WHAT IS SKIN TINT?

Spot concealer or all-over glow? Skin tint gives you the power to choose.

– KEYS SOULCARE

Embracing your natural beauty isn’t merely a passing trend; it’s a way of life. Enter skin tint, the makeup-skincare hybrid that’s redefining multitasking in beauty. But what exactly is a skin tint, and how does it differ from traditional foundation or tinted moisturizer?

When Alicia Keys and the Keys Soulcare crew dropped It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint, we had a few things in mind: developing a virtually weightless and customizable offering focused on enhancing your natural allure (rather than concealing it). It’s Like Skin delivers just that for anyone looking for minimalist product offerings that adapt to their style.

Ready to add how to add a skin tint to your everyday getting-ready ritual? Let’s dig into the details.

What is a Skin Tint?

First things first: Consider skin tint the Goldilocks of skincare makeup hybrids. It steps in as the perfect middle ground with a lightweight, breathable formula that provides coverage for a more “your skin but better” effect. Skin tints typically feature a serum-like or gel-cream texture, making them easy to apply with your fingers, sponge, or brush, and great for everyday wear.

Plus, skin tints are versatile, allowing you to customize your look according to your preferences — a subtle, barely-there glow or a bit more coverage to boost your radiance.

While foundations can provide full coverage, they might feel heavy depending on what kinds of formulas you reach for most often. Tinted moisturizers offer a light, hydrating touch with less coverage. Skin tints harmoniously combine coverage and moisture, giving skin a radiant-looking glow.

Benefits of a Skin Tint

Skin tint can be like a breath of fresh air for your beauty routine. Not only do skin tints feel breathable and lightweight, they can also be considered makeup with skincare benefits. It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Tint and Concealer, for example, is infused with skincare ingredients like niacinamide, a potent form of vitamin B3 that helps brighten and balance the skin’s appearance.

Plus, skin tints are easy to apply with your fingertips, making them a no-fuss addition to your makeup bag whether you’re getting glammed up at home or on the go.

Next, let’s demystify how a skin tint with skincare benefits differs from its makeup cousins — tinted moisturizers and foundations.

Skin Tint vs. Foundation

Traditional foundations are known for their heavier coverage and ability to conceal blemishes effectively. They provide a blank canvas; however, they can feel heavy on the skin. Long-wear makeup has plenty of pros: it provides more coverage, and can be worn for events and longer durations without needing to touch-up. But if you find yourself craving lightweight-feeling coverage, foundation may not be right for your preferences.

Skin Tint vs. Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizers offer a lighter touch. They provide hydration along with a touch of subtle color to even out your complexion. Tinted moisturizers aim for a natural makeup look, whereas skin tint can help you achieve more of a no-makeup makeup look.

Skin Tint vs. Tinted Moisturizer vs. Foundation

Not sure which one to choose for your beauty ritual? Consult this chart for a quick at-a-glance comparison of skin tint versus foundation versus a tinted moisturizer.

	Texture	Why people love it	Coverage
Skin Tint	Lightweight, serum-like texture	Breathable, with a barely-there feeling	Light-to-medium coverage, great for everyday wear and a no-makeup makeup look
Tinted Moisturizer	Like a moisturizer	Lightweight feeling	Sheer to light not as targeted or precise as a tint
Foundation	Thicker texture, could be a powder or a creamy liquid	Great for longwear glam, like photo shoots and events	Heavier coverage, which can feel heavy on the skin for some

How to Apply Skin Tint

No need for a professional makeup artist; you’ve got this! Learn how to use skin tint with this simple three-step no-makeup makeup look:

1. START FRESH.

Any good glam starts with prepped skin. After cleansing with a gentle cleanser to remove any lingering makeup or impurities, apply your favorite facial moisturizer and allow it to soak into the skin for a few moments.

2. GO IN WITH A PRIMER.

Before you apply your skin tint, you can prime your skin for makeup with a pump or two of Let Me Glow Illuminating Priming Serum, a hydrating serum that helps smooth, brighten, and plump the look of skin. Apply a small amount to your face, high points of the cheeks, and decolletage for a radiant glow. It’s like a daily dose of self-assurance that affirms: “I’m unstoppable.”

3. REACH FOR YOUR SKIN TINT.

Build, layer and create looks that are uniquely you with your favorite skin tint. Use It’s Like Skin as an all-over skin tint or spot concealer for targeted coverage. Blend into skin with your fingertips and let set for 30 seconds. Repeat to build coverage as desired. Or, for more precise application, use the Natural Look Concealer Brush or a beauty blender.

Bottom line? Do YOU! Skin tint lets your light shine through and gives you the boost you need to own your power and tell your skin story any way you choose.