The best tinted moisturisers, according to our buyers

High-performance tinted moisturisers are a make-up-bag saviour. Lightweight and super hydrating, they can be worn alone for a your-skin-but-better look, or as a dewy base under foundation – all while taking care of your complexion.

Harriet Saloway, John Lewis Partner and Junior Make-Up Buyer, says: ‘When looking for a tinted moisturiser, consider your skin type, the amount of coverage you’re looking for and the desired finish; dewy, matte, radiant or glowy. Try different shades to find your preferred tone, or choose a skin tint – such as Charlotte Tilbury’s – which works with your individual tone.’

Packed with active ingredients – from nourishing Organic Kiwi Extract to plumping Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid – as well as its pioneering SKIN FIT technology, Clarins’ new Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser harnesses the power of organic oat sugar to form a three-dimensional plant-based film that moves with skin and maximises make-up hold.

‘This is a must-have for radiant mature skin,‘ says Harriet. ‘Its magic, lightweight formula won’t settle into fine lines, and the 11 shades mean there’s a perfect match for every tone.’

Unlike other tinted formulas, Charlotte Tilbury’s Unisex Healthy Glow All-Year Hydrating Summer Tint Moisturiser doesn't come in different shades. As John Lewis Partner and Senior Make-Up Buyer Laurie Cilberto explains, ‘this groundbreaker looks white [on application], then changes colour as it adapts to your skin to give instant back-from-the-beach vibes. Perfect for youthful skin, as it blurs imperfections while allowing your natural tone to shine through.’

‘NARS’ Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser provides high sun protection – SPF 30 – while also hydrating to enhance your skin’s glow,’ says Harriet. ‘Available in 16 shades, its dewy finish can offer either barely-there or more built-up coverage.’

‘Long-lasting and super easy to buff, the Trinny London BFF SPF 30 Cream Skin Perfector really is the best friend it claims to be,’ says Laurie. ‘It comes in five shades, which blend beautifully to individual skin tones’ – ideal whether you use it as a glow-boosting base or alone for light coverage.

‘The Natural Dewy version of the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser has a super-hydrating formula to help bring tired, dry skin to life,’ says Harriet. ‘You can layer it for buildable coverage, and enjoy the benefits of its SPF 30, too.’

‘Infused with plant-based squalane and meadowfoam seed oil, Hourglass’ Veil Hydrating Skin Tint offers continuous nourishment that creates a healthy-looking all-day glow – even for sensitive skin,’ says Harriet.