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Nearly 32 million Americans have eczema, with the most common type being atopic dermatitis. The condition can cause patches of dry, scaly, and extremely itchy skin—and for some people, treating it can come with another skin concern: milia.

Milia are tiny, hard, keratin-filled bumps that are white, yellow, or skin-colored and tend to pop up around the eyes and on the cheeks. There are a few different types, but people with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema can experience what’s known as secondary, or traumatic, milia, says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For these folks milia develop when the chronic inflammation associated with their condition weakens the skin barrier and affects the way it sheds dead skin cells, causing keratin to become trapped beneath the surface. Long-term use of strong topical steroids to treat eczema can also impact skin-cell turnover and lead to thinner skin, fueling the issue, says Dr. Spearman. “Thinner skin can be more prone to keratin becoming trapped under the surface, causing secondary milium,” she notes. Occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly and shea butter—often used to soothe the dryness brought on by atopic dermatitis—are yet another potential contributor to milia formation when applied in excess or on areas prone to these bumps.

This can make treating eczema and milia at the same time a tricky balancing act—especially for aging people with darker skin tones, Dr. Spearman says. “As we age our skin loses moisture, and melanin-rich skin often has lower levels of lipids called ceramides, so this group tends to moisturize more. But when you use heavy oils or creams on the skin, you can form milia.”

So if you’re dealing with milia and eczema simultaneously, what should you do? Below are doctor-approved tips for treating both conditions at the same time.

Meet the experts:

• Christina Lee Chung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.
• Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Keeping eczema flares at bay

The first step in your journey to clearing up your skin should be to get your eczema under control. Preventing eczema flares allows your skin barrier to stabilize and creates the best environment for secondary milia to clear up.

Medication can be a huge help, but if you’re also experiencing milia, ask your dermatologist to re-evaluate your treatment routine. If you’re currently prescribed a topical steroid, for example, your provider may be able to switch you to a milder option. Depending on the severity of your condition, a less potent formula can still be strong enough to decrease the inflammation fueling your eczema, especially when paired with other lifestyle changes, says Dr. Spearman, adding that “there are also some newer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory creams that can treat the eczema without thinning the skin or causing milia.”

Tweaks to your routine, like using a humidifier during the drier months and limiting time in the shower, are also helpful, since dry air and long, hot showers can suck moisture out of your skin and make eczema worse, she notes.

Christina Lee Chung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia, agrees that preserving moisture is vital. “Shower for five minutes or less—just jump in and jump out,” she advises. She also stresses to her patients that it’s better for their skin’s moisture levels to stick with lukewarm water and shower just once a day or even every other day, if possible.

What you use to suds up matters too. “I always tell patients that if you want to use an antibacterial soap in hot spots like the groin or armpits, that’s fine. But on the rest of your body, use a non-antibacterial cleanser so you don’t strip extra moisture,” says Dr. Spearman, noting that she particularly likes Dove body wash. The brand’s Soothing Relief wash is formulated with colloidal oatmeal, which moisturizes and helps soothe itching. Plus, the product carries the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so you can feel confident it won’t aggravate your skin.

After your shower, Dr. Chung suggests patting your skin dry and applying moisturizer as soon as you towel off while it’s still moist. Dr. Spearman recommends CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream or Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Cream, both of which are also endorsed by the National Eczema Association.

If you need something a bit heavier that’s formulated with ingredients like petroleum jelly or shea butter to soothe particularly rough spots of skin, Dr. Spearman tells her patients to use them in moderation: Avoid using these products in areas where milia tends to pop up, and instead think of them as spot treatment for stubborn eczema patches. Dr. Chung likes Aquaphor’s Moisturizing Cream, another product that gets the stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.

Treating the milia

In terms of addressing the milia more head-on, there are a few things you can do. A dermatologist can manually extract the bumps using a sterile needle or scalpel, though this carries a possibility of scarring. Milia can also be treated with retinoids. This group of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A exfoliates the skin and increases skin-cell turnover, making dead skin cells less likely to get trapped and cause milia, says Dr. Spearman, who notes she recommends patients with eczema start with milder over-the-counter options. “The caveat is that these milder formulations do take longer to [lead to] improvement, but it helps people stick to the routine when they are so well-tolerated.” (Cocokind Advanced Retinol Gel is a National Eczema Association–approved product that may be worth trying. Dr. Spearman notes she is a fan of Olay’s new Regenerist Retinol 24 Starter Lotion, which doesn’t carry the seal.)

Since retinoids can cause dryness and further exacerbate eczema, consider applying a light moisturizer before or after the retinoid to help your skin tolerate the product. Some providers suggest using the sandwich method, which involves applying moisturizer both before and after retinoid use; if you want to give it a try, wait 10 minutes between applying each product to preserve efficacy, Dr. Spearman notes. While it will make your skin care routine a bit longer, don’t skip this important step. Beyond possibly triggering eczema flares, retinoid-related dryness and inflammation can lead to pigmentary issues, especially for folks with darker skin tones. “People of color have a lot of melanocytes [the cells that make melanin]. When they have skin irritation, the melanocytes get irritated, too, and they do one of two things: They make more melanin, or they drop pigment, so you end up getting patches of lighter or darker skin,” explains Dr. Chung.

The bottom line? You don’t have to choose between calming your eczema and keeping milia at bay. With a few tweaks to your skin care routine, a bit of trial and error—and guidance from your dermatologist—you can find a strategy that can help clear up both skin concerns.

Additional reporting by Dana Leigh Smith

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best concealers for dry skin need to perform a delicate balancing act: Cover what you want hidden without putting flakes, fine lines, or rough texture under a spotlight. That’s easier said than done when your complexion is perpetually thirsty, and it starts with the formula itself. “For dry skin, I usually lean toward creamy, liquid, or serum concealers with some slip to them,” says Renée Loiz, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. “You want something hydrating and flexible that moves with the skin, rather than a matte finish that can grab onto and emphasize texture.”

For that all-important hydration, look for moisture magnets like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, along with emollients such as squalane, which help concealer glide over dry areas instead of clinging to them. Lightweight, buildable coverage is another plus: You can add as much pigment as you need, exactly where you want it.

Our Top Concealers for Dry Skin

• Best Overall: Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer, $32
• Best for Uneven Texture: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer, $42
• Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer, $32
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer, $24

Ahead, our favorite creamy, skin care-infused concealers brighten dark circles, diffuse the look of redness, and blur blemishes while leaving dry skin looking like skin—only smoother, brighter, and decidedly less parched.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do you apply concealer on dry skin?
• Can people with dry skin wear full-coverage concealer?
• How should you prep dry skin before applying concealer?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

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Ilia Beauty

Skin Blur Serum Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Ulta Beauty

Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

Sophia Panych

Why we love it: If you were as upset as we were when Ilia discontinued its beloved True Skin Serum Concealer earlier this year, don’t fret: Its replacement may be even better, especially if uneven texture is one of your biggest gripes. The noncomedogenic Skin Blur Serum Concealer provides buildable coverage that evens out discoloration and camouflages the occasional blemish without feeling heavy or mask-like, while powdered microspheres softly diffuse the look of pores, bumps, and other textural irregularities. True to Ilia’s skin-first approach, the formula does more than conceal: Glycerin delivers lightweight hydration, Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides support elasticity, caffeine depuffs, and sea fennel extract—a plant-based ingredient the brand touts as a retinol alternative—brightens and smooths. “I love the blurred, natural finish,” says Denise Del Russo, a makeup artist based in New Jersey, who also notes that the product sets itself—meaning it settles into a long-wearing layer on skin that nixes the need for setting powder.

