We’ve Tested Hundreds of Skin Tints Between Us—These 6 Are Easily the Best

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What Are Skin Tints?

Whilst foundations have their purpose, I'm all about skin tints these days. The truth is, wearing a full-coverage foundation every day can feel heavy and high-maintenance. Skin tints, on the other hand—like tinted moisturisers—offer just enough coverage to disguise redness or areas of pigmentation without having to mask your skin with lots of makeup. Skin tints give a sheer coverage that allows your complexion to shine through—think your skin, but better. What's more, the best skin tints are pretty much effortless; they can be applied in mere seconds, melting into the skin without the need for makeup artistry-level blending and buffing. They're the makeup equivalent of a trusted outfit you can throw on and just know you'll look good.

Luckily for me, the Who What Wear UK team are passionate about skin tints so were more than willing to be my guinea pigs for this installment of Deep Reviews. In fact, when I suggested we put some of the best to the test, it sparked some enthusiastic discussion before we even got down to business. Our managing editor Poppy Nash, who adores her YSL Nu Bare Look Tint (£30), declared that she wants to be buried with it. "I'm shade 08 in case you guys need to know for my funeral," she said. Copy editor Georgia Seago agreed, adding, "Can confirm—I asked Poppy what she had on her skin the other week because it looked so good."

In short, we've tried a lot of skin tints between us. Thankfully, our editors lent their expertise to this story, and we've shared our results with you below. Scroll ahead for the best skin tints around.

The Best Skin Tints, Tried & Tested

1. Best Overall: YSL Nu Bare Look Skin Tint (£30)
2. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30 (£42)
3. Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint (£49)
4. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint (£42)
5. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint (£55)
6. E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter (£15)

1. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30

Beauty editor Eleanor Vousden tested Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint in shade Bom Bom ST5.

Shades: 30

SPF: 30

Rating: 9/10

Our verdict: I have to preface this review by saying that I’m now on my third bottle of this skin tint, so you won’t be surprised that I’m about to sing its praises. Though it's not a foundation, this has impressive yet natural-looking coverage. Its lightweight serum consistency is sheer enough that it lets my freckles shine through, but it still works really well to disguise redness and pigmentation. I can understand why everyone adores it, and everyone I know with glowing skin happens to use it too—it's got quite the fan base. It has a dewy finish that leaves skin looking like its healthiest, glowiest version.

I have combination skin that is prone to acne and eczema, and I’ve had zero issues wearing this. However, if you have very oily skin or prefer a matte or natural finish, I'd try another skin tint on this list instead. But personally, I find it makes my skin look plump and hydrated whilst smoothing over pores—and it stays looking great throughout the day.

What I love about it is that the formula contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide and nourishing squalene, and I really do see my skin improve when I wear this consistently. The addition of SPF 30 is nice to have, although I layer this over a dedicated SPF to ensure I’m thoroughly protecting my skin.

At £42, Ilia's skin tint is on the investment end of the spectrum. However, a little goes a long way, so I find that a bottle lasts me around four months. The shade range is extensive, too—the brand hasn't taken the easy route and just created a small shade range that "stretches" to a spectrum of skin tones. Instead, it has accommodated a broad range of tones and undertones so you can find a precise match. For reference, I wear the shade Bom Bom ST5.

If I had to nitpick, I find that the dropper bottle can gather product around the neck, and if I throw this in my makeup bag, it can become messy. For that reason, I recommend storing it upright.

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2. YSL Nu Bare Look Skin Tint

Managing editor Poppy Nash tested YSL Nu Bare Look Skin Tint in shade NU 8.

Shades: 20

SPF: None

Rating: 10/10

Our verdict: When we first discussed testing skin tints for Deep Reviews, I knew I had to be involved. Not just because I love to take part in any sort of testing content for our site (although that too) but because I couldn't miss the opportunity to rave about my absolute favourite product that I discovered last year: YSL's Nu Bare Look Tint.

I'm honestly not exaggerating when I say this has changed my life, and out of hundreds of tints, foundations and various other tubes and tubs, it is by far the best product I've ever used as my base. It offers light-to-medium coverage, which is perfect for me, and lasts all day without any cracking, creasing, dryness or need to reapply.

The water-gel texture leaves me with a dewy, bright, hydrated and natural-looking finish that feels glowy and even, nailing that "no-makeup makeup" look that lots of us strive for. It blends seamlessly into my skin (I just apply it with my fingers as it's so thin—no need for a brush or sponge) and I've had multiple compliments on my skin since I added this into my makeup routine. Sounds pretty good so far, right?

