While a tried-and-true foundation is a staple in any well-rounded makeup kit, sometimes these formulas can look and feel heavy. What's the alternative? A lighter, more breathable formula like a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. What’s more, a good tinted moisturizer or BB cream is like the LBD of makeup—it can be worn alone or layered with colorful add-ons (read: blush, highlighter) and everyone should own at least one that flatters and enhances their natural beauty without much effort or thought. And better yet, there are tons of options that already come with SPF.
Deals of the Day
- Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream is 33% off at amazon.com
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- Honest Beauty CCC is 56% off at amazon.com
- Revlon BB Cream is 43% off at amazon.com
- L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion is 26% off at amazon.com
“Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are great for everyday wear as SPF can sometimes pill under makeup or it can be tedious to layer on product on top of more product,” says celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher. “By using a BB cream or tinted moisturizer with SPF it is essentially a 2-in-1, you are getting ready for the day with the added bonus of sun protection, which is very important!”
And while there are so many wonderful options on the market, the drugstore is still a bit lacking in this category. So, we made it our mission to find the very best tinted moisturizers and BB creams at the drugstore that truly stand up against the high-end competition. We conducted in-depth research, taking ingredients, shade ranges, and customer reviews into consideration, and combined our findings with our editor's top picks and some top experts in the field to bring you a comprehensive list of the best options, below.
Best Overall
ColourPop Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer
Lightweight
Moisturizing
Wide shade range
Great for many skin types
Doesn't have SPF
Aside from not containing SPF—which isn't a dealbreaker since you should be applying a separate sunscreen anyway—this drugstore tinted moisturizer checks all of our boxes. It comes in an extensive shade range, it feels weightless on the skin, it provides natural-looking coverage, and it lasts well throughout the day. We love that it can be worn on its own for a no-makeup makeup look, or layered with concealer and other makeup for a more full-on makeup look. It blends nicely no matter what application method you use. “This affordable tinted moisturizer has buildable coverage and can be set to be matte to dewy,” says Dresher.
Who It’s For
This was made for the person looking for sheer to light coverage in an affordable tinted moisturizer and it's suitable for all skin types.
Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 20 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
Contains SPF
Oil-free
Non-comedogenic
Dermatologist-tested
Limited shade range
It can be difficult to find a drugstore tinted moisturizer that checks all the boxes for your best-looking skin (read: moisturizing, concealing, non-comedogenic, anti-aging, sun protection), but this one from Maybelline makes the cut. The gel-like texture smooths over the skin with ease while delivering sheer coverage with a dewy finish. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains SPF 30. "This product is amazing because while it is light, it provides great coverage and blurs all imperfections,” says Dresher. “I love this product for pool/beach days for that no makeup makeup look, and it holds up well in the heat. It also allows freckles and beauty marks to show through making it look like a natural base.” You can grab it right at your local drugstore for less than $10, making it an extremely accessible pick, which we appreciate. If we could change one thing about it, it would be the limited shade range—the drugstore still has a lot of work to do in this area, specifically when it comes to tinted moisturizers and BB creams.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a long-lasting tinted moisturizer with SPF that lets your real skin shine through, this is it.
Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 5 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Matte
COVERGIRL Matte BB Cream
Lightweight
Oil-free
Long-lasting
Limited shade range
Fans of stay-all-day matte—but not flat—coverage will love this formula, which dries down to a velvety, shine-free finish. The smooth, oil-free canvas lasts all day without separating or allowing shine to peek through. We love that it can be applied with your fingertips or a damp makeup sponge. "This is a great product because despite it being a lightweight product that allows your skin to breathe, it has good coverage and was made for oily skin, so it will have a more matte and blurring finish,” shares Andy Tru, celebrity makeup artist. We would like to note that the shade range is quite limited, which is something we’re hoping the brand will consider expanding.
Who It’s For
Those with oily skin will especially like this product because of its matte finish and ability to cover up oily patches and spots.
Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 6 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Radiant
Honest Beauty CCC Tinted Moisturizer
Contains mineral SPF
Wide shade range
Packed with skincare ingredients
Natural, luminous finish
Can feel a bit thick
If you're looking for a radiant tinted moisturizer that's packed with skincare ingredients and available at drugstores, this is the one we recommend for you. The moisturizing formula contains mineral SPF as well as vitamin C and allantoin to help soothe the skin. Coming in nine shades, it gives the skin a bit of coverage with a natural, luminous finish, and is free from synthetic fragrances. However, the formula itself can feel a bit thick, so if that’s something that would bother you, we’d suggest going with a lighter option like Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-In-1 Skin Perfector. “This tinted moisturizer corrects imperfections visible with a single swipe,” says Dresher. “I also love that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in sustainable packaging.”
Who It’s For
Those who prefer a radiant finish will love this tinted moisturizer, which also imparts nourishing skincare ingredients.
Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 9 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dark Skin Tones
The Lip Bar Just a Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner
Diverse shade range
Moisturizing formula
Contains SPF and skincare ingredients
Light shades pull very warm
It's no secret that deep and dark skin tones don't have as many complexion product options as those with light skin—especially at the drugstore. While we've seen progress, there's undoubtedly more work to be done. However, The Lip Bar created this incredible tinted moisturizer that has a truly diverse range of shades and an excellent formula. The seriously moisturizing formula contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, rose water, cucumber extract, and sea moss as well as a blend of mineral and chemical SPF protection. It provides sheer coverage that works to give the skin an even, naturally radiant finish, and we love that it can be easily applied with your fingers. "This skin tint has a lower SPF level making it appropriate for picture taking and special event makeup as well as everyday use,” says Dresher. “This particular formula is very hydrating and is oil-free, making it perfect for all skin types." If you struggle to find affordable tinted moisturizers that match your skin tone, do yourself a favor and check this one out. Just note that some of the lighter shades pull a bit warm.
Who It’s For
If you’re on the hunt for a tinted moisturizer in deep shades that can be worn on its own or layered with other products, this is the one for you. And while it’s great for all skin types, we think those with dry skin will especially appreciate the hydrating ingredients.
Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Mature Skin
Neutrogena Anti-Aging Perfector
Contains SPF
Formulated with retinol
Hydrating
Contains fragrance
Limited shade range
Retinoids are the crème de la crème of anti-aging ingredients. That said, some forms of the ingredient can be drying and potentially irritating to the skin. This tinted moisturizer, on the other hand, promises to provide a dose of retinol without causing irritation or redness. Instead, it covers the skin with a sheer, hydrating tint that works to fade lines over time, conceal them at the moment, and protect against future sun-induced wrinkles, thanks to SPF 20. "For someone who has more mature skin that is dry and dehydrated, this anti-aging product is great because it has retinol that helps with texture and fine lines, " adds Tru. However, if you’re looking for a more diverse shade range or one that doesn’t contain fragrance, this likely isn’t the product for you.
Who It’s For
Those with mature skin will love how this tinted moisturizer has retinol and SPF.
Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 6 | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best with SPF
Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream
Contains SPF
Hydrating formula
Lightweight
Limited shade range
This BB cream from Revlon is loaded up with SPF 30, and we’re here for it. “This Revlon BB cream is a primer, sunscreen and foundation in one,” says Dresher. This tried-and-true product has been a drugstore favorite of leaders in the beauty world not only because of the inclusion of sun protection, but also because of how great it actually looks on the skin. And while there isn’t a super vast shade range with this product, they are said to adapt to your skintone—but since the shades don’t go as deep as medium, it won’t work for every tone. With that being said, we still think it’s a product worth mentioning because it absolutely delivers on its promises, which is to hydrate, prime, conceal, and protect the skin. Yes, please!
Who It’s For
If you’re wanting a multi-tasking formula that will conceal your skin without being as heavy as a traditional foundation, this product with SPF is the one for you.
Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 3 | Finish: Blurring | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Hydrating
Pixi Beauty H2O SkinTint
Wide shade range
Great for all skin types
Lightweight
Doesn't contain SPF
If Pixi Beauty added SPF into the formula of their best-selling H20 Skin Tint, our lives would be forever changed! However, even though there is no SPF to speak of in this product, we still think the formula is incredible. This cruelty-free brand offers a wide shade range (18 and counting!) and comes in a fuss-free dispenser which we simply adore. Rather than feeling like a traditional moisturizer, this has more of a gel-effect, which is great if you’re looking for a super light touch. With a blend of green tea, rose water, and lavender, this moisturizer soothes and hydrates as well as adding antioxidant protection. “This product [Pixi Beauty’s H2O SkinTint] uses ingredients to calm and soothe the skin [and is] perfect for people with dryer, more sensitive skin types,” says Dresher.
