Applying full-coverage foundation [1] over sunscreen-soaked skin is never ideal, especially when the thermometer promises sweat-inducing temperatures. Insert: tinted moisturiser. Ideal for summer, tinted moisturisers are your skin's best friend when you want to enhance your complexion while still looking natural. Not only does this secret skin-care weapon pack an SPF punch, but it also coats skin with a light hint of foundation. While it won't completely mask your face like a heavy foundation would, it still evens out skin tones and offers subtle coverage for all skin types. The addition of SPF also helps to block harmful UV rays that can damage skin and cause premature ageing, so you're doing more than just lathering on a light foundation. This double-duty lotion gives you the best of both worlds by fulfiling both your makeup and skin-care needs with one easy-to-use product.
If you're looking for an effective tinted moisturiser, Amazon has some of the best products [2] on the market. With hundreds (and sometimes even thousands!) of rave reviews, these products have been tried and tested by real skin-care enthusiasts. Read ahead to see the top-rated tinted moisturisers on Amazon, and enjoy a clean, clear, and protected complexion long after the summer months have passed.
Maybelline New York Makeup Dream Fresh BB Cream SPF 30
Ultra-affordable and reviewed over 3,000 times, this Maybelline New York Makeup Dream Fresh BB Cream SPF 30 [4] ($7) proves that a low price doesn't mean low quality. This multitasking formula hydrates, brightens, smoothes, enhances, protects, and blurs imperfections on all skin types. Reviewers noted that it was good for dry and sensitive skin, and also offered a nice and natural look.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Ageing Perfector Tinted Facial Moisturiser and Retinol Treatment
With over 1,000 reviews, this Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Ageing Perfector Tinted Facial Moisturiser and Retinol Treatment [5] ($10) has an overall rating of four and a half stars, with most reviewers giving it a five-star review. Complete with an SPF of 20, this moisturiser protects skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone and texture, and utilising retinol to help make skin look younger and healthier.
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50
Over 70 percent of reviewers rated this Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50 [6] ($16) with five stars, and for good reason! With a lightweight, matte finish, this tinted cream doesn't leave behind a greasy residue, even with the high SPF. Not to mention it's also hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and cruelty free.
BalmShelter Silky-Smooth Tinted Moisturiser SPF 18
This to-the-point BalmShelter Silky-Smooth Tinted Moisturiser SPF 18 [7] ($24) offers light sun protection while helping to improve skin's tone and texture.
One reviewer had this to say about the product: "This tinted moisturiser spreads so nicely on your skin and the colour was perfect for me (I'm half Irish, half Italian, but look more Irish; i.e. Fair skinned). It gives nice coverage — my freckles don't disappear, but my skin tone is nicely evened out. I was worried that it wouldn't give me enough moisturising, as I have fairly dry skin, but it's been quite good. Also, I find SPF 18 to be perfect for me, as I like to get a little bit of colour from the sun. I highly recommend this product, and I'll definitely be reordering."
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
This BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 [8] ($25) offers sheer-to-medium coverage, so you can add as many or as little layers as you want to achieve a natural glow. It also provides powerful hydration and replenishes skin with the help of mineral electrolytes, calcium, and magnesium. Reviewers liked how lightweight the formula is and how it offers buildable coverage.
CoverGirl Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream SPF 21
Over 1,000 skincare enthusiasts rated this CoverGirl Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream SPF 21 [9] ($6), and their reviews were top-notch! This cream provides a natural radiance to skin along with a combination of all-day hydration and sheer coverage.
One reviewer wrote this five-star review: "I've used many different BB creams over the years and I keep coming back to this one. Two main reasons: price and all-around great product. I love that it has SPF, so I don't have to remember to put it on my face daily. It offers very light coverage, so my face doesn't look like I've got makeup caked on it. Does a great job evening out my skin tone and blends my freckles a little, but doesn't make them disappear."
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 40
This dermatologist-recommended EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 40 [10] ($32) contains UV-blocking ingredients as well as hyaluronic acid that helps boost moisture retention. It also features a transparent zinc oxide that coats skin to block harmful sun rays, and a sheer tint to even out complexions. It can be worn under makeup or on its own, depending on what you're looking for.
Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Anti-Ageing Face Moisturiser
This affordable Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Anti-Ageing Face Moisturiser [11] ($11) has a multitasking formula which offers light coverage for an even skin tone, as well as a moisturiser with SPF. Whether you're looking for rich hydration, anti-ageing benefits, or a glowing complexion, this BB cream has got you covered. It has SPF 15, so you know your face will be protected from harmful UV rays. Apply as often as necessary.
Olay Total Effects Face Moisturiser + Touch of Foundation
Complete with anti-ageing benefits, this Olay Total Effects Face Moisturiser + Touch of Foundation [12] ($20) will give skin an effortless glow in no time. It provides sheer coverage as well as helps skin fight off signs of ageing such as dullness, lack of firmness, dryness, and visible pores.
One reviewer even said this about the product: "I am 76 years old and started using this in my 50/60s before I found the touch of foundation. I use the regular at bedtime and the touch of foundation in the daytime. Many people have remarked that I have no wrinkles. Whatever is in this product makes my skin look wonderful. I also noticed this on my daughter's dresser. She is very wealthy and can afford to buy any beauty care products, but this is the only face cream that I see on her dresser! I guess I set a good example!"
Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream SPF 15
Light and nongreasy, this Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream SPF 15 [13] ($17) will give your skin sheer coverage while also nourishing, hydrating, and protecting skin from sun damage. It instantly brightens and visibly evens skin tone, and is also packed with good-for-you ingredients to make your face glow. Use as foundation or wear under makeup.
Pūrlisse BB Tinted Moisturiser Cream SPF 30
Natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, this Pūrlisse BB Tinted Moisturiser Cream SPF 30 [14] ($35) gives skin a flawless finish. The SPF 30 makes it good for everyday use by protecting skin from the sun. It contains antioxidants like chamomile and artemisia to prevent ageing, and also features sugar maple to restore skin's natural glow.
Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturiser SPF 45
If anti-ageing benefits are what you're looking for, this Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturiser SPF 45 [15] ($75) is the thing for you. Formulated with a blend of peptides and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, it keeps skin covered thanks to the SPF 45 its formula contains. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as fights photodamage, which causes premature ageing.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30
The vegan, cruelty-free First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30 [16] ($28) is great for sensitive skin, has sun protection, and has a whipped, mousse-like texture for creamy application. Reviewers point out that it goes on smoothly, provides light coverage, and keeps skin hydrated.
Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35
Supergoop! [17] products are known for their light, barely-there coverage that pack an SPF punch and leave skin feeling soft not greasy. With more than 1,000 reviews (and a 4.3 star rating), the Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35 [18] ($36) is clearly doing something right.
BEAUTY by POPSUGAR Just Enough Tinted Moisturiser
Made with coconut, blueberry, and kukui seed oil, this BEAUTY by POPSUGAR Just Enough Tinted Moisturiser [19] ($25) leaves skin looking and feeling healthier and plumper. It features green tea extract that brightens and protects the skin's barrier, as well as hibiscus oil that helps fight the signs of ageing. It comes in eight different shades, meaning you can find your perfect match in no time.