Panych before applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

Sophia Panych

Panych after applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

Sophia Manych

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“These days, I prefer using a full-coverage concealer layered over a skin tint, versus foundation, as everything seems to make my 40-year-old skin look dry and flat. Ilia is perfect for this technique because of its serum-like texture.  The silky formula blends seamlessly over fine line and any texture, concealing them but not settling in them. What I think makes this a good option for dry skin is that it's self-setting, meaning it stays in place nicely without topping it off with powder, meaning you don't need that extra step and that extra layer of makeup on your face. That being said, sometimes it can be a little too good at it's job, and can look a little dry if you overdo it, or if you don't prep your skin properly. But I've got the right amount down to a science now and it's a formula I find myself reaching for again and again.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides, sea fennel extract, caffeine, glycerin
• Shades: 34
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: natural

Best for Undereyes: Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

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Sarah Creal

Face Flex Concealer

$58

Sephora

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: The skin under your eyes shifts whenever you talk, squint, blink, or smile, giving concealer plenty of opportunities to crease, cake, and settle into fine lines. That’s where Sarah Creal’s Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, lives up to its very aptly chosen name. The creamy formula feels nourishing yet weightless, forming an ultra-thin, flexible film that moves with your expressions and then bounces back into place. The crease-resistant formula provides enough concentrated coverage to brighten dark circles without piling on product, then blends out seamlessly if you want to sweep it across your cheeks, chin, or nose. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the delicate undereye area, caffeine visibly reduces puffiness, and soothing aloe leaf and antioxidant-rich green tea keep skin looking calm, smooth, and radiant.

Silva before applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

Kassidy Silva

Silva after applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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"My quest to find a good concealer had been ongoing since I started to see fine lines around my eyes almost two years ago. Postpartum sleepless nights plus natural aging, you know the drill. Then I found Sarah Creal's Correct Instant Under Eye Brightener, which led me to the Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine, which has become my go-to. It's gentle around my lines and hides any blemish with a few swipes of a concealer brush. I'll apply four to five dots around my eyes, corners and tip of my nose, and little on the chin, then blend, blend, blend. If you have dry skin, don't worry, it doesn't settle into any of my rough patches and glides across any of my ‘problem’ areas where I'm prone to psoriasis." —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe leaf
• Shades: 21
• Coverage: radiant
• Finish: radiant

Best Waterproof: Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

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Kylie Cosmetics

Power Plush Longwear Concealer

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Waterproof concealers can sometimes make dry skin feel even drier, but Kylie Cosmetics’ Power Plush Longwear Concealer is a welcome exception. The cushiony formula balances long-lasting wear with glycerin that draws moisture into the skin and panthenol to soothe dryness and supports the moisture barrier. Rosa hybrid flower extract provides antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits, while dimethicone seals in hydration and smooth over flaky patches. Despite all that moisture, it doesn’t slide around, and the weightless pigment delivers medium, buildable coverage that conceals dark circles, redness, and blemishes without creasing or caking. You can wear it beyond the usual concealer zones: Choose a lighter shade to brighten the high points of your face or a deeper one to bronze and contour.

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“After applying my complexion makeup, I reach for this extra-creamy concealer to cover the redness I regularly get along the edge of my nostrils and chin. A little goes a long way, and the brightening formula never sits in my thirstiest patches.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, rosa hybrid flower extract
• Shades: 40
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: natural

Best for Dull Skin: Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

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Patrick Ta

Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

$34

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

Sarah Han

Why we love it: We love Patrick Ta’s Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer for temporarily erasing the look of dark circles: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, brightens the discoloration that can contribute to undereye shadows over time. But Ta, whose signature technique involves selectively illuminating skin to give it believable dimension, doesn’t want you to stop there. The brand recommends applying the creamy, medium-coverage formula around the smile lines, along the sides of the lips, on the chin, and at the center of the forehead to strategically lift and subtly brighten the entire face. Sodium hyaluronate, betaine, and vitamin E hydrate, plump, and soothe, while silicones smooth over fine lines and create the softly blurred, never-cakey finish promised in the name. If you want your face to catch the light in all the right places, this formula gets you halfway there; the rest just takes a little practice with technique.

Han before applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I love how dewy and moisturizing the Patrick Ta Major Skin Foundation (a Best of Beauty winner!) so I had a feeling I'd love the complementary concealer (I usually use Light Peachy Neutral 2). I usually don't apply eye cream in the morning but this concealer is loaded up with sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E, so it *kinda* (kinda!) doubles as one. Application is as smooth as can be and it provides medium coverage, which is more than enough to cover any (very slight) discoloration. I concentrate concealer on the middle of my face, so I dab some on my forehead, around and on my nose, and chin, in addition to my undereyes, and this one in particular blends out so smoothly and nicely, and illuminates my sleepy face in the best way possible!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, betaine, vitamin E, silicones
• Shades: 25
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: radiant

Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer

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Kosas

Revealer Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Sephora

Allure tester applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Why we love it: For mature skin, the sweet spot is a concealer that delivers moisture and coverage without settling into fine lines—and Kosas’ Revealer Concealer does just that. Del Russo calls it her “absolute favorite for medium, buildable coverage, color correcting, and hydration.” Hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw in moisture, while squalane and panthenol help keep delicate undereyes supple while peptides smooth the look of fine lines. Caffeine provides a brightening, de-puffing boost for tired-looking eyes. Keep in mind that “a little goes a long way,” says Del Russo, who recommends tapping a touch onto the inner and outer corners to disguise darkness without applying excess product that can settle into creases. The formula comes in 38 shades, plus brightening and color-correcting versions.

Allure tester before applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Allure tester after applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"This is like the Swiss Army Knife of concealers for me. I use the flat sponge to deposit just a few dabs of concealer beneath my eyes or the more precise tip to spot-cover redness around my nose. I've also found that it blends in seamlessly with my fingers—no brushes needed, which is always a plus." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: caffeine, pink algae, hyaluronic acid, arnica, peptides
• Shades: 38
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: radiant

Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

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Tower 28

Swipe Serum Concealer

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

Madison San Miguel

Why we love it: Concealer has a knack for finding dry patches you didn’t even know you had, but Tower 28’s Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer glides over them with a lightweight, supple texture. Glycerin, propanediol, and hyaluronic acid draw in moisture to keep dry skin looking smooth and bouncy, while emollients soften skin and prevent the formula from catching on flakes. Sensitive complexions get extra TLC from soothing Centella asiatica, antioxidant-rich green tea, and conditioning lysine.

Despite feeling more like a hydrating serum, it builds to medium coverage for concealing dark circles, redness, and uneven tone without turning thick or mask-like. Loiz reaches for it beyond the undereye area: “It’s also great for blemishes because it gives coverage without looking thick on the skin.” With a solid shade range (28 hues—playfully named after Los Angeles locales like DTLA, K-Town, and WeHo as a nod to the brand’s SoCal roots), you’re bound to find a match.

