| Love it | Leave it |
|---|---|
| Utilizes a color adjusting technology to adapt to one's skin tone | May appear chalky on deeper skin tones |
| Safe for sensitive skin types |
Best Without SPF: Strobe Dewy Skin Tint
- Why We Love It: Consider MAC's skin tint a go-to for a radiant, dewy complexion. This lightweight formula blends effortlessly into the skin, delivering a natural glow while providing a smooth, hydrated finish. Infused with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, it not only enhances your skin's appearance but also helps keep it moisturized throughout the day. Whether you're after a subtle luminosity or buildable coverage, this skin tint adapts to your needs, leaving you with a fresh, luminous look that lasts. Plus, the sheer-to-light coverage allows for the shade range to be “stretchable” covering a wider range of skin tones with only 14 shades.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, shea butter, hyaluronic acid and squalane
- SPF Level: N/A
- Coverage: Sheer-to-light coverage
- Finish: Dewy
- Shades: 14
- Size: 1.0 fl oz.
| Love it | Leave it |
|---|---|
| Formulated with 79% skincare ingredients | Does not feature SPF |
| Ideal for those looking for a natural, glowing-from-within look |
Everything You Need To Know
What is a tinted moisturizer?
We must think of a tinted moisturizer in two parts. To start, thebest face moisturizers are an essential step to any regimen, as they trap moisture and thereby can address skin concerns like dryness, flakiness, and itching. Per board-certified dermatologistDr. Michele Green, “moisturizing also helps soften fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin, creating a youthful appearance.” So atinted moisturizer, by definition, pairs these skin-protecting benefits with light coverage and often a healthy glow.
Tinted moisturizers “are quick, easy, and look really clean in the warmer months, plus the maintenance is easy when it’s warm outside,” Sesnek told Vogue previously. However, just because you opt for a lighter weight base, does not mean you cannot achieve adequate coverage of acne, dark spots, or wrinkles.
Sesnek says the answer to spot treating areas of concern is to dab concealer on after applying your tint. Oh, and if you have oily skin, feel free to set your complexion with a featherlight veil of loose or pressed powder to quell excess shine. In any case, while these benefits might have felt especially relevant during the summer, there’s no need to tuck your favorite formula away as cooler temps emerge—UV protection and conditioning complexion salves come in handy no matter the season. So, read on to discover Vogue’s edit of the best tinted sunscreens to consider.
What to Look for in a Tinted Moisturizer
Experts typically recommend a broad-spectrum formula of SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every 90 minutes. To be frank, no, a tinted moisturizer with SPF is not adequate sun protection on its own. “SPF in moisturizers can be beneficial in protecting the skin from UV rays, but it may not be enough if the two important skin-care steps are combined into one,” says Green. Otherwise, factors like texture, coverage, and shade range are important too—just as your choice of foundation or concealer.
Does my tinted moisturizer need to have SPF?
Whether it is labeled as a tinted moisturizer, skin tint, CC, or BB cream, tinted moisturizer on its own combines the hydrating benefits of a face cream with lightweight coverage that's perfect for daily wear. While some may find tinted moisturizers with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or antioxidants to be sufficient, many of us would prefer something featuring sun protection. This is where the best tinted moisturizer with SPF comes into play.
“SPF is important, as the sun’s UV rays penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and cause cellular damage, leading to premature signs of aging and increased risk of skin cancer,” explains Green, who generally recommends a minimum SPF of 50. “UV rays damage collagen and elastin fibers that support the skin’s structure, leading to wrinkles and leathery skin, causing the skin to become thinner and drier. UV rays are also responsible for signs of photoaging, such as melasma, sunspots, and age spots.”
How to apply a tinted moisturizer
Think of your tinted moisturizer with SPF as you would any other complexion product—that is to say, in conjunction with an existing skin-care regimen. As for the best way to work it in? New York City dermatologistDr. Julie Karen previously told Vogue that your SPF-infused moisturizer or makeup product should be applied atop an additional layer of sunscreen. Green recommends looking for a “broad-spectrum” formula, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. For easy reapplication throughout the day, look for an SPF-enriched powder or spray, like theSupergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 or theHabit N°41 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 41.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Michele Green is a is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist whose practice offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dermatology.
- Robert Sesnek is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Vanessa Hudgens, Adriana Lima, and Madelyn Cline.
