Don’t get us wrong, we love a full-coverage moment—but the best skin tints are even better bets for a year-round glow without the heavy feel that often accompanies foundation. Instead, skin tints boast supremely lightweight textures, easy-on-pores formulations, and sheer yet buildable coverage, and they tend to treat your skin to nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide, too.
Plus, many formulas on the market feature SPF—and while a skin tint with SPF shouldn’t replace a standalone sunscreen (unless it has SPF 30 or higher), we always welcome extra UV protection. So, without further ado, these are the very best skin tints approved by editors and board-certified dermatologists to perfect your no-makeup-makeup look.
Our Top Skin Tints
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint
Why it’s worth it: Make Up For Ever’s Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint’s skin care-forward formula makes it our go-to lightweight complexion product. It’s loaded with polyglutamic and hyaluronic acids to hydrate and plump the skin, while grapefruit extract brightens and exfoliates via its natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). The coverage? Just enough to take down redness and blur uneven spots, but sheer enough to let your skin still look like…well, skin. (Just tap it on with fingers for that barely-there, melted-in finish.) And, because it’s buildable without ever getting greasy, you can layer it on the days you need a little extra backup. We wish the shade range was a bit wider, but thanks to its sheer finish, each shade flexes across multiple skin tones.
“I always go either barefaced or full-coverage—no middle ground. But when I tried Make Up For Ever’s Skin Tint, I finally got the appeal of the in-between. It gives that natural, your-skin-but-better finish while still toning down redness and uneven spots. The glow is real, but never oily, and as someone with combination skin, I love that it keeps the shine in check without killing the dew.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
- Key ingredients: polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, grapefruit extract
- Who it’s for: people who want a sheer, no-makeup makeup-like finish
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 18
Best Glowy Finish: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Why it’s worth it: For a natural yet slightly dewy finish that won’t quit, Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint is your gal. Don’t just take our word for it. “After trekking through the city on a hot summer day, my skin still looked hydrated and non-oily by the time I returned home,” Kassidy Silva, Allure social director, notes. Summer Fridays debuted as a skin-care brand, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s skin tint serves up some familiar skin-loving ingredients, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to lock in moisture. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the addition of tiger grass to soothe skin and reduce the look of redness.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t use this skin tint—it truly is the ‘your skin but better’ formula in a bottle. Despite being super dry, consistently battling hormonal acne, and having a mix of deep and fine lines, this skin tint is undetectable! No settling into creases, no weird ashiness in the pigment, no accentuating my eczema patches—just a perfect weightless wear. The shade ranges are uniquely fitting; I’m Shade 5, which is ‘medium with warm neutral undertones’—do you know how rare it is to find a combination like this?! You do if you have a tricky medium skintone that’s all at once golden, warm, and olive. It’s a borderline magical product. The only drawback is that it’s a liquid, so sometimes you may spill if you’re in a rush (hi, mom of two and perpetually late to things). It has stained a top of mine, but, hey, that’s some good staying-power for you!” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: tiger grass, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane
- Who it’s for: people who want a sheer, no-makeup-makeup-like finish
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 12
Best Medium Coverage: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, “light coverage” doesn’t mean lacking pigment. Think of it as the perfect middle ground between a breezy skin tint and a classic foundation—weightless on skin yet buildable to even tone. The formula glides on seamlessly, relying on glycerin and vitamin E for a hydrated, healthy-looking glow. “I love how light and fresh it feels, literally like pushing water into my skin,” Kirin Bhatty, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles, previously told Allure, adding that she likes to apply it with her fingertips.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
“For a light layer of coverage on weekends or work from home days, I’m reaching for this tint. Once you pop the droplets of color inside the clear gel, you’re left with a thin, hydrating tint that covers just enough redness and discoloration. (The mixing process is also super-satisfying.) It plays well with my other makeup and never pills on me. And it lasts—I have a pretty oily T-zone, but once I set this with a little powder, I’m good for the whole day.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
- Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin E
- Who it’s for: people who want medium coverage
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 42
Best Buildable: Armani Golden Hour Skin Tint
Why it’s worth it: A skin tint is, by nature, on the sheerer side—but formulas can vary from light to fuller coverage. Fortunately, you can build up the coverage of Armani’s Golden Hour Skin Tint from barely-there to a soft medium, and it will always look undetectable. Like Make Up For Ever’s excellent tint, it also blends seamlessly with just your fingers (no brush or sponge required) for that fresh finish that makes skin look like skin, only better. And, it’ll feel as hydrated as it looks, since the formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. While the brand promises up to 24 hours of wear, our editors capped out at 14 before it was time for bed—yet we were still shook that it held up without a trace of midday greasiness.
