The best tinted moisturizer overall
Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 has been one of the most popular tinted moisturizers for years — and for good reason.
It's formulated with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of super-hydrating hyaluronic acid), and SPF 20, though we still suggest using your usual moisturizer and sunscreen for complete protection. The protection and hydration in this and most other tinted moisturizers usually isn't as intense as your usual moisturizer or SPF.
Despite the powerful ingredients, the formula is surprisingly lightweight even after a few layers depending on how much coverage you're looking for. I normally do four pea-sized blobs around my face and blend in with my hands for a natural finish, and then add more on my cheeks if I think I need it.
There's an oil-free version and an illuminating version as well. I've also tried the oil-free one but thought it wasn't any different than the original. I have normal skin so the formula just wasn't meant for my skin type, though those with combination or oily skin might benefit more from this formula.
I remember when a tube of the original formula cost $40, which was a lot for my high school self — and now more than 10 years later at $46, it's still expensive but a worthwhile investment with all the skin-care benefits. It's also a large tube compared to many other tinted moisturizers in the same price range, so it'll last longer too.
The highly-reviewed tinted moisturizer has won multiple Allure Best of Beauty Awards (literally since 2004, that's how old and iconic this product is), with one editor saying it has a "dependable appeal, providing light coverage that isn't too shiny or too matte." It's a cult favorite with shoppers as well with 4,500 Sephora reviews and a4.4 out of 5 star rating, and is rated as the top tinted moisturizer over on Influenster, with more than 5,000 reviews and a 4.4 star rating. — Jada Wong
Pros: Buildable coverage, lightweight formula, hydrating, good selection of skin tones, SPF 20, multiple formulas for different skin types
Cons: Expensive, skin tone range could be improved
Buy the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum at Sephora for $46 (originally $45)The best tinted moisturizer for dry skin
Another winner from YSL's Touche Éclat lineup, the All-In-One Glow can replace your usual foundation due to its medium coverage and intense hydration.
Formulated with 70% water and hyaluronic acid for tons of moisture, vitamin E and antioxidants to protect skin against free radical damage, calendula extract to brighten, and medium coverage, this is another winner from YSL's Touche Éclat lineup.
The All-In-One Glow can really take the place of your serum, moisturizer, and foundation, but it can't take over for your sunscreen — which is unfortunate, because the rest of the formula is great. The 70% water and hyaluronic acid is a major plus, especially those with dry skin. It feels cool and almost wet upon application, but dries down to a radiant finish that looks fresh for hours.
I really love the medium coverage with this one, and it offers the most coverage out of all our picks here. There are 12 shades in the lineup, which is impressive for a luxury brand like YSL but could still use some expansion.
The pump tube also makes it easy to squeeze out exactly how much you need and is particularly helpful in getting every single drop that might otherwise get stuck in the crevices or cap, which is crucial for a bottle that costs $48. The medium coverage does help soften the blow since I'll just need a drop or two for my entire face as opposed to four with the Laura Mercier. — Jada Wong
Pros: Super hydrating, 12 shades, pump tube ensures constant and exact product flow
Cons: May leave skin too dewy or look oily for some, shade range could be expanded
Buy the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-In-One Glow at Sephora for $48The best tinted moisturizer for sensitive skin
The Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint has consistently been one of the brand's most popular products since its launch, but it was reformulated in June 2018 to have more skin benefits and a wider shade range.
Allure first reported that due to customer feedback, Glossier made some changes to the cult-favorite product. A brand representative confirmed, "The new formula is the same sheer and breathable one you know and love — just with some improvements."
The improvements include the addition of cork oak to prevent water loss, an updated pigment treatment that stops the color from fading over time, added oils rich in omega fatty acids to keep skin looking dewy and supple, and added seven new shades for a total of 12.
Glossier has also helpfully broken down which new shade you should wear if you used the previous ones, as the shade names have been changed a little. The coverage, however, is one thing that didn't change, so if you're expecting more from the new formula, you won't find it here. It's still very sheer, maybe too sheer for some.
The product is also still made without parabens, fragrances, animal cruelty, and animal byproducts, making it clean and vegan. The lightweight tinted moisturizer has a 4.2-star rating on Influenster.
One buyer write, "I am so glad I took the leap and bought this product — I hate heavy foundation and was looking for something with light coverage yet sort of like a BB or CC cream. It is perfect! It blends super easily, feels good on my sensitive skin. I would buy again for sure!"
Pros: Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, great for sensitive skin, very hydrating, smooth lightweight coverage, 12 shades
Cons: Shade range could still be expanded, small size
Buy the Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint at Glossier for $26The best tinted moisturizer for acne-prone skin
Once you get past Maybelline's expansive makeup product range, you'll be equally impressed with its range of base makeup products, especially its Dream Pure BB Cream.
While technically not marketed as a tinted moisturizer, this humble tube still has the same multitasking components that make up a tinted moisturizer and even goes beyond the call of duty with 2% salicylic acid to help ward off acne.
And for less than $7 on Amazon, it's worth stocking up on a few at a time.
With only five shades, this pick definitely has the most limited range, but it does have a color-adjusting technology to match your particular skin tone. You'll obviously have to first choose the shade that best matches yours for a good match. We were only able to find three shades on Ulta and Amazon, but have seen all five constantly at drugstores.
