Best Tinted Moisturizer: The 2024 Glam Beauty Awards

Glam Beauty Awards tinted moisturizers

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Tinted moisturizer has come a long way over the years. In the past, limited shade ranges, lack of SPF, and less-than-perfect formulas meant that many of us swerved this type of product altogether. But today, you can take your pick from a multitude of tinted moisturizers that offer just about everything you need — whether that’s full cosmetic coverage, sun protection, nourishing ingredients, or all of the above. For some — myself included — tinted moisturizer can even take the place of foundation entirely. By making the switch, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in one neat package without fear of creasing, oxidizing, or the dreaded cake face. But if you still haven’t met a tinted moisturizer that’s done the trick, then you’ve come to the right place.

In the search for this year’s Glam Beauty Awards recipients, I tested scores of highly rated tinted moisturizers and put them to work. Having sampled virtually every BB cream, CC cream, and foundation out there in the past, I can say with great confidence that the winning products I found will please even the pickiest skincare fans. From Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint, a revolutionary moisturizer available in 30 shades, to Wet n Wild’s Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Skin Veil, a stellar drugstore buy, there’s something for nearly every budget and skin type to try. The fresh-faced look never goes out of style — so let’s dive into the best tinted moisturizers of 2024.

Best Overall Tinted Moisturizer: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint in Sombrio

Of all the tinted moisturizers I tested, Ilia’s was arguably the most unconventional. Dropper-based skincare formulas have become increasingly popular lately, but it’s not often that we see tinted moisturizer take this form. Beyond that, I was happy to see that Ilia’s shade range was far more diverse than the norm. With 30 unique shades to choose from, the only problem you may have is trying to narrow down which one suits you. That said, Ilia’s website provided ample photos, descriptions, and swatches of each option to help me find my match without ever stepping foot into a store. Since I have olive undertones in my skin, I went with shade ST 2.5, also known as Sombrio.

At $48 at the time of writing, Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is a bit pricier than your average tinted moisturizer. However, I’d argue that it’s well worth the cost. It contains a plethora of high-quality, nourishing ingredients, like plant-based squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. And heads-up, sustainable beauty fans: Ilia’s whole line is also vegan and cruelty-free. The Skin Tint dispenses easily, and its moisturizing formula leaves skin feeling plump while looking smooth and even-toned. It may be a bit rich for oily skin in the summer, but I think a thin application would work well to provide coverage over a base layer of cosmetically elegant (lightweight) sunscreen such as Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen or Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen.

Purchase the Super Serum Skin Tint from Ilia for $48.Buy from Ilia

Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector

For many beauty lovers, Neutrogena is a trusted name in the drugstore cosmetics department. Historically endorsed by beauties such as Kristin Kreuk, Mandy Moore, and Kerry Washington, the dermatologist-approved line is also a pioneer of the skincare-infused makeup trend. The brand’s Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector, for example, features SPF 20 and retinol to protect skin from the sun while stimulating cell turnover. Available in six shades, from Ivory to Deep, it’s also attractively priced at $13.99, though I procured it through Amazon for roughly $11. Since my complexion is light with olive undertones, I selected the Fair to Light version based on photo swatches from reviewers.

I loved how this product felt like I was wearing nothing — it’s moisturizing without being tacky, and it’s very breathable. The only downside is that it’s relatively sheer, though it does add a natural-looking flush of color to the face. SPF 20 gives skin partial protection from the sun’s rays, but I prefer products formulated with SPF 40 or higher as a general rule. As such, the Anti-Aging Perfector is still very useful for very specific occasions where one might not need or want full coverage, like quick trips to the grocery store during low-sun hours. I also enjoyed its compact, sleek packaging — it’s the perfect size for popping into your purse on the fly.

Purchase the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector from Amazon for $11.12.Buy on Amazon

Best Matte Tinted Moisturizer: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

Since 1995, bareMinerals has been a mainstay in millions of makeup bags. Its mineral powder is, of course, one of its flagship products — but the brand also offers Complexion Rescue, a tinted moisturizer containing SPF 30. Like many of us, I’d used bareMinerals’ loose powder foundation in the past with great results. On top of that, I’d heard great things about Complexion Rescue, both through the online beauty community and via personal recommendations from friends. Given all the praise for this powerhouse product, I picked up Complexion Rescue for $39 in the shade Birch to see how it stacked up against others in its class.

If you’re someone who struggles to swap your foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, you’ll definitely want to give Complexion Rescue a go. Out of the several tinted moisturizers I tested, I’d say that Complexion Rescue was closest in nature to a traditional foundation. It provides buildable coverage with a natural matte finish, and its consistency is super blendable and silky. Once I’d smoothed it into my skin, there was no sign of hyperpigmentation, unevenness, or blemishes to speak of. However, it may be a touch drying for those with sensitive, combination, or very dry skin types — so be sure to use your favorite moisturizer underneath it.

Purchase bareMinerals Complexion Rescue from Amazon for $39.Buy on Amazon

Best Natural Tinted Moisturizer: Jane Iredale Dream Tint Moisturizer

Jane Iredale Dream Tint Moisturizer

Like Dr. Hauschka and Pacifica, Jane Iredale is a household name for natural beauty enthusiasts. You may have seen the brand at your local natural grocer or Whole Foods Market, but these days, you can even purchase Jane Iredale cosmetics online through retailers like Amazon. The super soft Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain by Iredale is one of my favorite products of all time, so I was curious to see how the brand’s tinted moisturizer would compare. I grabbed the Dream Tint Moisturizer in the shade Medium Light for just over $43 and quickly got to work.

As soon as I applied Dream Tint to my face, I could see why this moisturizer has received so much praise from the beauty community. It has a buttery texture, a featherweight feel, and a light, pleasant hint of botanical fragrance. My skin seemed to drink it right up, and it didn’t leave any tacky or sticky residue behind after it was absorbed. Even better, it canceled out my oily T-zone while moisturizing my face.

On the downside, the line’s shade range could certainly use some work. It’s also worth noting that it provides very subtle coverage, so you’ll probably want to add a little concealer if you’re hoping to hide hyperpigmentation, blemishes, or dark circles. All things considered, Dream Tint is a fine choice for someone who wants a natural tinted moisturizer that’s virtually undetectable on the skin.

Purchase Jane Iredale Dream Tint Moisturizer from Amazon for $46.Buy on Amazon

Best Budget Tinted Moisturizer: Wet N Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Skin Veil

Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator

Watching Wet n Wild evolve from no-frills basics to its current catalog, featuring limited-edition collabs with icons like Marilyn Monroe, has been a pleasure for beauty fans. Eagle-eyed TV lovers may even recall the brand’s cameo on the second season of “Pose,” where the glamorous Angel starred as one of its print models. For many of us, the drugstore beauty brand’s low-priced lipsticks and liners were a rite of passage. And since their products perform beautifully at bargain prices, I still find myself using them quite frequently. Unsurprisingly, Wet n Wild’s tinted moisturizer, the Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Skin Veil, is yet another smash hit in its collection.

Bare Focus was easily the most affordable option of all the tinted moisturizers I tested at around $5, and it outperformed products nearly six times its price. There are 12 shades in the Wet n Wild range, though it can be challenging to find yours based on the limited swatches available online. Nevertheless, it’s a great choice for those seeking a full-coverage, skin-friendly tint that won’t break the bank — or break them out. It’s an easy way to keep your skin hydrated, with the added benefit of gorgeous, dewy color correction. My only concern is that it doesn’t contain SPF, so it’s important to include a good sunscreen as your primer if you pick it up.

Purchase Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Skin Veil from Amazon for $5.47.Buy on Amazon

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