The Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer Reviews – 2023 Top Picks
After spending more than 21 hours researching and testing products, we were able to narrow down your choices and find the 10 best drugstore tinted moisturizers formulated for different skin issues. The products that made it to our list have been carefully evaluated based on formulations, ingredients and the skin benefits they offer.
For the best drugstore tinted moisturizer, BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is a highly recommended product. Formulated with SPF 30, this one has anti-aging and great moisturizing benefits.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur Instant Oil-Absorbing Coverage BB Cream makes a great choice for those who have oily skin. Apart from its mattifying effect, it also has the ability to make your pores a lot less visible.
If you have acne-prone skin, choose Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free and comes with a wider selection of shades.
E.L.F Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 contains vitamins A, C and E. It’s a lightweight product you can comfortably wear on your dry skin.
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer has a creamier consistency than the other products. Despite that, it’s one of the easiest one to apply and blend.
Choose this one if you are looking for something that can work with your combination skin.
2021’s Reviews Of The Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizers
Rankings | Image | Product Name | Editor’s Rating | Price |
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End your search for the best drugstore tinted moisturizers as our beauty editors reveal their top picks below.
#1 BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is a great multitasking product which is why it’s the best drugstore tinted moisturizer.
It’s formulated with marine botanicals and mineral electrolytes to hydrate and energize the skin. Apart from that, it also has antioxidants to make sure your skin is safe from environmental stressors.
The product feels light and you can blend it into your skin without much troubles. It feels very fresh on the skin.
It’s non-cakey and offers sheer to medium coverage. Take note that this one has a translucent finish.
If you happen to have darker skin blemishes or if you are looking for something that can give you full coverage, this isn’t the one. Despite that, this tinted moisturizer can leave your skin with a hint of glow.
It’s nice that it also has SPF 30. It’s adequate for minimal sun exposure.
But if you know you’ll be exposed to the sun for long hours, make sure to use a separate sunscreen.
We have a list of the best sunscreens you should definitely check out.
Things We Liked
- Provides natural looking coverage
- Fragrance-free
- Comes with a wide range of shades
- Contains plant-based antioxidants
Things We Didn't Like
- Can look shiny on oily skin
- Consistency is a bit runny
#2 La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur Instant Oil-Absorbing Coverage BB Cream
For something that can work with oily skin, La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur Instant Oil-Absorbing Coverage BB Cream shouldn’t be out of your list. It has this ability to absorb and control oil so you can remain shine-free after application.
And not just that.
This tinted moisturizer can also blur out pores. For someone with oily skin, you know how hard it is to conceal enlarged pores, right?
The product has a lightweight feel and a matte finish, which is another great thing for your skin type. It gets instantly absorbed so there’s no long waiting time just to get the product to set.
It has a mousse-like consistency. You’ll have no issue applying and blending this one.
As for coverage, this one is definitely sheer to light. You can’t expect it to cover really dark spots and pigmentations.
One of the things I didn’t really like about this product is the limited choices when it comes to shades. And by limited, I’m referring to the two shades it comes in.
Things We Liked
- Mattifies shine
- Blurs out pores
- Consistency makes it easy to blend out
- Gives natural looking coverage
Things We Didn't Like
- Shades are limited
- Not long lasting
#3 Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 might be on the pricey side but it makes a good investment for those who have acne-prone skin. This product offers a sheer coverage to even up your skin tone and conceal mild imperfections.
It doesn’t dry down to a completely matte finish. It has a bit of dewiness that’s not really bothering for someone who’s oily.
But, if you do want a matte finish, you can easily achieve that effect by lightly dusting a small amount of translucent powder.
Apart from the natural-looking finish, this one is also oil-free and fragrance-free. It comes in a wide range of shades to fit light to dark skin tones.
The product has a thicker consistency, so you’ll need a smaller amount to work on your face. This is actually quite nice since it is a bit pricey.
One tube can last you for awhile.
Things We Liked
- Has more shade options
- A little goes a long way
- Easy to blend
- Thicker consistency
Things We Didn't Like
- Expensive
#4 E.L.F Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Containing vitamins A, C and E, E.L.F Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 has a lightweight and hydrating formula your dry skin will surely love. In addition to the vitamins, you can also find aloe and cucumber in its list of ingredients.
The product leans more on the thinner side, but it’s not that runny to make application hard. In fact, I actually found it easy to apply and blend either with a brush or by fingers.
It’s not heavy and it doesn’t have that waxy feeling either.It provides a light coverage to hide subtle skin imperfections. It doesn’t do anything to blur out pores but it doesn’t settle in them, too.
