Tinted moisturizer is by far the product I use most in my everyday routine because, in seconds, a pea-size amount can make all the difference. It evens out tone, hydrates, blurs imperfections, conceals redness and imparts a natural-looking glow you can’t get elsewhere from just one step. That said, it’s not surprising that I’ve collected an array of products from different brands over the years. Some meet the strict criteria I have for my face products, and others don’t, but I’m always happy to test the latest variation that comes across my desk. This time, it’s the just-launched Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer ($44). Ahead, the full breakdown and my honest thoughts.
The Formula
Jones Road’s Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight formula infused with glycerin, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate. Glycerin, a humectant, is a moisturizing agent that pulls moisture out of the air and into your skin. Montclair, NJ, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, goes further: “In skin care, [glycerin] hydrates the skin, decreases fine lines and wrinkles and alleviates dry, itchy skin.” Vitamin E is an antioxidant that, uncommonly, is also a humectant and an emollient, meaning it helps the skin trap and lock in water for improved hydration, according to Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. Finally, sodium hyaluronate is another humectant that expertly hydrates and restores suppleness to skin, thanks to its small molecular size that can easily penetrate deep into skin.
The Coverage
The Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer is available in 16 shades that account for a range of skin colors and undertones, and each tint gives a minimal wash of coverage. (I used the ‘Find My Shade’ function on the Jones Road website.) The goal, according to the brand’s founder, (the legendary) Bobbi Brown, is to look pulled together without really looking like you’re wearing anything at all.
The Texture
The Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer has an ultra-creamy texture. Initially, I thought it looked too rich to truly be as lightweight as its claims, but whether you blend it with your fingers or a brush, it melts right into skin (more on that below, in my overall takeaway).
How to Apply
With your desired amount (I used about a dime size), gently blend in Just Enough around your face, applying evenly with your fingers or a brush. The brand also recommends pairing Just Enough with The Face Pencil ($28) if needed for added coverage on stubborn dark spots or extra redness.
The Takeaway
What I want in a tinted moisturizer is pretty simple: to camouflage skin discoloration and redness without caking or pilling, to keep my skin hydrated and to give my complexion a polished, even look with a slight airbrush finish. On the latter goal, Just Enough knocked it out of the park. I could immediately see a difference in my skin; it looked softer and more uniform, but I could still make out a few freckles. This is truly my skin, just better. The silky cream absorbed into my skin instantly without any pilling as I blended it (my biggest pet peeve). Eight hours later, the product was still in place (no streaks or cakey clumps) and doing its job.
One glaring bummer is the lack of SPF, but Just Enough layered well with the sunscreen I applied on top. And while I do appreciate the moisture-heavy formula, my dry skin is not quite ready to part with my face oil just yet. But I’m intrigued to try Just Enough alone in the warmer spring and summer months. For normal, combination or oily skin types, I don’t foresee that extra step will be needed.
The TL;DR
Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer masters the coveted no makeup, makeup look. If you’re big on light coverage with a soft finish, this high-quality makeup/skin care hybrid will replace multiple products in your beauty bag from day one.
