This article was co-authored by Frankie Sanderson and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Franklin (Frankie) Sanderson is a Makeup Artist and Stylist and the Founder of TheStudeo, a styling business based in Washington DC that specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and personal image consulting services. He specializes in hair extensions, chemical services such as highlighting, Balayage, Japanese straightening, keratin treatments, and designer cuts. He has a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained at the L'Oreal Soho Academy, TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, Redken, and Wella. His clients include Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, and Alicia Keys.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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You're probably familiar with concealer and foundation. But, if you are overwhelmed by the new products in the makeup aisle, consider your skin's needs. If you have dry skin or you just don't want the heavy coverage that a foundation gives, a tinted moisturizer might be great for you. Tinted moisturizers are hydrating enough to be used on their own or as part of a simple makeup routine and they offer enough tint to correct any color imbalance in your skin. You can even find oil-free formulas if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Steps
Choosing a Tinted Moisturizer
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1Distinguish between tinted moisturizer and foundation. Tinted moisturizer and foundation are both water-based products that contain moisturizing agents, oil, and pigment (to give some coverage). But, tinted moisturizers contain more moisturizing agents than foundation and generally offer lighter coverage.[1]
- Depending on the makeup line, tinted moisturizers and foundations can be almost indistinguishable so you'll need to experiment with products.
- Tinted moisturizers come in a bunch of different formulas, so look for one that is right for you. If you have oily skin, for example, look for an oil-free formula. If you are worried about aging day-to-day sun exposure, look for a formula with SPF.
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2Decide if you should use a tinted moisturizer. Choose a tinted moisturizer if you want a light, natural look, rather than medium or full coverage.[2] Tinted moisturizer looks more like your skin than some heavier foundations. It can also simplify your skincare routine by acting as your regular moisturizer. The humectants and emollients in the moisturizer will add moisture to your skin and help seal it in.[3]
- Foundation is a better choice for people who are looking for heavier coverage.
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3Choose a tinted moisturizer that matches your complexion. Try to match the tinted moisturizer shade to your face. If you're at a makeup counter, test a little on the side of your face. Or, test a little on the back of your hand. You shouldn't see any product on your skin if it blends well and matches. You should also check to see how your skin absorbs the product.[4]
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4Check for sun protection. Many tinted moisturizers offer sun protection and list SPF protection. In addition to apply a daily sunscreen, you may want to find a tinted moisturizer that has an SPF of at least 30 for additional protection against both UVA and UVB rays.[5] [6]
- Remember that the sunscreen protection from your tinted moisturizer will wear off within a few hours unless you reapply it or apply another sunscreen throughout the day.
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5Select brushes. While you can simply rub tinted moisturizer onto your face using your fingertips, using a brush may give you more control. Consider using a duo fiber brush. This brush is small with a flat head so you can blend the tint into your skin. You can also use a blending sponge to get heavier coverage.[7]
- Using a brush or sponge can help you achieve a more uniform makeup look.
Applying Your Tinted Moisturizer
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1Combine your moisturizer and foundation primer. Squirt a very small amount of untinted moisturizer and foundation primer onto your fingertips. Rub your fingertips together so that the moisturizer and foundation primer are mixed together well. Dab the mixture on your cheeks and forehead so you can easily rub it into your skin. Pat the mixture onto your chin, temples, and under eyes.[8]
- Let it set on your skin for about a minute before applying your tinted moisturizer.
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2Dot the tinted moisturizer on your skin. Squeeze about a pea-sized amount of tinted moisturizer onto your fingertip. Dab a bit of the tinted moisturizer on your cheeks, forehead, under your eyes and along your nose.[9]
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3Buff the tinted moisturizer into your skin. Take your brush or your fingers and use upward sweeping motions to spread the moisturizer into your skin. Make lots of small circular motions as you move the brush across your face.[10]
- Unlike foundation, tinted moisturizer actually penetrates the skin better when applied with your fingers. While a brush offers a different kind of control, it is not strictly necessary.
- It may help to hold the brush near the end so that you're not guiding its movement as much.
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4Blend in your lines. Use your brush to work the moisturizer right under your eyes, under your nose, and along your jawline. Be sure to work the moisturizer down from your jawline to under your chin. This will prevent any makeup lines from being visible.[11]
- If your brush is too large to get into hard to reach places, try switching to a smaller or finer brush.
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5Apply a concealer under your eyes and over any blemishes. Use a rounded concealer brush to dip into your creamy concealer. Apply the concealer as close to your lash line as you can. Be sure to spread the concealer into the corners of your eyes and a little past the ends of your lash lines. Blend out concealer over any blemishes or redness that you may want to cover, as well.[12]
- Applying a concealer can help make your skin a uniform color that matches your tinted moisturizer.
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6Set the tinted moisturizer using a setting powder. To keep your tinted moisturizer in place for longer, apply a light dusting of setting powder over it. Dip a large powder brush into your powder and gently sweep it across your face. Be sure to get right under your eyes where you applied concealer.[13]
- One benefit of using a tinted moisturizer is a natural, dewy glow. If you want to maintain that, you can skip the powder and instead use a setting spray or facial mist to help hold your makeup.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo you need a moisturizer with a tinted moisturizer?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistIf you have dry skin you may want to use additional moisturizer, but a good tinted moisturizer provides sufficient hydration for normal or combination skin.
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionDo you need to use a primer with tinted moisturizer?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYou can use a tinted moisturizer without primer, but if your skin is oily or you sweat a lot it may wear off through the day. The primer will improve the longevity of coverage for all skin types.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionIs tinted moisturizer good for your skin?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer, so it hydrates your skin. Many brands also include SPF for sun protection.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
References
- ↑ http://www.self.com/flash/beauty-blog/2012/03/how-to-choose-foundation-or-tinted-moisturizer/
- ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.
- ↑ http://www.self.com/flash/beauty-blog/2012/03/how-to-choose-foundation-or-tinted-moisturizer/
- ↑ https://laurenconrad.com/blog/2015/03/beauty-beginners-how-to-find-the-right-foundation/
- ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303772904577333590080007880
- ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2015/05/spf-and-beauty-product-myths.html
- ↑ https://www.ecotools.com/brushes/brush-guide
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXJeCrl0bHU
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXJeCrl0bHU
About This Article
To use tinted moisturizer, put it on top of your regular moisturizer and foundation primer. Once you’ve rubbed in your moisturizer and primer, squeeze a pea-sized amount of tinted moisturizer onto your fingertip. Dab a bit onto your cheeks, forehead, under your eyes, and along your nose. Then, use your fingers or a makeup brush to spread it onto your skin using upward, sweeping motions. After you’ve spread it across your face, gently blend it into the lines under your eyes and nose, and along your jawline so it looks more natural. To keep your tinted moisturizer in place, apply a light dusting of setting powder on top. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to choose the right tinted moisturizer for you, read on!
