14 best tinted moisturisers for a healthy glow 2026, tested
Finding the best tinted moisturisers to use during winter can feel like a full-time job. When the temperature drops and indoor heating kicks in, skin suddenly demands more. More hydration, more nourishment, more glow. And with the internet's ongoing obsession with glass skin, there’s been a surge in the release of skin tints promising dewy luminosity despite the cold-weather dullness. But when every product claims to be moisturising, lightweight, and your new everyday essential, figuring out which ones are actually worth your money gets overwhelming. Fast.
Tinted moisturisers – from tinted moisturisers with SPF to formulations you wear atop your face sunscreen – are ideal for achieving that natural, sheer glow. Especially when you want breathable coverage that won’t cling to dry patches. But not all tinted moisturisers are made equal. Some pill over flaky skin, others vanish by midday, and many just don’t deliver the level of hydration that colder months demand. Finding the right texture and tone match is one thing; finding one that genuinely supports winter skin is another.
According to celebrity makeup artist Brandy Allen, winter-friendly tinted moisturisers should contain heavy-hitting hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, alongside SPF for year-round protection. If you prefer a gentle, natural finish, tinted sunscreens are still a go-to.
“Antioxidants like vitamin C are especially beneficial in the winter,” adds Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “They help defend the skin against free radical damage and brighten dullness, which is common in colder weather.”
Whether you’re chasing a dewy winter glow, craving a touch more coverage, or searching for a skincare-packed tint that keeps your complexion fresh instead of flaky, this guide is here to cut through the noise. Think of it as your no-nonsense shortcut to the best tinted moisturisers. Let's get glowing.
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- Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer Shade 3, WAS £31 NOW £21.70
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- MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tint Moisturiser - Medium 4, WAS £30 NOW £22.50
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy SPF 30 Mini, WAS £20 NOW £15
Meet the experts:
| Rose Gallagher | Makeup artist and IT Cosmetics ambassador. |
| Carolyn Stull, MD | Board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. |
| Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD | Board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Mudgil Dermatology. |
| Brandy Allen | Celebrity makeup artist. |
How I tested tinted moisturisers
When testing each tinted moisturiser, we looked at how it performed in real life – no studio lights or filtered selfies here. We wore them to the office, to brunch, and even on sweaty tube rides (not so glamorous). We paid attention to how each tinted moisturiser blended – whether that be with fingers or a brush – whether it pilled, how long it lasted, and if it gave that “your skin but better” finish we’re all chasing. We also considered important extras like SPF, ingredients, hydration levels, and how well it layered with the team's other go-to beauty products. Basically, if we wouldn’t recommend it to our group chat, it wouldn't make the cut here.
Why you can trust me
Between us, the Glamour beauty team has swatched, blended and worn our way through more tinted moisturisers than we can count – from cult classics to brand-new launches. We’ve tested various formulas on a range of skin tones, types (dry, oily, combo and everything in between) and ages, to make our picks work across as many faces as possible. Personally, I've literally been paid to review beauty products for the past near-decade, attending press launches, interviewing MUAs and dermatologists, and getting my hands on products before anyone else in the country. As such, I know more than your average beauty fan on what makes a tinted moisturiser good.
Scroll for our full edit of the best tinted moisturisers of 2026.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30/PA
Why we love it: Ask any beauty obsessive to name their holy grail base product, and there’s a strong chance this NARS icon will be top of the list. The Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser is one of those formulas that somehow ticks every box: lightweight, glowy, buildable, and packed with skin-loving ingredients. The oil-free formula smooths on like a dream, leaving behind a sheer, radiant tint that instantly perks up tired skin - with just enough coverage to blur without masking. Bonus: it comes in 12 flexible shades and plays especially well with oily or combo skin types.
What makes this more than your average skin tint is the impressive ingredient line-up. It’s infused with French Polynesian Kopara (a natural extract from lagoon waters) and mineral-rich seawater, which help hydrate, refine and boost overall skin texture over time. There’s also a hit of vitamin C derivatives to subtly brighten and fend off dullness - aka your defence against bad lighting and late nights. Oh, and did we mention the built-in SPF 30? It’s your morning multitasker, giving you glow, coverage and sun protection in one chic tube.
- Size: 50ml.
- Shades: 12.
- SPF: 30.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Includes vitamin C for brightening.
- Cons: Not a huge shade range.
Clarins Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser SPF25
Why we love it: This one’s for the days when you want your skin to look like you’ve just come back from a facial - fresh, glowy, and quietly expensive. Clarins’ Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser is all about subtle radiance. It gives a light sweep of colour to even things out, with just enough coverage to smooth and brighten without hiding your actual skin.
