I am on a kick lately trying to find the best tinted moisturizer. I think it is because the weather is warming up here in Florida and regular foundation just seems too heavy. I am also not a big fan of foundation and I would prefer to skip that step in my makeup routine altogether! But it does help even out my skin tone.
The problem is – I have tried a bunch of tinted moisturizers (also known as BB creams in some cases). But I am not really in love with any of them!
Here are the ones I have tried:
Laura Mercier
Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
This one felt really dry on my skin and a bit tacky once dry.
NARS
Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 / PA+++
The colors in this one just don’t seem to match my skin – they go from way too fair to way too dark in one step. I decided to go with the lighter and it was just not quite right. But the final result is great – not too dry, not too greasy and not at all sparkly. They already have a wide range of colors but I hope they get more.
Cover FX
Skin Tint FX Moisturizing Treatment & Tint SPF 30
This one felt the best on my skin but it has too much sparkle for my taste. I like my foundations to be sparkle-free.
Hourglass
Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15
Obviously with the name “illusion” I know it was going to be too sparkly and oh yes it was!
Smashbox
Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35
Again the colors – they only have three and the lights is too light and the medium is too dark. And it does have a bit of sparkle that I don’t like.
Estee Lauder
Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35
I read great reviews about this one and I was excited to try it. My only fear – all Estee Lauder products tend to be heavy with fragrance and I have a very sensitive nose. This one was pretty strong smelling but it wasn’t like the Estee Lauder serums. The problem with department store makeup counters is you have to have someone help you. I asked the girl for the light version and she told me there was only one and it matched all skin tones once you put it on. Well, I put some on my hand to test the fragrance first and right after I blended it I noticed it was way too dark for my hand. But I loved the feel of this on my skin and it didn’t have any sparkle. I just can’t fall in love with something so heavily scented. And I would have liked to try the light version instead of the medium which I know they have.
Neutrogena
Healthy Skin Enhancer
Funny that this one is the most affordable and probably my favorite. It is a tiny bit greasy and I can tone that down with a touch of powder. But the plan is to minimize my makeup and not add another layer.
Next up I want to try the BareMinerals/Bare Escentuals Advanced Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer Sheer Tint. And maybe the Boots No7 Soft and Sheer Tinted Moisturizer.