Tired of suffering from dry, itchy skin? If you've tried your hand at multiple moisturizers and foundations with less than stellar results, don't fret. Skin tints are having a moment, and according to experts, they can help hydrate dry skin while offering a fresh, natural glow.
“A skin tint is a makeup product that provides lightweight, breathable coverage designed to enhance your skin’s natural complexion,” board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Noah Gratch, previously told Shop TODAY.
According to Catie Boucher, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm, foundations are out for 2025.
She says that a "skin tint is more of a light veil of coverage, letting the natural skin be the star of the show." She continues, "You can always look for hydrating ingredients in a skin tint such as hyaluronic acid and squalene."
Speaking of hydrating skin care ingredients, we curated a list of the best expert-recommended and editor-tested skin tints for dry skin that can be added to your virtual cart immediately. We also included popular picks from a few top-rated brands as well like Summer Fridays, Maybelline and more — starting at only $7.
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Ingredients to look for
"Almost every woman who comes to see me at her first appointment says she just wants to be able to leave the house confidently, makeup free," shares Boucher. Skin tints are the perfection solution for maintaining that makeup-free look while also providing nourishment to help sooth your dry skin.
When it comes to notable ingredients to consider in a skin tint for dry skin, Paula Brezavscek, a board-certified physician’s associate, recommends looking for "hydrating heroes" like hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin. "Niacinamide is a bonus for calming and barrier support," she suggests.
"If your skin is feeling dehydrated, the best thing to do prior to your skin tint is to apply a moisturizing cream or a hyaluronic acid serum to get your skin nice and hydrated before you apply the skin tint of your choice," notes Boucher.
Lastly, Boucher warns users about using skin tints as a sunscreen. "While many skin tints have SPF in them, I don’t recommend counting on them for effective coverage and daily protection," she suggests. "Two fingers’ lengths worth of SPF is needed for the face, and if the skin tint you choose also has SPF, that’s a bonus, but not a replacement," Boucher advises.
The best skin tints for dry skin, according to experts and tested by editors
Lightweight: Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir
- Long-lasting product
- Lightweight
- Good for all skin types
- Can be sticky
Shades: 24 | Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Amanda Fama, an editor at Shop TODAY, has incorporated this skin tint into her routine before and says it's "incredibly lightweight" and "easy to blend." She continues, "You only need a tiny bit for even coverage across your complexion. Plus, it's super hydrating, which is important for me since I have pretty dry skin."
Affordable editor pick: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint
- Buildable coverage
- Long-wearing; up to 12 hours
- Doesn't settle into fine lines
- Dewy finish; not for everyone
Shades: 15 | Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Triple-powered hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, aloe water and blue agave extract
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel recently tested this Milk Makeup Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint. "As someone with very dry skin, I prefer more natural-to-dewy finishes, which this product has. These formulas sit and feel better on my skin, so I knew I’d be impressed with this one," she explains.
"I already love how hydrating theMilk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is, and the skin tint is just as hydrating, if not more. I found it super comfortable to wear before and after I used a setting powder, without the annoying 'tight' feel," Miguel mentions.
"Dry skin's best friend":Kosas BB Burst Hydrating Tinted Gel Cream
- Good coverage
- Super hydrating
- Can be streaky
Shades: 24 | Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc, copper peptides
With six nourishing oils, Brezavscek refers to this tinted cream as "dry skin’s best friend." She says it delivers sheer coverage and a silky finish that looks like your skin — just smoother.
According to the brand, 100% of consumers saw a smoother, more improved skin texture with this product.
Super soft on skin: Daybird 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tint
- Feels smooth
- Easy to blend
- Contains niacinamide
- Bottle may leak easily
Shades: 3 | Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, bisabolol, SPF 50
"This skin tint has sort of a liquid consistency yet delivers amazing results when applied on skin," mentions SEO writer Jannely Espinal. "The texture is smooth and offers a glowy complexion on the face with an even texture. I used it before a night out and loved how soft my skin felt after applying it. You really don't need a [setting] powder but, I would use it in order to set the skin tint," she explains.
Opaque coverage: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
- Smooth texture
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to blend
- Shades may be lighter
Shades: 10 | Size: 0.63 oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil
Writer Amanda Fama is a big fan of this hydrating skin tint from Anastasia Beverly Hills. “It has opaque coverage with a seemingly matte finish, and it feels very lightweight on my skin," she says. "It doesn’t feel drying, either (and I have very dry skin!). Although the finish is rather opaque, the overall coverage feels lightweight and blends easily," adds Fama.
Loved by experts and an editor: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Hydrating
- Evens out skin tone
- Strange scent
Shades: 28 | Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, plant-based squalane
Writer Emma Stessman loves this skin tint for her super dry skin. “I rarely wear a full face of makeup, but when I want to look a little more put together, I use this skin tint from Ilia," she says. "It evens out my skin tone and dims dark spots and other imperfections without feeling (or looking) too heavy. It feels like I have nothing on!" Stessman raves.
"Loaded with hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide — this one hydrates, protects and leaves skin luminous," adds Brezavscek.
"Occasionally, I will step up my game and apply a skin tint, and I’ve honestly used the same one for years," explains Boucher. "It’s Super Serum Skin Tint by Ilia, and it truly gives the dewiest radiant finish," she notes.
Moisturizing and lightweight: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
- Very moisturizing
- Easy to apply
- May irritate sensitive skin
Shades: 18 | Size: 1.2 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, squalane
Brezavscek also recommends this Hourglass skin tint for its creamy, balm-like texture that melts into the skin. "Infused with hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane, it gives dry skin a soft-focus glow without feeling heavy," she suggests.
More skin tints for dry skin
Most budget friendly: wet n wild Bare Focus Skin Tint
- Lightweight
- Smooth texture
- Great coverage
- May have orangey tint
Shades: 25 | Size: 1.08 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
For under $10, you can score this lightweight skin tint that is enriched with both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Available in over two dozen shades, this vegan skin care product offers your skin a healthy glow and feels as if you are wearing zero makeup. It is also super moisturizing, so it'll help hydrate your dry skin.
Buzzy brand: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
- Light coverage
- Feels nice on skin
- Very dewey
- May be watery
Shades: 12 | Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and niacinamide
Infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalane, this liquid formula skin tint offers light coverage and is very hydrating on the skin. Another Amazon's Choice product, this buzzy skin tint is designed for all skin types, including dry skin.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best skin tints for dry skin by enlisting the recommendations of a board-certified physician's associate as well as a dermatology nurse practitioner. We also asked our editors (who experience dry skin) to share their tried-and-true favorites as well. We rounded out the list with a few picks from reputable brands with positive reviews and numerous five-star ratings.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD is a board-certified dermatologist serving patients from throughout Manhattan, Commack and Plainview, NY at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Catie Boucher, FNP-C, DCNP is a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm.
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C is a board-certified physician’s associate and the founder of Azala Skin Clinic in Miami, Florida.