San Miguel before applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

Madison San Miguel

San Miguel after applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

Madison San Miguel

Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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“This concealer is the epitome of ‘no makeup-makeup; it's a lightweight, skin-first formula, with hydrating hyaluronic acid and calming centella asiatica, that really helped the product glide on my dry skin. The finish leans on the satin-natural side, and has a buildable medium coverage that conceals dark circles and blemishes without settling. I reached for this on days where I wanted some coverage, not a full-face.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

Tester feedback from Han

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“Tower 28's Swipe Serum is my absolute ride-or-die concealer. I've been using it since it launched in 2023, and it comes with me on every trip. (The highest honor!) I love a skin-care-infused makeup product, and this creamy formula blends in like a dream with a sponge and has never pilled on me even once! This isn't necessary by any means, but I sometimes use two shades: DTLA (my main shade and what I often use alone) under my eyes, forehead, and chin, and IE on my cheeks and nose. I tend to have more discoloration in the center of my face, so I like a deeper shade in those areas, whereas DTLA is great for brightening and adding subtler coverage to areas that don't need as much. I always blend out my undereyes and T-zone first, while I let the formula sit for a minute and really meld into especially redness-prone areas (around my nose) and stubborn dark spots (on my nose—one of my worst skin habits is that I'm a stress-picker!). The finish is just perfectly radiant and covers everything I want to, while still looking like skin. It's also reasonably priced at $24 and one of the best-valued concealers you'll find at Sephora—trust. (My second-fave concealer, also available there, is almost $60. Eek!)” —Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, propanediol, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, green tea, lysine
• Shades: 28
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: natural

Best for Redness: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

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Armani Beauty

Luminous Silk Concealer

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: We had to wait a full 20 years after Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation launched for its first concealer counterpart—but those with dry skin in particular were rewarded for their patience. Luminous Silk Concealer debuted in 2020 and promptly won an Allure Best of Beauty Award (then nabbed another one in 2025). Glycerin draws moisture into thirsty skin and vitamin E keeps it soft and conditioned. There’s also caffeine, which brightens a tired-looking complexion and helps offset puffy undereyes.

Just as important, the fluid, serum texture stays flexible as you build coverage, so it’s less likely to grab onto flaky patches or exaggerate uneven texture. “This concealer truly melts into the skin,” Ngozi Olandu Young, a makeup artist based in Baltimore, previously told Allure. “It layers beautifully without ever looking heavy or creating that crepey, mask-like effect.” It also has a satin finish for a radiant look, she says, rather than leaving dry skin looking flat or powdery. Dry complexions may get top billing here, but this lightweight overachiever plays just as nicely with combination, oily, acne-prone, and everything-in-between skin.

Lee before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“My thirsty skin also comes with melasma that I like to cover, so I use concealer a little differently: Instead of tapping it onto individual spots, I often buff it over larger areas with a wider foundation brush. That means I need a formula fluid enough to spread without catching on dry patches—and Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Concealer is exactly that. It’s silky, super easy to blend, and gives me enough coverage to noticeably even out my melasma without feeling like I’m piling on makeup. Best of all, it leaves my dry skin looking dewy and fresh, and stays flexible rather than settling into the uneven texture across my cheeks.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: caffeine, vitamin E, glycerin
• Shades: 25
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: dewy

Best Medium-Coverage: Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

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Saie

Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

$29

Amazon

$29

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Some concealers are best confined to a few strategic dots, but true to its name, Saie’s Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer was made to roam, delivering medium coverage wherever you need it. The lightweight cream disguises dark circles, redness, blemishes, and uneven tone, melting in seamlessly enough to blend across larger areas in place of foundation. Its noncomedogenic formula surrounds pigment with plenty of nourishing skin-care ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and polyglutamic acid draw in hydration, while sunflower seed oil softens skin and prevents moisture loss. Niacinamide soothes and evens tone, while rice bran extract conditions skin and helps defend against free-radical damage. Plus, there’s antioxidant-rich amla extract to further support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. “It's also a great option for long days, leaving a naturally radiant finish that does not crease,” says Del Russo.

Pai before applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Pai

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“While I prefer a creamy concealer like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage to conceal my breakouts, I don't love the texture on other areas of my face. I use this concealer to tackle dark circles, redness around my nose, hyperpigmentation, and the occasional zit as needed in a single sweep. It's a dream to blend and the coverage is forgiving—it's not enough to ever get cakey, but does a great job of concealing even purple-toned areas. I also love that I can dot, blend, and go—no brushes needed.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, polyglutamic acid, sunflower seed oil, niacinamide
• Shades: 25
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: dewy

More concealers for dry skin we love

Best Full-Coverage Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Creamy Concealer

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Tarte

Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

Sephora

Why we love it: When Tarte’s original Shape Tape concealer launched in 2016, its full-coverage formula and oversized doe-foot applicator quickly won over the internet, prompting repeat sellouts—and even limits on how many tubes shoppers could order at once. A decade and an entire Shape Tape franchise later, Tarte has spun that blockbuster formula into the Creamy Concealer, a more hydrating offshoot for people with dry skin. It retains the full coverage and staying power of the multi-time Readers’ Choice Award winner, but adds hyaluronic acid, squalane, prickly pear, mango butter, and shea butter to help it glide over fine lines without looking dry or cakey. A few swipes are enough to brighten dark circles, blur blemishes, and sculpt the face with a smooth, satin-like finish.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, prickly pear, mango butter, shea butter
• Shades: 48
• Coverage: full
• Finish: natural

Best for Blemishes: Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

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Dior

Forever Skin Correct Concealer

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

$42

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Dior’s Forever Skin Correct Concealer is "the Rolls-Royce of concealers for hitting all the pain points: It corrects redness, hides darkness, delivers extra hydration, and blurs blemishes,” says Del Russo. And if blemishes are at the top of your concealing agenda, the noncomedogenic, full-coverage formula is particularly well equipped. It camouflages active breakouts, lingering post-acne marks, and surrounding redness in a single sweep, while silica softens the look of pores and uneven texture. Despite that coverage, its creamy consistency blends easily and sets to a transfer-resistant finish without looking thick or cakey over dry, healing spots. “You’ll never have to keep layering it,” says Loiz. Glycerin and propanediol draw in moisture, while emollients keep the surface smooth. It won’t treat acne, but it does make the evidence considerably harder to spot.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, propanediol, emollients
• Shades: 30
• Coverage: full
• Finish: natural

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

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L'Oréal Paris

True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

$17 $14 (18% off)

Amazon

$17

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: When you have dry skin, you can rarely go wrong with a) a makeup-skin care hybrid, since added hydrators help keep pigment from clinging to flaky patches and emphasizing texture, and b) a serum-y consistency that slips effortlessly across the skin for easier, tug-free blending. L’Oréal Paris’ True Match Radiant Serum Concealer checks both boxes, delivering medium coverage that disguises dark circles, redness, blemishes, and discoloration without looking heavy. Glycerin and 1.5% hyaluronic acid draw in moisture to plump the appearance of fine lines and keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours, while niacinamide supports the moisture barrier and even tone. Caffeine also temporarily reduces the look of undereye puffiness when you use it around the eyes.

This drugstore darling is also incredibly easy to apply exactly where you need it: “Its iron-shaped applicator has a pointed tip that deposits a small, controlled amount of concealer precisely onto blemishes, dark spots, and the inner corners of the eyes,” says Del Russo. Meanwhile, the wider sides and flat center can sweep product over larger areas, such as beneath the eyes or around the nose. Although its 24-shade lineup includes fewer options at the deeper end than we’d like, the formula is sheer enough that each shade can blend across a broader range of skin tones.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, 1.5% hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, caffeine
• Shades: 24
• Coverage: light to medium
• Finish: dewy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you apply concealer on dry skin?

Start with well-moisturized skin, giving your moisturizer or eye cream a few minutes to absorb so the concealer has a smooth—not slippery—surface to grip. Apply foundation first, then use concealer only where you still need coverage; fewer layers mean less product available to cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines.

