I know we all love the idea of skipping steps when it comes to skincare, and that's evident with the number of trending makeup products that claim to deliver these types of benefits. But being the beauty editor that I am, I have questions. First, do these types of products actually contain enough of said skincare ingredients to make a difference in your complexion? Personally, I don't think so. Makeup with extra skin-nourishing ingredients can be great, but I don't think it should replace a good old-fashioned skincare routine. Don't take my word for it; just ask Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
"While makeup can offer some skincare benefits, depending on the ingredients incorporated, it is important to remember that it will not necessarily replace what is needed in a traditional skincare routine," she says. "For example, some makeup designed for acne-prone skin may contain ingredients to help reduce oil, but it's unlikely that it will be enough to prevent breakouts from forming. Additionally, because these are cosmetics and available over the counter, there isn’t as much formal regulation and evidence regarding the long-term skincare benefits." Trust me—I wish using makeup with skincare ingredients would allow me to chuck my serums and moisturizers, but I can at least rest easier knowing that some of my makeup does add a considerable boost to my routine.
No matter your skin type, there are a few things Garshick says you can look for in these types of products to bolster the results of your regimen. "Seek hydrating ingredients that help to boost moisture in the skin," she shares. "As we age, we lose moisture, so using products containing humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw moisture in can help to not only give a dewy glow but also plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While sunscreen in makeup doesn't replace a standard application of sunscreen, it can certainly help to provide additional protection, especially when on the go. For those with acne-prone skin, there are some products that contain salicylic acid, which can work to reduce oil on the skin and unclog the pores. Importantly, for those who are also dry, incorporating salicylic acid in makeup may be too drying on the skin and may be best to avoid."
For a few makeup items that can truly act as an extension to your skincare routine, keep scrolling below—you'll find a few options for every skin type.
Best Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin
I'm a big fan of both this formula from Kosas and the brand's Tinted Face Oil Foundation. Both formulas provide a nice boost to the skin, but the Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation contains a whole lot of nourishment. It includes squalane, niacinamide, caffeine, provitamin B5, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and SPF 25. It's a perfect cocktail of skin-enhancing ingredients that are great for acne-prone skin especially.
This noncomedogenic priming serum has peptides and pearl pigments that help even out your skin tone and can reduce the appearance of imperfections.
This pigment-correcting primer is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and mineral-based sunscreens that work wonders for acne-prone skin. It also has built-in skin brighteners that lighten discoloration and give you a healthy glow.
Best Youth-Enhancing Makeup
This medium-to-full-coverage formula from Hourglass hydrates and firms with a luminous finish. It's designed to even out your skin's tone, soften fine lines, and boost moisture levels. The secret sauce is the brand's Hyaluronon Complex, made up of an advanced form of hyaluronic acid. It tightens the skin while filling in deeper wrinkles.
The internet loves this foundation for its natural glow–boosting formula that contains a few skincare ingredients as well. It has hyaluronic acid, a rose complex to boost radiance, and Bix'Activ, which minimizes the look of pores.
If you just like a light tinted moisturizer with a few skincare benefits added in, try Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Perfector. It contains retinol to reduce fine lines and wrinkles along with SPF 20, which isn't a lot considering retinol makes you more susceptible to sunburn. But it's at least a good budget option to use as long as you use an additional sunscreen underneath.
Best Makeup for Dry Skin
This complexion duo is great for those who only want a little sheer coverage. It has a skincare base infused with peptides and sodium hyaluronate to plump the skin, while squalane adds more hydration.
Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint is a fan and dermatologist favorite because it contains skin-nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, squalane, and a blend of hyaluronic acids to soothe dry skin. Board-certified dermatologist Snehal Amin even calls it a "winner for daytime outdoor wear."
Botanical juices, antioxidants, coconut alkanes, and hyaluronic acid? Juice Beauty's Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer truly has it all—especially for drier skin types. It smooths the skin and even helps plump fine lines and wrinkles with all the extra moisture and vitamins (E and C).
Best Makeup for Sensitive Skin
Avène's Tinted Compact is formulated specifically for sensitive complexions and provides the skin with SPF protection, vitamin E, and antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
This serum, moisturizer, and highlighter in one has a gorgeous (yet subtle) shimmer finish. It contains squalane and other botanical extracts to boost hydration and create a lit-from-within glow, all while being safe to use on sensitive skin.
Dermablend formulates its products to be safe for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. This unique jelly-like primer features plant extracts that add extra moisture while smoothing and tightening the skin for better foundation application. It's truly an all-in-one product.
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