The perfect option for when you don’t want to don a face of full-on foundation but need some coverage, tinted moisturizers have made their mark in the makeup-meets-skin-care game as an absolute must for a natural, glow-worthy look. Lightweight, multitasking and serious time savers, these 10 picks successfully do all of the above—and then some—thanks to their unique skin-saving ingredients.
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The Cult Classic
Created by makeup maven Laura Mercier to give that “fresh, healthy no-makeup look,” her Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is practically synonymous with sheer (and stay-all-day) color. The lightweight formula glides on to create that perfect, always-in-demand dewy look, while working double-duty to treat skin to an antioxidant-rich vitamin cocktail. $43, sephora.com
The Skin Brightener
With a promise to even out skin tone and improve radiance in just four weeks, Neutrogena’s Visibly Even BB Cream SPF 30 immediately covers skin imperfections—including dark spots and acne marks—as it protects. The secret: its powerhouse proprietary ingredient, essential soy, is a natural skin-brightening antioxidant that improves skin over time. $16, neutrogena.com
The Hyperpigmentation Helper
Rich in free radical–fighting olive fruit extract and skin-illuminating pearl powder, Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF 20 claims to do everything from stimulating cell renewal to inhibiting Tyrosinase activity (the pesky culprit that ups melanin production and creates spots). Still not convinced of its multitasking talent? The moisturizer even contains lactic acid, which provides gentle exfoliation during the day as you wear it. $44, dermalogica.com
The Dry Skin Savior
It may sound like an oxymoron, but Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector manages to be uber-moisturizing yet still leaves skin feeling like it’s “breathing”—not totally bombarded with product. Plus, it’s dermatologist-tested, has a high concentration of vitamin C and delivers stay-put color via mineral pigments, so you don’t have to worry about breakouts popping up or the product wearing off throughout the day. $13, ulta.com
The Skin-Saving Treatment
Boasting a unique complex that actually supports natural hyaluronic acid production and prevents moisture loss (plus, it’s paraben-free!), AmorePacific Moisture Bound Tinted Treatment makes skin look instantly hydrated while imparting coverage that’s truly sheer—never spackled. $70, sephora.com
The Pore Minimizer
With eight color-correcting shades and a powerful ingredient lineup that includes hydrating algae extract, calming white tea leaf and UV-defending pomegranate, Jane Iredale Dream Tint creates a soft-focus effect to minimize the appearance of fine lines and large pores. Even A-listers are fans—Jessica Biel has coined it her hero product. $39, janeiredale.com
The Mega-Moisturizer
Don’t let the non-tube packaging throw you. The compact-like design of IT Cosmetics CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation may look like makeup, but the lightweight formula is actually more of a serum base, infused with hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and E. It’s incredibly moisturizing and super easy to apply—regardless of whether you want just a sheer wash of color or more buildable coverage. $38, ulta.com
The Ultimate Sun Protector
Even if you aren’t a stickler for sunscreen, Revision IntelliShade makes it super simple to get both your broad-spectrum SPF, plus a healthy dose of sheer color in a one-size-fits-all shade (seriously, it works for everyone). An added bonus: It’s also brimming with potent anti-agers like collagen-boosting peptides to improve skin’s texture while creating an instant glow. $48, revisionskincare.com
The Lifting Option
Powered by illuminating pearlescent pigments and a proprietary hyaluronic acid complex that the company claims goes way beyond your typical tinted moisturizer and actually works to also plump and tighten the skin, Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint packs a ton of skin-enhancing technology into one tube. The result: A totally lit-from-within look and skin that just looks better. $55, sephora.com