Shade selection also matters. “Concealers are not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing,” says Leticia Meyers, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. “When it comes to choosing the right shade for your skin tone, knowing your undertones makes it a lot easier.” Choose an exact skin-tone match for blemishes and discoloration, or go one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten beneath the eyes.

As far as technique, pressing is gentler on dry skin than rubbing or dragging. Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, recommends bouncing a damp sponge over the product, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap it into place for a softer finish. Either method helps melt concealer into the skin without disturbing your base or lifting flaky patches. If you need powder, use the smallest amount possible and limit it to areas prone to creasing.

Can people with dry skin wear full-coverage concealer?

Absolutely. “High coverage isn’t the problem—it’s how much you use and the texture of the formula,” says Loiz. She recommends applying a tiny amount of a creamy, flexible full-coverage concealer exactly where you need it. In fact, that can look more natural on dry skin than repeatedly layering a sheerer formula: “You’re building on too much product, which will look cakey and heavy.”

How should you prep dry skin before applying concealer?

Start with moisturizer, paying extra attention to the delicate undereye area. “Let skin care absorb before applying concealer,” says Loiz. “You want the skin hydrated and plump, but not so slippery that the concealer can’t grip.” Give your products a few minutes to sink in, then gently press away any excess before applying a thin layer of concealer.

Meet the experts

• Denise Del Russo, a makeup artist based in New Jersey
• Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
• Leticia Meyers, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best concealers for dry skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Different phases of life call for different skin-care needs, and the best moisturizers for mature skin make those adjustments feel like a thirst-quenching treat. Just as acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may have been your saving graces as a teen, there are similarly powerful ingredients that complement and support aging skin (including, yes, but not limited to retinol). “As our skin matures, there is a natural decrease in collagen and elastin production, which are the supportive structures of the skin that help give youthful skin its firmness and bounce,” Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously shared. That’s when moisturizer comes in: Alongside relieving dryness, a moisturizer tailored for mature skin can also restore elasticity, brighten dark spots, and treat fine lines for stronger skin. While these are normal characteristics of later-in-life skin, we'd never judge anyone seeking a little epidermal pick-me-up.

Our Top Moisturizers for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, $98
• Best with Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream, $28
• Best Retinol Alternative: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream, $230
• Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen Peptide Cream, $99
• Best for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185

Scroll ahead to discover your new favorite daily moisturizer for mature skin, as vetted by dermatologists and Allure editors.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What ingredients should I look for in moisturizers for mature skin?
• What do moisturizers for mature skin do?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

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Alastin

Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

$98

Amazon

Why it's worth it: You’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who hasn’t recommended Alastin. Most of the brand’s formulas, including the Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, feature its signature TriHex Technology, a proprietary blend of peptides designed to help clear out damaged collagen and elastin while supporting the production of new, healthy fibers. But what makes this one especially easy to love day-to-day is how it balances long-term skin support with immediate comfort: Ingredients like oat kernel extract calm irritation and reinforce the skin barrier, while linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) replenishes lipids, smooths roughness, and reduces moisture loss.

You’re also getting a steady hit of hydration from glycerin and tremella mushroom extract (a hyaluronic acid-like hydrator), plus soothing extras like bisabolol and antioxidant-rich sunflower and rice bran extracts. “It’s lightweight enough to layer under serums or SPF, but still delivers rich hydration and soothing benefits, which is crucial for mature, sensitive skin,” Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida, told Allure.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, oat kernel extract, linoleic acid, phospholipids, rosemary
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it's for: people with mature skin that’s dry, sensitive, or irritated

Best With Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream

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RoC

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream

$28

Amazon

$38

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Using retinol in a serum or as a standalone product has its own benefits for mature skin. But in a moisturizer, it comes with an even greater advantage: skin-firming benefits in addition to soothing hydration. Case in point: RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Cream. It pairs a powerful, proprietary form of retinol with a moisturizing base (featuring bio-ceramides and shea butter) to smooth the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles while combating signs of dryness and minimizing irritation, which is why Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends the product. (Editor’s note: RoC doesn’t disclose the exact concentration of retinol, so beginners, proceed with caution.)

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, bio-ceramides, squalane, allantoin, shea butter
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol Alternative: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

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La Mer

The Rejuvenating Night Cream

$230

La Mer

Why it's worth it: Nighttime is when your skin is in repair mode, so sleep tight with La Mer’s The Rejuvenating Night Cream, a newly crowned 2026 Allure Best of Beauty winner. The luxurious formula consists of an antioxidant-rich blend of sea kelp and lime tea concentrate (an antioxidant-rich complex) to support resilient, healthier-looking skin while you snooze. The star ingredients are accompanied by rich butters, like shea and mango seed butters, that help bolster the skin barrier to keep hydration locked in—a.k.a. preventing transepidermal water loss that often occurs while you sleep—even when morning hits.

If you’re typically sensitive to traditional retinol, this moisturizer offers a solution: A retinol alternative called MRA-3 (sea plant extracts) encourages collagen production and healthy cell turnover from dusk till dawn, helping to plump fine lines and wrinkles, smooth over texture, and enhance radiance—all without the potential irritation associated with retinol. Plus, the rich, plush texture and La Mer’s signature floral scent make bedtime feel like a luxury ritual.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“For years, my nighttime skin-care philosophy was basically: Slap on my morning moisturizer and call it a day. And as a devout Crème de la Mer fan—it’s been a fixture on my birthday and holiday wish lists for years—I didn’t think I was missing much. Little did I know my dry, sensitive skin could get along so well with something this rich. Thick creams have historically felt more suffocating than nourishing on me, but The Rejuvenating Night Cream has the dreamiest texture: plush and comforting without making me feel like my skin can’t breathe. I’m in the final stretch of my 30s (a long-winded way of saying I’m 39), and fine lines, dullness, and a little laxity have become increasingly noticeable, especially around my eyes, where shadows can make the area look more hollow. I love waking up to skin that feels deeply moisturized and looks plumper and fresher. I reach for it on the nights I take a break from my prescription tretinoin, and its gentle retinol alternative already seems to be helping smooth my skin. I’m excited to see what a few more months of consistent use can do.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, sea kelp, lime tea concentrate, MRA-3 (retinol alternative), mango seed butter
• Fragrance-free: no

Best with SPF: Revision Intellishade Original SPF 45

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Revision Skincare

Intellishade Original SPF 45

$89

Amazon

$89

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Your dermatologist, your mother, and all of us here at Allure will never stop saying it: Sunscreen is your best defense against fine lines and wrinkles. The Revision Intellishade Original SPF 45 combines hybrid sun protection with SPF 45 hydrating ingredients, including glycerin and squalane, to act as one multi-functional step in your routine. (Reminder: The American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, recommends an SPF rating of 30 or above, so this formula passes with flying colors.) Dr. Garshick especially likes the moisturizer because it also contains three peptides, which help improve “the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone while protecting against further environmental damage.” To streamline your routine even further, the moisturizer comes in a tinted version to lightly conceal and even skin tone on the spot.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 7.5% octinoxate, 5% octisalate, 3% zinc oxide, 3.5% titanium dioxide, peptides, vitamin C (THD ascorbate)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream

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Medik8

Advanced Pro Collagen Peptide Cream

$99

Amazon

$99

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: If you haven’t been following the peptide hype by now, here’s the 101: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as the foundation for collagen, elastin, and keratin—helping support healing, boost firmness, and slow signs of aging. Think of peptide-infused formulas, like Medik8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream, as your needle-free shortcut to Botox-like effects. The hydrating moisturizer features growth factor-inspired “mini proteins” that support collagen production, so it’s not just hydrating skin; it’s working beneath the surface to reinforce the skin’s structure. (That deeper support is what helps soften the look of more etched-in wrinkles.) You’ll also find barrier-supporting ceramides to keep skin strong and supple, plus carnosine, which helps maintain collagen flexibility.

