9 Skin Tints That'll Have You Rethinking Your Relationship With Foundation
They basically feel like nothing on your face.
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Most days I can’t be bothered to do my makeup, but most days I am also breaking out or covered in reddish brown marks from old breakouts. (Will my postpartum hormones ever regulate themselves? I’m becoming less and less optimistic by the day...) Anyway, where does this leave me? Perpetually reaching for a skin tint.
They're the ultimate in no-makeup makeup. Unlike foundation or even full-coverage BB/CC creams, skin tints are super lightweight and blendable, meaning you don't need to use a makeup brush or sponge to apply one (clean fingers work just fine). And since they're so sheer, they don't get cakey or settle into fine lines or pores throughout the day either. Will they fully cover a rosacea flare or cystic acne breakout? No. But they're also not meant to. The main purpose of a skin tint is to provide just a hint of (somewhat buildable) coverage while feeling like you're wearing nothing on your face. Basically, you just gotta try it to see the hype. And to get you started, I rounded up the 9 best skin tints that'll make your skin glow with virtually zero effort, below.
Our top picks for best skin tints of 2025:
Keep reading for the full rundown of my 9 favorite skin tints of 2025—plus the main differences between skin tints and other types of popular face makeup.
Pros
- The perfect level of dewy without being overly shiny
Cons
- Product can be a little messy and leak out of the tube
This is my favorite skin tint at the moment. It only launched last week, but I've been testing it for over a month now and I'm in love with how good it makes my skin look every time I put it on. I spread a dime-size amount (any more than that and it gets too hard to blend with just fingers) all over my face and, like magic, I'm instantly more even-toned and dewy. It's also shockingly good at minimizing the look of large pores and bumpy texture.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes
- Coverage level: Light to medium
- Number of shades: 15
One Cosmo editor says: "The effect this has on my skin is so gorgeous—soft and luminous with just enough coverage that my breakouts and dark marks are barely noticeable, and my skin still looks like real skin." —Lauren Balsamo, beauty director
Pros
- Uses a blend of zinc and chemical filters to provide UVA and UVB coverage
- Blends super easily and really doesn't feel like it's loaded with SPF 50
Cons
- Not the best choice for oily skin, although in my experience it doesn't cause breakouts
This one is technically tinted sunscreen, but the tint is really tinting...hence why I'm categorizing it as a skin tint. Most tinted sunscreens only have a handful of shades and very minimal coverage, but Supergoop's Protec(tint)'s range is substantial and the coverage, while sheer, really does blur the look of discoloration and breakouts. It's the ultimate weekend makeup product IMO—one quick and easy step that does a bunch of things (tints, moisturizes, protects, etc.) and gives that "your skin-but-better" effect.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes
- Coverage level: Light
- Number of shades: 14
One Cosmo editor says: "It's hard to find a tinted sunscreen that provides serious SPF protection and real makeup coverage, but Supergoop's does both—and really well might I add. I love it for days when I'm outside running errands and want my skin to look bright and even." —LB
Pros
- Contains mineral based SPF 40
- Accepted by the National Rosacea Association and safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Can be a little tricky to find an exact shade match
Versed dropped a brand-new makeup collection back in February, and the line's hero product—Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40— has quickly earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. As I shared in our Cosmo HQ Review, three quick pumps of the skin tint even out my skin tone and camouflage my breakouts and dark marks...all without feeling heavy or mask-like. I’ve been using it over the Versed Smooth Skin Face Primer and the way duo blurs my pores and softens my skin texture is pretty amazing.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes
- Coverage level: Medium
- Number of shades: 14
One Cosmo editor says: "This is an excellent product for the price, considering the formula is packed with hydrating and brightening ingredients along with SPF 40." —LB
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Has hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to help with dryness
Cons
- Some testers say it can feel a little greasy
This classic skin tint from Glossier has been loved by editors and makeup artists for years. The breathable, ultra-thin formula is like a filter for your face. It won't fully cover up breakouts, acne scars, or dark spots but instead gives your skin a soft glow with a sheer wash of color and a bit of pore-blurring powders.
- Non-comedogenic? No
- Coverage-level: Light
- Number of shades: 12
One Cosmo editor says: "This is the first tint I ever tried and years later I'm still a fan. The coverage is minimal, but sometimes that's all I want on a good skin day." —LB
Pros
- Was super easy for me to find my shade
- Goes on seamlessly, literally just like a moisturizer
Cons
- While I think the packaging is cute, some people say it disperses an inconsistent amount of product
Most plumping and moisturizing skin tints end up feeling oily on my skin by midday, but this one manages to create a nice glow without getting all greasy or shiny. It goes on really easily—honestly just like a lightweight moisturizer—and doesn't get patchy or separate either. And as far as coverage goes, a few squeezes made my post-inflammation hyperpigmentation pretty much undetectable.
- Non-comedogenic?
