Metadata: A simple guide to help you through the step-by-step process of applying tinted moisturizer
When it comes to those days where you do not want to put on a full face of makeup, tinted moisturizer is the ultimate go-to and is a great alternative to foundation. With its easy application and barely there look, it is a simple way to remove the redness and blemishes without the heavy feeling of a thicker formula.
It is also a good option if you happen to be running late, or if you are meeting up with friends and family but still want to appear glowing.
Whilst tinted moisturizer has not always been the favorite of everyone, it has had its own glow up in the past few years. Now a necessity in everyone’s makeup bag, being able to apply it well is a must to achieve maximum results.
Is Tinted Moisturizer the Same as a BB or CC Cream?
You may think that tinted moisturizer is just another way of saying BB cream (Beauty Balm) or CC cream (Color Correcting), but it is not. Whilst each one helps cover discolorations on the face to varying degrees, they do not all have the same outcome, even if they do all have the same job.
BB Cream
A BB cream offers a light to medium coverage and gives your face a radiant complexion without washing it out. It can cover redness and usually includes other benefits such as anti-aging and moisturizing qualities, though it does not have the same thin texture as a tinted moisturizer.
The benefits are not there to replace a skincare routine, but rather add to it. Even so, BB creams have a higher coverage rate than a tinted moisturizer, and sometimes the skin color selection can be limited.
A BB cream is best used on dry skin, and skin that needs extra help such as those who could benefit from any added ingredients within the cream to target something like acne.
CC Cream
A CC cream is the closest to a foundation, except it covers everything. When applying makeup, sometimes it is worth adding a green color corrector on red areas and so forth, but with the CC cream, you do not need to add anything else. Basically, it is a do-it-all cream.
Whilst this might sound great, it looks a lot like foundation once put on the face. It has a thicker coverage to conceal everything on the complexion. However, it is a great choice if you are suffering with outbreaks and do not want to mess about with choosing concealer.
What is a Tinted Moisturizer?
Tinted moisturizer is less about concealing and hiding the skin, and more about evening up the complexion. It will not make blemishes less noticeable, though it may help hide smaller problem areas, but it will give you a great base, as well as let your natural skin shine through.
It is a good product to use any day when you feel like you want to warm the skin up and add moisture, as well as a slight glow.
It is a moisturizer with a small amount of foundation added into it. The texture is usually so light that it can glide onto the face seamlessly, and is much quicker to apply than a BB or CC cream because you can use your fingers or a brush to apply it.
What Are the Benefits of a Tinted Moisturizer?
Whilst being a highly moisturizing and thirst-quenching liquid, it can also have SPF and anti-aging benefits added to it.
During the summer, it is a perfect option compared to using a heavier base like foundation or a beauty balm. The light coverage means it is less likely to cause further skin issues, but still give you some coverage.
In winter, it can be used as a way to keep the skin hydrated without trying to apply foundation to flaky, dry skin, as well as add a slight glow to a pale complexion. Also, tinted moisturizers can be fairly inexpensive, and are a great addition to anyone’s skincare routine.
Quick Tips to Applying Tinted Moisturizer
Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Use fingers or a Brush – when it comes to tinted moisturizer, you have the option to use your fingers, a brush or a beauty blender. Due to it being so easy to glide, and the fact you can apply it like using a typical moisturizer, it should be easy enough to apply and blend for a natural finish.
- Keep it simple – whilst it may be tempting to use a finishing powder, unless you suffer with really oily skin, it is best to avoid using powder to set the moisturizer. It will give it a less natural finish and may cause the face to appear drier. Instead, set the moisturizer with a setting spray to help it stay put for longer.
- Use a facial mist – a facial mist should be something you have already added to your skincare routine. Using one after cleansing and before moisturizing is a great way to add extra hydration to the skin. It is both beneficial for dry and oily skin, and will make sure you have the perfect base for adding other products.
- Add SPF – the good thing about a tinted moisturizer is that it may include an SPF. If so, always look for SPF30 for the colder months, and SP50 during summer if you can. Even better, add an SPF before you use the tinted moisturizer.
Before We Get Started
Always cleanse your skin and add a moisturizer before going to the next step. A good skincare routine will always create the perfect base for makeup, plus, you want your face to be squeaky clean before adding makeup to it.
Whilst a tinted moisturizer is a type of hydrating formula, it cannot replace your regular moisturizer. Not only will it help hydrate the skin further, but it will lock in any serums you used between the cleansing and moisturizing stage.
Once you have done that job, wait a few minutes before applying the tinted moisturizer. Follow this up with any other makeup such as mascara or eye brow gel.
How to Apply Tinted Moisturizer with Hands
If you are looking to add a tinted moisturizer using your hands, it needs to be of a similar consistency to a regular moisturizer. This is because it will have to be the correct thickness to allow for you to blend it into the skin.
You do not need to use too much – around a pinky finger length. This also depends on head size of course – the bigger the head, the more you will need.
Apply it just like you were using a basic moisturizer, dabbing it on particular areas of the face, not forgetting to sweep it over the eyes and down the neck. Make sure you blend it in well, as this has color added to it unlike your usual moisturizer.
How to Apply Tinted Moisturizer with a Brush
Using your pinky finger, dab a few areas of the face with tinted moisturizer. This could be on your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin.
Next, use a foundation brush in circular motions to blend it into the skin, paying particular attention to the edges of the hairline and down the neck.
Once this has been done, you can add a concealer to particular areas such as under the eye or any blemishes.
If you are really worried about your skin appearing oily throughout the day, you can use a setting powder but do not overuse it. Using a big brush, sweep it lightly over the face.
Another alternative is to use a setting spray, plus it will give you an extra dewy glow.
Final Words
Tinted moisturizer is a great alternative to using foundation and beauty balms. They do provide less coverage, but they let your skin shine through and help the complexion to be more uniform in color.
They are also easy to apply for the novice foundation wearer, as well as give those who wear foundation all the time a nice break from heavier formulas.
The versatility and speed of which it can be applied to the face is what makes the tinted moisturizer so popular. Whether you use a brush or apply it with fingers, it can create a glowing and healthy complexion during any season.