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffman

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“I've been a dedicated user of Medik8's Liquid Peptides Advanced serum for some time now, so I pounced on the Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream when the samples landed in our office. While I don't have noticeable wrinkles—yet—to track progress against, I do notice an overall plumping effect on my skin when I consistently use this moisturizer. The finish is really satin-y, absorbs quickly (a through line with Medik8, I'll always award bonus points for speedy applications), and I really feel like my skin texture and tone have never been better.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: carnosine, squalane, shea butter, ceramides, amino acids
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Firming: Sulwhasoo Essential Firming Cream Ex

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Sulwhasoo

Essential Firming Cream EX

$124

Amazon

$124

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: If you’ve yet to find a face cream that makes you actually look forward to using it, consider this your cue to pick up a jar of Sulwhasoo’s Essential Firming Cream Ex. With every application, you’re getting the brand’s proprietary Jisun Firming Complex—a blend of goji berry, arrowroot, hydrolyzed soybean, and carnosine—to defend against oxidative stress while supporting elasticity and firmness. True to Sulwhasoo’s signature blend of traditional ingredients, it’s also infused with a lineup of herbal extracts—like peony, lotus seed, Solomon’s seal, white lily, and rehmannia—that fortify the moisture barrier and boost hydration. Add in squalane for that soft, replenished feel and adenosine to iron out the look of fine lines, and you’ve got a cream that feels “luxurious and does double duty in hydrating while smoothing out saggy skin,” Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Jisun Firming Complex (goji berry, arrowroot, hydrolyzed soybean, and carnosine), peony, lotus seed, Solomon’s seal, white lily, and rehmannia
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Night Cream: Caudalie Premier Cru Cream

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Caudalie

Premier Cru Cream

$119

Amazon

$119

Nordstrom

$119

Sephora

Why it's worth it: What makes the Best of Beauty-winning Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream so good? To start, it's a concoction of hyaluronic acid and sugars derived from honey locusts—hear us out. The latter ingredient helps firm and plump the skin, targeting issues like sagging and fine lines, explains New York-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD. This cream also contains grapeseed oil and shea butter, two lipids known for their deep moisturizing abilities. If you have especially dry skin, consider Caudalie's Premier Cru The Rich Cream, another Allure Best of Beauty winner.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, Viniferine
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer

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Isdin

Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer

$152

Amazon

$152

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Bedtime is the new Botox, thanks to Isdin's Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer. Instead of retinol, this nighttime moisturizer is powered by melatonin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and carnosine—an amino acid compound that slows glycation, “a process where sugar binds to collagen and elastin, breaking them down faster,” Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, previously explained. Translation: more elasticity. The cream goes on super smooth and works the night shift to hydrate, protect against free-radical damage, and brighten skin by morning. It's also a favorite of LA-based board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD. Bonus: The moisturizer is mineral oil-free and non-comedogenic for those worried about richer creams clogging their pores.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: melatonin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, carnosine
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it's for: people with sensitive skin looking for a retinol alternative

Best for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

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SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

$185

Skinceuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Like we’ve already established, mature skin experiences a decrease in elasticity and an increase in dryness over time. For instance, when sugar molecules attach themselves to skin-supporting proteins (a.k.a. glycation), such as collagen, they can expedite the natural aging process. SkinCeuticals’ A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced slows said process by using a high concentration of plumping proxylane (a beech wood derivative), anti-inflammatory wild fruit flavonoids (an antioxidant), and brightening glycyrrhetinic acid (an active in licorice root). Dr. Garshick says the trio specifically improves “the appearance of firmness, wrinkles and skin quality, while still helping to nourish and hydrate the skin,” which are all important in reversing the impacts of glycation (and even help smooth the look of deeper folds and lines around your eyes and mouth).

More to know

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• Key ingredients: proxylane, wild fruit flavonoids, glycyrrhetinic acid, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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CeraVe

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$20 $15 (25% off)

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: When it comes to skin-care multitaskers, CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is one you’ll never feel guilty about restocking, ringing in at just $20 (and it’s often on sale). The facial moisturizer relies on hyaluronic acid, a water-drawing humectant, and ceramides, a naturally occurring lipid for skin barrier support. It also incorporates brightening niacinamide to address dark spots, calm irritated skin, and boost the barrier-soothing benefits. Beyond hydration, the hybrid formula comes with UV protection of SPF 30 that Brendan Camp, MD, recommends applying from the neck and chest up. For overnight dryness relief, the brand has a PM version we love, too.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, a ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, 10% homosalate, 5% octinoxate, 2% octocrylene, 8% zinc oxide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in moisturizers for mature skin?

There are quite a few skin-care ingredients for mature skin that are worth considering when you shop, such as brightening vitamin C, which is "a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals which would otherwise cause oxidative stress to the skin and lead to premature aging," says Dr. Green. (In other words, it's great for treating signs of sun damage.) She also recommends adding niacinamide skin-care products, hyaluronic acid serums, and ceramide-packed formulas (to your routine for moisture-locking and skin barrier reinforcement. If your skin is particularly dehydrated, humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can draw water into skin, while occlusives (think rich butters, petrolatum, and plant oils) lock in all of those benefits.

Retinol is also an important ingredient to look for not just in a moisturizer, but in any skin-care routine for aging skin. “Retinoids are truly the fountain of youth,” Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Encinitas, California, previously shared. They target crepey skin and hyperpigmentation, among other concerns. Starting slowly with a lower dose (like a 0.01% over-the-counter retinol) is best for beginners as your skin adjusts—and always follow up with a sunscreen with anSPF rating of 30 or more, of course. If you can’t handle retinoids, peptides can help boost elasticity without risking irritation.

What do moisturizers for mature skin do?

While all facial moisturizers for mature skin provide deep hydration, active and inactive ingredients vary between products, meaning the perks will vary, too. If hydration is your main target, Dr. Khalifian called hyaluronic acid a “hydration superhero” because of how well it attracts and retains moisture (which, in turn, lends a youthful glow). And if your moisturizer also contains niacinamide, you’re doubly in luck: When paired with hyaluronic acid, the two support a stronger skin barrier for plump, radiant skin. However, using a moisturizer with retinol can help boost skin cell turnover, promote collagen production, and increase elasticity, while alpha- and beta hydroxy acids are essential for smoothing skin and addressing discoloration concerns. "Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells," adds Dr. Green. “This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture.”

Meet the experts

• Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, California
• Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Center Aesthetic & Dermatology based in New York City
• Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of best moisturizers for mature skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Don’t get us wrong: We love a full-coverage foundation moment, but some days, we’d rather our skin still look like, well, skin. The best skin tints hit that sweet spot, using a subtle dose of pigment to soften redness, discoloration, and uneven tone without masking everything underneath. Coverage typically ranges from sheer to medium and, unlike foundations that can feel like a commitment, these fluid, serum-like, and even solid formulas are designed to blend in quickly (you can use your fingers!) and feel like next to nothing.