- Coverage level: Light to medium
- Number of shades: 18
One Cosmo editor says: "Shade 04 matches my skin legit perfectly and does an excellent job at hiding my acne and dark marks without looking cakey or exacerbating any flaky texture from my Rx topicals." —LB
Pros
- Shade range is expansive
- Plant-based formula is made with clean and organic ingredients
Cons
- Even though the brand says it's non-comedogenic, the ingredient list has some pore-cloggers on it
The skincare benefits of this skin tint are unmatched. It uses squalane and hyaluronic acid to smooth and hydrate dry, thirsty skin along with niacinamide to correct uneven skin tone and SPF 40 to protect from UV damage. As for the makeup benefits, reviewers (myself included) love how the medium-coverage pigments blur and conceal redness and hyperpigmentation without settling into fine lines.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes
- Coverage-level: Medium
- Number of shades: 30
One Cosmo editor says: "I love this skin tint for days when my skin needs more coverage than normal (it's more pigmented than most other skin tints IMO). It's great for all-day wear since it’s not overly matte or cakey like other heavier formulas." —Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
Pros
- Genuinely feels weightless even though it has SPF 50
- Really easy to build and layer if you want more coverage
Cons
- Shade range skews a tiny bit orange in my experience
I love all things Ciele (if you haven't tried this brand, now is the time) including their hero product, tint & PROTECT SPF 50+. The product calls itself a tinted serum foundation, which is kinda confusing because it's really just a skin tint. The formula is surprisingly pigmented for how lightweight the texture is—three drops diffuse the look of breakouts, redness, and dark marks without looking or feeling makeup-y. I also appreciate how it sets to a natural finish too. When my skin is oily it doesn't make my face overly shiny, but when I'm dealing with dry patches it somehow doesn't exacerbate flaky texture.
As for application, you can spread this with just fingers but it really goes on nicely (and quickly) with the brand's dual-ended Complexion Brush. I use the big end to buff it all over my face, and then the small end to tap a little more product under my eyes and around my nose for a fuller coverage look.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes
- Coverage level: Light to medium
- Number of shades: 13
One Cosmo editor says: "If you're looking at every skin tint and thinking 'that's way too dewy for my oily skin,' you're not alone. I felt the same. But I swear Ciele is the most blurring, natural-finish skin tint ever. It doesn't feel heavy on my skin nor does it require loads of powder to mattify. Heck, sometimes, I don't even have to powder at all." —BG
Pros
- Good for oily skin types since it has a natural finish
- The narrow nozzle design ensure the product doesn't leak
Cons
- Can sometimes settle into dry patches if you don't prep your skin with enough moisturizer
I tried this on a whim with zero expectations (sry Kylie) and now, to my surprise, it's a skin tint I actually reach for all the time. The texture is incredibly thin and easy to blend, and the formula sets to a skin-like finish—not too dewy or too matte. For a skin tint it has good longevity too. If you take your time applying it and build it up with a makeup brush (the Kylie Cosmetic Skin Tint Brush is nice, FYI) it creates an airbrushed-like finish that lasts for hours. I wore it to multiple weddings and by the end of the night I wasn't alarmed at the sight of my complexion in the photo booth.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes
- Coverage level: Light to medium
- Number of shades: 24
One Cosmo editor says: "Okay this skin tint was actually super hydrating on my chronically dry skin, which I appreciated deeply. I also love the super thin nozzle design for such a liquidy formula because it’s very precise and provides a non-messy application." —JH
Pros
- Gel-like texture feels great on skin
Cons
- Doesn't blend well if you don't use a makeup brush
- Shade rande is limited
This is one of my favorite Chanel makeup products. This formula has very minimal coverage. As Cosmo beauty editor Beth Gillette says, "It really just adds a glow to my skin but doesn’t even necessarily even out discoloration." I agree—it's more like a filter that softens everything, so if you have acne, rosacea, melasma, or sun spots don't expect this to hide them entirely.
I really love the gel-like texture—it feels super hydrating without any heaviness—but it does need to be buffed out with a brush. If I try to apply it with just my fingers, it always ends up looking streaky.
- Non-comedogenic? No
- Coverage level: Light
- Number of shades: 8
One Cosmo editor says: "This offers such a fresh, barely-there look to my skin that’s so natural. It was my go-to complexion product on a recent safari trip in Africa because it’s so easy to use, but I also anticipate it making its way into my bag on a lot of summer trips." —BG
What is the difference between a skin tint and a tinted moisturizer?
The main difference between skin tints and tinted moisturizers is the moisturizing factor. Skin tints aren't always moisturizing (many just feel like tinted serums or ultra-thin sheer foundations) but tinted moisturizers will definitely have a hydrating feel. In my experience, I always have to layer my skin tint over a moisturizer, but I can use a tinted moisturizer on bare skin with no problem.
Are skin tints better than foundation?
This really comes down to personal preference. If you want your face makeup to feel lightweight, be easy to apply, and have sheer to medium coverage, then yes, a skin tint will be "better" for you than foundation. On the flip side, if you want your face makeup to have ample coverage then a traditional foundation may be the better choice for you.
Are skin tints long lasting?
How long your skin tint lasts largely depends on the formula. Most don't last as long as a waterproof or longwear foundation would, but you should be able to apply your skin tint in the morning and still have it look good by the end of the day. In my testing experience, Milk Makeup's Hydro Tint and Kylie Cosmetic's Skin Tint are the longest-lasting skin tints on the list above.
Why trust Cosmo?
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare and makeup stories. She regularly tests and analyzes new makeup products, while working with the industry’s top experts to assess new products and trends.
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.
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