What makes it extra special is the skincare twist - think plant oils and organic kalanchoe to boost hydration and keep your complexion juicy all day long. The formula melts in like a serum, feels barely there, and gives that naturally healthy finish that looks just as good at 8am as it does at 8pm. With SPF 25 included, it’s a no-brainer for everyday glow and protection. Add this to your routine and you're bound to be flooded with skin compliments.
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- Size: 32ml.
- Shades: 11.
- SPF: 25.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Lightweight and long-lasting.
- Cons: Expensive.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy
Why we love it: If there’s one tinted moisturiser that deserves icon status, it’s this one. Laura Mercier’s bestselling base has been a beauty editor favourite for over two decades - and for good reason. It’s the kind of product that just works: easy to apply, effortless to wear, and always makes your skin look like you’ve had eight hours of sleep (even if you’ve had four).
The formula blends skincare with sheer coverage, thanks to macadamia and kukui seed oils to lock in moisture and boost suppleness throughout the day. It’s also infused with vitamin E to help defend against environmental stressors, and SPF 30 for added sun protection. It layers beautifully with concealer or cream blush if you want to build your look, but also holds its own on no-makeup-makeup days. Ideal for normal to dry skin types, or anyone who loves a radiant, low-effort base that always looks put together. There’s a reason it’s still a bestseller after all these years.
- Size: 45ml.
- Shades: 19.
- SPF: 30.
- Skin type: Normal to dry.
- Pros: Provides 16-hour sheer to light coverage.
- Cons: Some may find the coverage too light.
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturiser
Why we love it: Saie is known for its award-winning cosmetics, and no-makeup makeup essentials - so it comes as no surprise that their Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturiser offers next-level hydration, broad spectrum protection and sheer flexible coverage.
The ingredients list is seriously impressive. Powered by skin-brightening agents like our fave vitamin C, a dash of liquorish (yep, not heard that one before), and soothing aloe vera - which is great if you’ve spent a little too long in the sun - this beauty icon is the ultimate summer essential.
There’s more too. Pansy flower extract supports sensitive skin types, so you won’t have to worry about irritation, or breakouts and hyaluronic acid is great for retaining hydration and giving your skin that dewy plumpness - a real all-rounder.
- Size: 40ml.
- Shades: 14.
- SPF: No.
- Skin type: Sensitive.
- Pros: Soothing aloe vera and vitamin C for brightening.
- Cons: No SPF.
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Why we love it: If your idea of the perfect base is something luxe, luminous and low-effort, Hourglass’s Veil Hydrating Skin Tint is the definition of quiet luxury for your face. It delivers that coveted second-skin finish - soft, radiant and ridiculously flattering - while giving skin the hydration boost it needs to actually feel as good as it looks. The coverage is sheer to light, meaning it evens out tone and softens the look of pores, but still lets your real skin shine through.
The formula is enriched with meadowfoam seed oil and hyaluronic acid, so it keeps skin feeling plump, bouncy and fresh all day long. It also contains antioxidants to help defend against environmental stress, making it a solid option for London life on-the-go.
- Size: 35ml.
- Shades: 18.
- SPF: No.
- Skin type: Dry.
- Pros: Contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane.
- Cons: Expensive for the size.
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Why we love it: Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop is one of those skin tints that just gets the job done - quickly, easily, and without any faff. It smooths over uneven tone, softens the look of pores and gives skin that fresh, even finish that looks like you’ve made an effort (even if you haven’t). Ideal for days when foundation feels like a bit too much.
The HydraBlend Complex keeps things feeling light and hydrated, while the soft-blur finish helps keep shine under control without making skin look flat or dry. With 25 flexible shades that blend seamlessly into the skin, it’s designed to suit a wide range of tones without needing loads of blending or layering.
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- Size: 32ml.
- Shades: 25.
- SPF: No.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Humidity, sweat, and transfer-resistant. Great range of shades.
- Cons: Doesn't include SPF.
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint
Why we love it: Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Gel Tint takes everything fans love about the cult-favourite primer - hydration, glow, and serious staying power - and wraps it up in a tinted gel formula that delivers light, breathable coverage with a tonne of skincare benefits. The cooling, featherlight texture smooths on effortlessly, gripping to skin for all-day wear (hello festival season), while evening out tone and boosting hydration.
Formulated with blue agave extract for that signature grip, aloe vera to soothe, and niacinamide to brighten and balance, it’s especially well-suited to sensitive or breakout-prone skin. The finish is juicy and radiant - fresh, not greasy - making it the go-to for quick routines, warm-weather, or any day you want your skin to look calm, even and quietly glowing.
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- Size: 35ml.
- Shades: 15.
- SPF: No.
- Skin type: Sensitive or breakout-prone.
- Pros: Gel-based tint which has great staying power.
- Cons: Doesn't include SPF.
Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow Hydrating Tinted Moisturiser
Why we love it: We crowned Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow Hydrating Tinted Moisturiser our best overall because it’s basically summer in a bottle - only better. The bronzing pigments gently adapt to your natural skin tone, giving you a soft-focused, lit-from-within glow without a hint of looking orange. It’s hydrating but lightweight, making it perfect for that no-makeup makeup moment. Even after weeks of testing, our GLAMOUR team loved how it brightened tired skin, looked real under different lights, and didn’t feel like a heavy base. It doesn't pill under make up if you did want to add an extra layer of coverage, and it leaves your complexion looking tanned and hydrated all day.
- Size: 40 ml
- Shades: Morphs to your natural skin tone (bronzing tan pigments)
- SPF: None
- Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, even slightly oily.
- Pros: The best glowy, dewy finish overall, hydrates well, and leaves an easy, natural-look coverage.
- Cons: No SPF. Limited shade differentiation (relies on morphing, rather than a wide shade range).
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Why we love it: “I’m a skin tint girly through and through, so when this new Sculpted by Aimee product landed on my desk a few weeks back - I couldn’t wait to give it a go. It gives off a sheer, natural dewy finish that’s perfect for anyone who’s into that no-makeup makeup look. The buttery soft formula blends almost instantly into my skin - I don’t even need a brush, just my fingers.
I love that it’s enriched with hyaluronic acid for an extra hydrating boost and the fact it comes in 20 shades - hello inclusivity. It’s a product I know I’ll be reaching for all summer long, and it looks just as good by itself as it does layered with my favourite makeup products." - Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce writer.
- Size: 30ml.
- Shades: 20.
- SPF: 20.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Easily blendable, Gives a natural dewy finish.
- Cons: SPF - not a high enough concentration.
Clinique Moisture Surge SPF25 Sheertint Hydrator
Why we love it: If you’re after that dewy, fresh-faced glow with minimal effort, this tinted hydrator from Clinique is a serious contender. Part of the cult-favourite Moisture Surge range, it’s designed to do three things at once: hydrate, even out your complexion, and protect your skin from the not-so-pretty stuff like UV rays and pollution.
Formulated with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and activated aloe water, it gives a serious boost of moisture that feels instantly cooling and refreshing - perfect for dry or dehydrated skin types, or for those “my skin is having a moment” days. It also includes SPF 25 for daily protection and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. The coverage is sheer and buildable, making it a great choice if you want something that feels like skincare but makes your skin look noticeably more radiant and pulled-together. Great for natural makeup days, rushed mornings, or anyone who wants their skin to look like skin - but elevated.
- Size: 40ml.
- Shades: 5.
- SPF: 25.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Formulated with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
- Cons: Small shade range.
Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator
Why we love it: Why we love it: Looking for something with more coverage than your average skin tint but less effort than foundation? Enter: Urban Decay’s Hydromaniac. It delivers that sweet spot of glow and pigment - enough to blur blemishes and even out your complexion, but still lets your skin breathe. The finish is radiant (not shiny), and it gives you that “I drink three litres of water a day” look without the commitment.
The formula is powered by kombucha filtrate to brighten and marula oil to nourish, making it especially great for dry or dehydrated skin. It’s the kind of base that does it all: hydrates, evens, and leaves skin looking effortlessly healthy. Basically, a no-brainer for glowy skin lovers who want coverage without the blockage.
- Size: 35ml.
- Shades: 12.
- SPF: No.
- Skin type: Dry.
- Pros: Blurs blemishes without blocking pores.
- Cons: Doesn't contain SPF.
L'Oréal Paris Paradise Lumi Glotion
Why we love it: "L'Oréal Paris’s Paradise Lumi Glotion is a product I reach for almost everyday - it’s basically a holiday in a tube. This multi-tasking hero performs as a primer, foundation, highlighter and contour and looks just as good worn alone as it does layered with makeup.
My foundation always takes a back seat whenever I whip this out. Not only does it give the skin a dreamy glow on the outside (hence the name), but it’s blended with glycerin and shea butter to provide 24 hours of hydration. It blends like a dream, and lasts pretty much all day long which is impressive for a skin tint. One thing to note is that it doesn’t include SPF, so it won’t protect your skin from the rays.” - Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer
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- Size: 40ml.
- Shades: 4.
- SPF: No.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Affordable and looks great by itself or under makeup.
- Cons: Not a large shade range and doesn't contain SPF.
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Why we love it: From the masterminds behind THAT Jet Lag Mask comes this cocktail of skin-boosting ingredients. Infused with plumping hyaluronic acid to hydrate, antioxidant-rich centella asiatica and niacinamide to soothe, vitamin E to nourish, and squalane to protect your moisture barrier, this formula works *extremely* hard to care for your skin – don't let its impressively lightweight, barely-there texture fool you.
