Even when I’m not wearing make-up, I’m wearing make-up. Admittedly, it may not look like I’ve applied much, but there’s always a lick of mascara, a hint of blush, a few dabs of concealer – and now my latest make-up obsession: a skin tint.
Skin tints, if you’re new to the trend, are basically a sheerer version of tinted moisturisers.
“They give your complexion a little lift with little-to-no coverage, for the ultimate in a no-makeup makeup finish,” explains Max Factor’s Australian makeup artist, Liz Kelsh. Unlike foundation or even full-coverage BB or CC creams, skin tints are super lightweight and blendable, meaning you don’t need to use a brush or sponge to apply (clean fingers do the trick). Since they’re so sheer, they don’t get cakey or settle into fine lines or pores, either.
They give your complexion a little lift with little-to-no coverage
Will they cover a rosacea flare up or acne breakout? No. But they’re also not meant to. The purpose of a skin tint is to provide a veil of lightweight coverage while feeling like you’re wearing nothing on your face. They’re perfect for the days you want to look fresh-faced and makeup free (but not really).
Here are the eight best skin tints that will make your skin glow with virtually zero effort.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint Foundation SPF40, $73 (Available at Mecca June 29)
Syrupy in consistency (and my pick of the bunch), this tint is perfect for anyone who prefers a minimalist beauty routine. It minimises redness and breakouts, and lightly hydrates – thanks to squalane and hyaluronic acid – while brightening with niacinamide. It’s SPF 40 (but we still recommend wearing your regular SPF50 underneath).
Milk Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30, $60
Firstly, there’s the cool packaging: the glass rollerball tip is perfect for on-the-go application or travel, and it can be refilled once empty. The zesty scent and sheer formula come with the added nourishment of jojoba, olive and avocado oils, plus SPF 30 protection.
Dior Forever New Skin Glow, $93
This liquid skin tint is perfect for getting the no-makeup makeup look on days when you’re feeling low-key, but it’s also super buildable, which means you can add more layers to create more coverage. No matter how much you apply it still feels lightweight and never cakey.
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $46
It doesn’t surprise me that Rhianna’s been able to create a skin tint that’s near perfect. It comes in 25 shades (so finding your match is a cinch), and is made with oily skin types in mind. What’s more, this tint blurs redness, smooths imperfect texture and has a finish that won’t settle into pores or fine lines.
Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, $85
As you’d expect, this barely-there formula is packed with hyaluronic acid to help keep skin feeling moisturised and plump – yet mattified at the same time – making it a perfect choice for combination skin types.
Ciate Dewy Skin Glass Glow Skin Tint, $49
A few drops of this skin tint will give you the dewiest skin ever – trust me. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, with the added bonus of shimmery pigments (just like a highlighter) to instantly illuminate your skin.
Max Factor Miracle Second Skin Hybrid Foundation, $19.17
With the added benefits of pre and probiotic coconut milk, it soothes, calms and protects skin – while not masking it. With its luxe feel, this looks like your own skin, but better, and is ideal for everyday wear.
NudeStix Tinted Cover Foundation, $54
This formula is less about covering your face with pigment and more focused on delivering a blurred effect (a tad more than a makeup primer) that’ll leave people wondering how on earth your bare skin looks so good.
BY Lucy Adams
Lucy Adams is PRIMER's beauty editor
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