Who It’s For
If you have sensitive skin, this formula soothes and reduces redness.
Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 18 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.2 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne
Physicians Formula Super BB Cream
Blendable formula
Lightweight feel
Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
Limited shade range
This is our official plea to the team at Physicians Formula to add more shades to their BB cream! It’s a fabulous product that we think everyone should have access to! This cream can be easily blended and layered with other makeup products or even worn on its own, which we love. "A true BB cream that is lightweight, hydrating, and provides a nourishing and glowing look to the skin,” adds Tru. “Benefits of a moisturizer and foundation in one, that is just a great overall everyday product." The best part of this product, though, has to be that it’s majorly beneficial for those with acne. If you suffer from breakouts or redness, you’ll appreciate the fact that the ingredients are free of fragrance, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
Who It’s For
Free from fragrance and hypoallergenic, this BB cream won’t irritate acne-prone skin.
Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 2 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1.2 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Multitasking
L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
Gives a great glow
Can be used with foundation or as a highlighter
Hydrating
Doesn't contain SPF
This aptly named “glotion” imparts an immediate, iridescent glow. That said, it gives skin more of a lit-from-within look than a holographic, strobed effect, making it ideal for daily use. “This product is one of my favorites to layer under foundation or wear on its own,” says Dresher. “And it’s an amazing dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter!” One pumps-worth of this formula spreads smoothly and evenly over the skin. What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile: it can be worn alone for a sunkissed glow, under foundation as a radiance-boosting base, or layered over foundation to add a more targeted highlight. One note: This tinted moisturizer does not contain SPF, so be sure to use another layer of protection.
Who It’s For
If you love the look of glowy skin, you need to give this product a try. However, if you have oily skin, you might not like just how glowy this makes you look, so it’s likely best for those with normal to dry skin.
Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 4 | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite tinted moisturizer is the ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer, thanks to its extensive shade range and natural-looking coverage that’s easy to apply and mix with other products. And our favorite BB cream is Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Cream because it contains SPF and leaves the skin with a beautiful dewy finish.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also consulted experts for their opinions. We then used this research to choose the best picks to inform this article.
Attributes we evaluated each product on:
- Ingredients
- Shade Range
- Wear
- Coverage
- Customer Reviews
- Brand Promises
- Overall Results
What to Look for in a Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream
- Benefit: Tinted moisturizers and BB creams offer a lot of the same benefits, and depending on the specific product on hand, you can expect advantages such as hydration, sun protection, and even anti-aging, like in Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector. As far as beneficial ingredients go, makeup artist Elaina Badro says to look out for niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
- Finish: When picking a drugstore BB cream or tinted moisturizer, it’s important to choose one that caters to your skin's needs. If you have oily skin, use a cream that has a matte finish or an oil-free formula, like the CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream. A moisturizing formula, like The Lip Bar 3-in-1 Skin Tint, will be great if you have dry skin and need hydration. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, use a product with soothing ingredients that can neutralize redness, like Pixi Beauty H2O SkinTint.
- Coverage: Tinted moisturizers and BB creams tend to provide much lighter coverage than most foundations or concealers—their semi-sheer application makes for a more natural look. However, some products provide medium coverage and are buildable, which is great if you're trying to achieve that no-makeup-makeup look. Physicians Formula Super BB Cream has buildable coverage.
Why Trust Byrdie
Taylor Augustin is a freelance beauty and fashion writer based in Newport Beach, California, with bylines in Brides, Popsugar, Who What Wear, Women’s Wear Daily, and more. She interviewed experts along with Kaplan for this story. She’s been reviewing beauty products for years and is an expert at finding the best items on the market.
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a Sephora customer for more than a decade and tests dozens of beauty products in all categories on a weekly basis. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Team Byrdie worked with a few experts to help inform our picks:
- Andy Tru is a celebrity makeup artist based out of Utah and Las Vegas, with clients on the RHOSLC cast.
- Natalie Dresher is a Miami-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients such as Remi Bader, Gia Giudice, and Dylan Mulvaney.
- Elaina Badro is a celebrity makeup artist with a synonymous makeup brand.