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 how to apply a skin tint. We’re sharing everything you need to know, plus our take on a skin tint vs. foundation.
What is a skin tint?
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.
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.
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.
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 apply a 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 instantly plumps skin with hydration for a smooth, makeup-ready glow all while helping strengthen the skin’s barrier and providing antioxidants and blue light protection, too. Then, it’s time to apply your 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.
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.
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.
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.
