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17 best tinted moisturisers for glowy, lightweight coverage all year round – tried and tested
Hydration first, coverage second
The best tinted moisturisers come in handy all year round, but they have special importance in my makeup bag as soon as the temperatures start to rise, thanks to their lightweight and hydrating properties.
With spring officially here (finally), a top-rated tinted moisturiser is a staple to provide me with easy coverage without feeling like I’m melting in makeup.
Over the years, where I’ve embraced the less-is-more approach, I find myself opting for a concealer and tinted moisturiser over a full-glam foundation. They offer more breathable coverage, while still softening redness and texture.
Add a sweep of bronzer and it’s enough to give me a sunkissed look with a smooth complexion. IMO, it’s the ultimate no-makeup makeup product.
The best tinted moisturisers 2026, at a glance
- 1
- 2
- 3
Best tinted moisturiser for easy application
Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum
Read review - 4
- 5
Best tinted moisturiser for delicate coverage
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Read review
What’s the difference between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation?
One of the most common questions about tinted moisturisers is how they differ from foundation. The short answer? They’re lighter – but there’s more to it than that, according to Jess Kohn, Education & Events Manager for Laura Mercier.
“Whilst both facilitate the creation of achieving a flawless base, the main difference between a foundation and a tinted moisturiser is often down to its overall coverage and finish on the skin,” says Jess. “Foundations vary in coverage and typically focus on ensuring pigment and covering imperfections, whereas tinted moisturisers offer lighter coverage combined with skincare,” she adds.
When looking for a tinted moisturiser there are a few things you should keep in mind. “I’d always suggest a tinted moisturiser with SPF [most are SPF 25 or above] and find one with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and green tea to keep the skin nourished and protected against environmental factors,” says Leanna Zaman, Boots Beauty Specialist. Jess also spotlights ingredients like prebiotics to soothe and hydrate.
Craving that luminous glow only a tinted moisturiser can deliver? Ahead, discover the 17 best formulas to try now – plus Jess and Leanna answer your biggest tinted moisturiser FAQs.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy
Pros
- Lends a dewy finish – like a lit-from-within glow
- It has a light, moisturising feel
- Bronzer and blush looks beautiful and radiant layered on top
Cons
- Some may find the coverage a little too light
I’ll forever be in Laura Mercier’s corner when it comes to its complexion products. I mean, hello?! There’s so many foundations, skin tints and balms I love from the brand but if I had to pick an absolute favourite, it would be the Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy. I love that it gives me enough coverage to even my skin tone, but still requires a concealer to cover up spots or major redness – which, for day-to-day, I kinda love.
The finish (as you’d guess) is dewy and fresh, so this is my go-to when I want something sheer that will awaken my complexion. I also appreciate the skin-kind ingredients – there’s white rose extract and prebiotics – to keep my skin feeling hydrated and comforted for as long as I wear it.
Read our full Cosmo review here.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 20 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Dry to normal skin types |
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to apply and blend
- Leaves a radiant sheen
Cons
- Not enough coverage to fade acne or pigmentation
People went craaaazy when the Liquid Filter first launched (it took me four trips to Boots to get my hands on one). What's the attraction? The ‘filter in a bottle’ blurs the appearance of redness and uneven tone, while lending a glowy sheen that brightens and conceals in all the right places. Wear it alone or under foundation. In both cases, it will fast-track your way to a radiant complexion.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 15 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Dry to normal skin types – and if you like dewy coverage |
Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum
Pros
- It's easy to apply and quickly melts into the skin
- It offers a delicate wash of glowy coverage
- The formula keeps your skin hydrated thanks to hyaluronic acid
Cons
- You will need a concealer to boost coverage (but that is expected from a tinted moisturiser)
When I heard that this was described as 'magic in a bottle' the beauty journo in me needed to investigate. After testing for myself, I can confirm that some serious bippity-boppity-boo went into this formula. I reach for it nearly every day, simply needing my fingers to blend the product in.
It's the perfect combo between skincare and makeup, offering a natural veil of coverage to the skin while keeping it hydrated too. As for the finish? It's super glowy but without resorting to tell-tale shimmers or glitter. It simply makes your skin look like skin, but better.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 20 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Works for all skin types |
Pros
- It gives buildable coverage while still feeling lightweight to wear
- It has a skin-like, satin finish
Cons
- No notes – other than it’s a little expensive
You’ll be hard pressed to come across a beauty editor who doesn’t love the Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm. Perfect for every day, it offers more coverage than most tinted moisturisers, helping to diffuse redness, conceal spots and pigmentation. But it still looks healthy and natural as it allows little freckles to peep through.
