Think skin tints are just for summer? Think again. As the leaves start to turn brown and the temperature plummets, a skin tint (or tinted moisturiser) can be the perfect transitional base that allows you to show off your post-summer glow whilst giving you a hint of coverage.
Skin tints are a great option for those who want less coverage than a foundation, but don’t want to go makeup free with just a moisturiser. But what exactly is a skin tint and how is it different from a tinted moisturiser, bb cream or foundation? We asked the experts to explain the difference, if there is anything you need to consider when switching to a skin tint and who would benefit.
We also asked PS UK editors for some of their favourite skin tints, to brighten dull skin, even skin texture and give a flawless base.
Experts Featured in This Article
Melanie Barrese BY TERRY’s Global Education Director
Monika Blunder Celebrity Makeup Artist and Founder of Monika Blunder Beauty
Saffron Hughes resident makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk
What is the Difference Between a Skin Tint and a Foundation?
Skin tints are generally lighter in their texture, feel and coverage on the skin. “This product gives skin the sheerest coverage for a super-natural but enhanced look,” explains Melanie Barrese, By Terry’s Global Education Director. “It will cloak the skin in a sheer veil of product, allowing your natural skin tone to come through,” she tells PS UK.
“Skin tints are often lightweight and more hydrating,” says Saffron Hughes, resident makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk. “They generally feel like a moisturiser. In fact, some skin tints on the market actually include skincare ingredients – foundations are formulated to cover imperfections, so tend to be thicker and often feel heavier,” she tells PS UK.
“Skin tints are the new evolution of the tinted moisturiser, but with added skincare and enhanced finish,” says Barrese. “The goal is primarily to make your skin look better but still like your skin.”
Who Would Benefit From a Skin Tint?
According to celebrity makeup artist Moniker Blunder everyone can benefit for a skin tint. “If you want that no makeup-makeup look, even if you don’t have perfect skin and you have some breakouts, you can still wear a skin tint,” she tells PS UK. Blunder recommends using the skin tint all over and then using a concealer for a really natural finish – go in with something like Blunder Cover to cover any imperfections.
“Because of its hydrating properties, people with drier skin may find it more beneficial than wearing foundation,” says Hughes. “People with mature skin may also find skin tints particularly useful because skin tends to dry out with age due to reduced oil production, decreased turnover, and reduced hydration. Skin can become drier during menopause, too, because of hormonal changes, so people experiencing this may find switching from a foundation to a skin tint beneficial,” she tells PS UK.
Do you Have Any Tips for Applying a Skin Tint?
The beauty of skin tints is they are super easy to apply, you can use fingers, a sponge or brushes to apply them. “Warming the product onto the skin with hands is great for an easy, fuss-free application” Baresse tells PS UK. “However, I tend to prefer a fluffy dense brush, as it creates an almost airbrushed effect, and you use a lot less product.”
You can also play with the shade, says Barrese. “You can of course choose to match your skin tone, but equally you can go slightly deeper for a more bronzed effect,” she explains. “But don’t go crazy, get a shade or two up, depending on the shades.”
“I would recommend allowing your skincare to dry first and then lightly buffing the skin tint across the face,” she adds.
What Should You Consider Before Switching to a Skin Tint?
“The main considerations when switching from a foundation to a skin tint are adjusting your coverage and texture expectations,” Hughes tells PS UK. “Although there are thicker skin tints on the market, it’s unlikely they’ll give you the same level of coverage as your favourite foundation. If you’re somebody who prefers medium to thick coverage, it’s not what they’ve been created to do,” she says.
“If you’re used to a matte or a more polished finish, it may take some time to adjust to a skin tint as they typically give a more natural, glowy look. You can mattify them with a powder though,” she recommends.”
Here’s our rundown of the best skin tints around.
lookfantastic.com
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Tint
“I always reach for the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Tint in shade Light Buna (£32) when I’m looking to sprinkle some life into my dull skin. After applying a layer of concealer under my eyes and over any blemishes, I like to add this tint on top to just balance out the rest of my face.
