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There are simply days whereby the thought of slapping on a full face of foundation becomes a dreadful chore. Every makeup-loving person would have gone through such an ordeal on their lazy down-days.

Providing lightweight and minimal coverage with less hassle, tinted moisturisers are the go-to products when you intend to swap out your regular, heavy foundation. Very handy on days you don’t wish to go through that much effort!

What is a tinted moisturiser?

As its name suggests, tinted moisturisers are typically a moisturising cream, gel, or lotion that has a percentage of tint in it, allowing you to achieve minimal skin coverage with its lightweight consistency. As tinted moisturisers do not promise to completely conceal facial imperfections, users with poor skin complexions may not find tinted moisturisers suitable.

If you’re game to switch up your makeup routine for a product that provides a fuss-free application, by all means! The best part is, there’s one targeted product for every skin type. Here’s a lowdown of our favourite 13 picks!

1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

tinted moisturisers bareminerals

Don’t we all hate days when we notice dry patches and the feeling of dehydrated skin, especially in our country’s hot and humid weather? Users who consistently need to deal with dry or dry-combination skin understand this far too well.

The Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream by bareMinerals would be perfect for injecting a boost of moisture and much-needed SPF30 too. Dry skin users are thankful for this little gem of a gel-cream that is non-cakey with sheer coverage; showing off sheen and glow for radiant, healthy-looking skin. The gel-cream provides a ‘barely there’ feeling and no powder application is needed.

Skin type: Dry/Dry-combination

It retails for S$31.69 at Amazon.sg.

2. Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All-in-One Tinted Moisturizer SPF 25

tinted moisturisers smashbox

If you have mature skin, stock up on this Smashbox tinted moisturizer, ASAP. The ultra-hydrating formula is infused with rose extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, goji berries, gold, and peptides to condition, protect, and perfect the skin for up to 24 hours.

It doubles up as a primer, allowing for all-day comfortable wear. You can trust that it won’t crease, cake, or settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it provides broad-spectrum SPF 25 protection.

Skin type: Dry/dry-combination

It retails for S$57 at Sephora.

3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30

tinted moisturisers laura mercier

For many beauty enthusiasts, this Laura Mercier’s product is the first to come to mind when we talk about tinted moisturisers. A cult favourite, this tinted moisturiser is suitable for all skin types and has a sheer to buildable coverage with a hint of stay-true colour to even out your skin tone, and soften your fine and dry lines if you have any.

Non-greasy and hydrating, it also claims to provide an almost silky texture with the required moisture for your skin. It’s no wonder Laura Mercier is likeable by many for its range of products despite its hefty price tag.

Skin type: All skin types

It retails for S$77 at Sephora.

4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

With an oil-free formula and SPF 30 sunscreen, the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted moisturiser provides a translucent veil of colour with added sun protection to the mix. Friendly on the skin with naturally derived botanicals, it is an immediate aid for thirsty skin begging for hydration.

With 50ml worth of product, it offers good value despite its expensive price compared to many other brands that on average contain only 30ml. For users who prefer a fragrance-free moisturiser, you would not be a huge fan of this one as it comes with a light and almost fruity scent to it. Fans cite it feeling like “your skin but better”, making it feel like this tinted moisturiser is one with your skin.

Skin type: All skin types

Available in NARS counters and Sephora for S$70.

5. Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator

tinted moisturisers urban decay

The Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator has the long-wearing, medium coverage of a foundation with all the hydrating benefits of a tinted moisturiser.

A godsend for thirsty skin, this tinted moisturiser delivers lasting hydration. Nutrient-rich kombucha filtrate and marula oil moisturise your skin and grant a glow that looks fresh throughout the day. Plus, the buildable formula gives you the freedom to tailor your coverage as you need, diffusing for a sheer tint or layering for a medium coverage that obscures imperfections.

Skin type: Dry skin

It retails for S$42 at Sephora.

6. theBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturiser

The BalmShelter Tinted Moisturiser by theBalm offers seven different shades, so obtaining your perfect match won’t be too tricky in order for you to achieve a polished and flawless look.

It is generally suitable for all skin types but will make a go-to product for those with dry skin who want a makeup-free look for the day. Best part? It’s easy on the wallet too!

Skin type: All skin types

Available in Sephora at S$44.

7. Pixi H2O Skintint

tinted moisturisers pixi

Refreshing isn’t the first word the comes to mind when we think of makeup, necessarily, but this water-based tinted moisturiser from Pixi is exactly that—and we’re all for it.

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like green tea, rose water, and lavender, it has a lightweight, cooling feel when applied. Since it’s water-resistant, it stays put all day, even during the sweaty summer months. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s great for those with sensitive skin.

Skin type: Oily/Oily-combination skin

Available in Sephora for S$36.

8. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

tinted moisturisers first aid beauty

First Aid Beauty is all about sensitive skin-friendly products that don’t just solve problems like acne, dry skin, and excess oil, but they also prevent them.

The brand’s Ultra Repair tinted moisturizer is no exception. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this product packs a soothing, nourishing punch. An added bonus? It provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Skin type: Dry/Dry-combination

It retails for S$43 at Sephora.

9. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20

tinted moisturisers laura mercier oil free

A sheer, lightweight, buildable tinted moisturiser, this formula can be worn by all skin types but especially those with acne-prone, sensitive or oily skin. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 20 UVA/UVB to protect your skin from harmful, damaging rays of the sun.

Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer also features an antioxidant vitamin complex that acts as a free radical scavenger to protect the skin from even the most aggressive effects of the environment.

Skin type: Acne-prone, oily/oily-combination skin

This retails at Sephora for S$77.

10. Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator

tinted moisturisers tarte

Calling all beauty lovers with dry skin! Tarte’s Tinted Hydrator is made just for you. In addition to skin-brightening maracuja oil, its formula contains hyaluronic acid for a burst of hydration while aloe and turmeric root extract soothe any redness. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

Skin type: Dry/Dry-combination

It is available in Sephora at S$46.

11. Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint

If your skin requires something with medium-to-full coverage foundation look, this one from Hourglass is likely to be worth your penny.

Targeted mainly at users with more than one area of concern, the Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint smooths out the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin with an illuminating glow. The hydrating formula is great at evening out skin tone for a natural-looking finish.

Skin type: Dry/dry-combination. 

The Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint is available in Sephora at S$93.

12. M.A.C Lightful C Tinted Cream SPF 30 with Radiance Booster

The unique complex in M.A.C’s Lightful collection corrects your overall complexion while providing your skin the needed coverage it deserves. If you’re particular about reducing the appearance of pores, dark spots, or hyper-pigmentation, this could be your ultimate go-to for that effortless no-makeup look.

An added bonus? Its radiance booster! It leaves skin looking more luminous. You’ll also like that it provides SPF30 to protect your skin.

Skin type: All skin types

It retails for S$86 at M.A.C. counters and stores, and online at Zalora.

13. Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15

tinted moisturisers chantecaille

Some products are worth the splurge, and this tinted moisturizer from Chantecaille is a prime example. Not only does it provide light coverage to mask imperfections, but it also boasts plenty of skincare benefits.

The formula is infused with tons of antioxidant botanical extracts like edelweiss, honeysuckle, and green tea to soothe and protect the skin from free radicals and smog, while sodium hyaluronate draws moisture and helps smooth out pesky fine lines. It also offers SPF 15 protection, but don’t forget to apply additional sunscreen!

Skin type: All skin types

It retails for S$130 at LookFantastic.