Never forget to put on your moisturizer. For decades, this was the mantra of every woman young or old wanting to fight back the ravages of time and the damages brought about by the sun and other factors that come naturally as a result of bad diet and lifestyle choices. Moisturizers have been around as far back as 3000 B.C. when the first formulations for skin care using natural materials started appearing. The evolution of today’s moisturizer was greatly spurred by the discovery of many different ingredients and formulations that allow this topical wonder to do everything from hydrating the skin to fighting fine lines and wrinkles and covering flaws. A popular version is the tinted moisturizer.
What is tinted moisturizer and why does it matter?
Most moisturizers come in a whitish, creamy color. Others may have a tinge of beige or pink but these do not necessarily appear on the face as a hint of color. A moisturizer functions as a source of hydration and protection against dirt and grime. Ordinary moisturizers, however, do not provide coverage for dark spots, pimples, blemishes and other skin imperfections. This is why women have to apply foundation on top to achieve a flawless finish.
Tinted moisturizers simplify this two-step process by providing moisture, protection and coverage all in just one product.
What to look for
Not every skin care product is created equal, so it is important to look for brands that offer what your skin needs. An SPF tinted moisturizer, for example, will help prevent skin damage from sun exposure while giving skin a hint of healthy glow. Products that help fight off early signs of aging such as fine lines and shallow wrinkles can also provide that much-needed solution.
Quality and characteristic should also be considered in the product. Some women, for example, prefer skin care creams that provide total coverage, acting as an emollient, foundation and concealer. Some may also prefer the lightest, sheerest touch for minimum yet efficient coverage such as the tinted moisturizer Laura Mercier has.
Another important consideration is the consistency of the product. These creams work best if they are easy to apply and get absorbed quickly. This allows for a more natural, dewy look. For women who prefer a matte finish, there are cream formulations that create a powdery texture once applied.
Beware your skin type
As with all moisturizers and skin care products, your choice of tinted moisturizer should be chosen based on what it can do for you. It should, for example:
- Match your skin tone. Some brands offer a wide range of shades that allow the cream to ‘disappear’ on the skin once it is applied. A few brands have even come up with innovative approaches such as customized skin tone matching wherein the color of the cream can be adjusted by simply using more of a specific shade and mixing it with a base to come up with the perfect cover.
- Match your skin type. Normal to dry skin should be treated with products that provide more moisture while oily skin will work best with an oil free tinted moisturizer.
- Make your skin look naturally beautiful. Nothing is more off-putting than makeup that looks thick and cakey. Thankfully, tinted moisturizers are not as heavy as foundations appear but still, try samples of different products to see which one suits you perfectly.
