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What Are Skin Tints
Although foundations certainly have their place, skin tints have become a favourite option for everyday makeup. Wearing a full-coverage foundation daily can sometimes feel heavy and high-maintenance, whereas skin tints provide a lighter, more effortless alternative. Much like tinted moisturisers, they deliver just enough coverage to reduce redness, soften pigmentation and even out tone without hiding the natural look of your skin.
Skin tints offer sheer, breathable coverage that allows your complexion to show through, creating that “your skin but better” effect. Instead of masking your features, they subtly enhance them, making them a natural-looking alternative to traditional foundations.
Another major advantage of the best skin tints is how effortless they are to apply. Most formulas blend seamlessly into the skin within seconds, requiring minimal blending or makeup expertise. Think of them as the makeup equivalent of a reliable outfit you can throw on quickly and still look great. In most cases, the finish is dewy and fresh, similar to a glowing foundation, but with a translucent quality that makes it appear as though you are wearing almost nothing.
The Who What Wear UK team also happens to be passionate about skin tints, so when it came time to test some of the best formulas available, the editors were more than happy to join the experiment. In fact, the suggestion sparked plenty of enthusiastic discussion before the testing even began.
After trying numerous options between us, we’ve gathered the results and expert opinions below. If you’re searching for a reliable skin tint, the following list highlights some of the best formulas currently available.
The Best Skin Tints Tried And Tested
Beauty Editor’s Pick: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30
Best Overall: Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation
Best Luxury Skin Tint: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Best Dewy Skin Tint: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Best Lightweight Skin Tint: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint
Best Glowy Skin Tint: E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter
1. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30
This skin tint has become a favourite for many beauty editors, and for good reason. Its lightweight serum-like formula provides natural coverage while still allowing freckles and skin texture to show through. Despite not being a traditional foundation, it does a great job of reducing redness and uneven tone while maintaining a fresh, radiant finish.
The formula contains beneficial skincare ingredients including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalene, which help hydrate, brighten and nourish the skin over time. It also includes SPF 30 for an extra layer of sun protection, although many users still prefer to apply a dedicated sunscreen underneath.
Another standout feature is the impressive shade range, offering multiple undertones so that users can find a closer match to their natural complexion. Although the product sits on the more expensive side of the spectrum, a small amount goes a long way, making the bottle last several months with regular use.
2. Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation
This formula offers a perfect balance between skincare and makeup. The lightweight texture blends effortlessly into the skin and can be layered depending on how much coverage you want. It smooths the look of texture, softens redness and helps the complexion appear more even without looking heavy.
Infused with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, the formula keeps the skin comfortable throughout the day. Many users also appreciate that it maintains a natural finish even after hours of wear without becoming patchy or overly dry.
With a solid shade selection available, this skin tint has quickly become a reliable everyday option for those looking for a “your skin but better” effect.
3. Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
This luxury skin tint focuses on hydration and skin comfort, making it especially appealing for dry or dehydrated skin types. The silky texture glides smoothly across the face and blends easily for a fresh, luminous finish.
Key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane help lock in moisture while maintaining a healthy glow throughout the day. The result is a complexion that looks hydrated, smooth and naturally radiant without appearing heavy.
Although the product sits at a premium price point, its quality ingredients and refined finish make it a standout choice for those looking for a high-end skin tint.
4. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Summer Fridays’ skin tint is known for delivering a radiant, healthy glow while remaining extremely lightweight. The fluid consistency spreads effortlessly across the skin and creates a smooth, even base with minimal effort.
Despite its sheer feel, the tint offers enough coverage to soften dark marks and uneven tone. At the same time, it allows the natural complexion to shine through, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Its comfortable texture and impressive longevity mean it can last throughout a busy day while still maintaining that subtle dewy finish many people love.
5. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch
This skin tint stands out thanks to its unique water-based formula, which contains a high percentage of water for an ultra-lightweight finish. The texture feels refreshing on the skin and provides a luminous glow without sparkle.
The micro-droplet technology within the formula releases pigment when blended, creating a soft, radiant coverage that enhances the complexion rather than covering it completely.
Although the product is on the expensive side and contains slightly less product than some competitors, its luxurious texture and radiant finish make it a popular choice among those who prefer barely-there makeup.
6. E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter
This affordable option delivers a radiant glow that enhances the skin’s natural appearance. While technically not a traditional skin tint, it provides a similar effect by offering sheer coverage and a luminous finish.
The formula can be worn alone, mixed with foundation or applied underneath makeup to create a glowing base. Its lightweight feel and affordable price make it a popular option for those wanting a subtle, healthy-looking complexion.
However, individuals with very oily skin may find the finish slightly shiny by the end of the day.
More Skin Tints Worth Trying
Several other standout skin tints are also worth exploring, including options from Fenty Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Glossier, Beauty of Joseon, Supergoop!, Shiseido, Rare Beauty, Saie and Milk Makeup. These formulas vary from ultra-sheer washes of colour to slightly more blurring, buildable finishes, giving users plenty of choices depending on their skin type and preferred coverage.
Overall, skin tints continue to grow in popularity thanks to their ability to enhance the complexion while maintaining a natural, effortless look. Whether you prefer a dewy glow, lightweight hydration or a subtle blurring effect, there is now a formula designed to suit almost every skin type and makeup preference.
