Back in my beauty counter days, probably my most frequently-requested product recommendation for customers with mature skin was for tinted moisturiser. Most people, upon experiencing the changes that come with skin ageing—loose skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation—sought something lighter than foundation, and wanted a product with skincare benefits, but didn’t want to compromise when it came to coverage.
If you’re on the hunt for a base product for mature skin and that sounds something like the checklist you have in mind, then forget foundation, because a tinted moisturiser is the answer. They’re essentially skincare-makeup hybrids, with the skin tone-evening, concealing, brightening properties of a foundation, minus the heavy texture and propensity for creasing, caking, and settling into fine lines and pores. Instead, the best tinted moisturisers will essentially act like skincare products, infusing skin with hydrating and brightening ingredients in order for skin to feel comfortable, and look healthy and radiant.
What’s more, tinted moisturisers are so easy to apply—you don’t even need a makeup brush because your fingertips will suffice. They’re perfect for everyday wear, can be layered up if you do want or need a bit more coverage, and many of them also do double duty as sunscreen, so you don’t even have to worry about adding an extra step to your morning routine.
With this in mind, we’ve selected the best tinted moisturisers for mature skin—healthy, hydrated skin awaits.
With a totally weightless, whipped texture, this newly launched tinted moisturiser from Dr. Jart+ is fast winning over makeup artists and beauty editors alike. The silky, smooth formula blends like a dream, immediately brightening skin and blurring over imperfections without emphasising fine lines.
No7 has long been a go-to brand for those looking for products to tackle the emerging signs of mature skin, like fine lines and wrinkles. The brand is famous for its powerful anti-ageing serums, but its makeup offerings are not to be overlooked. Formulated with skin-protecting antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and ginseng root extract, this is every bit as much a skincare product as it is makeup. The lightweight formula melts into skin for a really natural-looking finish.
This tinted sunscreen pairs the protective properties of SPF with a subtle tint of colour, and a cocktail of nourishing ingredients, including squalane, jojoba, and glycerin.
If you prefer a thinner, liquid formula to a thick cream, Glossier’s hydrating skin tint is a winner. The thin, breathable formula is super sheer, but still works hard to moisturise skin. Just a few drops will help to even out your skin tone—without caking, clogging pores, or hiding freckles.
SPF 50 really is the gold standard when it comes to sun protection—and we all know that wearing daily SPF is the best way to prevent signs of ageing from prematurely occurring… Far more than just a sunscreen, this tinted moisturiser is incredibly softening and nourishing, and delivers surprisingly good coverage.
Lightweight, oil-free, and rich in calming ingredients like green algae and purple tea, this tinted moisturiser is perfect for mature skin that also shows signs of oiliness or sensitivity.
This tinted moisturiser is a great option if you’re totally new to wearing makeup and don’t want a product that you can feel or obviously see on your skin. The sheer-to-light coverage gives skin a really natural-looking finish, helping to conceal redness and uneven skin by enhancing (rather than masking) your natural complexion.
Bare Minerals’ makeup products are all about achieving fresh, natural-looking skin using clean, naturally-derived ingredients. Providing 24 hours of hydration, this tinted moisturiser is ideal for mature skin that’s experiencing dryness—it’s proven to boost skin’s hydration by 215% in just one week of use.
Chantecaille’s tinted moisturiser takes a three-in-one approach, combining moisturising ingredients with SPF protection and skin-smoothing coverage. Key ingredients include thyme and butterfly bush extract, which have anti-pollution benefits.
This tinted moisturiser offers surprisingly strong coverage considering how light it feels upon application. If you want a product that blurs and conceals as well as your regular foundation (but doesn’t feel heavy or look cakey), look no further.
When it comes to base products, MAC have an extensive collection of foundations, skin tints, and tinted moisturisers, but this is our top pick for mature skin. The bright, dewy finish helps to counteract any dryness and dullness.
No list of tinted moisturisers would be complete without the addition of Nars’ Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, which is an MUA kit staple. Perfect for achieving a truly skin-like finish while still working hard to conceal and cover.
For a really natural-looking finish, apply your tinted moisturiser with a Beautyblender. Bouncing it onto skin will help to achieve a really seamless effect.
If you want to build up more coverage, a flat buffing brush like this one is an easy way to do so.
Want to guarantee that your tinted moisturiser will stick around all day? Prepping skin with this primer will help to do so.
This loose powder will help to prevent oil from disturbing your makeup, but (because it’s water based) won’t make skin look cakey in the process.
Dry skin types especially will benefit from setting their makeup with this setting spray—it’s packed with hydrating ingredients.
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