“99% of the time, I will always prefer a skin tint over a foundation. I love a silky, lightweight texture that delivers a radiant, seamless payoff for my everyday look, and the Armani Beauty Golden Hour Skin Tint certainly gives me that golden hour glow unlike any other. As compared to all the other skin tints I use, I easily rub this in with my fingers as opposed to using a sponge or brush, and the finish is dewy, radiant, and simply beautiful. It truly does feel lightweight and airy on the skin!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: people who want a long-lasting, buildable tint
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 20
Best Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
Why it’s worth it: Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a silky, radiant pick beloved by the pros. “This feels like skin care and looks like skin care, but with good coverage,” says Bhatty. “The shade range is also so beautiful.” It’s formulated with squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid (sensing a trend here?) for an extra dose of hydration that sinks into skin without leaving behind any greasy feel. Keep in mind that your shade might look lighter on your skin at first, but then it will dry down to its true tone in 30 to 60 seconds.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
“This product is actually a dream. I have never been a skin tint girl (thanks, acne) but I have been experimenting with more lightweight formulas the last year or so and Ilia’s Skin Tint skyrocketed to the top as one of my favorites. Everything from the gentle, soothing scent to the creamy and blendable consistency is incredible. It soaks into my skin beautifully and gives me the perfect amount of coverage without too much heaviness. I feel it’s done wonders for my acne as well! Team skin tint!” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide
- Who it’s for: people who want a lightweight tint with SPF
- SPF: 40
- Shade count: 30
Best For Dry Skin: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Why we love it: Hourglass’s Hydrating Skin Tint didn’t win a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for nothing. It lends a more natural look, but what really sets it apart is the ingredient lineup. Meadowfoam seed oil nourishes and supports the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid boosts hydration levels, and plant-based squalane locks in moisture. The theme here is major moisture, so consider this the winner for those with dry skin who might be in the market for a more moisturizing skin tint.
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
“This hydrating skin tint has the most perfect glowy finish and actually stays put all day, but doesn’t make my skin feel tight and dry (like I need to spritz face mist every five minutes). As an eczema-prone girlie, I’m a big fan of its lightweight but buildable formula too, because it lets me hide some pesky eczema hyperpigmentation without the need to use a higher coverage base or extra concealer.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
- Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, hyaluronic acid, rambutan, squalane
- Who it’s for: dry skin
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 18
Best Lightweight: Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint
Why it’s worth it: Daydreaming of a product with a “your skin but better” effect? Snap out of it and pick up Iconic London’s Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint. Infused with plant-derived amino acids, pea extract, and peach flower extract to hydrate skin and promote firmness, the tint’s second-skin formula lends your complexion a buildable yet sheer veil of color that feels and looks barely there (in the best way possible).
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I’ve tried a handful of skin tints, but none work as well as Iconic London’s Super Smoother. Neutral Light is a perfect shade match most of the year, and in the warmer months, when I (gasp) get a bit more sun, I reach for Neutral Medium. Most days, one layer is good enough for me, but on days I crave a bit more coverage—or know I’ll be taking photos (real talk)—it’s so easy to build up and still maintains a featherweight feel. And absolutely no pilling! I pack this wherever I go—I can’t be without it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: amino acid, pea extract, peach flower extract
- Who it’s for: people who want buildable coverage
- SPF: 0
- Shade count: 17
Best For Oily Skin: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint
Why it’s worth it: If you have oily skin, consider this your holy grail. The Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint delivers just the right touch of dewiness for a natural glow—but it won’t slip or slide, thanks to mineral powders that actually absorb excess oil and lock coverage in place all day. Beyond the finish, the formula is spiked with barrier-strengthening ceramides and line-smoothing peptides to support your skin long-term. Apply three to four drops, and it’s basically like swapping your monthly facials for a bottle.
Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
“This skin tint has the perfect balance of coverage and glow that covers up my redness while still leaving my skin looking like my skin! It has a lightweight feel to it and works so well with any other product I layer on top of it, it’s my go to for a reason.” —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
- Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, squalane, cactus extract
- Who it’s for: those with oily skin
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 20
Best Longwear: Milk Makeup Hydrogrip Skin Tint
Why it’s worth it: Like its cult-favorite Hydro Grip Primer, Milk’s Skin Tint clings to skin without sinking into fine lines, making it a great option for those with mature skin. The gel formula is loaded with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for a naturally satiny finish, while blue agave extract keeps your makeup locked in for up to 12 hours—no creasing, no fading. It comes in 15 shades and is basically built to keep up with your day, wherever that might take you.
“I’m always red, thanks to my rosacea and really sensitive skin. This lightweight skin tint evens out tone and hides my redness, without hiding the beauty marks on my face that I love. It glides across my face easily, whether I’m using a brush or my fingers to apply it—and doesn’t fade or crack when I sweat.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue agave extract
- Who it’s for: Those with oily skin or want a longer-lasting tint
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 16
Best Blurring: Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir
Why it’s worth it: During Best of Beauty testing, our team unanimously swooned over Kylie Cosmetics’ Skin Tint Blurring Elixir. We’re mega fans of the soft-focus blur it creates on skin, thanks to silica and mica powders that reflect light and smooth texture. The formula also has impressive pigment, a hydrating hit of hyaluronic acid, and 24 flexible shades that range from deep dark to ultra-fair. We wore it through sweltering New York City days, and instead of melting into a cakey, greasy mess, it stayed smooth and airbrushed, while still letting skin breathe.
