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Keep reading to learn what is tinted moisturizer, how to apply tinted moisturizer, and how it is different than foundations and BB creams!
Tinted Moisturizer
Tinted moisturizers are simply moisturizers that contain pigments in various skin tones. The result is a moisturizer that is “tinted” the same color as your skin, with sheer to light coverage.
Similar to foundation, it is intended to be worn on the face as a base makeup product to gently even out discoloration and blemishes on the skin.
Because tinted moisturizers have little coverage, companies produce less variety of shades than they do for foundations. The sheer level of coverage makes them more flexible, and one shade is able to be worn by a small range of skin tones instead of only a specific tone and undertone.
Since it is also a moisturizer, there is an added bonus of hydration for your skin.
How to Apply Tinted Moisturizer
Tinted moisturizer can be applied with a makeup brush, a makeup sponge, or with your (clean) fingers.
I find that the best makeup brushes to use are dense foundation brushes used to buff and blend in base products.
If you use a makeup sponge to apply and blend it out, remember to dampen the sponge before use. This will help the sponge blend the product easier and prevent the sponge from absorbing too much product.
I personally like to use a combination of tools to apply tinted moisturizer to my skin. First I apply the product to my face with either a foundation brush or my fingers, then I use a damp makeup sponge to blend and remove any brush strokes.
Tinted moisturizer should be applied over the entire face in an even layer. Don’t forget to blend some product on your jawline and down your neck to ensure it matches your body!
Tinted Moisturizer vs Foundation
These two face base products are similar, but have key differences.
Both products are base makeup products intended to be worn over the entire face to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and are available in a variety of shades and coverage levels.
Foundations are primarily makeup products, and not skincare. Tinted moisturizer is both makeup and skincare; because it is a moisturizer, it will hydrate your skin.
Additionally, foundations are available in a wider range of coverage levels, from lightweight foundations to full coverage (meaning it completely covers your skin). While a few tinted moisturizers may reach medium coverage, the vast majority are sheer to light coverage.
Both tinted moisturizers and foundations are great products, and I personally alternate between using both types.
Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream vs CC Cream
BB creams are generally quite similar to tinted moisturizers. The name stands for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm.”
Similar to the moisturizers, BB creams combine both sheer to light pigment and moisturizer into one product. BB creams usually include sunscreen, as well. They are sometimes marketed as “all-in-one” products.
CC creams were created after BB creams. They sometimes stand for “color correcting” creams, but the term “CC” is most often used to signify a more-pigmented BB cream. Yep, they are just BB creams with (usually) medium level coverage.
Tinted moisturizers, while also including pigment and moisturizer like BB and CC creams, do not always contain sunscreen. But sometimes they do contain sunscreen… So what makes them different than a BB or CC cream?
The answer is marketing. There are some differences in ingredients, and BB/CC creams are usually more “skincare-y,” but all three product types will perform essentially the same on your skin and fulfill the same purpose in a makeup routine.
Product Recommendations
Colourpop Pretty Fresh
For an affordable, everyday product, I highly recommend the Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer.
This is my personal favorite tinted moisturizer that I use for daily makeup. It has light coverage, is long wear, and works great with my combination skin – both in the summertime heat and during my wintertime dryness.
If you want to increase the wear and coverage slightly, pairing with a tinted powder is amazing, too! I usually do not set this with powder in order to achieve a natural dewy look, and I only use setting spray on top. It still lasts all day and wears well under masks. Available in 21 shades.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
This tinted moisturizer by Laura Mercier is a fan favorite. It includes SPF 30, giving you some protection from the sun, and vitamins C and E too! Available in 20 shades.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Tinted Moisturizer
This product is a bit of an outlier, because it is a full coverage tinted moisturizer. Yes, I have used this, and I can confirm that it is full coverage.
A huge plus to this product is the SPF 50. Most makeup products do not have nearly that level of sunscreen in them.
The downside to this product is the shade range. There are only 12 shades available, and because of the level of pigment in this product, there isn’t much flexibility with those shades. However, if you can find your shade, you might really love this – and possibly replace your normal foundation with it!
Shop at IT Cosmetics | Ulta
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I hope this article was helpful, and helped you understand the differences between tinted moisturizer, foundation, BB cream, and CC cream!
Have you used a tinted moisturizer? Which is your favorite?
I love tinted moisturizer. I can’t really feel it on my face and it looks good so I just love it.
Yes, that is exactly why I love it as well! It’s a great way to wear makeup that looks natural and feels like regular moisturizer 🙂 Thanks for the comment, Shelly!