Are there times when a full face of foundation seems too heavy but going without just feels too bare? Tinted moisturizer could be just what you’re looking for on those days when you’re attempting a natural, no-makeup look. Our experts will show you all you need to know about what is tinted moisturizer and how to benefit the most from it.

• What is tinted moisturizer used for?
• How do I use tinted moisturizer?
• What is the best tinted moisturizer?
• What is the difference between BB cream and tinted moisturizer?

What Is Tinted Moisturizer Used for?

Tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer with a hint of sheer coverage and color. Some formulas contain a universal tint that blends seamlessly into most skin tones, while other tinted moisturizers come in range of tints varying from lighter to darker, allowing you to pick your best match. Some of our favorite tinted moisturizer formulas also provide sun protection as well, and finishes can range from matte to dewy.

How Do I Use Tinted Moisturizer?

You can apply tinted moisturizer the same way you would apply a regular moisturizer. Simply dispense a bit of tinted moisturizer onto clean fingers and use them to apply it evenly over your entire face.

Tinted Moisturizer vs. BB Cream

Because they are similar products, you may be wondering what the difference is between BB cream and tinted moisturizer. BB stands for “beauty balm,” and it provides the sheer coverage of a tinted moisturizer, but with added skin benefits that go beyond moisturizing.

Depending on the formula, BB creams may contain active ingredients to help even out skin tone, smooth wrinkles, soothe acne and more. “That said, many tinted moisturizers also have added benefits for skin as well, so sometimes it’s a matter of semantics,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

7 of Our Favorite Tinted Moisturizers

1. jane iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

This water-resistant tinted moisturizer works well on its own or as a primer under makeup. Botanical extracts—elderberry and blackberry—provide antioxidant protection to fight free radicals that contribute to signs of aging while reef-safe titanium dioxide shields UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 15. (Note: Dr. Schlessinger recommends a SPF of 30 or higher for optimal sun protection, so be sure to pair this tinted moisturizer with your favorite stand-alone sunscreen.)

2. Glo Skin Beauty Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+

This tinted moisturizer provides dehydrated skin with the moisture it needs to look fresh and dewy all day. The lightweight, creamy formula provides sheer coverage with the added benefit of SPF30 from a combination of chemical sunscreens: avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate and octisalate.

3. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30

If you suffer from dry, itchy skin, this tinted moisturizer could bring the relief you need. It has a unique gel-cream texture that glides on smoothly and provides sheer to medium coverage for breakouts and dark spots. Marine botanicals help hydrate irritated skin while mineral electrolytes help improve skin texture. Choose from a range of shades from fair to deep to find your perfect match.

4. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

This tinted facial sunscreen offers a splash of hydration, medium coverage and solid sun protection with an SPF 50 rating. Choose from four different shades to best match your skin tone and shield your skin against sun damage with zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen. Coverage is buildable and dries to a satin finish.

5. EltaMD UV Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 36 - Tinted

If you experience breakouts or discoloration, this EltaMD tinted moisturizing sunscreen could be for the ideal solution. Hyaluronic acid and coconut extract help restore your skin’s moisture while chamomile and niacinamide help reduce redness and even out skin tone. The sheer universal tint features mica for a touch of radiance. Plus, it’s also available in an untinted version.

6. Neocutis Journee Revitalizing Day Cream SPF 30

This tinted daily moisturizer will do triple duty for your skin by hydrating, protecting and perfecting. Hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrator, helps skin look plumper by drawing moisture into your cells. Zinc oxide and octinoxate team up to provide SPF 30 protection while an antioxidant blend of vitamin C, vitamin E and green tea extract help protect against free radical damage. And last but not least, a sheer universal tint helps blur uneven skin tone for a flawless, natural finish.

7. Revision Skincare Intellishade Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45

This perfecting facial moisturizer is packed with beneficial ingredients to help protect and correct skin. A sheer universal tint helps camouflage uneven skin tone, and peptides and vitamin C help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. A blend of mineral and chemical sunscreens provides SPF 45 protection to shield your skin from future sun damage.

“My wife Nancy uses this tinted moisturizer every day,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “It’s a long-time favorite of hers for the flattering coverage, thorough sun protection and anti-aging benefits it provides in one step.” In addition to this formula, which has a dewy finish, it also comes in a matte version.

Are you also curious about mineral foundations? We’ll show you how to use them to achieve a flawless finish.