Tester feedback from Allure creative producer Sydney Malone
“I absolutely love this skin tint, especially for the summer since the lightweight coverage doesn’t feel overbearing in the heat. It gives me a light glow while not appearing shiny.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, mica, silica
- Who it’s for: people who want to smooth texture
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 24
Best for Mature Skin: Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops
Why it’s worth it: Victoria Beckham teamed up with skin-care powerhouse Augustinus Bader—famed for its patented TFC8 technology—for her first-ever Foundation Drops. At the core is Bader’s signature complex of vitamins, lipids, and peptides, the same one behind the brand’s award-winning creams that, according to the company, can boost hydration in just 12 hours and visibly improve elasticity and fine lines within six weeks. True to Beckham’s your-skin-but-better ethos, the formula enhances rather than masks. It’s also spiked with olive leaf extract to help soften wrinkles, jojoba oil to calm redness, and echinacea to plump and smooth. The result: a serum-like foundation with light-to-medium coverage that feels featherlight, won’t crease or cake, and leaves skin with a hydrated, healthy glow that only improves over time.
Tester feedback from Shipin
This formula is an absolute dream for my dry skin, fine lines, and hormonal acne. It smooths, blurs, and provides enough coverage that you look like you’ve applied the Paris filter to your face while wearing nothing at all. It’s the opposite of cakey, and doesn’t crease—even in my deeper forehead lines. These foundation drops are supremely lightweight, have a familiar scent (much like Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint, presumably thanks to the mineral ingredients in it), and while it’s pricey compared to my usual products that are half the price, a little goes a long way. The formula floods the skin with even coverage and dries down to a healthy, hydrated glow. On top of that, as I age (rapidly, thanks to two kids with apparently no need for sleep), I love that there’s some Augustinus Bader-powered skincare infused in the product. Am I expecting it to work like SkinCeuticals’ P-Tiox? No, but I love that it’s oriented like skincare, rather than detracting from my routine. It’s non-comedogenic, which is so important to me in tints and foundations, since my skin is so prone to break-outs. One thing to note: Like many foundations, the color may appear a little strong at first, but it dries down to a beautiful, natural finish. I’m a perfect match for Medium, which has lovely golden undertones. —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: TFC8, olive leaf extract, jojoba oil, echinacea, glycerin
- Who it’s for: people who want to smooth fine lines
- SPF: no
- Shade count: 19
Best with SPF: Supergoop Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint
Why it’s worth it: You might know (and love) Supergoop for its invisible Unseen Sunscreen, but you can now count on a little more color. With the power of SPF 50, Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint guards your face against harmful UV rays and offers a wash of sheer, brightening pigment that makes skin look more even and radiant. The star ingredient, ectoin, fights free radical damage, and the hyaluronic acid–infused clay keeps your skin hydrated while soaking up excess sebum. Note that this is a hybrid formula, meaning it contains both mineral and chemical UV filters. Genius.
“As an oily skin girly, I didn’t even have to set this tint with powder, which is a huge win for me. But, if you like a matte finish, you may find this a bit too dewy for your liking.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
Tester feedback from former associate project manager Talia Gutierrez
“My olive-toned skin is sometimes hard to match as I find many skin tints lean too orange, but I found my shade 30W with no hassle. The buildable coverage by no means completely conceals my freckles (thank goodness). I also found that areas of my skin, like my jawline and around my nose, with slight discoloration and redness, were covered and concealed, leaving an even-looking complexion.”—Talia Gutierrez, former associate project manager
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (13.58%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (5%), hyaluronic acid, ectoin
- Who it’s for: people who want extra sun protection
- SPF: 50
- Shade count: 14
Best Brightening: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops
Why it’s worth it: A no-makeup-makeup staple, Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation Drops don’t mess around when it comes to dewiness and luminosity. This noncomedogenic formula swirls together Tsubaki oil, ginseng, and pomegranate extract to boost brightness and hydration while providing the ideal wash of breathable coverage. Allure editors and celebrity makeup artists have been among fans since 2022. “I love these complexion drops for everyday use because they give light-to-medium coverage while still being breathable,” sums up Katrina Klein, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I didn’t love this formula at first, since it left my naturally oily skin a little too dewy. Turns out, it was a matter of timing. It’s a godsend, especially in the winter, when my skin practically begs for the blend of sunflower, almond, and tsubaki oil. It imparts enough coverage to even out my skin tone while feeling like nothing at all.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: tsubaki oil, ginseng, pomegranate extract
- Who it’s for: people who want a dewy, bright finish
- SPF: 0
- Shade count: 20
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between foundation and skin tint?
Foundations and skin tints mainly differ in both pigment levels and their skin-care perks. Foundations deliver more coverage, but that extra pigment can often feel heavy—and powders in the formula may settle into fine lines. (That’s why it’s all the more important to find a foundation made for mature skin.)
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