Hate Foundation? These Are the 23 Best Tinted Moisturisers for a Natural Finish

This has gone TikTok-viral for good reason. It gives an amazing glow and comes in eight stretchable shades. You can use it alone, as it gives a soft-focus blurred effect, or you can actually mix with your normal moisturiser to craft your own tint.

Pros: Leaves a glowing finish.

Cons: Some may not like the applicator.

Price shown is member price.

When they say Glow Filter, they mean it. This tint, which comes in 8 shades, is perfect for dry to balanced skin types, as it is a really dewy-looking finish. The finish is very sheer, so it's a great option if you want something very lightweight.

Pros: A very lightweight formula.

Cons: Not great for long wear, foundation-like finish.

While it's technically a concealer, this multi-tasking, lightweight skincare-makeup hybrid effortlessly spot conceals the areas where you might want extra coverage—think dark circles, shadows and blemishes. It's ultra lightweight and felts into the skin with an undetectable finish, making it great for days when you don't want a full face of makeup on your skin.

Pros: As a concealer it works as a 2-in-1 product.

Cons: The finish is super light.

This is one of the best skin tints the beauty team have tested, and you'll find makeup experts raving about it too. It melts into the skin with a second-skin finish that provides a healthy glow and dewy finish. You won't regret trying it.

Pros: Gives a barely there finish.

Cons: Perhaps a tad too light than a standard tinted moisturiser.

I went through a phase where I only wore this as my base both day and night, summer or winter. It gives such a softly filtered effect that you really don’t look like you’re wearing any base at all.

Pros: Gives off a glowing and brightening skin complexion.

Cons: Could be too glowy for some.

If you want something super lightweight, this tint has more of a serum texture but still gives a good glow and some coverage thanks to the encapsulated micro-pigments. You just need to mix the formula on the back of your hand with a foundation brush before applying.

Pros: A serum-like texture that melts into you skincare routine.

Cons: Still need to apply a heavier base if that's what you're after.

This is a firm favourite amongst my industry peers because it has such a please-all formula. Lightweight, but hydrating and glowy—but not overly dewy. Plus, it’s available in 24 flexible shades.

Pros: Available in 24 inclusive shades.

Cons: Perhaps not great for oily skins.

Kosas' latest drop is fast becoming a Who What Wear team favourite. The gel-cream texture melts into the skin to deliver a hydrating and radiant veil of colour that still lets your complexion shine through—no cakiness here.

Pros: Smooth gel-like formula.

Cons: A tad heavier than most tinted moisturisers.

If you have oily skin, tinted moisturisers can be difficult to pick from, as they tend to have a dewy finish that quickly looks shiny on oily skin. This formula is oil-free, so it gives a semi-matte finish but without looking cakey or heavy.

Pros: Perfect for oily skin.

Cons: Not so great for people with dry skin.

So many beauty editors adore this tinted serum, which imparts a glowing radiance and is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients including hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide and plumping squalene.

Pros: Includes nourishing skincare ingredients.

Cons: Some may not be a fan of the pipette applicator.

One of the more affordable tinted moisturisers out there, this L'Oréal buy gives high coverage—almost foundation level—but feels like a light moisturiser/serum. Plus, it includes 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

Pros: Best budget high-street option.

Cons: May seem a little generic compared to a few newer options.

With this, you benefit from the care that Clinique put into its skincare but within a tint. It’s humidity- and sweat-resistant as well as oil-free so it can last all day.

Pros: Filter-liker finish.

Cons: People with dryer skin may want to avoid.

This tint is great for balanced skin. It has a lot of pigment for a tint, so if you’re looking for something closer to a light foundation, this is ideal. Plus, it contains aloe vera, ginger and witch hazel for skin-soothing benefits.

Pros: A tinted moisturiser that is similar to a foundation.

Cons: Too heavy coverage for some.

The best bit about this tint is how well it can be built up. You can opt for a light, sheer layer or do two for a bit more coverage without it looking cakey. It’s available in 15 shades.

Pros: Best for under full face of makeup.

Cons: Too light on its own.

(Members price £13, non-members £35)

As a member of the Beauty Pie community, I can buy this tint for just £9, and the quality is that of a high-end brand. It has a luminising, glowy finish and includes squalane in the formula for hydration retention.

Pros: Best oil-free formula.

Cons: Includes squalane so people who are allergic may want to avoid.

Super-dehydrated and dry skin? This is for you. Its name is the perfect description. The glow it gives is intense, like pure sunshine.

Pros: Easy application.

Cons: Some may find the roller too small to work.

This serum is sans silicones and formulated with 99% naturally derived ingredients. The pigments boost radiance and create a more even skin tone, while the serum includes glow-giving vitamin C, squalane and aloe vera.

Pros: Features nourishing ingredients.

Cons: The pipette may put some people off.

The word I would use to describe this tint is fresh. The finish, the texture and the skincare elements in the formula all feel very fresh. It gives a healthy look that isn’t greasy and lasts all day.

Pros: Best hydrating complexion.

Cons: Long wearing so if you want something light I would avoid.

If it's a sheer wash off colour that your require that lends a healthy-looking gleam to the skin, then YSL Beauty's NU Bare Look Tint is one to try next. It's also very hydrating, without being greasy.

Pros: Gives that no-make-up-make-up look.

Cons: Needs to be built up for a heavier coverage.

Over the past few years, Hourglass has fast become a go-to for dewy skin but this tint from their veil range is truly diamond in it's crown. You can wear it in sheer layers come summer but it's an easy product to build with in the cooler months. 

Pros: if you're after a natural finish this is the one.

Cons: Not great for a full face make-up look.

Cool girl beauty brand Saie's tinted moisturiser is a perfect balance between skincare and natural coverage. Infused with vitamins A and C along with hyaluronic acid finished of with sprinkling of SPF 35—a summer dream. 

Pros: Great for buildable coverage.

Cons: Has SPF in, so not great for flash photography.

Chanel's alternative to thick, full coverage foundations is a weightless serum-like base product which provides a subtle tint of colour and plenty of fresh-faced radiance.

Pros: The ultimate luxury tinted moisturiser.

Cons: Too expensive.

Those who lean into a dewy finish and 'no makeup-makeup' looks will love MAC's latest base product. The silky gel texture melts onto skin delivering hydration and light (but buildable) coverage.

Pros: OG tinted moisturiser that just works in all fronts.

Cons: Formula may seem older now compared to newer products.