How to Use Tinted Moisturizer

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: December 1, 2024 References

You're probably familiar with concealer and foundation. But, if you are overwhelmed by the new products in the makeup aisle, consider your skin's needs. If you have dry skin or you just don't want the heavy coverage that a foundation gives, a tinted moisturizer might be great for you. Tinted moisturizers are hydrating enough to be used on their own or as part of a simple makeup routine and they offer enough tint to correct any color imbalance in your skin. You can even find oil-free formulas if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing a Tinted Moisturizer

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1
Distinguish between tinted moisturizer and foundation. Tinted moisturizer and foundation are both water-based products that contain moisturizing agents, oil, and pigment (to give some coverage). But, tinted moisturizers contain more moisturizing agents than foundation and generally offer lighter coverage.^{[1]
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- Depending on the makeup line, tinted moisturizers and foundations can be almost indistinguishable so you'll need to experiment with products.
- Tinted moisturizers come in a bunch of different formulas, so look for one that is right for you. If you have oily skin, for example, look for an oil-free formula. If you are worried about aging day-to-day sun exposure, look for a formula with SPF.
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Decide if you should use a tinted moisturizer. Choose a tinted moisturizer if you want a light, natural look, rather than medium or full coverage.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Frankie Sanderson
Makeup Artist & Stylist

Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.} Tinted moisturizer looks more like your skin than some heavier foundations. It can also simplify your skincare routine by acting as your regular moisturizer. The humectants and emollients in the moisturizer will add moisture to your skin and help seal it in.^{[3]
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- Foundation is a better choice for people who are looking for heavier coverage.
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Try to match the tinted moisturizer shade to your face. If you're at a makeup counter, test a little on the side of your face. Or, test a little on the back of your hand. You shouldn't see any product on your skin if it blends well and matches. You should also check to see how your skin absorbs the product.^{[4]
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Check for sun protection. Many tinted moisturizers offer sun protection and list SPF protection. In addition to apply a daily sunscreen, you may want to find a tinted moisturizer that has an SPF of at least 30 for additional protection against both UVA and UVB rays.^{[5]
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- Remember that the sunscreen protection from your tinted moisturizer will wear off within a few hours unless you reapply it or apply another sunscreen throughout the day.
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Select brushes. While you can simply rub tinted moisturizer onto your face using your fingertips, using a brush may give you more control. Consider using a duo fiber brush. This brush is small with a flat head so you can blend the tint into your skin. You can also use a blending sponge to get heavier coverage.
- Using a brush or sponge can help you achieve a more uniform makeup look.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying Your Tinted Moisturizer

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1
Combine your moisturizer and foundation primer. Squirt a very small amount of untinted moisturizer and foundation primer onto your fingertips. Rub your fingertips together so that the moisturizer and foundation primer are mixed together well. Dab the mixture on your cheeks and forehead so you can easily rub it into your skin. Pat the mixture onto your chin, temples, and under eyes.^{[7]
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- Let it set on your skin for about a minute before applying your tinted moisturizer.
Squeeze about a pea-sized amount of tinted moisturizer onto your fingertip. Dab a bit of the tinted moisturizer on your cheeks, forehead, under your eyes and along your nose.^{[8]
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Buff the tinted moisturizer into your skin. Take your brush or your fingers and use upward sweeping motions to spread the moisturizer into your skin. Make lots of small circular motions as you move the brush across your face.^{[9]
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- Unlike foundation, tinted moisturizer actually penetrates the skin better when applied with your fingers. While a brush offers a different kind of control, it is not strictly necessary.
- It may help to hold the brush near the end so that you're not guiding its movement as much.
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Blend in your lines. Use your brush to work the moisturizer right under your eyes, under your nose, and along your jawline. Be sure to work the moisturizer down from your jawline to under your chin. This will prevent any makeup lines from being visible.^{[10]
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- If your brush is too large to get into hard to reach places, try switching to a smaller or finer brush.
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Apply a concealer under your eyes and over any blemishes. Use a rounded concealer brush to dip into your creamy concealer. Apply the concealer as close to your lash line as you can. Be sure to spread the concealer into the corners of your eyes and a little past the ends of your lash lines. Blend out concealer over any blemishes or redness that you may want to cover, as well.^{[11]
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- Applying a concealer can help make your skin a uniform color that matches your tinted moisturizer.
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Set the tinted moisturizer using a setting powder. To keep your tinted moisturizer in place for longer, apply a light dusting of setting powder over it. Dip a large powder brush into your powder and gently sweep it across your face. Be sure to get right under your eyes where you applied concealer.^{[12]
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- One benefit of using a tinted moisturizer is a natural, dewy glow. If you want to maintain that, you can skip the powder and instead use a setting spray or facial mist to help hold your makeup.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Do you need a moisturizer with a tinted moisturizer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

If you have dry skin you may want to use additional moisturizer, but a good tinted moisturizer provides sufficient hydration for normal or combination skin.

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Question

Do you need to use a primer with tinted moisturizer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can use a tinted moisturizer without primer, but if your skin is oily or you sweat a lot it may wear off through the day. The primer will improve the longevity of coverage for all skin types.

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Question

Is tinted moisturizer good for your skin?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer, so it hydrates your skin. Many brands also include SPF for sun protection.

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