“As it’s just a tint, the coverage is very light and it’s definitely not going to hide all my sins but it does a really good job at adding some shine in the places I need it most like my cheekbones. I’m really pale and this is one of the few skin tints which matches my complexion perfectly as I find other brands have more of an “orange” finish. If you’re looking for a really natural finish, definitely give this a go.” Chloe Dunn, senior social content producer
boots.com
Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation
“I tend to be a bit skeptical whenever I see a Kylie Cosmetic product, however much like the tinted lip oil which became one of my favourite products, I was once again proved wrong. Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation (£26) is lightweight but offers enough coverage to even skin tone and disguise any blemishes or marks on the skin. I was really impressed with the shade range too, as this can often be a lot smaller when it comes to skin tints – it has lots of different options for people with all different skin tones and undertones.
“I like to apply with my fingers all over my face and then add an extra layer to areas which need a tad more coverage. I then buff this with a short compact foundation brush to ensure it is perfectly blended.” Lauren Ezekiel, associate editor PS UK.
sculptedbyaimee.co.uk
Sculpted By Aimee HydraTint
“Returning from holiday and watching that holiday glow slowly fade away is painful, but Sculpted By Aimee HydraTint (£23) helps me bring that back, even if it’s just temporary. This skin tint gives a blurred effect and makes my skin look picture perfect after I gently rub it in using my fingers.
“As it says on the tin, it’s definitely moisturising and doesn’t leave my face feeling cakey or sticky – as a little bonus, it gives a gorgeous, dewy, natural glow. The HydraTint is my favourite for easy, effortless beauty.” Lauren Gordon, editorial co-ordinator
lookfantastic.com
“I’m a big fan of this Nars Cosmetic Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30 (£37). Not only does it offer a glowing, skin-like finish it contains a broad spectrum SPF30, which is ideal for days when I’m running around or out and about in town, as it allows me to look like I am wearing minimal makeup and offers protection.
“I find this is best applied with fingers and then buffed into skin with a beauty blender or sponge as this keeps the base looking luminous, without any tell tale signs.” LE
spacenk.com
“Although this is called a BB cream, for me it is everything a skin tint is meant to be. Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream (£34) is super hydrating, and contains just enough coverage to even out skin tone. It keeps your skin looking and feeling hydrated all day long. I do find it can peel slightly if I am wearing a lot of skincare underneath so I would recommend using on the days you want to streamline your skin routine to a bare minimum.
“I also find it can be used without any other products and you will find your skin still feels moisturised hours later. Although Kosas is a big hit with Gen Z, I really think this is a great product for mature skin too who may find foundation too heavy or prefer a lighter coverage, thanks to its hydrating properties.” LE
boots.com
Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm
“I’m now into my second year of loving Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm (£37) and I just bought another tube. I’ve not worn foundation since my wedding seven years ago I don’t think, I’ve never owned a foundation brush. I genuinely struggle with the feeling of wearing it, it feels like itchy face paint and I get scared I’ve put it on wrong and it just takes time I don’t have (I should probably work on all of this). This is my foundation. I squeeze it out into my hands, wipe it all over my face with my fingers and somehow my face just looks… blurred? But in a good way.
“It’s less pore-y, more one colour-y (but importantly, not actually just one colour) and it’s lovely and glowy too. The smell is really nice and when I’ve rubbed it in, I manage to feel like my face is “done” in about 30 seconds flat. And who doesn’t want that. The SPF50 is an extra selling point for early evening drinks where it’s sunnier than you thought (don’t worry, I usually wear and SPF underneath too, but, things happen!). It’s more expensive than things I’d usually buy, but it lasts absolutely ages, like the Mary Poppins bag of beauty balms. And for time-saving, face-zhushing and all round non-cakey or flakiness, I’d say it was pretty good value.” Rhiannon Evans, Interim Content Director at PS UK
Getty
Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.
