Luminous finish? Dewy? Matte? Satin? All day wear? How do I choose? Here’s a review to help you.
With the increasing presence of products marketed towards enhancing natural skin tones—such as tinted moisturizer, CC cream, skin tints, and foundation— it seems overwhelming to figure out which is the right match for you.
Well, research no further because we will review all the pros and cons of different types of coverage products to help you determine what gives you the ultimate natural “no-makeup” look. We will also add some tips on how to apply each type to your skin so that you always look your best.
Skin Tint

Pros
Skin tints are sheer lightweight coverage products that even out discoloration and leave your face looking toned, smooth, and dewy. The formula for skin tints is light, breathable, and ultra-thin, which gives a simple application.
Cons
Due to the thin consistency of skin tints, they come in limited amounts of shades and don’t provide as much coverage as foundations. So if you’re looking to hide your freckles, pores, or other traces that show you are a human being, skin tints may not be the right product for you.
How to Apply
Use your fingers to apply the formula evenly to your skin. Take a small amount and blend from the center of your face out.
Recommended Products
- Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint
- First Aid Beauty’s Hello Fab Triple Protection Skin Tint
- NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint
- Pixi Beauty H20 Skin Tint
Tinted Moisturizer
Pros
Tinted moisturizers are moisturizers that offer light-to-medium coverage and evens out minor blemishes and redness. They also hydrate the skin and evens out the complexion, as well as targeting skin concerns such as aging, oily, or acne-prone skin. Tinted Moisturizers offer SPF protection and contain a combination of antioxidants, botanical extracts, and vitamins such as algae, and Vitamins C and E.
Cons
Tinted moisturizers have recently gained a negative reputation for drawing in the color pigment deep into the skin as the moisturizer absorbs to hydrate and protect.
How to Apply
Use your fingertips to apply the moisturizer, or use a foundation brush for a more precise application, If your skin is extra dry, you can also layer the tinted moisturizer over your regular moisturizer,
Recommended Products
- NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
- Neutrogena’s Skin Clearing Perfection Perfector
CC Cream

Pros
The “CC” in CC Cream stands for “color correction”, so the product does just that–color correcting. CC creams are lightweight and provide little to light coverage, but are great for camouflaging redness, sunspots, and problematic or dull skin and skin discoloration such as hyperpigmentation.
Cons
CC cream is not an ideal product for someone who prefers more and full coverage. While it can cover up redness and hyperpigmentation, it cannot cover up fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Apply
Since CC cream is made with a buildable formula, use a beauty blender or makeup sponge for an even finish. You can also use your fingers by dotting a small amount of product on the cheeks, chin, and forehead, and using patting motions to blend for maximum coverage.
Recommended Products
- Eborian CC Cream High Definition Radiance Face Cream
- Clinique Moisture Surge All Skin Types CC Cream
- It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC Cream
Low Coverage Foundation
Pros
Makeup foundation helps your skin looking dewy and luminous by providing coverage for your face, covering hyperpigmentation, fine lines, pores, and acne. Foundations are especially beneficial for dry skin due to its moisturizing properties.
Cons
Liquid foundation can look shiny and wet when excess oil or perspiration are present on the skin. The excess oil found in the skin can cause the liquid foundation to clog pores, cause blemishes, or even emphasize wrinkles and fine lines.
How to Apply
It’s preferable to purchase a foundation that comes in a dropper rather than a pump. When applying liquid foundation, blend a few small drops from the center of the face outward using a damp beauty blender or a damp foundation brush. After covering your face, set the areas that are prone to slide (like your T-zone) with a light dusting of translucent powder.
Recommended Products
- Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup
- Marc Jacobs Shameless Youth Look Foundation
- NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
We explain in more detail in our full video: What’s the Most Natural Looking Foundation? Tinted Moisturizer, Skin Tint, CC Cream & Foundation