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7 Tinted Moisturizers That Work For WOC With Darker Complexions
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7 Tinted Moisturizers That Work For WOC With Darker Complexions

by HipLatina

It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that it’s 2019 and we still don’t have enough Tinted Moisturizers and BB creams for women of color. Brands Have finally been catching up to the fact that not offering enough shades for ALL women is no longer an option. Rihanna put the pressure on after releasing not 10 — not 20 — but 50 foundation and concealer shades. But what I’m still not seeing enough of are tinted moisturizer shade options, as if one shade was a size fits all. Seriously, what’s up with that? I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to try a new BB cream only to discover they only offered 3-5 shades and the brown options ones were either too yellow or too deep for my caramel-y tan complexion. Fortunately, there are a few brands who understand the need and importance of offering tinted moisturizers or BB creams — a seasonal essential — for Brown and Black women of various complexions. Here’s a look at some of the best ones in the market!

Laura Mercier

There are a number of things I love about this tinted moisturizer. For starters, it’s oil-free so it doesn’t clog up my pores or cause breakouts. I love it because it instantly leaves skin looking natural, fresh, and dewy without wearing off after just a few hours, like a lot of tinted moisturizers tend to do. The formula comes in 15 shades — with half of them catering to medium and dark skin — and the sheer coverage makes it work for literally every complexion. It might seem pricey to some but trust me — it’s worth every penny.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free, $46, lauramercier.com

Glossier

I’ve always been a fan of Glossier but it took me years to finally try their tinted moisturizer because they didn’t offer it in my shade until very recently. Fortunately, this year the brand chose to expand their formula to 12 shades — six of them for brown complexions. Can I get an amen on that one? I was beyond hyped when I learned the news — of course! The G5 shade is a perfect match for my caramel complexion and leaves my skin popping like the Glossier models on the site — I’m just saying. Give it a try and thank me later — you welcome!

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint, $26, glossier.com

NARS


This is hands down one of my favorite tinted moisturizers because it’s lightweight like a tinted moisturizer — leaving my skin smooth and glowy. But unlike moist tinted moisturizer formulas, this one also provides coverage — like foundation —  hiding away any temporary dark spots or imperfections. I’ve been using it for years because it comes in my perfect shade while also providing hydration and sunscreen protection. Oh, and did I mention it stays put  ALL day? It’s impossible to be mad at all that and you’ll soon learn why.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $45, narscosmetics.com

BareMinerals

I grew up on BareMinerals. My first foundation formula ever — during my college days — was their classic mineral powder that I was able to customize to match my complexion. Fortunately, their tinted moisturizer is just as impressive and inclusive. Available in 20 shades, this formula deeply hydrates while the sheer-to-medium coverage leaves skin looking smooth and naturally radiant. This creamy, multitasking product is also water-based and plant-derived, so no need to worry about clogged pores here. I’m telling you, it definitely doesn’t disappoint — that’s for sure.

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $32, sephora.com

Smashbox

This BB cream might only come in eight shades but it’s so sheer that I can easily get away with using any of their medium dark shades. It also primes, hydrates, and banishes shine beautifully. In fact, it primes so well some folks like to use it as a primer under their foundation. So in a way, it’s like a two in one: a primer for your foundation OR a tinted moisturizer. Not bad right? There’s a reason why they call it the 5-in-1 miracle worker — this thing does it all.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum 35, $42, ulta.com

Bobbi Brown

This tinted moisturizer is pretty popular among women of color because not only does it come in more shades than most, but it also simultaneously works to improve its texture, leaving you with a lit-from-within complexion. The sheer tint provides a natural, smooth, and dewy finish perfect for spring and summer days when matte and caked foundation just doesn’t cut it. I personally love the way the Medium to Dark shade gets my golden honey and yellow undertones right. You can expect to see this baby again in my makeup bag come spring.

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35, $47, bobbibrowncosmetics.com

CoverGirl


Finding a tinted moisturizer, BB Cream, or CC Cream — whatever you’d prefer to call it — for darker skinned women at a drugstore can seem like an impossible task. I honestly almost gave up. But the CoverGirl Queen CC Cover + Care Cream is designed specifically for women with brown complexions. Think tan and darker. Sure it only comes in four shades — but those shades are JUST for us — and keep in mind it’s a sheer and light-weight formula. Not only does this oil-free formula — that doesn’t clog pores — promote a flawless yet natural look, but it’s only formulated to even skin tone which is a bonus considering a lot of women of color tend to struggle with hyperpigmentation. You also can’t beat that under $10 price point — right?

CoverGirl Queen CC Cover + Care Cream, $9, Walgreens.com

 


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