Ingredients-wise, YSL states this product has a 90% skincare-base formula infused with hyaluronic acid to help with hydration, meaning this really is a skincare-makeup hybrid that works hard to keep skin feeling moisturised as well as offering that little bit of coverage for blemishes and dullness. I do always apply concealer after, but just on any deeper blemishes and under my eyes to help with dark circles. No product is ever perfect, but I feel like this helps me to embrace that "my skin but better" feeling, without covering up too much. I still want to let my skin shine through, and I feel like there’s nothing wrong with texture or an uneven complexion; that’s just life!

When it comes to the cons of this product, I really feel like there are none. However, if you're looking for more coverage for spots or redness, this probably isn't the product for you. There are 20 shades in total to choose from, which I think is pretty good, but we'd always like to see more. Finally, the price. This comes in at around £30 which I think is totally worth it and actually very reasonable for a product I use daily and which lasts a long time (my first tube lasted six months). For some, this may be a little too expensive, but if you're happy to pay around the £30 mark for a skin tint, I'd wholeheartedly recommend you give this a go.

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3. Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Affiliates manager Jerryln Saguiped tested Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint in shade 7.

Shades: 18

SPF: None

Rating: 9/10

Our verdict: I’ll preface this review by saying I don’t usually wear skin tints (or foundation) very regularly. I have fairly dry skin, so I’m always conscious that dry patches are noticeable or that I have flaking at the end of the day. That aside, I couldn’t wait to try Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint ever since It girl Sofia Richie Grainge sang its praises.

There are a range of shades available to choose from, with different undertones taken into account— great for all complexions. The formula itself feels silky and lightweight and it blended right into my skin without issue; I opted to use a brush for a seamless finish and my skin was left dewy and fresh on first application.

Hourglass promises all-day hydration, so the real test for me was how my skin looked after a full day of wear. I’m pleased to say that this product definitely came through for me, which really is no surprise, as it’s full of nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane. I still felt glowy and moisturised at the end of the day, with no clogged pores, patchiness or flaking in sight.

I’d have to say that this product has made me feel differently about skin tints in the best way possible. The only point I would raise is that it comes with a premium price tag (£49). In exchange, though, you're paying for a stand-out product.

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4. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Former video editor Remi Afolabi tested Summer Fridays Skin Tint in shade 7.

Rating: 9/10

Our verdict: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint seamlessly blended into my skin, creating a natural finish. It left me with a radiant, sun-kissed glow and did pretty well at providing coverage for my dark marks, helping to even out my overall skin tone; plus, a small amount goes a long way. I’ll admit that I was a little confused at first as to which shade to go for, as there's quite a big jump between the two I was contemplating. In the end, I went with 7 and it matched perfectly.

The consistency of this skin tint is runny and lightweight, and it glides on effortlessly to provide a smooth and even application. I appreciate that it doesn’t feel heavy or mask-like, allowing my skin to "breathe". One of my pet peeves with some base products is the dry and cakey feeling they can leave behind, but this one proved to be a game-changer; it provides a subtle, dewy finish that keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. The formula is so comfortable that I forget that I’m wearing anything at all. A true test for any makeup product is its longevity, and this skin tint stood up to the challenge. It stayed put from morning to night without any significant fading, even through a busy day—a pleasant surprise!

In summary, Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint is a winner in my book. From the colour match and lightweight texture to its hydrating properties, coverage and impressive longevity, it ticks all the boxes. If you're looking for a product that effortlessly enhances your natural beauty without any fuss, this is a must-try—the brand has created a truly great skin tint.

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5. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch

Deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger tested Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch in shade BR12.

Shades: 8

SPF: None

Rating: 9/10

Our verdict: Nowadays, I only really wear a glowy SPF and concealer as my base, but with a year full of weddings coming up, I knew I could use something with a little more coverage. After reading reviews on all the tints on the market, I opted for Chanel's latest Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch. I had tried the OG Les Beiges tint before and loved it, so I was ready to give this one a whirl. Granted, the shade is probably a little paler than I need, but it’ll do the job in winter.

