Which Tinted Moisturizer is Best For Your Skin Type?

As a (loud and proud) K-Beauty junkie, I truly believe that tinted moisturizer might be one of the best Korean skincare innovations we've had. Hear me out, a tinted face moisturizer gives you the best of both worlds: the hydrating properties of a moisturizer AND the radiant, evenly-toned skin glow without the heaviness of a foundation. From tinted moisturizer with SPF to non-comedogenic tinted moisturizer, this daily staple is no stranger to K-Beauty addicts who strive for the coveted airy, natural glow-skin complexion. So if you're new to the tinted moisturizer game, read on to see everything you NTK on how to apply tinted moisturizer in your daily Korean skincare routine with our seasonal best tinted moisturizer for your skin type!


What is tinted moisturizer, really?

Tinted moisturizer is basically a moisturizer with a tint that provides a natural, lightweight coverage while hydrating the skin with a glowy finish. Think of it as a BB cream or a tone-up cream that serves double-duty: hydration + coverage, or sometimes triple-duty with SPF in the mix. With more and more innovative formulas in the spotlight, the lines between tinted moisturizer, BB cream or CC cream and a tone-up cream are getting blurry, and they are all great choices for base makeup.

PURITO - Cica Clearing BB Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - PURITO

Tinted Moisturizer vs Foundation: Any difference?

When people ask us about tinted moisturizer vs foundation, our conclusion is that, unlike foundations or concealers, tinted moisturizer combines the benefit of skincare + makeup so you can have a full-coverage face while keeping your skin hydrated. The major reason why tinted moisturizer is such a hype in the spring/summer season is that it is effortless and delivers lightweight coverage without the heaviness of a foundation or concealer.


Best Tinted Moisturizers for Your Skin Type

No. 1

BANILA CO - Covericious Skin Fit Tinted Moisturizer SPF40 PA++

BANILA CO Covericious Skin Fit Tinted Moisturizer

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - BANILA CO

Best Tinted Moisturizer to Brighten Dull Skin

Stylevana K-Beauty Review: Designed to help you achieve the ultimate "no makeup" makeup look, the BANILA CO Covericious Skin Fit Tinted Moisturizer serves as a long-lasting tone correction makeup base that is gentle on the skin with soothing cica as the star ingredient to calm redness and irritation. Not to mention this tinted moisurizer has a mask-proof formula that prevents smudging while delivering a hydrating, natural coverage to make your skin look clear and bright!


No. 2

PURITO - Cica Clearing BB Cream

PURITO - Cica Clearing BB Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - PURITO

Best Cica-Infused Tinted Moisturizer

Stylevana K-Beauty Review: We love it when a makeup product doubles as a skincare product. That's why when PURITO launches its latest PURITO's Cica Clearing BB Cream, everyone from our beauty team is going hearty eyes over it! The reason why we're obsessed with it? This vegan, cruelty-free BB cream delivers flawless coverage with SPF protection which ensures a healthy-looking glow for your daily makeup look. Not to mention the cica-infused formula that makes it even more skin-loving, like PURITO always does.


No. 3

DR.WU - UV Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid (Tinted) SPF50+ PA+++

DR.WU UV Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid (Tinted) SPF50+ PA+++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - DR.WU

Best Tinted Moisturizer for Sensitive Dry Skin

Stylevana K-Beauty Review: The DR.WU UV Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid (Tinted) SPF50+ PA+++ has always been our top contender, for all the right reasons. Consider this skin-quenching sunscreen your next favorite makeup primer for your dry skin as it serves as a moisturizing lotion with a tinted coverage to even out your skin tone and maintain skin's moisture, thanks to a hydrating dream team consisting of hyaluronic acid + ceramide. Boasting an ultra-high sun protection rating of SPF50/PA+++, this tinted moisturizer blocks both UVA and UVB to prevent skin aging.


No. 4

make p:rem - UV Defense Me. Calming Tone Up Sun Cream

make p:rem - UV Defense Me. Calming Tone Up Sun Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - make p:rem

Best Tinted Moisturizer to Improve Skin Tone

Stylevana K-Beauty Review: Formulated to work wonders on your dull lackluster skin, this make p:rem UV Defense Me. Calming Tone Up Sun Cream is an effective sun-blocking tone-up cream that contains calamine, which is effective for soothing, to naturally tone up and brighten with a subtle pink color and block UVA and UVB. Wrap up your morning skincare with a thin layer of this sun cream which will help to improve your skin tone and overall complexion. For sensitive skin, this sunscreen also contains bamboo water + the brand's very own City Proof Complex that will provide extra care for your skin and protect it from the external environmental stressor.


No. 5

Rohto Mentholatum - Acnes UV Tint Milk Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++

Rohto Mentholatum Acnes UV Tint Milk Sunscreen

Courtesy of Japanese Skincare Brand - Rohto Mentholatum

Best Tinted Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

Stylevana K-Beauty Review: This Rohto Mentholatum Acnes UV Tint Milk Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++ keeps your skin in tip-top shape (and less prone to acne breakouts) with its sebum-controlling formula and a lightweight, milky texture, leaving a matte and smooth finish on your oily skin. Formulated with a hefty dose of Vitamin C + E, this tinted moisturizer keeps your skin well-nourished and effectively protected with SPF 50 from sun damage and UV-related discoloration such as hyperpigmentation.


No. 6

APRILSKIN - Tone-Up Skin Tint SPF50+ PA++++

APRILSKIN Tone-Up Skin TInt SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - APRILSKIN

Best 3-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer

Stylevana K-Beauty Review: You can finally shorten your morning routine with a 3-in-1 multitasker like the APRILSKIN Tone-Up Skin Tint. Not only does it provides powerful UV protection, it also improves your skin tone and smooths away the look of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving your skin with a brighter glow. It also contains Cica Calming Complex which includes centella asiatica extract + witch hazel extract to calm and comfort your skin during the warmer mask-wearing seasons.


No. 7

3CE - Tone Up Tint

3CE Tone Up Tint

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - 3CE

Best Tinted Moisturizer for a Pinkish Glow

Stylevana K-Beauty Review: If you're looking for a primer that leaves you with a pinkish glow, the 3CE Tone Up Tint has a moisture-packed, lightweight formula that keeps your skin going and GLOWING. This tinted moisturizer contains ultrafine brightening particles to not only help even out your skin tone but also creates a translucent, tinted glow with an airy finish without smudging or shine.


Find yourself the perfect tinted moisturizer to refine your Korean beauty routine starting today! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get more instant product updates and skincare tips!