8 of the best skin tints for light, breathable coverage
Emma-Jade Stoddart & Sarah Lienard
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 8 minutes
When foundation feels too heavy, opt for one of these lightweight skin tints instead…
Recent years have witnessed a shift from the heavier, glamourous matte looks towards a barely-there, fresh-faced complexion. Driven by TikTok trends such as ‘clean girl’ and ‘glass skin’, achieving that elusive lit-from-within luminosity has gained traction. As highlighted in our Boots beauty trends report, more and more of us are swapping out heavy base layers in favour of lightweight options. Enter: skin tints.
Soaring in popularity, skin tints are having a major moment. And it’s easy to see why. These lightweight beauties enhance complexion without looking as if we’re wearing make-up. “They even out skin tone and give a beautiful glow, while still looking natural,” confirms Mira Parmar, London-based make-up artist.
And while foundation will always have a time and a place, skin tints are the perfect summer choice for a light, breathable base that won’t clog pores or cling to dry patches. Here, we share some of our favourite formulas and answer your most-searched questions on this new hot weather staple.
What is a skin tint?
“A skin tint is a super sheer alternative to foundation,” explains Mira. Its lightweight texture blends in effortlessly, delivering just a hint of coverage that’s somewhat buildable.
“A great option for spring and summer, skin tints give good glow without masking features such as freckles,” adds Mira. Plus, many can be found brimming with skincare ingredients for an extra boost.
What is the difference between foundation & skin tint?
The main difference between a skin tint and foundation is coverage. Generally speaking, “foundation is heavier and gives more coverage – concealing redness, blemishes and broken veins,” says Mira. Skin tints aren’t designed to give full coverage. Instead, they subtly even out skin tone, while still looking natural.
Is skin tint the same as sunscreen?
The firm answer is no, a skin tint is definitely not the same as sunscreen. While some skin tints also contain SPF, they’re unlikely to be applied in the amount needed to offer adequate protection.
When it comes to suncare, it’s always best to wear a separate broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30 underneath your make-up. If you’re looking for an SPF with a bit of colour, a tinted sunscreen can be a great option to try.
What’s the best way to apply skin tints?
Skin tints are designed to subtly enhance skin and let your natural complexion shine, making a great skincare routine all the more important. Make sure you cleanse, moisturise and protect with SPF to prep your canvas.
Skin tints can be applied in a similar way to foundation. For a fuss-free, natural-looking application, use your fingers to smooth and pat the skin tint over your face, using the warmth of your fingertips to melt the formula into your skin. For a more flawless finish, use a damp beauty sponge or a foundation brush to blend the skin tint over your face, focusing on any areas that you want more coverage.
How can I make my skin tint last all day?
The lightweight texture of skin tints can make longevity a challenge, particularly if you have oily skin, you’re sweating, or unexpected rain makes an appearance. For a long-lasting skin tint, a final spritz of setting spray is a must. This finishing step helps to lock in your look to help it stay put all day long.
8 of the best skin tints to try now
From exciting new launches to cult classics, here are 11 of our favourite skin tints for all skin types and needs, skin tones and budgets.
For more top picks with glowing reviews, shop our full range of facial make-up.
Best for brightening
Try: Maybelline Super Stay up to 24H Skin Tint Foundation + Vitamin C
• Available in 20 shades
• Contains vitamin C
• Vegan-friendly*
• Sweat- and humidity-resistant
Lighter than your average tint, this featherweight formula from Maybelline perfectly evens out skin tone, delivering a second-skin finish that looks and feels barely there. Expect a fresh-faced complexion and long-lasting wear. Laced with vitamin C, it helps brighten skin and bolster glow over time, too. Tick, tick, tick!
Best for all-day wear
Try: Rimmel London Kind & Free Moisturising Skin Tint Foundation
• Available in 12 shades
• Vegan-friendly*
• Hydrating formula
• Easy to build
If you’re after a natural yet slightly dewy finish, the Rimmel London Kind & Free Moisturising Skin Tint Foundation is the one for you. The lightweight formula lends skin sheer, glowing coverage with an extra boost of moisture. Infused with an antioxidant vitamin complex (E & B5) and aloe vera, the formula is also made with 77% ingredients of natural origins. Win win.
Best for glow
Try: M.A.C Strobe Dewy Skin Tint
• Available in 16 shades
• Hydrates skin
• Long-lasting
Love a luminous skin finish? Turn your face to M.A.C Strobe Dewy Skin Tint. Great for those dewy skin days, this gel-like tint lends skin a sheer veil of coverage that blurs blemishes without masking. And thanks to a cocktail of skin-savvy ingredients (including hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane and vitamin E), it hydrates and soothes skin too.
Best for every day
Try: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Tint
• Available in 12 shades
• Hydrating
• Resists sweat and humidity
A great everyday option, this weightless skin tint provides just enough coverage to balance skin tone without looking as if you’re wearing make-up. It’s also long-wearing, sweat-resistant and contains SPF20 – making it the perfect pick for the summer months, as it stays put without doing a disappearing act by lunchtime. Sold!
Best for sensitive skin
Try: No7 HydraLuminous AquaRelease Skin Perfector
• Available in 6 shades
• Hydrates skin
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Non-greasy formula
This Skin Perfector from No7 is a great all-rounder that provides light-to-medium coverage to minimise redness and blur pores. Loaded with skin nourishing goodies (such as vitamin E and C), the creamy liquid also supports the skin's barrier and boosts hydration. We love how this one looks on the skin – delivering a demi-matte, second-skin finish that’s not at all greasy.
