beauty

'I haven't worn foundation in 10 years. Here are the best tinted moisturisers I swear by.'

If there's anything I despise more than wearing a wired bra all day, it's having foundation sit on my skin.

It feels heavy, my face feels dirty and I am counting down the hours till I can take it off when I get home.

Watch: Mamamia's Erin Docherty tries the 10-pump foundation hack. Post continues below.


As a beauty writer, I've heard all the tips and tricks that should stop my foundation issues from happening.

"Try a proper primer."

"Exfoliate and cleanse properly beforehand."

"Apply your foundation in thin layers."

"Mix it with a moisturising serum."

Trust me, I've tried EVERYTHING, along with ALL the "lightweight" formulas on the market that I've both voluntarily purchased and have been gifted through work over the past decade.

But through all this, I always end up back to square one: relying on my trusty tinted moisturisers.

A tinted moisturiser is basically a foundation — but with an abundance of added benefits. For starters, they're nourishing, hydrating and non-pore-clogging formulas with just enough coverage to even out your skin, sans any cakiness.

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They also come with skin-loving ingredients like SPF(!), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen, peptides and antioxidants, which your skin will thrive off when whenever applied. And with a good base and setting spray, they're long-lasting — regardless of whether you have oily, dry or combination skin — so you can literally wear them from morning to night.

But just like foundations, not all are made equal (nor are all of them worthy of investing in).

So, to save you from sifting through the good and bad out there, I've rounded up all my favourite tinted moisturisers I've tried over the years that my extremely sensitive skin has actually loved.

The select few cover a range of skin concerns and types, coverages, tones and colours, benefits and budgets, so there's something here for everyone.

For example, you'll find ones I've repurchased over and over again (and have several tubes stocked in my beauty cupboard), like the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream.

You'll also find cult Korean beauty picks, like the Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream, which is also super affordable.

One in particular comes in 15 different shades to cover all skin tones (hello, Ultra Violette Daydream Screen Tinted Veil).

There's also a dermatologically tested and approved option from beloved budget French skincare brand La Roche-Posay, the Uvidea TInted UV Protection BB Cream.

Whatever your pick, I assure you and your skin will very much appreciate your new makeup purchase.

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The best tinted moisturisers to buy that will replace your foundation.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50, $80.

Image: Adore Beauty.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $76.

Image: Mecca.

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Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream, $15.50 (usually $25).

Image: Lila Beauty.

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Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil, $55.

Image: Sephora.

Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF 25, $62.

Image: Sephora.

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Heimish Artless Glow Tinted Sunscreen Shine Beige, $22 (usually $30).

Image: Lila Beauty.

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La Roche-Posay Uvidea Anthelios Tinted BB Cream SPF 50+, $34.99 (usually $40.95).

Image: Chemist Warehouse.

Feature image: Supplied.

Have you tried any of these tinted moisturisers? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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