Don’t get me wrong—I’m a makeup girl through and through, but when it comes to choosing a base, I prefer a tinted moisturizer to a full-coverage foundation. The thing is, I love wearing makeup, but I hate feeling like I have a heavy product on my skin. And I’m not the only one who feels this way. Tinted moisturizers have rapidly gained popularity over the years because of their ability to deliver a lightweight finish that’s perfect for everyday wear. And while I consider myself a tinted moisturizer connoisseur, there was one product my group chat has been raving about for a while that I had yet to try: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.
According to my friends, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is the crème de la crème, and for good reason: it offers a skin-like finish with coverage, applies easily and is buildable, plus it provides added skincare benefits. So, I decided to put this tinted moisturizer to the test and see if it really lives up to the hype.
About the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Light, dewy finish
- Available in 20 shades
Cons
- Coverage might be too light for some people
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy’s liquid formula offers light coverage and a—you guessed it—natural, dewy finish. The thin consistency offers sheer yet buildable coverage depending on how you apply, the number of layers you add on, etc. Inside the formula, you’ll find a combo of hyaluronic acid, upcycled grape extract, and a probiotic complex to hydrate your skin and support your skin barrier. Plus, there's some SPF 30 protection in there too. While not a complete replacement for your daily sunscreen application, it’s an added bonus that doesn’t hurt.
About my skin:
I have combination skin that leans a bit oily, especially in my T-zone. For the most part, my skin is well-behaved—I don’t deal with serious, cystic acne, just the occasional forehead zit—but I do struggle with hyperpigmentation. When it comes to complexion products, I’m the type of person who strives for the “I-got-eight-hours-of-sleep-last-night” look. In order for a product to make it into my lineup, it needs to even out my dark spots, give me a glow, and feel practically invisible on my skin.
How to apply:
You can apply this tinted moisturizer with your fingers, a makeup brush, or a beauty sponge. I hate applying makeup products with just my fingers—something about it gives me the ick—so after dotting some of the tinted moisturizer onto my skin, I used a dense foundation brush to blend it in after applying my skincare products. It has buildable coverage, so I dabbed a bit more product where I needed it (under my eyes and on my forehead). The application process was seamless; the product practically melted into my skin, and it took very little effort to blend across my face for a smooth finish. Plus, the formula didn’t pill against my skin, even with a full face of skincare. After I applied the tinted moisturizer, I set my T-zone with my go-to setting powder, Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder.
My experience:
I applied the tinted moisturizer first thing in the morning, right after finishing my skincare routine. I instantly fell in love with the texture—it’s super lightweight and breathable. Once it dried down, I almost forgot I had makeup on. It left behind a nice sheen on my skin that didn’t feel too over-the-top or greasy. I also found that it covered my dark spots without making me look like I was wearing a mask. I had to build it up in those areas, but I didn't mind because there was no cakiness making it look or feel obvious that I had on a little more coverage.
How long does Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer last?
This is definitely a tinted moisturizer that works with your skin, rather than conspiring against it. It played well with the other makeup products on my face, and I found that the flexible finish lasted all day—from a Zoom-filled morning to post-work drinks with friends. Usually, when I get home in the evening, I dread looking in the mirror because by the end of the night, my base has completely faded. But this time, things were actually different—my skin still looked even, moisturized, and smooth. I almost didn’t want to wash my makeup off before bed (don’t worry though—I did).
Final verdict:
If you’re like me and prefer lightweight complexion products, you’ll definitely be a fan of Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy. It offers a dewy finish and featherlight coverage that lasts. If your skin is more on the oily side, you’ll love that it gives you a glow without turning your face into an oil slick. And if you have dry skin, you’ll definitely appreciate its hydrating properties. Plus, with 20 different shades, you’re bound to find a great shade match.
But FYI, if you have oily skin and/or prefer a matte look, try the brand newLaura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte formula. It's oil free and leaves behind a velvety, smooth finish.
Shop all the tinted moisturizer versions from Laura Mercier:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Blurred Matte SPF 30
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blush
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Sheer Cream Bronzer
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan'?
Ama Kwarteng is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan with more than six years of experience researching and writing beauty stories. She tests and analyzes hundreds (if not thousands!) of beauty products every year, and regularly works with key leaders in the beauty industry, from brand founders to leading makeup artists and hairstylists.
