The Best Tinted Moisturisers Suited To Each Skin Type

Ah, foundation… remember her? Don’t get us wrong, we still love a full face, but TBH our social schedule (or lack thereof) doesn’t always call for it. In saying that, if the skin tint you’ve picked up is a little too sheer for your liking or isn’t quite covering up your pigmentation as much as you’d like, a tinted moisturiser is often a happy medium.

Sitting alongside CC creams and serum foundations, it can be hard to distinguish between all the base products offering that natural, second-skin finish. So, to differentiate between the products that kickstarted the ‘natural skin’ trend, here’s everything you need to know…

What are the differences between CC and BB creams and tinted moisturisers?

CC actually stands for ‘colour correcting’, so these types of formulas are less about coverage, and more about correction – think of them as targeted treatments that work to reduce redness and even out discolouration, rather than ones that act as an actual base.

BB or ‘beauty balm’ creams, however, definitely play within base territory – they’re the closest you’ll get to an actual foundation formula within the ‘no-makeup makeup’ crew.  BB blends usually act as all-in-one style products, able to offer SPF, primer and creamy light to medium coverage in a single hit. They’re generally on the illuminating side of the spectrum, and they’re ideal for those days when you need to get up and go, as they prime, protect and perfect in one speedy streamline step.

But honestly, while we have absolutely nowhere to get up and go at the moment, we’ve been longing for something even lighter – and this is why true tints are taking out the top spot in our WFH routines right now.

So… what’s so great about tinted moisturisers?

Tinted moisturiser is, well, exactly what it sounds like. It’s a moisture-boosting hydrator that takes ‘natural’ a step further than BBs and CCs, designed to offer just enough tint to make you feel alive, without leaving skin feeling (or looking – in a good way) like you’re wearing anything at all.

The magic of tinted moisturisers is that just like classic colourless formulas, different ones are designed with different skin types in mind, to make sure your skin is getting a hit of complexion-concealing hydration that is tailored to its own concerns.

And so, because these formulas aren’t one-size-fits-all, we’ve rounded up our fave finds for every skin type – from brightness boosters to blemish busters, here are our top tints.

The best tinted moisturisers

The best tinted moisturiser for dry skin

Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF25

We say: If moisture and tint are all you’re after, it’s going to be hard to beat this hyaluronic acid-powered hydrator. With activated aloe water and dewy sheer tint packed into the mix, your face will look gloriously fresh and glowy all day.

You say: “This has been great – I bought it as a treat for myself and have been loving it. I’ve got the shade Medium which is on a sticker on the back of the tube. It’s quite a dark shade as I squeeze it out of the tube but it blends in really well and really suits me.” – clearcrystalwater

Want to know more? Read Clinique Moisture Surge™ Sheertint Hydrator SPF25 reviews here…

$55 at Adore Beauty

Best SPF Tinted Moisturiser

Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50+

We say: A multitasking product is always appreciated. This clever tube is designed to act as not only a moisturiser and a quick wash of foundation-like coverage, but also as sun protection. (*Always follow directions as instructed for sun-protection)

Want to read more? Read Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50+ Reviews here…

$30.49 at Chemist Warehouse

The best tinted moisturiser for dull skin

M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Dewy Skin Tint

We say: Formulated with illuminating, light-bending effects, the Strobe Dewy Skint Tint delivers a natural, sheer finish that will last for up to eight hours.

$59 at Adore Beauty

The best tinted moisturiser for ageing skin

Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator

We say: If fine lines are frustrating you, this ultra-lightweight sheer tint is here to help. Infused with maracuja (a tone and texture evening superfruit) and collagen (which needs no introduction), plump, smooth skin is practically inevitable. Delightful.

$46, currently $32.20 at Sephora

The best tinted moisturiser for sensitive skin

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

We say: When your skin sits on the sensitive side, it can be tempting to skip products altogether, but this super sheer wash of coverage contains the skin-soothing dream team of conditioning jojoba oil and calming vitamin E to mask and reduce redness. What more could you want?

Want to know more? Read Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 reviews here…

$81 at Adore Beauty

The best tinted moisturiser for acne-prone skin

endota COLOUR Tinted Mineral Moisturiser

We say: Same goes with acne-prone skin, right? Putting anything on can seem scary – but when coverage is called for, take solace in the fact that this tint is formulated with sea buckthorn, pomegranate, cucumber and vitamin C, which all work together to balance bacteria, fight blemishes and ease irritation.

$40 at The Iconic

The best tinted tinted moisturiser for oily skin

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free

We say: We all know by now that the whole ‘moisturiser being bad for oily skin’ thing is a myth, so don’t be afraid to give this oil-free option a go. It delivers a dreamy demi-matte hint of tint, while limiting shine and balancing hydration.

$85 at MECCA

The best tinted moisturiser for combination skin

jane iredale Dream Tint® Tinted Moisturizer

We say: Coverage, no matter how light, can be tricky for anyone with a combination complexion. But, because nobody has the patience to apply different bases to different areas, try this lightweight hydrating tint – it blurs pores in oily areas while also plumping fine lines in dry ones.Heaven.

$80 at Adore Beauty

Main image credit: @summerfridays

Do you use a tinted moisturiser? What’s your favourite formula?