The category has become increasingly difficult to separate from skin care—and we’re not complaining. You’ll find familiar ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to boost hydration, squalane and ceramides to keep skin soft and comfortable, and niacinamide to support the skin barrier and improve the look of uneven tone. Some even throw SPF into the equation. And there’s no one-finish-fits-all rule: Our favorites run the gamut from juicy and radiant to softly blurred and shine-controlled. Ahead, makeup artists and Allure editors share the skin tints worth swapping into your routine whenever you’re feeling a no-makeup makeup vibe.

Our Top Skin Tints

• Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint, $36
• Best Lightweight: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, $72
• Best for Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm, $34
• Best Stick: MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick, $38
• Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $41
• Best for Uneven Skin: Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops, $42
• Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint, $14

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What's the difference between foundation and skin tint?
• What ingredients should I look for in a skin tint?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

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Make Up For Ever

Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Sephora

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Elizabeth Gulino

If hydration is a big part of your skin goals, Make Up For Ever’s Super Boost Skin Tint “feels comparable to face serums in texture, but still has buildable coverage,” says New York City-based makeup artist Anluis Minier. The lightweight formula backs up that comparison with glycerin, which draws water into the skin, and squalane, an emollient that prevents moisture from escaping. Sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, binds water at the skin’s surface for a temporarily plumper, smoother look. But the more unexpected addition in this skin tint is polyglutamic acid, a humectant that’s more commonly found in hydrating serums that attracts moisture at the skin’s surface. Silicones like dimethicone, meanwhile, add silky slip and glide over dry patches and uneven texture. Despite its stacked roster of hydrators, the formula stays weightless enough for all skin types.

Gulino before applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Elizabeth Gulino

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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“I love a base product that leaves me looking glowy, and this one by Make Up For Ever sure did. It's definitely a sheer, lightweight skin tint, which is something I usually gravitate towards, but it still has buildable coverage. My only gripe is the shade range—I tend to go for neutral shades and there weren't many options for me!” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronate, polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, silicones
• Shade count: 18

Best Lightweight: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

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Chanel

Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

$72

Chanel

$72

Nordstrom

$72

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Shanna Shipin

Allure senior news editor James Manso applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

James Manso

Why we love it: When it comes to Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, “light coverage” doesn’t mean barely any pigment. Rather than dispersing pigment throughout the formula like a traditional foundation, this skin tint suspends tiny pigment-filled microdroplets in a mostly transparent, watery base. As you blend, the droplets break open and release small amounts of color, evening out tone. The brand recommends dispensing it onto the back of your hand first to break up the droplets before applying (though we found that it works just as well if you apply it directly), and it even comes with a complexion brush to blend everything in seamlessly. (Per our staffer, the tradeoff for that fantastic, featherlight texture is that a little doesn’t go quite as long a way as you might expect, and the limited shade range leaves room for improvement.)

Water makes up 75% of the formula, while glycerin and tamarind seed extract keep dehydration at bay. According to Westchester, New York-based makeup artist Camila Mancipe, all that hydration doesn’t make it too hydrating for oily skin, though, as the oil-free formula settles in without leaving behind a heavy residue. If your skin is very dry, though, Mancipe recommends layering a richer moisturizer underneath or choosing a more moisturizing base.

Shipin before applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Shanna Shipin

Manso before applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

James Manso

Manso after applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

James Manso

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“The way this evens out my skin tone is amazing—it genuinely feels like I’m wearing nothing, and I often forget I’ve applied any product at all. As the name suggests, this is a lightweight tint, so for my more hyperpigmented acne spots or the melasma around my mouth, I usually pair it with the Chanel Les Beiges serum concealer. The formula has amazing stretch, and someone with a little less to cover could probably get away with just one pump, but I use two. It lays on the skin like nothing at all (which is saying a lot because I have plenty of texture and dry patches) and leaves behind a lovely, healthy glow that is sadly usually never there—mom of two with no sleep, y’all. It has also never once irritated the dermatitis on my often-inflamed eyelids, which is absolutely necessary for a daily product.” —Shanna Shippin, senior commerce director

Tester feedback from senior news editor James Manso

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“The format of this product is so intriguing: It comes in an airless pump with suspended pigments in a serum-y, gel-like base, and gives the coverage of a light foundation. I know it's a 'skin tint,' but it has the attributes of a skin care serum, a BB cream, a foundation, and an Instagram filter all at the same time. In any case, it's a delight to use, blends in easily, offers just a touch of you-but-more-even coverage, and feels lighter than most moisturizers. If you're looking for something with more coverage, this probably isn't for you, but it's great if you want to look like you're not wearing makeup.” —James Manso, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, tamarind seed extract
• Shade count: 8

Best for Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

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IT Cosmetics

Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

$34

Ulta Beauty

Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

Jenny Bailly

Why we love it: IT Cosmetics’ fan-favorite CC+ Cream has racked up multiple Allure Readers’ Choice Awards over the years for being the ultimate multitasker—coverage, color correction, and SPF, all in one tube—so a complexion product called Do It All has some pretty big shoes to fill.

But Do It All Hydrating Sheer Tint Face Balm isn’t CC+ Cream 2.0; it takes an entirely different, much sheerer approach that's so good, it already earned a 2026 Best of Beauty Award. Think of it instead as a “solid serum” with tint: The balm melts into a featherlight texture to even out tone while letting your skin show through. And, true to the brand, there’s plenty of skin care packed inside: Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate pull in water for bouncy skin, while vitamin E moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection. And, if fine lines and wrinkles are on your radar, the peptides are a nice bonus, helping skin look smoother and firmer over time.

Bailly before applying the IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

Jenny Bailly

Bailly after applying the IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

Jenny Bailly

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“I [always come] right back to the IT Cosmetics’ Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm—to the point that I have already emptied one jar and am well into my second (and would honestly feel more comfortable if I had a third waiting in reserve). As it says right there on the packaging, this is a balm. And it is indeed sheer. But somehow it also hides all of my redness and blurs my dark spots without looking (or feeling) like a mask. And the jar doesn't mention my favorite part: It feels cool on your skin when you apply it. You can definitely apply this with your fingers (and I do when I'm traveling), but I've found that using a big fluffy brush gives me the sheerest version of this sheer formula. The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 is, go figure, an ideal choice—it also has a smaller, denser brush on one end, and I use that to blend this tint under my eyes where I need more coverage.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
• Shade count: 12

Best Stick: MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick

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MAC

Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Ulta Beauty

$38

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick in Light Medium 1

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Unlike every other skin tint on this list, the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick doesn’t contain a drop of water—and that’s part of what makes it so good on the go. The solid, anhydrous formula won’t spill in your makeup bag, and the stick lets you swipe coverage exactly where you want it—say, over redness around your nose or uneven tone on your cheeks—rather than committing to a fluid tint all over. The formula relies on breathable emollients for a creamy, easy-to-blend glide, while sunflower seed oil and fatty acids (including linoleic, linolenic, and oleic) soften and condition skin. The skin-care benefits don’t stop there: Açaí and radish seed extracts provide antioxidants, vitamin E conditions, and kaolin soaks up any excess oil. If MAC’s water-based Strobe Dewy Skin Tint skewed a little too dewy for you, consider this its more targeted, shine-controlled alternative—it keeps the radiance, just without quite so much gleam.

