs a member of the sensitive skin community, I’m usually very hesitant to try new products, as I always worry I’ll break out. However, the Saie Slip Tint has become a staple in my routine. For days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup, but want a little something, this is always my go-to. I also feel a tad more protected courtesy of the SPF 35.One Cosmo editor says: "Okay, there’s nothing this tinted moisturizer CAN’T do. Its formula is super hydrating, it’s packed with SPF, smooths out my skin, and perfectly covers my blemishes all at the same time… talk about a freaking multitasker. As a makeup minimalist, I love wearing this as my everyday complexion product, but it also plays well with others! This, a little concealer, and my favorite liquid blush = the glowy base of my dreams." — JHKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsRose water, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oilCoverageLightFinishDewyProsReaders' Choice Award winnerWater-like texture has a barely there feelConsMost expensive option on this list Chanel creates some of the best designer makeup ever—and their complexion products are the crème de la crème. This ultra-lightweight tinted moisturizer is by far a favorite amongst team Cosmo and readers. (It even won Readers' Choice Award!) The unique formula is crafted with tiny pigmented droplets suspended in a watery base. These burst on contact with skin to provide sheer coverage and up to 12 hours of non-greasy hydration.One Cosmo editor says: “I’m fully obsessed. This formula has very minimal coverage—like, it really just adds a glow to my skin but doesn’t even necessarily even out discoloration. But with a concealer covering up my zits and dark circles, it offers such a fresh, barely-there look to my skin that’s so natural." — BGKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsBitter orange flower extractCoverageLightFinishNaturalAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsOil-free, non-comedogenic formula is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakoutsConsNot opaque enough to fully conceal cystic breakoutsThis gel-cream tinted moisturizer is a dream for acne-prone skin. The oil-free formula majorly boosts hydration levels and improves skin barrier function, but won't clog pores (so long, acne!). We love that the sheer, buildable pigment camouflages breakouts while also minimizing the appearance of dark marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.One Cosmo editor says: "All beauty editors have those products they have to keep on hands at all times. This one is mine. I cannot live without it, because it's so simple yet makes me feel more confident every time I put it on. It evens out my skin tone and adds a slight glow, but feels like I'm wearing nothing." — BGKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsHyaluronic acid, squalaneCoverageLightFinishNaturalWhich Tinted Moisturizers Are Best?The best tinted moisturizers contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane), as well as buildable pigments that conceal imperfections, like acne, chronic redness, and hyperpigmentation. Many top-rated tinted moisturizers also contain SPF 30 or more to help protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhat's the Difference Between Tinted Moisturizer and BB Cream?Tinted moisturizers, BB creams, CC creams, skin tints...consider them cousins. They're all related, but look, act, and feel slightly different. Here's a quick breakdown: Tinted moisturizers hydrate and correct. They typically have the same consistency as a lightweight face lotion and, as mentioned previously, contain a combo of hydrating ingredients and buildable pigments to camouflage things like hyperpigmentation and redness.BB creams and CC creams correct and cover. They usually have a thick, cream-like texture and contain targeted skincare ingredients as well as medium-to-full coverage pigments to fully conceal things like cystic acne and rosacea.Skin tints give your skin a subtle glow. They typically have a serum-like texture and provide sheer coverage—similar to a lightweight foundation—to diffuse the look of spots and marks and improve your overall skin tone.How to Choose a Tinted Moisturizer Look for a tinted moisturizer with ingredients for your specific skin type.Just like regular face moisturizers, tinted moisturizers are formulated with different types of ingredients for different skin types and concerns. If your skin is super dry, you'll want to choose a nourishing formula that's made with ceramides and heavier ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter. If your skin is on the oily side, a formula made with mattifying ingredients will be your best bet. And if you're looking to brighten your skin tone or improve your skin texture, a tinted moisturizer that's made with antioxidants, like vitamin C and/or niacinamide, will help get the job done.Pay attention to the texture and finish.Love a glowy skin moment? Any tinted moisturizer that's labeled "dewy," "radiant," or "luminous" will help you achieve that effect. If you prefer a more natural finish with your makeup, keep an eye out for words like "matte," "satin," and "blurring"—they'll still make your skin look smooth and healthy but not as shiny as the glow-boosting formulas.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhy Trust 'Cosmopolitan'?Mary Honkus is a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories. For this story, she tested a variety of tinted moisturizers to find the most comfortable formulas that you’ll actually enjoy wearing.Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing makeup stories that range from the best under-eye concealers to the best mascaras of all time. She’s an authority in all makeup categories but an expert when it comes to under-eye concealers. She regularly tests and analyzes under-eye concealers for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists and cosmetic chemists to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies.Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.