The 13 best skin tints for ‘your-skin-but-better’ coverage this summer

Developed with the intention to deliver that covetable ‘model off-duty’, ‘your skin but better’ kind of finish, this barely detectable skin tint celebrates your skin as it is. We’re talking sheer coverage and a formula that incorporates skin care ingredients (skin tone-unifying niacinamide and moisturising squalane) that help to improve the appearance of skin cosmetically, as well as over time. 

$32 at MECCA

This Aussie cult-favourite is beloved by celebrities like Miranda Kerr and Vanessa Hudgens for its multi-tasking formula — it combines the efforts of a hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and plant-based squalane moisturiser with an SPF and sheer, dewy coverage. 

$77 at MECCA

Struggling with dull skin? This radiance-enhancing skin tint should be on your radar. Packed full of hydrating ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil, hyaluronic acid and squalane, this pick works to boost moisture levels in the skin for a long-lasting, skin-deep glow that’s anything but superficial.  

$79 at MECCA

Dubbed “underrated” by one Google reviewer, at just $28 this skin tint is the cheapest option on this list and yet it performs just as well. The coverage is sheer (but can be built up to a medium, radiant finish if you’re so inclined), it promises fresh wear for up to 16 hours after application, and boosts skin moisture for 12 hours post-application too. 

$28 at MECCA

We’ve received far too many compliments on our skin whilst wearing this to not share it here on this list. It’s perfect for the days when your skin just isn’t skinning and you need a little help looking like your best self. The centella asiatica-infused formula melts into skin and leaves it looking more radiant, even-toned, bouncy and supple. 

$67 at MECCA

This formula’s infused with a vitamin C derivative that brightens and boosts the skin’s radiance for a fresh, glowy and natural finish for up to 24 hours. Plus, it’s water, sweat and transfer-proof.

$37.99 at Priceline

Intended to blur everything from pores to blemishes, this sheer to medium coverage offering is our favourite skin tint for combination and oily skin types. The formula has been enriched with a QuickBlur Complex that simultaneously hydrates and imparts light diffusing particles.

$53 at Sephora

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this skin tint helps to keep skin looking, bouncy, hydrated and smooth all day long. The finish is breathable and buildable, so you can wear a sheer layer or top it up for a medium, naturally-radiant finish.

$32.90 at Sephora

Estée Lauder’s newest foundation is more like a skin care serum than a traditional base makeup product. The smoothing and moisturising formula helps to improve the appearance of skin over time, refining texture and tone with continued use. 

$89 at Sephora

With an ingredient list that includes squalane, plus grape seed, avocado, mandarin, jojoba, and olive oils, rest assured this is going to be the most moisturising skin tint you’ll ever try. Once applied, the ultra-hydrating formula imparts a sheer layer of coverage and a dewy, radiant finish. 

$68 at Sephora

Promising ‘second-skin vibes’, this skin tint comes in 13 ‘stretchable’ shades (with neutral-undertones) that adjust and mesh with the skin they’re applied to. All this goodness is happening while ingredients like damascus rose oil, red bell pepper extract and plant-derived squalane work to hydrate, soothe and protect against pollution. 

$58 at Sephora

This skin-nourishing skin tint offers a medium to full coverage finish and has been enriched with seven different oils (moringa, abbysinian, marula, nigella, hemp, pomegranate and baobab), which help to improve skin elasticity, hydration and suppleness.

$75 at Adore Beauty

Once you buff this lightweight pick into your skin it’s going to be difficult to tell you’re wearing it at all. It seems to simply enhance your skin, delivering a lit-from-within finish. It’s probably a result of the formula, which includes 78.65 per cent skin care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter and squalane. 

$64 at Adore Beauty