In the beauty world, trends come and go, but some products stand the test of time and become staples in our routines. Right now, one product taking the beauty scene by storm is the skin tint.

We love our full-coverage foundations as much as the next person (looking at you Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup). Sometimes, however, we need a quick complexion-enhancer with none of the fuss of full glam. Enter skin tints. These lightly pigmented formulas can be your answer to an all-day glow and perfected skintone—plus skincare benefits. 

Thinking of adding one to your routine? Read on to learn more about what a skin tint is, its benefits, the best sheer skin tints and, most importantly, how to use it to achieve that naturally radiant look.

What is a skin tint?

A skin tint is a sheer, lightweight alternative to foundation. Unlike traditional foundations, which can feel heavy and cakey, skin tints have a serum-like consistency. They're formulated with skin-friendly ingredients, making them a hybrid between makeup and skincare.

Think of a skin tint as a filter for your skin. One layer of this sheer complexion perfector can even out your skin tone, enhance your natural glow and boost hydration. If you’ve been searching for face makeup with the most minimal coverage possible and a natural-looking finish, you’ll want to get your hands on a skin tint.

A serum skin tint offers light coverage that enhances your natural skin's beauty without masking it. It's not the same as a tinted moisturiser, as it's lighter in texture and provides a more skin-like finish.

Some formulas also contain high-level SPF and skin-loving ingredients that can protect against UVA/UVB rays and add hydration, even out skintone and provide anti-aging benefits over time.

Benefits of a skin tint

There are numerous benefits of using a skin tint. Sheer skin tints are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them perfect for everyday use. They often offer multi-purpose benefits, combining skincare and makeup in one product. Many skin tints contain ingredients that provide skincare benefits, such as hydration and sun protection.

What is the difference between a skin tint and foundation?

Skin tints fall under the foundation umbrella as the base of your face makeup routine. But the two have a few key differences—the biggest being the level of coverage and variety of finishes. Foundation formulas range from light to full coverage and offer different finishes from matte to dewy. 

A skin tint provides a light amount of coverage for a glowy, skin-like finish. Most formulas also have a serum-like consistency, while foundations vary from creams to liquids to powders.

Let’s not forget about skincare. Some foundation formulas boast skin-enhancing benefits, but a skin tint often doubles as a skincaring formula that improves the appearance of your skin over time.
 

Skin tint vs. foundation—which one is better?

The truth? We could never choose between the two. A traditional foundation is a go-to for a full glam moment or when you want a customizable finish. A skin tint, however, is the best option for low-maintenance, sheer and radiant coverage. 

What is the best skin tint, and how to use it?

When searching for the best skin tint, there are a few key factors to consider. Look for ingredients that provide skincare benefits, such as hyaluronic acid for hydration and SPF for sun protection. Additionally, consider the finish you desire. Skin tints can offer a natural, radiant or matte finish, so choose one that aligns with your makeup preferences.

Our skin tint, Futurist SkinTint Serum SPF 20, provides all day color-true wear. The silky, skincaring formula creates an ultra-natural radiant finish with light coverage. It’s sweat- and humidity-resistant. Plus, every drop is infused with skin-essential nutrients that help improve the look and feel of skin over time.

How to create a radiant look using a skin tint

To create a radiant look using a skin tint, you need the right products. From primer and the skin tint itself to highlighter, lip colour and more, achieving a naturally radiant finish requires compatible products and a touch of patience.

Step 1: Prep & prime the skin

Before applying a sheer skin tint, it's crucial to prep your skin correctly. Since skin tints are lightweight, your base must be well-hydrated and smooth. Start with your regular skincare routine to ensure your skin is in the best condition. This may include cleansing, moisturising and using a serum with SPF. Follow this with a hydrating primer to serve as a base for the skin tint.

Futurist SkinTint Serum SPF 20 has essential skincare benefits—but prepping your skin with a skincaring primer can only enhance your final look. Start by applying our NEW Futurist Peptide-Power Serum Primer, which strengthens and hydrates skin while leaving it healthy-looking and radiant. Then, it’s time to apply your skin tint.

Step 2: Apply the skin tint

Starting at the center of your face and moving outwards, apply skin tint all over your face using your fingers. Let the formula settle into your skin.

If you prefer more control, a makeup brush or sponge can also be used for application. Start with a small amount and build up the coverage as needed. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up.

Step 3: Brighten & Conceal

Then to brighten and conceal your skintint, apply our NEW Futurist Soft Touch Brightening Skincealer concealer. Delivering the performance of a long-wearing, medium-to-full coverage brightening concealer—plus the efficacy of skincare, our Skincealer hold key ingredients such as Vitamin C Brightening Complex, Tri-Firming Complex and Hyaluronic Acid Complex, all which together, plump fine, dry lines and improves hydration and radiance over time.

Step 4: Add a subtle glow

To create an all-over healthy-looking glow, consider using the Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow All-In-One Palette. This versatile palette includes a bronzer, blush and highlighter and will sit perfectly on top of a sheer skin tint. Use the bronzer to add warmth and dimension to your face, the blush to give your cheeks a subtle flush and the highlighter to illuminate your high points. This combination will add dimension and radiance to your skin, enhancing the effects of your tinted serum.

Step 5: Add volume to your lashes

For an effortless eye look, keep it simple with a few swipes of Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara. This mascara will give your lashes volume and length without smudging, ensuring your eyes stay bright and open.

Step 5: Finish with a lip colour

Complete your sheer skin tint look with a touch of lip colour. The Pure Color Crystal Balm is an excellent choice, offering sheer, buildable coverage. It provides lip-plumping hydration and imparts a hint of glowy colour, perfect for achieving a fresh and youthful appearance.

How long does a skin tint last?

It can last anywhere from a few hours to all day, depending on the formula.

Our Futurist SkinTint Serum SPF 20 has 8-hour staying power. Whether you’re wearing it to the beach, to work or on a night out, you can expect a natural-looking glow that lasts.

Skin tints are undoubtedly one of the best beauty innovations of our time. They offer a lightweight, versatile, skin-loving approach to makeup and combine the benefits of a serum with the beauty of makeup. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly achieve a radiant look that enhances your unique features. Embrace the world of sheer skin tints and let your natural glow shine.

Need help deciding what complexion product is right for you? Use our Foundation Finder to discover your perfect match. Or Chat Live with an Estée Expert or book a Virtual Consultation for one-on-one beauty advice.