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The best tinted moisturizers for mature skin are less about covering everything up and more about working with what your skin needs now. As skin changes over time, concerns like dryness, uneven tone, fine lines, and redness tend to take priority over a heavy, perfected look—and that’s exactly where tinted moisturizers shine.
Unlike traditional foundations, which can be great when you want more coverage or longevity, tinted moisturizers offer a lighter, more flexible approach to evening skin tone. Their pigments are suspended in hydrating bases, allowing them to smooth and soften the look of unevenness without emphasizing texture. Many formulas also contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants that help keep skin comfortable throughout the day. Rather than aiming for a perfected finish, tinted moisturizers tend to create a more natural, skin-forward look that adapts easily to dryness, fine lines, and changes in texture throughout the day.
Our Top Tinted Moisturizers for Mature Skin
- Best Overall: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint, $39
- Best Longwearing: Bobbi Brown Vitamin-Enriched Skin Tinted Moisturizer, $49
- Best for Oily Skin: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint, $42
- Best with SPF: Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50, $42
- Best Buildable: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint, $36
- Best for Redness: Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer, $44
- Best for Dull Skin: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen, $38
- Best for Dry Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops, $68
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best formulas that balance hydration, tone-evening, and a natural finish—so skin still looks like itself, just a little more polished.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is tinted moisturizer?
- Why is tinted moisturizer good for mature skin?
- What's the difference between a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, and CC cream?
- How to apply tinted moisturizer to mature skin
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint
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Danessa Myricks Beauty
Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Long before “inclusive shade ranges” became industry shorthand, Danessa Myricks Beauty was already creating formulas that actually work across undertones, depths, and skin types—especially deeper skin tones and mature skin concerns. Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint, a 2024 Best of Beauty Award Winner, “is one of the best-performing hybrids between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation and gives the illusion of naturally healthy skin,” says Tonya Riner, a makeup artist based in Houston, Texas. The satin finish softly “blurs imperfections and wears beautifully, plus, the inclusive shade range means fair to deep skin tones can actually find a true match without having to mix and match,” she says. The vegan collagen peptides help smooth texture and plump fine lines, ceramides support and protect the skin barrier, and cactus extract delivers antioxidant hydration that keeps mature skin calm, comfortable, and fresh.
Tester feedback from Allure beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
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“This skin tint has the perfect balance of coverage and glow that covers up my redness while still leaving my skin looking like my skin! It has a lightweight feel to it and works so well with any other product I layer on top of it; it’s my go-to for a reason.” —Edward Horgan, Allure
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, vegan collagen peptides, squalane, cactus extract
- Shades: 20
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Longwearing: Bobbi Brown Vitamin-Enriched Skin Tinted Moisturizer
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Bobbi Brown
Vitamin-Enriched Skin Tinted Moisturizer
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Makeup artist Bobbi Brown practically invented the no-makeup makeup look before it was cool, so it’s no surprise that—even after she left to launch Jones Road Beauty (which, unsurprisingly, also makes this list)—her former brand continues to deliver formulas that make skin look like skin, just better. Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 15 “perfectly moisturizes and plumps the skin with coverage that feels weightless yet makes the skin look radiant and glowy,” says Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan. “The hydration is unbelievable.” And the ingredient list backs it up: Hyaluronic acid and shea butter immediately soften and condition, provitamin D and cactus flower help support a strong skin barrier, while vitamin E defends against environmental stressors. “It’s sweat- and humidity-resistant, which my mature clients love because it lasts even through hot flashes,” she says.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I was surprised by how pigmented this tint is! I’d recommend applying the same amount you'd use for foundation, rather than the amount you’d normally use with moisturizer (which was my mistake the first time I tried it). My skin has been exceptionally dry and flaky this winter (with some redness thrown in for fun), and it still smoothed things out without clinging or looking heavy despite its pigment. It’s so lightweight and comfortable that I completely forgot I was wearing makeup and accidentally fell asleep in it one night, which says everything about how skin-like it feels.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cactus flower
- Shades: 18
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
