Tinted Moisturizers

Tinted moisturizers double as makeup

Although tinted moisturizers generally fall under the category of makeup, the best formulas offer the same benefits of a daytime facial moisturizer and a lightweight foundation combined. They are generally lightweight and offer sheer coverage, making them an excellent option during hot summer weather when extra goop feels heavy. The downside is that they don't cover imperfections very well. They are designed to offer a natural tint to even out skin tone and provide a natural glow.

Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (*Est. $36 for 1.7 oz.) gets rave reviews from experts and users alike because it contains many beneficial ingredients, feels great on skin and provides broad-spectrum sun protection. Skin care expert Paula Begoun says this lightweight formula blends easily on the skin and "doesn't feel oily or appear obvious." Furthermore it is loaded with antioxidants in the form of vitamins A, C and E. Users at MakeupAlley.com and Sephora.com say that it feels great on the skin and it lasts all day. Many say they are pleasantly surprised that Smooth Operator offers more coverage than most tinted moisturizers. Reviewers say it can cover up minor flaws but won't cover everything, including acne. The downside of this tinted moisturizer is that it is packaged in a translucent container that cannot protect the antioxidants it contains. Experts say that it is best to store the tube in a dark place to maintain the maximum efficacy. Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer comes in nine shades and uses natural ingredients. It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates or synthetic dyes or fragrances.

If you prefer a more affordable option, reviewers say that you can't go wrong with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer (*Est. $10 for 1 oz.). Like Tarte Smooth Operator, this tinted moisturizer provides moisture and a hint of color plus broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF 20). It is also loaded with antioxidants and retinol (which enhances cell turnover and encourages collagen growth). Begoun gives the formula her highest rating, saying that it has a light creamy texture and a satin finish as well as excellent shade options. She notes that it is important, however, to protect the bottle from excess light because it comes in translucent packaging (retinol and antioxidants can't remain stable in light). Users at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com say that Neutrogena is lightweight and looks natural but it can't cover flaws as well as Tarte Smooth Operator. Healthy Skin Enhancer is available in six sheer shades.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (*Est. $45 for 1.5 oz.) has won many beauty awards over the years from beauty magazines. It has been named the best tinted moisturizer for six consecutive years by InStyle magazine, where editors say that it offers the "perfect balance of glow and color" and gives ideal coverage. Begoun concurs that Laura Mercier has a luxurious formula that feels smooth and silky on the skin but she says it doesn't provide adequate UVA protection. She is quick to note, however, that the newest three shades (Bisque, Caramel and Mocha) contain avobenzone (in the form butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) for broad- spectrum protection, but it isn't clear if or when Laura Mercier will add the ingredient to the other seven shades. However, these shades contain octyl methoxycinnamate and menthyl anthranilate. The former absorbs UVB rays, while the latter absorbs UVA rays. Users at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com give the tinted moisturizer high overall ratings for its lightweight texture and sheer coverage, but many say that it is too expensive.