Let’s face it: summertime makeup is a total drag. I know the last thing I want is heavy foundation slipping and sliding and caking on my skin under sweltering heat. Enter the tinted moisturizer/BB cream variety. I’ve said before I’m a light coverage gal. I’ve tried to force myself into becoming someone who loves full coverage makeup, but it’s just not me–something I’m learning about myself the older I get.
With that being said, I’ve tried my fair share of light coverage and tinted moisturizing products. And I wanted to share those with you in case you’re like me and not a fan of full coverage or just want something light for summer.
Glossier Skin Tint
I want to preface this one by saying since I originally purchased this, they have reformulated the Skin Tint to contain more coverage. But from what I understand, my opinions will probably still remain the same.
This is one of those makeup products people either absolutely love or absolutely despise. If you’re looking for actual coverage, move along. You’ll hate this. My skin is usually pretty well behaved, and I find this color corrects slightly and adds a very sheer wash of color to the entirety of my face. So it evens things out a bit. But this is not going to cover major blemishes, discoloration, or texture of any kind. It also doesn’t have SPF–which I don’t mind, because I always apply another SPF product before my makeup anyway.
The complaint with this is generally, “It just doesn’t do anything.” For me, it’s like my skin but better. It doesn’t necessarily change or hide anything, but it does make the overall appearance of my skin better. Also, in conjunction with a little concealer, I love the way my face looks.
My Shade: Light
$26 , glossier.com
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
If you’re looking for a little more coverage but still want something lightweight, I’d recommend Complexion Rescue from Bare Minerals. The bouncy gel formula won’t feel heavy on the face, and with an SPF of 30, it offers decent sun protection, making it an excellent beach bag staple. Unlike the Skin Tint from Glossier and its thing consistency, the bouncy texture in the Complexion Rescue smooths over rough spots and blemishes, casting the illusion of great skin.
Another feature I love about this, especially in summer, is the hydrating nature of it. It’s full of hydrating ingredients that leave skin feeling soft and looking dewy.
My Shade: Opal 01
$30 , ulta.com
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
It’s not considered a classic for nothing! Ask any OG beauty fanatic, and they’ll probably rank this somewhere near the top of their most loved lightweight base products. Like Complexion Rescue, it has a subtle but buildable coverage that leaves your skin feeling and looking great. It’s satisfyingly moisturizing without being thick, and the SPF 20 makes it great for everyday.
If you’re a super oily gal, try out the oil-free version for the same result without the fear of breakouts.
My Shade: Porcelain
$44 , sephora.com
I do apologize for the lack of drugstore options. I’ve yet to find a tinted moisturizer/BB cream product at the drugstore I like AND is a good shade match for me. If you have any drugstore/inexpensive options you love, please let me know!
Up Next: An Easy ‘No Makeup’ Makeup Routine
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