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Summer Fridays
Sheer Skin Tint
Amazon
Sephora
Revolve
Why it’s worth it: When a brand makes its name in skin care first (hello, Best of Beauty Award–winning Jet Lag Mask), we tend to pay attention when it finally launches makeup—because those brands usually just get skin. Summer Fridays’s Sheer Skin Tint, one of the brand’s first makeup launches, is infused with that skin-is-the-main-character energy. “For those who want truly barely-there coverage, it leaves your complexion looking plump and hydrated while softening the look of fine lines and texture,” says Riner. You can apply it generously and it still never looks like makeup—just a smooth, comfortable second skin. The ingredient lineup explains why: Hyaluronic acid and squalane deliver cushiony hydration, niacinamide helps even tone, and calming tiger grass (Centella asiatica) soothes while supporting the skin barrier.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: tiger grass, hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Shades: 12
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best with SPF: Livetinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
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Live Tinted
Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Mixing pigment with SPF can be notoriously tricky: Color can mess with how UV filters disperse, mineral sunscreens can go chalky on deeper skin tones, and on mature skin, they’re infamous for clinging to dryness or texture. But if anyone was going to crack that code, it’s Live Tinted founder Deepica Mutyala—a.k.a. the queen of color correction. Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50 somehow pulls off what feels almost impossible: “Light-to-medium buildable coverage with mineral-based SPF 50 and no white cast is almost unheard of,” says Wray, who considers it among her favorite tinted moisturizers, full stop. Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection, while hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin, and sea buckthorn oil help hydrate, soothe, and support mature skin, so it feels weightless, looks radiant, and keeps steps (mercifully) minimal. That said, because most people don’t apply skin tints as generously as sunscreen, it’s still a good idea to apply a dedicated sunscreen (of at least SPF 30) underneath to make sure you’re actually getting full protection.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (9.5%), hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin, sea buckthorn oil
- Shades: 13
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Buildable: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint
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Make Up For Ever
Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint
Nordstrom
Sephora
Kohl's
Why it’s worth it: Looking for a tinted moisturizer that offers a little more coverage, but still feels lightweight? Make Up For Ever’s Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint hits that sweet spot. The buildable formula lets you customize coverage without tipping into foundation territory. “It gives the skin a sophisticated radiance that looks like healthy skin rather than shimmer or highlight,” says Riner. “The formula stays consistent throughout the day, adds moisture, and never settles into fine lines.” That’s thanks to hydrating heavy-hitters like polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid, which can visibly plump and smooth, plus grapefruit extract to help improve overall skin quality. Riner recommends starting with a light wash all over, then building only where needed.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, grapefruit extract
- Shades: 18
- Fragrance-free:
Best for Redness: Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer
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Jones Road
Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer
Jones Road
Why it’s worth it: While Jones Road’s Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer doesn’t use traditional calming ingredients, “its ability to hide redness so well and still make the skin look natural and glowy needs to be studied,” says Wray. And, rather than relying on the green-tinted correctors typically used to cancel redness, it uses a finely tuned blend of iron oxides and titanium dioxide to subtly even tone, while silica softly diffuses unevenness without ever looking heavy. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep skin hydrated and comfortable, which is ideal for preventing dryness that can make irritation more noticeable—and help pigment glide on smoothly instead of settling into fine lines.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: iron oxides, titanium dioxide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 16
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer
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Saie
Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer
Amazon
Sephora
Kohl's
Why it’s worth it: The Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer is especially beloved for what it does beyond offering sheer coverage—namely, how much brighter and more awake it makes skin look. Along with mineral SPF 35, the formula pulls real weight on the glow front. Antioxidant-rich pansy flower helps support radiance, while licorice root extract (an ingredient known to help with evening out tone) works to subtly brighten and refine the look of skin over time. Hyaluronic acid delivers hydration that gives skin bounce, and zinc oxide adds a soft, naturally radiant veil. Available in 14 shades, it melts seamlessly into skin instead of sitting on top or settling into fine lines—leaving behind a smooth, naturally radiant finish.