First impressions? That dew! I like my base makeup dewy and this product is certainly that. It gives my skin a luminosity without any sparkle—the base-tint holy grail. Whilst it might look like a gimmick, the thing that sets Water-Fresh Complexion Touch apart is (go figure) its water content. It is made up of 60% water which gives it an ultra-lightweight finish, which is just what you want from a tint. As you can see, the formula is made up of micro droplets which are discernible in the clear solution, and let me tell you, they may be small, but their radiance is unrivalled. My skin looks flooded with moisture from the second I apply and it requires very little blending.

In terms of application, you only need a tiny amount—less than a full pump, I’d say—to cover your entire face. I usually dot it in place on my forehead, cheeks and chin and buff outwards. With the mere sweep of the brush, a radiant glow is bestowed. In fact, it’s so easy to apply that I could genuinely do it without a mirror. The coverage is good but far from masking; you can still see the (albeit softened) redness on my cheeks, which I always disguise with blush anyway. In terms of shade range, there's good diversity. There may only be 16 colours, but their sheer nature means they work in tandem with your skin tone underneath. The range itself seems broad—the BR172 Deep Dark with Red Undertones shade is especially impressive (I’m wearing BR12 Light with Rosy Undertones).

At £55, this tint is definitely an investment, and the 20 millilitres of product you get for your money is less than many other brands. The fact that you need so little per application counters this somewhat, but the pump does make it difficult to limit how much comes out. Really, there’s no two ways about it, it is expensive—even the cute little Chanel brush that comes with it doesn’t soften the blow. But, if you want a lightweight product that feels as if you’re wearing nothing and you can justify the price, this could be the tint for you.

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6. E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Copy editor Georgia Seago tested E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter in shade 2 Fair/Light.

Shades: 15

SPF: None

Rating: 8/10

Our verdict: The first thing I'll say about Halo Glow Liquid Filter is that I wouldn't rely on the shade swatches online to find your match. I did my best to figure out what I thought would be mine, but despite the brand breaking the selection down into undertones, I ended up with something a touch too dark. It's not massively off but it is pretty different from what I expected. However, several people have commented that I look healthy and like I've been on holiday, so maybe the slightly bronzier shade is working for me.

That being said, overall I really like this product. It isn't a skin tint in the traditional sense—it comes in a glass bottle with a doe-foot wand applicator, so feels more akin to applying foundation—but it's nicely hydrating, feels lightweight on the skin and gives a gorgeous sheer, glowy coverage.

It's perfect for me because I'm not a fan of heavy foundation, and I've been wearing it on its own for a few days now, just with groomed brows and mascara. I swipe it on using the applicator and blend it with a foundation-buffing brush. I love how it makes my skin look, but if I had one complaint, it would be that it leaves me fairly shiny by the end of the day. I do have combination skin though, with a particularly oily forehead, so that's probably more of a "me" problem.

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Shop More Skin Tints We Love: 

7. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

8. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

9. Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint

10. Beauty Of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 PA +++

11. Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint 

12. Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Tint

13. Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser Foundation

14. Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturiser

15. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint

How Did We Test for the Best Skin Tints

Over the course of a month, the Who What Wear UK team tried several skin tints and rated the best ones. We tried across multiple skin types and skin tones, from dry and oily to deep and fair complexions. We shared our honest reviews, pros and cons and documented imagery to see just how well the skin tints performed.

What Should I Look For in a Skin Tint?

Skin tints have quietly become the base product of choice for those who hate heavy foundation. When it comes to choosing one, it's best to opt for the right finish for your skin type. Craving a glass-skin glow? Opt for something packed with hydrating ingredients like squalane or hyaluronic acid. Prefer a velvety finish that doesn’t slide off by lunch? Choose a tint with a more satin or semi-matte finish. Think less shine, more subtle radiance.

The next thing to consider is coverage. All skin tints will lean towards the sheerer end of the spectrum, but some will offer buildable coverage that can be layered up when needed. The best skin tints should even the skin tone, blur a bit but still let your natural skin and shine through. If you’re trying to cover breakouts or pigmentation, you’ll likely want to layer with concealer.

This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Are Skin Tints Better Than Foundation?

It depends. If you're someone who prefers a lightweight base with sheer coverage, then skin tints are for you. Prefer a full coverage finish? Foundation is your friend. But, to be honest there is room for both in your makeup bag. Foundations are great for moment when you want fuller coverage (think evening occasions) whereas skin tints are a little more low-maintenance and natural-looking. They will gently blur the skin, but you may wish to follow up with concealer on top for blemishes or dark circles that may require more coverage.