Foundation vs. Tinted Moisturizer: The Difference Explained

Many of my clients are either super natural makeup wearers or don’t wear any makeup at all on a daily basis. But either way, a huge concern of all of my clients is always wanting clear and polished skin. I want to encourage you that this does not have to mean a mask of caked up makeup! There are a few ways you can achieve this natural (but smooth!) look at your own level of comfort!

In this blog post, I wanted to share the answer to a question I get a lot… what really is the difference between foundation and tinted moisturizer?! To give you a thorough answer, let’s start with some basics! See what’s right for you with this breakdown of the two below.

First up… FOUNDATION!

This typically gives you more coverage than a tinted moisturizer would provide, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be heavier on the skin. A foundation will most likely do a better job of hiding unwanted blemishes or redness on the skin.

Different kinds of foundations can vary dramatically. For example, some have a matte finish while others can be dewy. And along with that, there are levels of coverage as well (light, medium, full). So it’s important to know your skin type before shopping! You can do that here.
Let’s talk about application! A tool is definitely needed! Using a brush or a beauty sponge will do the trick. Depending on your foundation choice, you may want to experiment with different tools to see what works best.

Here are some of my favorite foundations:

Screen Shot 2020-10-09 at 12.16.35 PM copy.jpg — Dior Airflash Spray Foundation

Medium, buildable coverage (this means the more you apply, the more coverage you’ll achieve!) with a soft, skin-mimicking finish. I love this foundation so much I actually wore it on my wedding day!

PURCHASE

Screen Shot 2020-10-09 at 12.17.32 PM copy.jpg — Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Medium, buildable coverage with a gorgeous glowy finish.

PURCHASE

Screen Shot 2020-10-09 at 12.18.16 PM copy.jpg — Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

Full coverage with a matte finish. This foundation is perfect for those who need help with severely troubled skin. And I give it some major bonus points for the SPF!

PURCHASE

Screen Shot 2020-10-09 at 12.19.38 PM copy.jpg — MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

This is a great powder option foundation that gives you full coverage with a matte finish. Sometimes you just don’t have time for all the primping so this powder foundation will do the trick! Be sure to use a brush for this product to avoid a thick application.

PURCHASE

Now let’s talk… TINTED MOISTURIZER!

Using a tinted moisturizer gives you more of a sheer veil of coverage over the skin rather than full coverage. It is perfect for eliminating redness & unevenness, but won’t tackle blemishes or dark spots.

Just like foundation, there are many varieties of tinted moisturizer. With that said, that means that knowing your skin type is important to understand in order to find the right match for you! If you haven’t done so yet, here’s my skin type quiz to make it easy.
A good tinted moisturizer can be applied with your fingers. Warmed up by your fingertips, it should melt into your skin just like a lotion would. Of course tools are always useful if that’s what you prefer… that’s totally up to you!