Lee before applying the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick in Light Medium 1

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick in Light Medium 1

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m genuinely surprised this formula manages to hold its shape as a solid, because the literal second the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick hits my skin, it melts in like a liquid foundation. It’s so creamy and easy to blend that, had I not been at home with my kabuki brush handy, I could’ve easily gotten away with just using my fingers. The coverage is a tad sheerer than I normally reach for when I’m trying to camouflage my melasma, but there’s just enough pigment to even everything out while somehow making it look like I’m wearing no makeup at all—this is simply my skin, thank you very much. I’m very excited to keep this one in daily rotation, especially on days when I want my complexion to look naturally glowier and even toned without feeling like I’m wearing foundation.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids, açaí and radish seed extracts, vitamin E, kaolin
• Shade count: 20

Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

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Fenty Beauty

Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

$41

Shop

$41

Ulta Beauty

$41

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Sarah Han

Why we love it: You may think skin tints are synonymous with dewy coverage, but the big selling point of Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint is that it’s more about blur than glow. The formula does sneak in skin-care ingredients—including glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and urea to retain moisture—but its silicone-heavy base drives the easy spreadability and instant soft-focus effect. Dimethicone smooths over the look of pores and uneven texture, while talc and silica absorb excess sebum to minimize unwanted shine in oily skin. “It feels more modern than a traditional matte base, striking that tricky balance where there’s enough hydration to avoid skin from looking flat or chalky, but it still keeps excess shine in check,” says Magen Grays, a makeup artist based in Atlanta.

Han before applying the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tin

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tin

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I love a dewy skin tint but cameras don't often agree with me, usually making my T-zone and cheeks look blinding and more apparent than they do in person—not fun! So, on days I know I'll be taking photos, Fenty's Eaze Drops are a go-to. They help tamp down the shine and blur the look of my pores—especially on and around my nose—but still leave my skin looking fresh and bouncy, thanks to the skin-care ingredients. It strikes the ideal balance for my combination/oily skin, and the formula truly feels like nothing. I find that my fingers can do 90% of the blending and I only pick up a sponge to blend the product around my nose and around the perimeter of my face just to make sure there are no random lines or splotches.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, urea, dimethicone, talc, silica
• Shade count: 25

Best for Uneven Texture: Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

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Drunk Elephant

Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

$42

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Though Drunk Elephant has dabbled in color with D-Bronzi, O-Bloos, and B-Goldi, those were always positioned as serum drops meant to be mixed into your skin care. Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops is the brand’s first bona fide complexion product—but, naturally, it doesn’t abandon its skin-care roots. The formula uses 18% amino-acid-coated pigments, meaning the color particles are treated with amino acids to disperse more evenly, glide evenly over skin, and adhere better for less patchy, cakey coverage. Alongside them, a 4% peptide complex improves the look of firmness, uneven texture, and fine lines over time. More immediately, a cocktail of 11 amino acids and moisture-binding ingredients like glycerin, sodium PCA, and sodium lactate keeps skin hydrated, helping dullness and roughness look less noticeable, while squalane, marula oil, and green tea seed oil condition skin for a softer, smoother surface. That’s a lot of skin care for something we still firmly maintain is, yes, makeup.

Pai before applying the Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“Drunk Elephant isn’t kidding with its capital-m Makeup: This stuff is so pigmented that I initially put on way too much. A drop or two is enough to cover the whole face, and I liked that I could blend it in seamlessly just with my fingers. It left my skin looking fresh—with enough coverage to deal with dark spots and tiny clogged pores—and stayed put the whole day, humidity be damned. It’s perfect for quick, low-key coverage when I need something that’s a step up from tinted sunscreen.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 18% amino-acid-coated pigments, 4% peptide complex, glycerin, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, squalane, marula oil, green tea seed oil
• Shade count: 25

Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

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CoverGirl

Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

$14 $9 (36% off)

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman applying the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

Katie Gunderman

Why we love it: CoverGirl’s Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint may sound familiar (its predecessor was Clean Fresh Skin Milk). The latest iteration keeps the same light-to-medium coverage but adds 2% niacinamide, which can strengthen the skin barrier, regulate excess oil, and improve the look of uneven tone. More surprising for a makeup formula is acetyl glucosamine, a hydrating amino sugar often paired with niacinamide in skin care to improve the look of uneven tone. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate handle much of the hydration, while aloe and allantoin soothe and plant oils like coconut and soybean keep skin soft. But it’s not all about piling on moisture: Aluminum starch absorbs excess oil, making this affordable tint for all skin types—even oily.

Gunderman before applying the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

Katie Gunderman

Gunderman after applying the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

Katie Gunderman

​​Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman

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“The Covergirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint gives me the prettiest light coverage that looks natural and lightweight on the skin. It applies smoothly with a brush or a sponge if you want to thin it out more and even can give you a nice medium coverage if you add more concealer. It wears beautifully and will give you a natural glow if you don't set it down with powder. I think for the price this is an amazing skin tint and the squeeze bottle makes application so easy.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% niacinamide, acetyl glucosamine, glycerin, panthenol, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, urea, sodium hyaluronate, aloe, allantoin
• Shade count: 14

Best Glowy Finish: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

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Summer Fridays

Sheer Skin Tint

$42

Amazon

$42

Shop

$42

Sephora

Shipin applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: There’s a fine line between dewy and greasy, and the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint never crosses it. One of our testers said her skin still looked hydrated yet non-oily after trekking through New York City on a hot summer day, but its moisture-heavy formula makes just as much sense once sweater weather hits. Since Summer Fridays debuted as a skin-care brand, it's no surprise that its skin tint features familiar ingredients: There’s glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to attract and lock in moisture. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the addition of tiger grass to soothe skin and reduce the look of redness.

Shipin before applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“Not a day goes by that I don't use this skin tint—it truly is the ‘your skin but better’ formula in a bottle. Despite being super dry, consistently battling hormonal acne, and having a mix of deep and fine lines, this skin tint is undetectable! No settling into creases, no weird ashiness in the pigment, no accentuating my eczema patches—just a perfect weightless wear. The shade ranges are uniquely fitting; I'm Shade 5, which is ‘medium with warm neutral undertones’—do you know how rare it is to find a combination like this?! You do if you have a tricky medium skin tone that's all at once golden, warm, and olive. It's a borderline magical product. The only drawback is that it's a liquid, so sometimes you may spill if you're in a rush (hi, mom of two and perpetually late to things). It has stained a top of mine, but, hey, that's some good staying-power for you!” —Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tiger grass, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane
• Shade count: 12

Best Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

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Ilia

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

$48

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

$48

Shop

Allure senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

Why we love it: The impressive shade range is one of the many reasons Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is beloved by the pros. Because sheer pigments allow more of your natural skin tone to show through, skin tints tend to be a bit more forgiving than full-coverage foundations—one reason the category has historically gotten away with fewer shades. However, “Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 offers the kind of nuanced undertone range you’d expect from a foundation, making it much easier to find a shade that disappears seamlessly into your skin,” says Renée Loiz, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles.

Beyond the pigment, squalane and shea butter-derived emollients soften skin, while niacinamide supports the skin barrier and improves the look of uneven tone. Two forms of hyaluronic acid boost hydration, and aloe, bisabolol, and allantoin soothe easily irritated skin. Then there’s 12% zinc oxide, the mineral UV filter behind its SPF 40. One quirk of the mineral formula: The zinc oxide can make your shade look lighter when it first hits skin, so give it 30 to 60 seconds to settle before deciding whether you’ve found your match. Though the formula contains no added fragrance, our tester noticed a slightly offbeat scent upon application—but it faded quickly enough that it was hardly a dealbreaker.

