Last updated: March 2026
What Is Skin Tint?
A skin tint is an ultra-lightweight, sheer-coverage base product that evens out skin tone while letting your natural skin show through—lighter than even a tinted moisturizer.
Skin tints are the lightest form of base coverage. They typically contain hydrating ingredients and very low levels of pigment, offering barely-there coverage that makes skin look even and healthy without masking anything. They've become the go-to base product for clean girl makeup, no-makeup makeup, and anyone who prefers a natural look. Popular skin tints come from brands like Glossier, Ilia, and Kosas, with drugstore options catching up fast.
Tips
- Apply with fingers or a damp sponge for the most natural finish.
- Layer a dot of concealer over blemishes if you need targeted coverage.
- Skin tints work best on well-prepped, hydrated skin.
See it in action
Tutorials that use or demonstrate this technique: