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Tinted moisturizers go by many names these days. Some lightweight serum foundations offer sheer coverage and hydration, while tinted sunscreens protect skin and add nourishment. But the common thread between all the best-tinted moisturizers is that they offer superior hydration with customizable coverage—which is especially handy if your skin is mature, dry, or somewhere in between.
We decided to tap a few experts to rank and file the top-tier tinted moisturizers on the market. Here, we're specifically shopping for those with a mature skin type, who, according to seasoned celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, often require a formula with ample hydration without less mattifying or drying properties. Scroll ahead for the official list of Bazaar's favorite tinted moisturizers that will keep your skin both luminous and protected through summer.
Related: The 15 Best Foundations for Mature Skin
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Of every expert we polled for this story, every single one recommended Ilia's award-winning skin tint. "While the formula of this product is definitely on the more liquidy side, the ingredients it contains are super beneficial for dry skin," explains Greenberg. Plus, it contains mineral SPF for UVA/UBA protection and a finish that those with mature skin describe as "dewy" and "perfect."
Shades: 30
Sun Protection: SPF 40
One reviewer says: "I’m 52 and use ST9 Paloma — which seems like it would be way too dark for me, but this is the one that suits. It’s easy to put on with or without serum or moisturizer underneath, it doesn’t matter too much. I like that I can apply it with my hands and don’t need a sponge or brush. It’s simple with dewy, medium coverage as a result." —Lisa
Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum
With a slightly higher level of protection (SPF 50), the Live Tinted Hueguard is impressively lightweight. Greenberg loves using it as a tinted moisturizer on those with mature skin because it imparts a "glow" that looks super natural.
Shades: 10
Sun protection: SPF 50
One reviewer says: "Hueguard Tint is everything I have wanted in a base product!! It has SPF 50, the coverage is not too much but isn't transparent. It's hydrating and blends in easily with a sponge or with your fingers. The finish is natural and a little glowy but not greasy. " —Kimberly
The SUPER Tinted Hydrator
If you're looking for an option without sun protection, U Beauty is your best bet. Apply sunscreen first, then apply this, which is essentially a super-charged moisturizer infused with a lightweight, adapatable skin tint. Clinical studies show that the peptide-infused formula keeps skin moisturized for up to 48 hours after each application.
Shades: 10
Sun Protection: none
One reviewer says: "I truly can’t live without the Super Hydrator. It makes my skin feel amazingly soft and smooth. I ran out once and didn’t use it for a week as I waited for my shipment. I’ll never do that again! Signed up for auto-ship so I always have this amazing product on hand. It’s that good. Thank you for a clean product that works so well! " -Kim M
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen
In 24 "flexible" shades, the Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer has a tone (and undertone) for everyone. It's a great option because it's super light and buildable; you can create your desired coverage level from transparent to medium.
Shades: 24
Sun Protection: SPF 20
One reviewer says: "Wow! So light, such great coverage and I immediately got compliments on my skin." —Gina
4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 20
For those with sensitive skin looking for a one-and-done skin tint, Greenberg liks the Pür 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer—a moisturizer, primer, foundation, and SPF in one. "[It] contains all those skin-healthy ingredients, ceramides, retinol, aloe vera, and vitamins, making it a great choice for aging skin," she tells Bazaar.
Shades: 13
Sun Protection: SPF 20
One reviewer says: "I have used this product for years and it never fails. I wear minimal makeup and on the weekends even less but still this. Always. Works great on my sensitive skin and is light enough to still look and feel very natural." —Alyssa
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Maybe the most popular tinted moisturizer on this list, the Tower 28 SunnyDays is a favorite among influencers and editors. Celebrity facialist Mimi Luzon counts it as one of her favorites on the market. The glow-boosting formula is light to medium and can be applied with fingertips or a brush for more coverage.
Shades: 17
Sun Protection: SPF 30
One reviewer says: "I usually don’t write reviews but I have not found another tinted sunscreen that doesn’t break me out and doesn’t irritate my skin. This is a fantastic sunscreen. I am finally glad to find a mineral sunscreen that goes on my skin nicely and provides the perfect amount of coverage." —Olivia
HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
If you're shopping for a protective sunscreen first and foremost, Greenberg recommends Alastin's HydraTint. "This water-resistant moisturizer is full of powerful antioxidants that will keep skin protected from not only the sun but also blue light and pollution," she explains. It has a transparent, glowy tint and a highly potent hyaluronic acid booster for long-term hydration.
Shades: 1
Sun Protection: SPF 36
One reviewer says: "Best sunscreen for face. [I] love to wear alone, no makeup needed. It’s tinted but not heavy. I’ve given to many people as gifts and everyone loves it." —Michelle
Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30
Laura Mercier makes the OG tinted moisturizer. The formula is a long-time bestseller, which makes perfect sense: The shade range is fantastic, the coverage is natural, the formula helps skin retain moisture, and there's now even sun protection included.
Shades: 20
Sun Protection: SPF 30
One reviewer says: "I’ve repurchased this product multiple times. I’ve tried others, but keep coming back to Laura Mercier. This tinted moisturizer has just enough coverage to even my skin tone, SPF, and has a soft glow finish. It’s very natural and lasts all day on my dry skin. Don’t ever change it!" —Susan
NEOVA SmartSkincare Silc transparent 2.0 Tinted Sunscreen
Greenberg loves the Neova tinted moisturizer for mature skin. "It’s free of oils and offers great skin benefits, like DNA Repair Technology, with SPF 40," she says.
Shades: 1
Sun Protection: SPF 40
One reviewer says: "I’ve been testing sunscreens for 42 years, honestly this is the most amazing! Not greasy, not shiny, not matte, perfect hydration. The color blends beautifully and it’s a perfect day tint color for me." —Amy
Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer
Skin nourishers like hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, grape seed oil, aloe, jojoba esters, and coconut fruit extract work to moisturize and boost skin's glow, while the light coverage is hearty enough to cover most redness and dark spots. The all-mineral SPF 35 helps to protect skin from the sun as well.
Shades: 14
Sun Protection: SPF 35
What experts say: "I happily test everything Saie makes, but this tinted moisturizer has become a staple in my routine. I love how easy it is to apply and blend, and it gives the perfect amount of everyday coverage and moisture for my dry skin, with the added bonus of SPF 35. My mornings are busy, but this combines three steps in one—and for that, I am obsessed." -Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
Meet the experts
• Jamie Greenberg is a celebrity makeup artist who works with clients like Rashida Jones and Chelsea Handler.
• Mimi Luzon is a celebrity facialist and skincare expert.
How should I choose a tinted moisturizer?
When you have mature skin, hydration is important—it's one of the reasons you're better off opting for a tinted moisturizer with SPF over a traditional foundation. To make shopping easier, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to provide extra long-lasting nourishment to the skin "so the tint or pigment doesn't set into fine lines," Luzon explains.
It might be helpful to avoid any moisturizer with a "matte" or "oil absorbing" label, Greenberg recommends. "More often than not, tinted moisturizers that claim to have a matte finish will be more drying to the skin, she explains. "Another sign these products could be drying is the formula; if the moisturizer is super watery, lightweight, and “fast drying,” this is a sign that the formula doesn't have the ingredients needed to lock in moisture."
How should I apply tinted moisturizer?
The experts both recommend good skin prep before applying tinted moisturizer. "Before applying any makeup products, ideally your skin should be nourished with serums and moisturizers so you have a hydrated base," says Greenberg. "Applying your tinted moisturizer with your hands or a Beautyblender can help warm the product and [glide] into your skin for a natural finish."
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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