Ideal for those with breakouts or combination skin, simply apply this after your skincare and SPF, and layer it until you have your desired level of coverage.
- Size: 30ml.
- Shades: 12.
- SPF: No.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Contains vitamin E nourishes and squalane protects your delicate moisture barrier.
- Cons: Expensive for the size.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser
Why we love it: This tinted moisturiser delivers lightweight yet buildable coverage, resulting in a smooth, even finish. Not to mention, its creamy and hydrating formula also features vitamin E and UV protection of SPF20, making it perfect for the summer. The best part? It won't leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy. Instead, you'll be left with a gorgeous skin-like finish.
“I've been using this product for a bit over a month now, and it's now become an irreplaceable staple of my everyday makeup look. As a dry-skinned gal, I appreciated the impressive hydration boost it gave me, and how it wasn't patchy upon applying. I was also surprised by how buildable the coverage is and enjoyed applying it with my hands as my trusty makeup sponge ended up soaking up quite a lot of the product.” – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Commerce Contributor.
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- Size: 30ml.
- Shades: 24.
- SPF: 20.
- Skin type: All.
- Pros: Long-lasting coverage and large shade range.
- Cons: Coverage may be too sheer for some.
Your tinted moisturiser FAQs, answered:
What is a tinted moisturiser?
“A tinted moisturiser is a mixture of a moisturising day cream with a hint of makeup pigment in it. It's designed to feel like a skincare step, but with just enough pigment to even out the skin tone without being heavy or looking like makeup,” explains Rose.
“Tinted moisturisers are lovely for days when you want a one-and-done step,” continues Rose. “You can achieve multiple things – you can add luminosity, boost hydration, even tone, include skincare ingredients that complement your skin routine – all without having to add multiple steps.” You can get tinted moisturisers with SPF or tinted sunscreens, too.
How to apply tinted moisturiser:
It's all well and good finding the best product for your skin, but how do you actually apply tinted moisturiser? “The best time to apply tinted moisturiser is in the morning after washing your face and applying face serums if this is part of your routine,” says Carolyn Stull, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “Those with dryer skin may choose to apply a regular moisturiser prior to tinted moisturiser, although this may not be necessary for oilier skin types. Application of tinted moisturiser can be followed by concealer for extra coverage in particular areas, bronzer, and blush.”
“They {tinted moisturisers} work most effectively when applied with the fingertips," Rose adds. "I like to apply some to the back of my hand, then pick up the product bit by bit to build the coverage to my desired finish. This helps you to avoid applying too much and having it feel heavy or too rich.”
You might be tempted to try a sponge or a beauty blender, but Rose warns against it: “Because tinted moisturisers are so heavily skincare based, using a sponge will likely drink up most of the product.”
How to find the best tinted moisturiser for your skin type:
According to celebrity makeup artist Brandy Allen, look for key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, SPF for sun protection, and mineral-based formulas if you prefer lighter, natural coverage.
Additionally, look for antioxidants like vitamin C for protection throughout the day against free radical damage, especially for those with mature skin, says Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
“Tinted moisturisers may also contain botanical extracts that heal and soothe the skin,” says Allen. But keep in mind that plant extracts and essential oils can be irritants to sensitive skin.
What's the difference between tinted moisturiser and foundation?
As for what differentiates tinted moisturiser from other types of makeup? “Tinted moisturisers offer lighter coverage in comparison to classic foundation preparations,” says Dr. Mudgil. “They are basically a foundation and moisturiser hybrid, which are perfect for days when full-on makeup isn’t needed or desired.”
What's the difference between tinted moisturiser and CC or BB creams?
As if the world of tinted moisturisers wasn't confusing enough, you then have a whirlpool of letters to worry about.
“Unlike generic tinted moisturisers, which are designed to add hydration with just a touch of pigment, BB creams – or ‘Beauty Balms’ – are designed to merge these skincare effects with makeup pigments and SPF whilst still being relatively lightweight,” muses Rose when I quiz her on the matter.
“CC Creams – or ‘colour correctors’ – merge makeup, skincare and SPF with the specific intention of colour correcting any uneven tones to create a more even canvas. These tend to have slightly more pigment and coverage as they're used to correct things like redness, pigmentation or acne." She continues, "DD creams, or 'Daily Defence' creams, are the least popular. Daily defence really pertains to a cream like the others, but this time with ingredients designed to offer high SPF protection or protection against environmental aggressors with targeted ingredients like vitamin C."
Long story short, the market is full of options. Lots of them are great, but some are also quite meh, which is why I've narrowed down the very best tinted moisturisers for all skin types, budgets and preferences. I've tried to keep this list to tinted moisturisers only, but we have more guides on the best BB creams and CC creams if you like the sound of them too.