The formula is totally buildable too, so you can layer up if you fancy a little more coverage. As for the finish, think ‘your-skin-but-smoother’. It’s not matte nor is it dewy; it sits somewhere in the middle offering that skin-like finish. Since the day I first used the balm, it has not left my makeup bag – and I have a funny feeling it won’t leave yours either.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 20 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Normal to combination skin types |
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Pros
- It leaves a glowy finish while still providing coverage
- The wand applicator makes application easy
- It can be used alone or as a radiant primer
Cons
- The coverage is very minimal, so those after a little more oomph should opt for a thicker formula
- It needs to be set with a powder to help its staying power
If there was a Hollywood Walk of Fame for makeup products, Tilbury's Flawless Filter would be handed a big pink star without question. Arguably one of the most well-known cosmetic products around, the Flawless Filter is used by celebs, editors and beauty buffs to achieve a radiant and unified complexion. And although it's seen as more of a radiant primer or lightweight tint as opposed to a tinted moisturiser, the formula still keeps the skin feeling hydrated and supple for as long as you wear it.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 12 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | All skin types – but those with oily skin should prime and set properly |
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Provides good coverage
- Lightweight formula is easy to blend
- Provides SPF30
Cons
- Can turn patchy throughout the day
Nars’ Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser is an all-time fave and one I've been loyal to for almost five years (yes, that's a true love affair). With a solid range of shades to choose from, it's a trusted beauty hero that you can't go wrong with.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 16 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | All skin types |
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Luminous Skin Tint Stick
Pros
- Softens redness and texture while keeping a natural finish
- Clinical and consumer trials show that it boost hydration by 45% and strengthens the skin barrier by 13%
- Keeps things glowy but not shiny
Cons
- Some may find the coverage too sheer
bareMinerals is reinventing the tinted moisturiser wheel with its Luminous Skin Tint Stick. Formulated to boost hydration by 48% and to strengthen the skin barrier by 13%, this is not just a tinted moisturiser – it’s a hard-working, multi-tasking base that improves your skin while delivering a radiant, second-skin finish
I’m not the only one who love this BB. Lia Mappoura, Cosmopolitan’s Beauty Writer, says: “The coverage is sheer but cleverly blurring; my redness dialled all the way down, and post-blemish marks softened without being aggressively concealed.”
Better yet, if you sign up to the Club Cosmo membership, you could be in with a change of winning £115 worth of bareMinerals’ products. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Read the full Cosmo review here.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 20 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Normal to combination |
Pros
- Offers buildable coverage – ideal for day-to-day
- The finish is velvety, skin-like and glowy
Cons
- This is an investment bottle – but worth every penny
I’m sure you would have seen this sleek bottle on your FYP. Featured in many of the chicest makeup routines is the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint – the base to reach for if you’re after a velvety, glowy sheen that subtly evens out your skin tone.
It’s packed with hydrating ingredients including hyaluronic acid and squalane, so it delivers skincare benefits alongside coverage. But undoubtably my favourite part is the second-skin finish that diffuses texture and pigmentation, leaving you with buttery-smooth-looking skin. And, in case this tempts your purchase, it’s a favourite of Hourglass’ latest ambassador: Olivia Dean.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 18 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Dehydrated, dry and sensitive skin |
Rimmel London Multi-tasker Better Than Filters
Pros
- Affordable
- Can be used as a primer or skin tint
- Leaves a natural, glowing finish
Cons
- Some may find it too radiant to use as an all-over base
If I'm doing a speedy, five minute glam, the Rimmel Multi Tasker Better Than Filters is up for the job. It can be used as a radiant primer before layering on foundation, but I tend to use it alone as a tinted moisturiser.
It offers enough coverage to blur redness and even my skin tone while keeping a radiant finish that looks like my skin, only glowier. The handy stick applicator makes life easy too, only requiring a swipe-and-blend situation.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Pros
- Has enough coverage to smooth redness or pigmentation
- Maintains a radiant finish to the skin
- Contains SPF50
Cons
- Some shades can leave an orange-y undertone
You probably know at least one radiant-skinned friend that swears by IT Cosmetic's CC+ Cream. Turns out, it’s phenomenally popular for good reason: it instantly absorbs just like a premium day cream, but leaves behind a high-coverage pigment that’ll have even the most loyal of foundation-wearers converted. If you’re nervous about stripping back your coverage, go for this one.
What's more, there's also a matte version for oilier skin and an illuminating version for a little added glow.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 22 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Dehydrated to normal – or go for the matte iteration for oily skin types |
Pros
- Very lightweight and hydrating
- Can be applied with your fingertips
- Has a sheer formula so it's easier to shade match
Cons
- Only provides a small amount of pigment
Named ‘Just Enough’ for a reason, this tinted moisturiser lends a very subtle veil of coverage while still providing hydration. “You have to apply this with your fingers, like you would a moisturiser, just warm it up and work it into the skin. If you wanted to like What the Foundation but your oily skin couldn't cope, I urge you to try this out,” says Keeks Reid, Cosmo's Beauty Director.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 16 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | All skin types |
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 PA +++
Pros
- Provides board-spectrum SPF30 protection
- Feels super lightweight on the skin
- Blends easily without leaving streaks
Cons
- The coverage is *very* light
K-Beauty brand Beauty of Joseon may be viral for its Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF, but the new Daily Tinted Fluid is even better, according to Cosmo's Ecommerce Editor Kara Kia.
