How to Apply Tinted Moisturizer: 3 Tips for Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer is a water-based face cream formulated with colored pigments to match the skin tone. As a two-in-one beauty product, tinted moisturizers both hydrate and cover the complexion, creating a natural finish. Unlike foundation, which has a thick consistency for full coverage, tinted moisturizers are more lightweight and blend into the skin for sheer coverage. Most tinted moisturizers also contain antioxidants and broad-spectrum SPF for sun protection.

Due to its lightweight formula, tinted moisturizer is an easy product to apply and blend into the skin. Consider the below steps for incorporating tinted moisturizer into a natural makeup look:

1. 1. Cleanse your skin. Before you apply tinted moisturizer, wash your face with a cleanser formulated for your skin type. Cleansing the skin removes impurities and smooths out the skin’s surface, preventing your makeup from getting cakey throughout the day.
2. 2. Moisturize your face. Although tinted moisturizer hydrates the skin, it’s not a substitute for regular moisturizer. After cleansing and patting your skin dry, apply your daily moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Prepping with a face lotion prevents your tinted moisturizer from flaking off throughout the day and makes your makeup routine buildable for layering products.
3. 3. Apply the tinted moisturizer. Using a pea-sized amount, dab the tinted moisturizer on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and under-eye area. Dot the moisturizer in these key spots, so when you blend the product, it evenly coats your face.
4. 4. Blend into the skin. Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin with your fingers. Use small, circular motions to create an even blend. Makeup artists recommend using a foundation brush or makeup sponge to buff the product into small crevices, such as the sides of your nose and inner eye corners.
5. 5. Apply additional coverage (optional). Since tinted moisturizers provide light coverage, consider applying a concealer or CC cream to hide blemishes. CC creams cover hyperpigmentation in acne-prone skin, while concealer targets dark circles and single breakouts. For a matte finish, apply a setting powder evenly across your face. Apply a lightweight setting spray to create a dewy, glowing skin look.

When applied correctly, a tinted moisturizer creates a fresh, “no-makeup” look. Below are tips for getting the most out of your tinted moisturizer.

1. 1. Consider your skin type. The best tinted moisturizer treats your skincare concerns. Dry skin types should opt for tinted moisturizers with nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamin C. In contrast, oily skin types should stick to oil-free formulas with mattifying ingredients, such as salicylic acid and niacinamide. If you have sensitive skin, look for soothing ingredients, including aloe vera, shea butter, and calendula. Mature skin types also benefit from the hydrating ingredients used for dry and sensitive skin types.
2. 2. Find the right match. To ensure your tinted moisturizer blends into your skin tone, test the product on your jawline or inner wrist. Select three shades within your general skin tone, and apply them separately. Compare the skin tints under natural lighting to determine the closest match.
3. 3. Reapply sunscreen. While most tinted moisturizers have SPF 15 or higher, after about two hours the sun protection wears off. Reapply your face sunscreen every two hours for optimal UV protection. You can also mix your sunscreen with tinted moisturizer—use a makeup brush to blend the SPF into your face makeup.

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