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“Sun protection, a moisturizer-like feel, and buildable coverage while feeling like absolutely nothing is on your face? Groundbreaking.” —Shanna Shipin, Allure senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (20%), pansy flower extract, licorice root extract
- Shades: 14
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops
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Westman Atelier
Vital Skincare Complexion Drops
Nordstrom
Sephora
Credo Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If the average tinted moisturizer doesn't offer enough moisture to minimize dry patches, good news: This formula just might—and without leaving a greasy film behind. Westman Atelier’s Vital Skincare Complexion Drops lean more toward a tinted face oil, thanks to ingredients like squalane, Tsubaki oil, and ginseng, which makes skin look radiant (but not overly shiny), soft, and thoroughly hydrated finish. Need more convincing? Three of our editors and Katrina Klein, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, love these ultra-light, buildable tinted drops. "I love these complexion drops for everyday use because they give light-to-medium coverage while still being breathable," Klein told Allure. A quick tip before you apply this formula: To avoid patchiness, shake the bottle before you dispense it to distribute the ingredients.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I’ll just say it: It smells like canola oil, but these Complexion Drops really don’t leave my skin looking shiny. I found the texture a little slimy at first, but it gives my skin minimal (yet radiant) coverage that looks like I just got back from the beach.” —Deanna Pai, Allure contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, Tsubaki oil, ginseng extract
- Shades: 20
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tinted moisturizer?
A tinted moisturizer is exactly what it sounds like: a tinted cream, gel, or lotion that puts moisture first, with just enough pigment to subtly even skin tone. These formulas deliver skin care benefits that help replenish hydration while offering light coverage to softly blur fine lines, blemishes, and discoloration—much more sheer than traditional foundation, since they’re designed to treat skin as much as they tint it.
Because the tint is typically buildable and flexible, tinted moisturizers tend to work across a wide range of skin tones, even when the shade range is smaller than that of full-coverage formulas. The payoff is a natural look with a comfortable, second-skin feel rather than anything cakey or mask-like.
Their lightweight textures also mean they’re less likely to crease or settle throughout the day, and many deliver a soft, dewy finish that mimics healthy, well-hydrated skin. Regardless of age, tinted moisturizers are an easy addition to both your skin care and makeup routines—especially if you like barely-there coverage and want to skip extra steps like primer.
Why is tinted moisturizer good for mature skin?
While the best moisturizer for your skin will depend on your baseline skin type and individual concerns, some qualities matter more than others when you’re in your 40s and beyond. “I generally choose tinted sunscreens with easy-to-blend textures and buildable coverage for mature skin,” says New York City-based makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. This way, there is ample coverage to conceal, say, dark spots, but the blendable textures keep the makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
What's the difference between a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, and CC cream?
According to Scibelli, tinted moisturizers tend to have a sheerer tint and texture than BB creams, a.k.a. beauty balms. “Tinted moisturizers typically feature a sheer blend of a hydrating cream with a tint of complexion coverage, and depending on the product, some offer SPF,” he explains. The name of this category simply says it all: they’re just facial moisturizers with a tint.
Meanwhile, CC cream stands for a color-correcting cream containing pigments that neutralize discoloration like dark spots, whereas a tinted moisturizer doesn’t necessarily color-correct. “A CC cream will help address redness, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), sun spots, and uneven skin tone, while also containing moisturizing ingredients and oftentimes SPF,” Scibelli adds. CC cream can also be just that—a cream—whereas tinted moisturizers tend to have a lighter texture.
How to apply tinted moisturizer to mature skin
For the most natural finish, “I like to warm my palms together and press them onto the face a couple of times,” says Gerstein. “This helps melt the product into the skin so that it becomes one with it.” Scibelli adds that you can use your opposite hand as a palette to grab and layer product if you're not sure how much to apply. “If you have areas that may need additional coverage, you can go back in and layer a bit more of your tinted moisturizer onto those areas,” he says. “I like to use a brush with fluffier bristles so there's no streaking and it goes on evenly.”
Meet the experts
- Ashleigh Ciucci, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Suzy Gerstein, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Katrina Klein, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Tonya Riner, a makeup artist based in Houston, Texas
- Neil Scibelli, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best tinted moisturizers for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.