I'm Melting! I'm Melting! (Part 2)

Now that we've talked powder bronzers, lets talk tinted moisturizers. As with powder bronzers, tinted moisturizers provide sheer coverage - which sometimes disappoints those with acne or a good number of scars/blemishes. We recommend going the tinted moisturizer route for those who: have normal to dry or combination skin; do not need/want a product that provides medium to full coverage; and/or prefer a product that typically provides a more dewey finish.

To manage expectations (especially given the price of some of these products), we do not recommend these products for those who have a lot of scars, blemishes, or imperfections they wish to cover up because tinted moisturizers are designed to only give sheer coverage. Even if a sales person tells you it is "buildable", understand that it probably will not give you the medium to full coverage that a foundation or cream bronzer gives. Regardless of your skin type, we recommend you still use moisturizer before applying a tinted moisturizer. Just because "moisturizer" is in its name does not necessarily mean it is sufficiently hydrating - especially for those with dry skin. Also keep in mind that "Oil Free" does not mean "Oil Control"; so if you have oily skin, you will definitely need to apply a mattifying moisturizer. Here are our picks:



We see why Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 was called a "Best Beauty Buy" by Allure and InStyle magazines, as well as other online blogs and consumer reports. Not only does it have the "good stuff" (e.g., SPF 20 and "...an antioxidant vitamin complex that acts as a free radical scavenger" to protect skin) it comes in a good variety of shades (especially for those with fairer skin tones), is long-lasting, and blends easily. This formula gives a dewy finish, but an "Oil Free" formula is also available for those with oily skin, or want a matte finish.



Next up is Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer - hey, we told you we were huge Bobbi fans. Aside from loving it for the SPF factor, we also love its "staying power" and the natural "glow" it seems to give skin. Like the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, it blends in easily and gives clients a very natural, even tone. This product is ideal for those with normal to dry skin.



For our "Recessionista Pick", we have to go with Wet n Wild again. Their Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer has SPF 15, gives a good matte finish, and surprisingly delivered on its claim to "adjust to...natural skin tone[s]". Available in four shades, we liked "Sun Kissed" the best on fairer skin clients who wanted that "sun kissed" glow. Unlike our other picks, this product is thicker in texture, resulting in a more medium finish.

Credits: Laura Mercier (Gurwitch Products, L.L.C.), Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc., Wet n Wild Beauty USA (Markwins Beauty Products, Inc.).