Relatively new, I'm bringing skin tints to your attention because they've become my go-to base. I have never wanted to rock that no-makeup makeup look; my pigmentation has always held me back. However, skin tints have the magical power of evening out a blotchy complexion while being lightweight enough not to settle in wrinkles. A massive bonus - they offer serious sun protection, which is one essential most beauty experts agree is not negotiable. Sounds like the dream, right? Well, they are. Here are the summer-inspired skin tints I have on rotation right now.
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For year-round glow-giving skin protection, a skin tint is today’s cousin to the popular tinted foundation of the 1990s. These multi-purpose moisturising foundations contain nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and plant oils. They are supremely lightweight in texture and super kind on open pores yet sheer enough to achieve buildable coverage. A skin tint is a solid alternative to traditional makeup. Without further ado, the skin tints offer that no-makeup-makeup look await.
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint, $52.
POV: I am a Glossier fan. This is it if there were a pin-up for a lightweight, hydrating tint with skin-loving ingredients. Stacked with oak tree bark extract, glycerin, castor seed oil, and diamond powder to blur the look of pores while brightening the skin. Your complexion will look super glowy, and it's a winner for anyone with dry, sensitive skin like me. While it doesn’t promote an SPF on the label, titanium dioxide (the mineral block) is in the formulation. If you want coverage from a skin tint that allows your actual skin to shine through, this is worth trying. There are twelve diverse shades. Glossier is available exclusively at Mecca.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Tint SPF23, $70.
This skin tint prevents you from piling on the foundation and getting blanket coverage when it isn't needed. Instead, it's a weightless, self-refreshing formula that hydrates while you wear it. Offering brilliant hydration, it’s ideal in summer thanks to the ActiveForce technology, which prevents heat, humidity, oil, and movement from creasing your makeup. Finally, it boasts an SPF30 and comes in twelve shades.
What's the best way to apply a skin tint?
Experts are divided on how best to apply skin tints. Some opt for a foundation brush, others for beauty blenders, and some say fingers. We say there's no one-size-fits-all approach. If you want to cover spots, apply concealer first, then use a brush to buff the skin tint into your complexion. If you like to use your fingertips, do so, and then follow up with a light buff to blend away any makeup lines.
MEcca MaX OFF DUTY SKIN TINT, $36
Our style director, Louise Hilsz, raves about this tint that offers a no-makeup-makeup look. It’s water-light on the skin and feels like wearing almost nothing. It blends seamlessly with your fingers while offering skin-loving benefits, like niacinamide (vitamin B3) to promote an even-looking skin tone and squalane to strengthen the skin's barrier and lock in moisture. It lives up to its reputation as a “Sheer serum foundation with skincare benefits.” It’s become her go-to staple.
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, $92.
Here’s another lightweight tint that promises to give skin all-day hydration and flattering coverage in any light. Its 94 per cent natural formula melts into the skin when applied with fingers - and it’s also loaded with good-for-your-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, and lychee extract. It’s pricy, but my dry skin loves this formula. There are eighteen diverse shades.
How do I get a skin tint that lasts all day?
Skin tints, by nature, leave a dewy finish. So, the question is whether to powder. If you want a more matte-looking finish, dust over a loose translucent powder, or if you're not a fan of powder, use a makeup setting spray.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream, $73.
Stacked with mineral electrolytes that work overtime to nourish dry skin and olive squalane, the water-infused, oil-free formula also contacts a mineral-based SPF 30+. The brand calls it a three-in-one multi-tasking makeup with 98 per cent naturally derived ingredients that blend seamlessly with fingers. More good news: there are 20 shades on offer.
Naked Sundays Beautyscreen SPF 50 Foundation Tint, $60.
Dubbed the 2024 product 'of the year' by celebrity makeup artist Max Made, shades naturally sold out just minutes after the product launched. Naturally, I needed to believe this hype. I can say - it certainly lives up to the expectations. The consistency melts into the skin, is super lightweight, and the ingredient lineup is impressive; it offers everything in a good antioxidant moisturiser. Peptides are chains of amino acids that help boost collagen production. Polyglutamic acid is the latest heavy-weight hydrator. Niacinamide helps to even and brighten the skin tone, and squalane locks in moisture. Finally, SPF50 protects skin from the sun’s punishing rays. This tint is best applied with a dense buffing brush, as a little amount goes a long way. For oily and combination skins, use it without moisturiser underneath. There are 13 shades.
Are skin tints better than Regular foundation?
For us, yes. But it's down to preference. Suppose you want healthy-looking skin without the heaviness or cakiness that often comes with classic foundation formulations (especially at the end of the day). In that case, skin tints are incredibly clever at bringing your complexion to life. But if you're not a fan of an ultra-dewy finish, don't worry; there's a skin tint out there for you; they are not all super glossy; some offer a semi-matte finish. Also, you can mix skin tints with your regular foundation or concealer to get a buildable cover, loads of hydration, and that ever-important SPF protection.
Our go-to base for summer, learn more here.