If you’re someone who loves a no-makeup makeup look, you’re probably always reaching for tinted moisturizer. The hybrid complexion product is known for giving glowy, light to medium coverage while also delivering major skincare benefits (you’ll often see ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide listed on the bottle). But how do you apply tinted moisturizer for the best makeup day possible?
We asked celebrity makeup artist and on-air beauty expert Neil Scibelli all your complexion questions, including exactly how to apply tinted moisturizer, how to choose the perfect formula for your skin, and more. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to radiant, lit-from-within skin that lasts all day long and leaves your skin feeling moisturized. Ahead, our step-by-step breakdown on how to apply tinted moisturizer.
How do you choose the right tinted moisturizer for you?
With so many tinted moisturizers on the market (we’re talking liquids, sticks and balms, formulas with SPF, formulas for mature skin, lightweight skin tints—the list goes on), how do you determine which is the right one for you? First up, remember that this isn’t a full coverage foundation. Instead, think of it as “your skin but better” and expect a natural finish. You might still see some texture, but it’ll even out your skin tone, add a little tint to your skin, and deliver a good dose of moisture.
Next, make sure you know what your skin type is. “Each product will offer a unique formula and a specific finish,” says Scibelli. “Understanding your skin and what the product offers will help you make the right decision when purchasing.” If you have dry skin, any tinted moisturizer is going to give you that hydration your skin’s craving, but specifically looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane will really do the trick. Sensitive skin types will appreciate nourishing ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides. Oilier skin types should opt for a mattifying or gel formula to keep shine at bay.
Most important, make sure you’re asking yourself what you really want in a tinted moisturizer. Does your skin need extra moisture? Is SPF a main factor for you? These are all questions Scibelli says to think about.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
Amazon
Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF
Amazon
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Nordstrom
Sephora
Pixi On-the-Glow Base Foundation Moisture Stick
Ulta
What is the best way to apply a tinted moisturizer?
Prep your skin
Of course, you want to start any makeup routine with a clean face. You can even think of this as an extension of your skincare routine. If you like using a serum, moisturizer, or primer, go in with one of those first, followed by your SPF (always!). Though some tinted moisturizers do have sunscreen in them, you’re likely not applying enough on your skin to get the full sun protection value. So for extra protection, add your favorite sunscreen to your routine (the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a water resistant, broad spectrum SPF that’s at least SPF 30). Then, it’s time for the star of the show: your tinted moisturizer.
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Holly testing EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer
ChevronChevron
EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer
Amazon
Dermstore
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Holly testing Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30
ChevronChevron
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30
Nordstrom
Apply tinted moisturizer with a brush, sponge, or your fingers
Start by putting a small amount of tinted moisturizer (you can always add more—buildable coverage FTW) either on the back of your hand or directly onto your face. Grab your favorite foundation brush, makeup sponge, or even use your fingers to rub it in. “I’ll typically apply a tinted moisturizer with a synthetic foundation brush first to distribute the product evenly,” says Scibelli. He focuses on layering, building from light coverage to fuller coverage as needed.
Apply in upward and circular motions. “I typically apply a tinted moisturizer in an upward motion,” he adds. If you have some hyperpigmentation, breakouts, blemishes, or dark circles you want to cover up or want some extra brightening power, this is where a concealer steps in: “Then I’ll go in with a concealer and conceal any spots that are peeking through the tinted moisturizer,” he says.
If you prefer lighter and more sheer coverage, “sponges can be a great option,” he says, as makeup sponges can soak up some of the product. “You can also do a final blend with a sponge once you’ve initially applied the tinted moisturizer to your skin, if needed,” he says, which helps diffuse the product for an airbrushed, skin-like finish.
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush
Amazon
Sephora
Beautyblender Original Sponge
Amazon
The first, the best, the original—and we have founder Rea Ann Silva to thank. This award-winning makeup applicator uses exclusive aqua-activated material for an airbrushed application and absorbs minimal product, so makeup always lands on your face, not your sponge.Set with a powder
Wondering if you should top your tinted moisturizer with a setting powder or not? It depends on your skin type and what you’re looking for in your makeup. “Applying a powder over a tinted moisturizer is something I recommend to anyone who is looking to set their makeup for longer wear, for a slightly less dewy finish, or to control oil in their T-zone,” says Scibelli.
If you decide to set with a powder, use it sparingly. “I personally like to target where the powder is going so the skin still looks multi-dimensional,” Scibelli says. “I typically will powder more of the center of the face, like the center of the brows and around the nose and mouth area.” This way, your face won’t look too matte, but you’ll still get long wear.
One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
Finish off your makeup
Once your base is set, it’s time to play with the rest of your makeup and get out the door. For a quick and easy look, a touch of bronzer, blush, and mascara can do the trick: “I think cream blushes are the perfect balmy finish to top off a tinted moisturizer,” advises Scibelli. If you like a more bronzed look, you can even add bronzing drops into your tinted moisturizer when you’re applying, he recommends.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Petal
Nordstrom
Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.
The post How To Apply Tinted Moisturizer, According to Makeup Pros appeared first on Glamour.