The product is able to provide moisture. However, if you have really, really dry skin, don’t attempt to use this product as a replacement for your trusted moisturizer.
And one more thing.
This tinted moisture doesn’t contain fragrance. However, it still has this faint scent- not too bothering, though.
Things We Liked
- Inexpensive
- Doesn’t feel waxy
- Contains vitamins
- Hydrating
- Packaging is travel-friendly
Things We Didn't Like
- Has a faint scent
- Contains mineral oil
#5 TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer SPF 18
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer has a lower SPF rating than the rest of the products on this list. Despite that, it doesn’t fall short on doing its job.
The product has a silky, creamy and smooth texture that feels very light on the skin. It’s easy to apply, too.
It’s supposed to make your skin’s complexion a lot more polished. And I think it actually delivers.
While it can’t completely cover dark pigmentations, it’s able to provide just enough coverage for mild imperfections. It can conceal pores, but only to a certain extent.
The staying power of this one is only average. As a tinted moisturizer, you can’t really expect it to last for long hours, right?
But, I’d say it can stand for a good 3 to 4 hours. You may be able to extend its wearing time by setting it with powder.
Things We Liked
- Easy to blend on the skin
- Doesn’t leave the skin greasy or waxy
- Has an average staying power
- Doesn’t emphasize fine lines or dry spots
Things We Didn't Like
- Packaging is average
- SPF is low
#6 Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 can give your skin just enough hint of color to make you look glowing and radiant. It has a hydrating formula that can fit most skin types.
However, because of its antioxidant benefits, this tinted moisturizer can work best with mature skin. It contains chamomile, gingko biloba leaf extracts and ginger root extracts to halt the signs of premature aging, like your fine lines and wrinkles.
What’s nice about this product is that it actually melts into your skin. It has this oil-free formula that leaves the skin with a hint of glow.
And it delivers just that- without making you feel sticky, greasy or tacky.
The product comes in a squeeze tube, which makes it handy for traveling. Its consistency is a bit runny and that should make application a breeze.
Take note that the active ingredients in this product include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Using it anywhere near your eyes can cause stinging.
Things We Liked
- Dries to a satin-matte finish
- Spreads easily
- Doesn’t make the skin greasy or shiny
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Has antioxidant properties
Things We Didn't Like
- Pricey
- Contains dimethicone
#7 EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Tinted
This list of the best drugstore tinted moisturizers wouldn’t be complete without EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Tinted. Yes, you read that right.
SPF 40. It falls in the recommended SPF for the face.
Apart from the great sun protective properties, this product also contains hyaluronic acid. It works as a humectant by drawing in moisture and locking it in your skin.
Despite its ability to hydrate the skin, this moisturizer can be worn under makeup. In fact, it stays well even under matte foundations.
Like most of the tinted moisturizers on this list, this one can only provide minimal coverage. If you have really light skin discolorations, this should be enough.
As for the shade, you don’t actually have tons of options. The tint is light to medium.
In case you have a darker skin color, you may have some issues with this one.
One of the nice things that attracted me to this tinted moisturizer is its packaging. Instead of a squeeze tube, you get a slim bottle with a pump.
And because there’s a pump, dispensing is more accurate and less messy.
Things We Liked
- Provides SPF 40
- Packaging includes a pump
- Has a hydrating formula
- Can be worn under makeup
Things We Didn't Like
- Shade may not work for everyone
- Product can get stuck in the pump
#8 Revision Intellishade SPF 45 Matte
For something that’s matte, go with Revision Intellishade SPF 45 Matte. Its matte finish is flawless.
Plus, it’s also able to reduce the appearance of large pores because of its lecithin content. It can soothe fine lines and wrinkles, too.
That’s thanks to its three blends of peptides.
Apart from that, this tinted moisturizer also has vitamin C which is known to have a brightening effect on the skin. There’s also CoQ10 to give you smoother skin.
Despite the matte finish, the product isn’t that drying. In fact, it can make your skin look glowing.
There’s no streaks or even lines when you apply it.
Although its coverage is light, it is able to reduce the amount of makeup you’ll need. It helps in evening out the color of your skin.
One of the things you might not like about this product is its price. It’s fairly expensive for its size.
However, for its ingredients and benefits, you can actually get more value for what you pay for.
Things We Liked
- Contains great anti-aging ingredients
- Doesn’t dry the skin out
- Can even out skin color and tone
- Great sun protection
Things We Didn't Like
- Pricey
- Doesn’t work well with some makeup
#9 Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer
Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer comes in a standard tube packaging. Despite the simplicity of the tube, this product is actually quite impressive.
