14 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Artists and Derms

When it comes to ingredients, Dr. Liu also recommends looking for hyaluronic acid for hydration, as well as antioxidants—such as vitamin C—for brightening and niacinamide for reducing inflammation. The texture should be chosen according to skin type, she advises, recommending a lighter lotion with a matte finish for oily skin and creamier textures for dry skin.

There’s also sun protection to consider. “Choose a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 to ensure adequate protection against UV rays, crucial for preventing premature aging and maintaining skin health,” she says.

Can a tinted moisturizer stand in for foundation or regular moisturizer?

“A tinted moisturizer can replace foundation and regular moisturizer for those seeking a lighter, more natural look or for daily wear,” says Dr. Liu. “It simplifies the beauty routine by moisturizing, providing sun protection, and evening out skin tone in one step. However, for drier skin types or those needing more intensive coverage or treatment, layering or additional products might still be necessary.”

When it comes to coverage, “Tinted moisturizer tends to have a thinner consistency than other types of foundation, but the technology is changing so rapidly now that you can get lots of coverage with less density,” says Patinkin. “Whether it’s enough depends on how you feel about discoloration, freckles, and other imperfections. I have never felt that tinted moisturizer should be a substitute for regular moisturizer, particularly if it is oil-based. I know it feels like oil is very hydrating, but it actually cannot penetrate the skin, so the benefit comes from it holding in moisture that’s already there rather than being a direct source of it.”

Why is a tinted moisturizer good for mature skin?

“As a makeup artist specializing in clients aged 50 and above, I always recommend a tinted moisturizer with high SPF,” says Azra Red, a New York-based artist who works with Isabella Rosellini. “It provides hydration, a hint of color, and vital sun protection, making it an ideal choice for enhancing and nurturing mature skin.”

Since mature skin tends to be softer and thinner, Red says that using a lightweight tint will enhance the skin’s natural beauty without masking it. “Unlike foundation, which can settle into fine lines and feel heavy, a tint offers a weightless, natural finish,” she says.

How to Apply a Tinted Moisturizer on Mature Skin

“The best way to apply tinted moisturizer is with clean hands, followed by a Beautyblender for the finishing touch,” Red advises. “Your hands warm up the product, helping it absorb quickly, while the Beautyblender ensures a seamless, polished finish. This method is not only easier but also much faster than using brushes.”

Meet the Experts

• Cynthia Di Meo is the global makeup stylist for Rare Beauty.
• Myken Garcia is the senior manager of artistry, education, and events at BareMinerals
• Jamie Greenberg is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Jamie Makeup. Her clients include Rashida Jones and Chelsea Handler.
• Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Twin Cities.
• Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and the founder of the global beauty brand Laura Mercier.
• Amrita Mehta is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City. Her clients have included Aoki Lee Simmons and Sophia Culpo.
• Jenny Patinkin is a makeup artist, beauty entrepreneur, and best-selling author.
• Monika Blunder is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist and founder of Monika Blunder Beauty.
• Azra Red is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist represented by Exclusive Artists.