Herrick before applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick

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“This product is actually a dream. I have never been a skin tint girl (thanks, acne), but I have been experimenting with more lightweight formulas, and Ilia's Skin Tint skyrocketed to the top as one of my favorites. Everything from the gentle, soothing scent to the creamy and blendable consistency is incredible. It soaks into my skin beautifully and gives me the perfect amount of coverage without too much heaviness. I feel it's done wonders for my acne as well! Team skin tint!” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide
• Shade count: 30

Best for Dry Skin: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

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Hourglass

Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

$49

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Why we love it: Arguably, most skin tints are already pretty friendly to dry skin, but the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint ups the ante by giving skin “the juiciest, healthy finish I’ve seen in a skin tint,” says Loiz. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate replenish moisture, while squalane and meadowfoam seed oil slow down moisture loss. Shea butter adds another layer of emollience, which explains why the formula feels so plush and forgiving on rough, flaky patches. All that moisture in the Best of Beauty Award winner translates to a naturally radiant finish and a texture that’s so silky and fluid that you can skip the brush altogether (though the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is our favorite) and blend it in with your fingertips like a lotion.

Foresto before applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“This hydrating skin tint has the most perfect glowy finish and actually stays put all day, but doesn't make my skin feel tight and dry (like I need to spritz face mist every five minutes). As an eczema-prone girlie, I'm a big fan of its lightweight but buildable formula too, because it lets me hide some pesky eczema hyperpigmentation without the need to use a higher coverage base or extra concealer.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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"I'm not big on foundation for everyday. Every one I try feels like a mask on my skin that I can't wait to wash off, so there is no way I could commit to wearing it five days a week. I typically reserve base makeup for days when I have to be on TV or at an event. This skin tint feels more like a face lotion—in fact, I often apply it with just my hands. The coverage is very light. However, it's enough to make people think I did something to get a natural glow." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, hyaluronic acid, rambutan, squalane
• Shade count: 18

Best Plumping: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint

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Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Tint

$39

Sephora

Allure former beauty closet associate Edward Horgan applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Why we love it: You’ll find the usual skin-tint suspects in Danessa Myricks’ Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint—glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and squalane—but things get a little more interesting from there. Ceramides and phytosterols (plant-derived compounds similar to the lipids naturally in your skin) support the skin barrier, while cactus extract hydrates and soothes. There’s also a plant-derived sugar complex, including xylitol derivatives, that helps skin hold onto water. Most unique is SR-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1, what the brand calls a vegan collagen peptide: It’s a biotechnology-derived protein designed to mimic certain properties of collagen. All of that skin care comes wrapped up in sheer coverage with a plump, skin-like finish that makes the “Yummy Skin” name feel pretty spot-on. “It won’t erase every variation in the complexion, but it creates a beautiful, overall harmony in the skin tone,” says Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a makeup artist based in New Jersey.

Horgan before applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Horgan after applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Tester feedback from former beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

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“This skin tint has the perfect balance of coverage and glow that covers up my redness while still leaving my skin looking like my skin! It has a lightweight feel to it and works so well with any other product I layer on top of it; it’s my go-to for a reason.” —Edward Horgan, former beauty closet associate

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, ceramides, peptides (SR-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1), cactus extract
• Shade count: 20

Best Blurring: Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

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Kylie Cosmetics

Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Shop

$35

Ulta Beauty

Allure creative producer Sydney Malone applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Why we love it: There’s a time and a place for a full King Kylie beat—sculpted contour, XL lashes, and an expertly overdrawn matte lip—and then there are days when less is more. Kylie Cosmetics’ Skin Tint Blurring Elixir caters to the latter with a natural, second-skin finish that still does plenty of behind-the-scenes work. The 2025 Best of Beauty winner uses weightless silicones to give the fluid formula its slip to effortlessly smooth over the look of pores and uneven texture, while silica absorbs excess oil for additional mattifying without making skin look flat. Film-forming ingredients give all that barely there coverage some serious staying power, helping it hold up against sweat and humidity. And because blurring should never be code for drying, humectants propanediol and sodium hyaluronate keep moisture in the equation.

Malone before applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Malone after applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone

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“I absolutely love this skin tint, especially for the summer, since the lightweight coverage doesn't feel overbearing in the heat. It gives me a light glow while not appearing shiny.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, mica, silica
• Shade count: 24

Best for Sensitive Skin: Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

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Saie

Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

$38

Amazon

$38

Shop

$38

Sephora

Gulino applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Why we love it: Does your sensitive skin make you wary of trying new products? Saie’s Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer keeps potential freak-outs to a minimum. The Best of Beauty Award winner skips added fragrance, a common potential irritant, and brings in bisabolol, aloe, and licorice root extract to soothe and calm skin. Glycerin and two forms of hyaluronic acid keep your complexion hydrated, while grape-seed and argan oils, jojoba esters, and beeswax soften skin and seal that hydration in. We can’t overlook the added bonus of SPF 35 protection, either: It comes courtesy of 15% zinc oxide, a mineral UV filter that tends to be well tolerated by sensitive skin—making this sheer, dewy tint an especially appealing option if chemical sunscreen filters haven’t always agreed with you.

Gulino before applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Tester feedback from Gulino

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"It only took a week of using this product for me to add it to my beauty drawer permanently. The application is easy, it provides just enough buildable coverage, and it has left my skin looking glowy without being too oily. A feat! I've been applying it with Saie's The Big Brush—a perfect combination, in my opinion. I've been using shade two, which was formulated for very light skin tones with peach undertones. The packaging looks and feels luxe, but the scent is not my favorite. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker for me, though." —Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15% zinc oxide, pansy extract, hyaluronic acid
• Shade count: 14

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between foundation and skin tint?

Foundations and skin tints mainly differ in both pigment levels and their skin-care perks. Foundations deliver more coverage, but that extra pigment can often feel heavy—and powders in the formula may settle into fine lines. (That’s why it’s all the more important to find a foundation made for mature skin.)

Skin tints, on the other hand, often come loaded with nourishing ingredients you won’t always find in standard foundation or concealer (more on that below). Their lighter, more hydrating formulas make them a particularly good fit for those with dry or mature skin who want to avoid anything thick or heavy.

That's not to say the two base products can't work in tandem. "I can easily see myself using a tint as a priming step to even the skin, and adding coverage with foundation and concealer where needed," New York City-based makeup artist Tommy Napoli told Allure. If you go the route of fuller coverage, locking in everything with a translucent setting powder is crucial.

What ingredients should I look for in a skin tint?

When something is advertised as a skin tint, you may see more skin-loving actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and squalane at work. "[Hyaluronic acid] is great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, previously told Allure. Squalane, conversely, "aids in skin-care problems wherein the skin barrier is disrupted and transepidermal water loss is an issue," according to Palm Beach, Florida-based board-certified dermatologist Samantha Fisher, MD. Everyone, including sensitive skin (squalane is odorless, by the way), can benefit from this emollient.

While examining the formula of Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint, Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, shouted out some of her favorite skin tint ingredients. "Niacinamide brightens tone and increases the skin's production of ceramides, which in turn can prevent moisture loss," explained Dr. King. She also named mineral SPFs, like non-nano zinc oxide, as a beneficial ingredient—but we always recommend applying a standalone sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more, instead of relying on SPF-spiked makeup.

Meet the experts

• Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Samantha Fisher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
• Magen Grays, a makeup artist based in Atlanta
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
• Anluis Minier, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Camila Mancipe, a makeup artist based in Westchester, New York
• Tommy Napoli, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a makeup artist based in New Jersey

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best skin tints, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from makeup artists, dermatologists, and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.