The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted our lifestyles in countless ways, and our beauty routines are no exception. More specifically, consumers are investing more in skincare products and at-home beauty tools and skipping makeup altogether. If anything, many opt for a quick touch of tinted moisturizer and mascara for Zoom meetings and call it a day.
If this sounds familiar, you’re likely on the hunt for the perfect tinted moisturizer to add to your makeup lineup. Unfortunately, finding a high-quality, affordable brand with an inclusive shade range is still more difficult than it should be, so we tapped a few makeup artists for the best tinted moisturizers for dark skin tones.
Ahead, shop the best tinted moisturizers on the market, courtesy of Bob Scott, a celebrity makeup artist who counts Karlie Kloss, Padma Lakshmi, and Hannah Bronfman as clients, and Renée Loiz, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary, a Black-owned beauty guide.
“Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is an all-in-one tinted moisturizer that focuses heavily on skin protection thanks to the SPF 40. This clean skin tint is packed with plant-based hydrators and antioxidants and works wonders for sensitive skin. It’s also gluten-free for those with an allergy or celiac.”
“Glossier’s Skin Tint goes on like a veil of skin and is very sheer but has buildable coverage. It evens and brightens skin tone and leaves the skin feeling hydrated but not too dewy. It’s perfect for those living in hot and humid climates!”
“This product melts evenly into the skin and moisturizes even the driest of complexions! There are six oils living in this face tint that will give your skin the prettiest dewy finish. I would recommend wearing this in the winter months or if your skin is on the drier side. Make sure you shake it up before applying to mix the oils and pigment together!”
“The Iman Skin Tone BB Crème comes in six shades designed for people of color with medium to deep skin tones. It offers very light coverage and is a great choice if you don’t wear a lot of foundation and just want to even out your skin tone. It doesn’t make your skin look ashy and is packed with healthy ingredients.”
“Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer is a dependable favorite (and has been for a long time). I love its lightweight feel and smooth, sheer coverage. I was very happy when the brand reformulated and expanded its shade range last year.”
“Black Up has a mattifying tinted moisturizer with medium to light coverage that is perfect for those with oily skin who want to control shine but not look overly made up. It only comes in five shades, but all shades are medium to dark.”
“Nars’s tinted moisturizer is another favorite. It has an oil-free formula that stays radiant and comes in an extensive shade range that has always done well for darker skin tones.”