She says: “The formula is thin and watery, hence the name fluid, but applies extremely lightweight while making my skin feel very supple. I applied the sunscreen after my moisturiser and finished it off with a bit of powder for extra coverage, and found that it has decent lasting power throughout the day (albeit needs a touch-up).” Note: this is billed as a tinted sunscreen as opposed to a tinted moisturiser, so opt for this one if you’re looking for minimal coverage and more sun protection.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | Six |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Normal, combination and oily |
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Pros
- Wide shade range
- Provides ample coverage for a skin tint
- Smooths texture
Cons
- Some shoppers reported that it doesn't last well
I’m a little bit obsessed with this skin tint (I think I’m now on my third bottle). It’s slightly higher in coverage than your average tinted moisturiser, but it still gives the illusion that you naturally have incredible skin. So, if you’re flying the flag high for the flawless yet barely-there look, here’s your go-to.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Oily, combination, acne-prone |
L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum
Pros
- Affordable
- Hydrating formula thanks to hyaluronic acid
- Blends seamlessly
Cons
- Small shade range
True Match is arguably one of the most popular high-street franchises around, and for good reason. I’ll forever love the foundation, but if I’m looking for something a little lighter, this serum iteration is my go-to.
It offers more coverage than most tinted moisturisers, but the overall finish looks beautifully natural. Refreshingly hydrating and undetectable to wear, this is a wise investment to see you through winter.
Key specifications:
| Shade range: | Eight |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Normal to dry |
Beauty Pie Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF20
Pros
- Long-wearing formula
- Sheer, flattering formula
- Leaves a believable glow
Cons
- Could have a wider shade range
Members price: £22
Ah, my trusty Beauty Pie tinted moisturiser – the product that made me fall in love with skin tints. Usually, I opt for the dewiest base I can get my hands on, but I love that this oil-free formula cuts back midday shine while still giving an envious glow. It blends well, lasts an impressive amount of time for a tinted moisturiser, and it has SPF20. Goals.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | Only two in stock |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Oily, combination, normal skin types |
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Pros
- Very hydrating formula
- Lightweight formula feels weightless on the skin
- Easy to blend
Cons
- May be too shiny for oily skin types
Saie has captured our attention with its fresh-faced formulas – and this dewy tint is the best of the lot. With an uber-light gel consistency, it blurs areas of redness with ease but never clings to dry patches (a win if you fear cake face). With a stunning illuminating finish and a breathable formula to brag about, it’s one I’d highly recommend for vacays to a sunny spot.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 14 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Dry to normal - including sensitive |
MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tinted Moisturiser
Pros
- Long-lasting (light) coverage
- Provides next-level dew
Cons
- Some may find the glow too extra
- Has a thick formula
This mega-dewy formula will lend your skin a radiance hit like no other, but is subtle enough that it won't conjure the strobe of a 2016 cheekbone. Use it as a primer for a lit-within-finish or wear it alone to serve up the glowiest skin of your life. Sorted.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 16 |
|---|---|
| Suited for: | Dry, after a dewy effect |
What is a tinted moisturiser?
These lightweight hydrators offer similar benefits as your favourite daytime moisturiser, but with a subtle tint to unify your complexion. Much like BB creams, tinted moisturisers are the perfect medium for the days when you want a wash of colour while still allowing freckles to peep through.
Tinted moisturisers tend to bridge the gap between makeup and skincare. The top ones on the market offer the best of all worlds: skin-conditioning ingredients, lasting hydration, and a veil of tone-unifying coverage. You’ll often find hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid in the formula, and, in some cases, even your SPF is covered.
How we test tinted moisturisers
In a way, a tinted moisturiser is like an extension of your skincare routine, so it’s important to find one that will look after your skin while providing delicate coverage. I’ve worked my way through many bottles – plus, I’ve hit up a few beauty colleagues to provide recs – to curate the winning edit.
In terms of testing, I made sure I wore each formula for at least a few days – mainly to see how they held up in different climates, as we all know how temperamental that can be. I have worn these bbs on a sunny holiday, a sweaty commute to work, in the pouring rain and each held up in terms of coverage, finish and wear.
The top players deliver stunning finishes (as every good tinted moisturiser should), last without turning patchy, contain skin-loving ingredients, and feel weightless on the skin. Bonus points go to the ones with SPF, too.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. With four years of experience in beauty journalism, not to mention a lifetime of trialling beauty products as a self-confessed makeup obsessive, it’s fair to say she has tested enough tinted moisturisers to know what separates the wheat from the chaff. She has spent time interviewing experts and speaking to other members of the Cosmo team to find the best tinted moisturisers worth your time (and money), no matter your skin type, finish preferences or budget.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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