If you’ve got combination skin that’s perpetually thirsty yet perpetually shiny, you’ve probably steered clear of tinted moisturizers. Many formulas lean too rich, slip around on the face, or exacerbate breakouts. But with the right ingredients and textures, a tinted moisturizer can be your BFF—light enough to let skin breathe, pigmented enough to blur imperfections, and formulated to sop up surface oil rather than amplify it.
I used to swear by full‑coverage foundations, but after dialing in a skincare routine that keeps my acne at bay, I’ve been on the hunt for something lighter. I tapped board‑certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy‑Rose for pro tips on what oily, acne‑prone skin really needs—and they pointed me toward humectants, oil‑free formulas, and even some gentle salicylic acid. Below, discover the 11 tinted moisturizers that tick every box for oily skin.
What Oily Skin Craves (and What It Can’t Stand)
- Lightweight, Non‑Occlusive Bases
Avoid pore‑clogging heavies like mineral oil, lanolin, petroleum, and rich butters. These can sit on top of skin and trap bacteria. - Hydrating Humectants
Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe to deliver moisture without grease. They draw water into the skin, so you don’t trigger extra sebum production by stripping your face. - Gentle Exfoliants
An added dose of salicylic acid can help keep pores clear. Just a touch in the formula can go a long way toward preventing post‑moisturizer breakouts. - Mattifying or Oil‑Absorbing Powders
Ingredients like silica, zinc, or rice starch can help soak up shine without leaving a flat, mask‑like finish. - Sun Protection Built In
Oily skin still needs SPF (arguably more than dry skin). Tinted formulas with mineral or chemical sunscreens kill two birds with one stone.
11 Tinted Moisturizers That Won’t Slip Off Oily Skin
1. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Price: $38 | Shades: 25
Why We Love It: Blurs pores and fine lines with a soft‑focus finish. This humidity‑ and sweat‑resistant formula wears matte‑natural all day—great for summer shine control.
Pro Tip (Dr. Penzi): The lightweight silicone base helps it cling to skin without sliding into creases.
2. Make Up For Ever Super Boost Skin Tint
Price: $36 | Shades: 15+
Why We Love It: Gel‑cream texture infused with hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids for a plump, dewy look that never goes greasy. Editor Kaitlyn McLintock calls it “unreal” for fine‑line blurring.
Pro Tip: Hydration without oil—perfect for skin that’s dry underneath but shiny on top.
3. Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Price: $42 | Shades: Limited
Why We Love It: Oil‑free, mineral‑pigmented finish that smooths texture and shields with SPF 20. Amazonian clay absorbs excess oil, making this a natural mattifier.
Con: Shade range skews fair to medium olive.
4. Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Price: $32 | Shades: 12
Why We Love It: A fragrance‑ and alcohol‑free buildable tint that balances oil while delivering broad‑spectrum SPF 30.
Heads Up: Some may find the texture slightly tacky until fully set.
5. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Price: $23 | Shades: 20+
Why We Love It: Clean, vegan gel‑cream with hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry patches and squalane to smooth them—yet it dries down with a healthy glow, not a grease slick.
Con: Can leave a faint white cast if not blended.
6. Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Price: $54 | Shades: 4 adaptive tints
Why We Love It: Tone‑adapting mineral pigments provide medium coverage plus SPF 50. The formula self‑adjusts to your skin tone while blurring redness and dark spots.
Con: Slightly richer feel, so set with a mattifying powder.
7. Laura Mercier Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20
Price: $54 | Shades: 20+
Why We Love It: Oil‑free, pore‑blurring finish that melts into skin. Contains soothing botanicals for irritated complexions.
Con: Might be too matte for combination skin—add a drop of facial oil on drier days.
8. Pacifica Kind Tint Tinted Serum
Price: $14 | Shades: 6
Why We Love It: Lightweight tinted serum packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and eco‑certified caffeine. Brightens, calms, and delivers a sheer, dewy finish without oiliness.
Con: Can pill if layered under too many other products.
9. Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream
Price: $5 – $11 | Shades: 6
Why We Love It: Budget‑friendly, non‑comedogenic matte formula that blurs blemishes and controls shine all day. A cult favorite for combo and oily skin.
Pro: No primer or powder needed—even in steamy environments.
10. The Lip Bar Just a Tint 3‑in‑1 Tinted Skin Conditioner
Price: $17 | Shades: 6
Why We Love It: Oil‑free, rose‑water–infused tint with SPF 11. It hydrates with hyaluronic acid and Irish sea moss, making it a perfect primer base or solo wear.
Con: Packaging could be more user‑friendly.
11. Trinny London BFF Cream Skin Perfector SPF 30
Price: $52 | Shades: 10
Why We Love It: Micro‑encapsulated pigments adapt seamlessly to your skin tone. A glow‑boosting, sheer coverage that reads like your skin—but better.
Con: The radiant finish may be too dewy for the most shine‑phobic.
Final Tips for Flawless, Shine‑Free Wear
- Prep Wisely: Start with an oil‑controlling gel or lightweight serum.
- Apply Sparingly: Dot tinted moisturizer where you need coverage, then blend outward to avoid layering too much product.
- Set Strategically: Press a translucent, oil‑absorbent powder on your T‑zone to lock in hydration without losing your blurred finish.
- Touch Up: Keep blotting papers or a travel‑size powder for midday shine control.
With the right formula in hand, tinted moisturizers can become your everyday go‑to—light as air, protective against UV, and specially formulated to keep oil in check. Say goodbye to slip‑and‑slide makeup, and hello to a natural, shine‑free glow.
