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You know those days when it’s simply too hot to do much at all, and putting on a full face of makeup is out of the question? Enter your summertime BFF — tinted moisturizer, the happy medium between no-makeup and full-coverage foundation. We asked one of our favorite beauty experts, Mary Katherine Hudson of The Cosmetic Market, Therapy Systems, and Private Edition, to share her favorite tinted moisturizers to “add to cart” before the serious heat hits. These are her four top picks!

Pro Tip: On sweltering days, Mary Katherine recommends applying a layer of primer under your tinted moisturizer for longer, more heat-proof wear. 

Stripped Nude Skin Tint | $42

This tinted moisturizer has a sheer, lightweight, and undetectable finish. It smooths out your complexion and evens out skin tone but feels like a second skin. It’s really beautiful — a great go-to for lightweight, glowing summer makeup,” Mary Katherine tells us. To pick the best color, Mary Katherine recommends trying tinted moisturizers on your face and not just your hand so you can make sure the product blends seamlessly. She also suggests wearing it for several minutes before settling on your shade since the color can sometimes change.

Bottle of Kevyn Aucoin's Stripped Nude Skin Tint

Stripped Nude Skin Tint, $42, at The Cosmetic Market | Image: The Cosmetic Market

Jane Iredale HydroPure Tinted Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & CoQ10 | $58

From dewy finishes to oil-free and matte, there are many options to choose from when it comes to tinted moisturizers. Plus, they pull double duty — most contain ingredients with mega-skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and SPF to protect and hydrate the skin. That’s why tinted moisturizers can be a game-changer for dry skin. Another bonus: tinted moisturizers are extremely forgiving. The light coverage makes it easy to control and apply. Simply put it on a sponge, brush, or finger (after washing, of course!), and dab on as much or as little as you want. “This is a tinted serum that gives glowing lightweight coverage and is great for dry or dehydrated skin because it is hyaluronic acid-based,” says Mary Katherine. “It helps to plump, soothe, blur lines, and even skin tone. It has a sheer dewy coverage and provides a veil of color to your skin.”

Bottle of Jane Iredale HydroPure Tinted Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & CoQ10

Jane Iredale HydroPure Tinted Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & CoQ10, $58, at The Cosmetic Market | Image: The Cosmetic Market

La Mer The Radiant Skin Tint SPF 30 | $110

“Tinted moisturizers are my go-to for year-round wear. However, they’re a must-have for summer,” says Mary Katherine. “In the summer months, we all want something that looks effortless, and a tinted moisturizer gives you exactly that: skin that is dewy, even, and hydrated but looks like your skin … This tinted moisturizer is a bit of a splurge but worth every penny. It gives a dewy, radiant, lightweight coverage and has sun protection. It is perfect because it just looks like healthy skin. It gives some coverage but isn’t heavy and is perfect for everyday wear.”

 

Bottle of La Mer's The Radiant SkinTint

La Mer The Radiant Skin Tint SPF 30, $110, at Private Edition | Image: Private Edition

Revision Intellishade Original Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 45 | $76

This amazing product is a five-in-one tinted moisturizer. It is hydrating, approves the appearance of fine lines, brightens skin tone, and provides UVA/UVB protection,” Mary Katherine says. “It provides sheer, radiant coverage and is perfect for everyday wear because it is a one-and-done product!” She also adds that it’s a good idea to head outdoors to look at any tinted moisturizer color on your skin before purchasing it, as lighting can affect the color. Natural lighting tends to be the least forgiving!

Bottle of Revision Intellishade Original Anti-aging Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 45

Revision Intellishade Original Anti-aging Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 45, $76, at Private Edition | Image: Private Edition

Here’s to keeping summer simple!

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Alli Bridgers
About the Author
Alli Bridgers

Originally from Oxford, MS, Alli Bridgers moved to Nashville after graduating from The University of Mississippi. She works in marketing and brand management, and in her spare time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, getting lost in a good book, and traveling with friends and family.