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Out of the 25 we tested, these stole the show.
Byrdie / Alli Waataja
But theMaybelline Dream Fresh BB Creamand
No7 Hydraluminous AquaRelease Tinted Skin Perfectorare also top-notch performers and universal crowd-pleasers.
Then theres foundations lighter, more breathable cousinthetinted moisturizer.
This hybrid is the little white dress of makeup (because its typically lighter).
PHOTO: Ulta
The result is this list of budget-friendly tinted moisturizers that truly stand up to the high-end competition.
Plus, it blends nicely no matter how (brush, fingers, sponge) you apply it.
Best Overall, Runner-Up
No.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Tamara Staples
(Though it is easy to build up if you so choose.)
Byrdie / Ciara Grovert
Ciara with combination skin
I love the consistency of this product.
It had great coverage while still being so lightweight it didnt even feel like I had makeup on.
Its definitely on the thicker sideCathie found the texture was closer to that of a foundation.
This thickness made it a bit trickier to apply with fingers.
That said, the coverage was great for evening skin tone and helping neutralize redness.
(Heres hoping that changes soon.)
Its also worth mentioning that it didnt have the longest staying power.
Byrdie / Masego Manamela
Masego with dry skin
The product is buildable.
After about two to three layers of product, I reached the coverage I was looking for.
If you are looking for just a base color underneath foundation, one to two layers is enough.
It essentially acts and functions as a tinted moisturizer, moisturizing and delivering coverage simultaneously.
PHOTO: No. 7 Beauty
FYI, she did find that it blended better with other products when she layered a moisturizer underneath.
Lauren with combination/dry skin
The product layered nicely with other products, like bronzer and blush.
I found it to be super blendable.
Byrdie / Ciara Grovert
It delivered an impressive level of moisture while excelling at evening skin tone and neutralizing redness.
Kelly with sensitive skin
“I had considered trying an additional moisturizer underneath but didnt need one at all.
My skin felt well hydrated the whole day, with no greasiness or oiliness.
PHOTO: Amazon
It essentially covers and holds up like a foundation with the light skin feel of a tinted moisturizer.
She was less impressed with the scent (which we likened to Play-Doh), and the matte finish.
When Annie applied it with her fingers, it was too sheershe could barely see it.
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Applying it with fingers left a light coverage while using a dampmakeup spongeresulted in slightly more coverage.
But this one takes the cake by offering a gorgeous, iridescent glow.
Tinted moisturizers hydrate the skin while evening out your complexion.
PHOTO: Black Radiance
They arent heavy like some foundations and provide barely-there coverage.
BB creams are also lighter than foundations and help to conceal blemishes and uneven skin tone.
Applying such a light product with a brush can lead to overuse of the product.
Byrdie / Masego Manamela
However, selecting a shade that most closely matches your skin tone is always ideal.
When picking the right shade, compare it to the skin tone around your jawline.
Natural light is always best when picking your right shade.
PHOTO: Ulta
I like to always start from the ear to the cheek, adds Badro.
double-check to check underneath the jaw so it’s seamless.
Alyssa has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Byrdie / Julia Darinzo
Byrdie writerMelanie Rudworked on this article as well.
PHOTO: Walgreens
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
Byrdie / Stormy Miller
PHOTO: Ulta
Byrdie / Annie Probst
PHOTO: Target
Byrdie / Megan Wood
PHOTO: Ulta