It also doesn't have any sunscreen, so you'll need to layer this over your usual for sun protection. But that doesn't seem to stop the more than 15,700 reviews on Influenster, where it has a 4.0 out of 5-star rating. — Jada Wong
Pros: Affordable, help fights acne, helps cover redness, color-adjusting technology
Cons: No sunscreen, might need to test out shade in store before purchasing, skin tone range could be expanded
Buy the Maybelline Makeup Dream Pure BB Cream at Ulta for $8.99The best tinted moisturizer for oily skin
If oily skin constantly ruins your makeup, try the Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum. The lightweight oil-free formula features hyaluronic acid and glycerin to moisturize and smooth skin, as well as Amazonian clay, which helps control oil production.
It comes in six buildable shades that feature micro-treated mineral pigments to help conceal fine lines and wrinkles that also give you an even complexion and dewy glow. It also has SPF 20 for sun protection.
The popular product has more than 50,000 likes on Sephora with 2,300+ reviewers giving it 4.3 out of 5 stars.
One buyer named Jenn R wrote, "This is the first tinted moisturizer that doesn't make my skin feel coated by the afternoon and I notice I no longer have to blot my forehead during the day. It has a dewy, radiant finish, but I only noticed sparkles once right after applying when I looked in the mirror with direct sunlight. Otherwise, it normally just looks like hydrated skin. People notice my skin, not my makeup."
Some customers mentioned they were put off by the tinted moisturizer's smell when they first applied it, but most said it goes away very quickly.
Pros: Oil control, brightens skin, conceals fine lines, SPF 20, hydrating, light coverage
Cons: Can have a strong smell at first
Buy the Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum at Sephora for $36Check out our other skin-care product buying guides
A good face mask can work wonders on your skin, but there are so many out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your needs.
Here are the best face masks you can buy in 2019:
- Best face mask overall: Fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask
- Best soothing face mask: Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque
- Best sheet mask: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
- Best overnight face mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
- Best detoxifying clay face mask: Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Mask
Using a serum as part of your skincare routine is essential to keep your skin looking youthful and to keep those darn wrinkles at bay. Considered the superheroes of skincare, serums are packed with powerful ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin.
Anti-aging serums deal primarily with fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration, but also tone, texture, and dark spots. Some of the best anti-aging Ingredients to look out for are vitamin C, for brightening the skin, hyaluronic acid for plumping it up, and Retinol, a vitamin A derivative that treats a multitude of skin concerns from wrinkles to acne.
Here are our top picks for the best anti-aging serums you can buy:
- Best serum overall: Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum
- Best serum on a budget: Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Anti-aging Serum
- Best serum to splurge on: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum
- Best all-natural serum: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum
- Best serum for acne-prone skin: Instanatural Age-defying Skin Clearing Serum
It's good for your skin to remove makeup every night, but it can be a pain without the right makeup remover.
We've done our research and tested the best makeup removers on the market to come up our top recommendations. Whether you're a devout double cleanser or prefer removing makeup on the fly, there's something on this list for everyone.
Here are the best makeup removers you can buy:
- Best overall: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- Best cleansing oil: Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
- Best cleansing oil solid: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
- Best foaming cleanser: Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
- Best cleansing wipes: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths
- Best milk cleanser: Avène Eau Thermale Gentle Milk Cleanser
When it comes to body-care products, scrubs are oftentimes overlooked in favor of lotions and body wash. But the exfoliating treatments should be included in your skin-care routines if you want to silky smooth skin. While you can also scrub away dull, dry skin by using loofahs or dry brushes, nothing will leave your skin feeling squeaky-clean quite like a good body scrub.
Here are the best body scrubs you can buy:
- Best body scrub overall: Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish
- Best coffee body scrub: Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
- Best salt body scrub: Ole Henriksen Rub n' Buff Transforming Salt Scrub
- Best sugar body scrub: Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub
- Best gel body scrub: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
If smooth, supple skin is what you're looking for, then the Fresh Life Body Oil is the bottle you want to reach for.
Here are the best body oils you can buy in 2019:
- Best body oil overall: Fresh Life Body Oil
- Best all-natural body oil: Jao Goe Oil
- Best body oil that's not oily: Herbivore Jasmine Glowing Hydrating Oil
- Best luxury body oil: Kypris Body Elixir Inflorescence
- Best budget body oil: Burt's Bees Body Oil
Whether you're new to the exfoliation game or a seasoned skin-care pro, Glossier's Solution is the exfoliator you should be reaching for. Its powerful mix of acids dissolves dead skin cells and improves your complexion, giving your face a gorgeous glow.
Here are the best makeup removers you can buy:
- Best overall: Glossier's Solution
- Best drugstore exfoliator: Simple Kind to Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub
- Best exfoliator for daily use: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Best exfoliator for sensitive skin: Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub
- Best exfoliator for uneven skin tone: Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub
Mineral sunscreens are highly effective, and far less toxic to small aquatic creatures that can metabolize chemical-based sunscreens, but they usually leave a streaky white mess.
We've tested several mineral sunscreens to find the best ones that are effective, look good, and won't hurt the environment.
Here are our top picks for the best mineral sunscreen you can buy:
- Best mineral sunscreen overall: Thinksport's SPF 50+ Sunscreen
- Best daily option: Goddess Garden Organics Everyday SPF 30
- Best spray-on sunscreen: Bare Republic Mineral Spray Vanilla-Coco SPF 50
- Best for the face: Raw Elements' Tinted Facial or Face & Body (both SPF 30)
- Best for the water: Manda's SPF 50 Organic Sun Paste with Thanaka