Take, for example, its ingredients.
It contains 4 greatly moisturizing ingredients. There’s sunflower oil, aloe leaf juice, resveratrol and malic acid.
The combination of these ingredients can protect your skin and leave it looking radiant and more even-toned.
This moisturizer utilizes mineral pigments to provide a light and glowing coverage. It comes in 4 different shades, all of which are free from artificial dyes.
The product does not come greasy, despite the moisturizing ingredients it has. It does, however, have this slight fruity scent that tends to fade after awhile.
I don’t find that irritating. In fact, it’s actually refreshing.
Things We Liked
- Contains a potent blend of hydrating ingredients
- Can address signs of premature skin aging
- Leaves skin glowing
- Isn’t greasy
Things We Didn't Like
- Not for oily skin
- Packaging is pretty standard
#10 Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer
100% free from harsh chemicals, Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer is easily the best organic tinted moisturizer. It comes in four shades to keep your skin healthy-looking.
This product contains ingredients that won’t let your dry skin down. It has shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil and sunflower seed oil.
It feels light and fresh on the skin. It can give you a smoother complexion that most BB creams, actually.
One problem you might encounter with this product is its scent. It smells weird but it’s not that annoying.
It fades as soon as the product sets on the skin.
Another factor you have to consider is its low SPF rating. Compared with the other ones in this list, you can only get SPF 15 from this tinted moisturizer.
Things We Liked
- Made with 80% organic ingredients
- Gives a natural-looking coverage
- Feels light on the skin
Things We Didn't Like
- Scent is weird
- Low SPF
Reviews And Comparisons Of The Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizers
Rankings | Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer | Best Tinted Moisturizer For Oily Skin | Best Tinted Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin | Best Tinted Moisturizer For Dry Skin | Best Tinted Moisturizer For Combination Skin |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top-Rated Drugstore Tinted Moisturizers 2017 | |||||
Brand | |||||
Fragrance-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SPF | 30 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 |
Coverage | Sheer to medium | Sheer | Sheer | Light | Sheer |
Packaging | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Quantity | 1.18 ounce | 1 fluid ounce ounce | 1.7 fluid ounce | 0.85 ounce | 2.15 fluid ounce |
Get Started |
What Is A Tinted Moisturizer?
Tinted moisturizers are basically what the name implies. They are moisturizers formulated with pigments to provide a hint of coverage.
However, unlike your other makeup bases, tinted moisturizers can only go sheer to light. Some of them can be built to a medium coverage, but they aren’t that common.
Because they are tinted, these products can be used on their own. They make a perfect choice for people who want a “no-makeup-makeup” look and those who are just too lazy or busy to do a full face makeup.
You can also use them underneath your makeup. Most tinted moisturizers can even out skin tone and complexion so you are less likely to use a lot of makeup products just to get a good base.
As for application?
It actually requires a less complicated way of application. Instead of a makeup brush (although you can still use one), tinted moisturizers are best applied with your fingers.
The warmth of your hands is supposed to help the product settle and sink into your skin better. You should blend it outward and up to get the best effects.
And don’t forget concealers, too. Although tinted moisturizers are pigmented, most of them aren’t enough for moderate to really dark pigmentations.
Apply your concealers last so they’ll stay put longer. Again, don’t forget to blend.
Pros And Cons Of Using Tinted Moisturizers
Tinted moisturizers are hardworking products. Apart from hydration, they also provide coverage.
And they have these advantages, too:
- Tinted moisturizers feel lightweight on the skin. It’s a good break from heavy foundations and creams
- They have a thinner consistency which makes application easy. You should be able to blend them with your (clean) fingers.
- Tinted moisturizers offer a wider range of shades than BB creams, but not as wide as foundations.
- They are perfect for achieving a natural-looking, dewy look.
- They allow your skin to breathe more.
Unfortunately, not everything about this type of moisturizer is great. Here are a couple of cons to make you rethink:
Don’t trust a product just because it says it’s chemical-free. Do your research.
Conclusion
For someone who’s too lazy to apply layers of foundations and makeup products, tinted moisturizers make a great option. Unfortunately, finding the right one among the tons of options today can be enough to make you feel overwhelmed.
Not to mention, confused, too.
Understanding those difficulties, we have round up the best drugstore tinted moisturizers for you. These products might provide just a hint of coverage but they are sure to address your specific skin needs.
From dry skin, acne-prone skin to skin that’s aging and sensitive, we’ve got you covered. Take your pick and see how these little multi-taskers can amp up your makeup routine.
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