Skin care and makeup have always coexisted on beauty counters, but some experts argue about their performance and efficacy when combined — in the same bottle. With the expansion of multi-functional makeup products containing buzzy ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it can be hard to know what to choose, apply and consume.
Think of makeup formulated with sun protection or tinted sunscreens — all of these encompass a hybrid category that has increased interest in beauty consumers.
Lately, there has been an expansion has been hard to ignore. In 2024, CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Awards winners included makeup products like Drunk Elephant Bright Drops, which contains niacinamide and Rare Beauty Lip Oil Stain formulated with jojoba seed oil. These are just examples of what the cosmetic industry has seen in the past decade. According to research from Cosmetics Design, the post-pandemic era brought an influx of multipurpose products, with formulas focused on achieving healthier skin and protecting the skin barrier.
"The trend of skin care in makeup has risen significantly as consumers demand multi-functional products that offer both cosmetic benefits and skin care advantages. As beauty and skin care have become more intertwined, brands have responded by developing makeup formulas that not only enhance the appearance of the skin but also address skin care concerns like hydration, anti-aging, and skin tone improvement," says lead esthetician at The Spa at Casa Cipriani, Samantha Susca.
But do they actually work? We asked experts for their thoughts and which products are worth our investment for a reinforced skin barrier while looking put-together and makeup-ready.
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Does skin care in makeup work?
Yes, it can be effective. "Skin care-infused makeup can be effective, but its benefits depend on the formulation and concentration of active ingredients. While it won’t replace a dedicated skin care routine, it can provide added hydration, sun protection or antioxidant support throughout the day," says board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Dr. Amy Spizuoco.
While skin care in makeup is a great supplement, it doesn't replace a full routine. "This is because skin care needs to be layered strategically for optimal absorption and efficiency. So, while applying a foundation that contains skin care [ingredients] may provide skin care benefits, like hydration and antioxidant protection, the dosage is likely too small to achieve the intended results," adds board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD.
Brands have responded to the needs of consumers by formulating makeup products with hydrating and nourishing ingredients. But that doesn't mean you should break up with your beauty patterns.
"This is the same thought process as makeup with SPF — it’s great extra UV coverage, but it does not replace the need for a proper amount and application of SPF itself," says Mraz.
Additionally, there's another reason why it shouldn't be relied on as the main source of skin care benefits. "Makeup with skin care ingredients do not have to be FDA approved and therefore the amounts and type of ingredient will work, but won’t be as effective as a stand-alone product," shares clinical attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital, Dr. Howard Sobel.
Best makeup with skin care, according to experts
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
- Lightweight
- Feels like moisturizer
- Smooth texture
- Not enough coverage
Size: 1.18 oz. | Colors: 20 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive-derived squalane and mineral-based sunscreen
Susca recommends this hydrating gel-formulated cream because it "gives light coverage while infusing the skin with moisture thanks to its ingredients like marine botanicals and hyaluronic acid, ideal for a radiant and dewy finish." It provides sheer coverage while offering a natural look.
Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum
- Many shades available
- Blends well
- Doesn't last 24 hours
Size: 1.06 oz. | Colors: 50 | Key ingredients: Vitamin C and broad-spectrum SPF
This makeup foundation feels more like a serum, thanks to its natural-looking effect on the skin. "This is a great example of blending skin care and makeup. The line is dermatologist-developed to brighten dark spots with continued use. Those benefits are powered by the antioxidant Vitamin C and SPF 15 protection to prevent new dark spots from forming. It’s reparative and protective," says Mraz.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
- Great coverage
- Silky feel
- Lightweight
- Color accuracy is tricky
Size: 1.08 oz. | Colors: 30 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E and mineral SPF 50+
"This product combines full coverage with skin care benefits, offering SPF 50, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to hydrate and protect the skin while providing a flawless finish," says Susca. This is a favorite CC cream among Amazon shoppers for its high SPF content, which is ideal for mature skin to protect against environmental factors.
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Lightweight coverage
- Radiant finish
- Contains SPF
- May be drying
Size: 1.9 oz. | Colors: 16 | Key ingredients: Vitamin C and SPF
Susca approves this product for its hydrating and creamy formula, which can be used daily. "It is infused with SPF 30 and powered by vitamin C. This tinted moisturizer brightens the skin, provides hydration, and offers a natural finish, making it a great option for everyday use."
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation
- Powder goes on easily
- Doesn't settle on fine lines
- Higher price point
Size: 30 grams | Colors: 26 | Key ingredients: Pine bark extract, pomegranate extract, titanium oxide and zinc oxide.
Mraz recommends this product because it's compact, weightless and easy to blend.
"It can be difficult to find a powder foundation that is also hydrating and this one does the trick! It is antioxidant-rich and contains soothing sea minerals as well as recognition from The Skin Cancer Foundation for its mineral SPF coverage," shares Mraz.
Best makeup with skin care, according to editors
Versed Stay Liquid Eyeshadow
- Creamy feels
- Dries quickly
- Hydrating properties
- Need to apply multiple layers
Size: 0.15 oz. | Colors: 5 | Key ingredients: Caffeine
Senior editor Jess Bender says she loves the shimmer effect on this eyeshadow. "I love a liquid eye shadow for its buildability and ease of application, but I've come across plenty that have been disappointing for a number of reasons (messy applicator, streaky finish, lack of — or too much — pigmentation, the list can go on and on). I had none of those issues with this liquid eye shadow! In case, the creaminess, medium pigmentation and overall finish reminds me of pricier, higher-end options currently on the market."
Well People Bio Tint SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer
- Gives a dewy look
- Satin finish
- Small package
Size: 1.2 oz. | Colors: 14 | Key ingredients: 20% zinc oxide
If you're in search of a safe and vegan product with enough SPF, try this tinted moisturizer from Well People. Editor Rebecca Brown says, "I wear this in lieu of a foundation. It goes on easily and provides nice coverage, with the added benefit of having SPF 30. The coverage is buildable, so when needed, I'll apply heavier under my eyes and it never looks cakey."
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Glow Serum
- Glowy finish
- Minimal product needed
- Absorbs quickly
- Scent could be distracting
Size: 1.1 oz. | Colors: 3 | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
This is another favorite makeup product from Bender. "I'm relatively late to the face primer game, but I've recently learned that it's a great foundation to make my skin tints look more natural and less streaky upon application. Having used this on and off for the last few weeks, I adore the finish this provides," says Bender who owns three shades.
"It adds a hint of glisten without looking greasy, plus it smooths out my complexion nicely before applying the rest of my go-to makeup products."
Rodial Plumping Collagen Lip Oil
- Very hydrating
- Has a neutral color
- Finishes quick
Size: 0.13 oz. | Colors: 3 | Key ingredients: macadamia oil, jojoba oil, vegetal collagen and more
If you love gloss, shine and a smooth effect, this lip oil is for you. It contains collagen and a list of oils that feel soft and moisturizing on the skin. Your pout will feel the hydration at every swipe and this one has been my favorite for months. Another plus is that the macadamia-infused formula offers a silky effect and plumps your lips, without leaving a sticky feel.
Thrive Causemtics Buildable Blur CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- Feels lightweight
- Blends well
- Natural coverage
Size: 1 oz. | Colors: 16 | Key ingredients: Vitamin C
I haven't used a real foundation in two years since I started with a hybrid formula. This one from Thrive Causemetics is a makeup hero when it comes to covering sun spots and signs of aging. While I'm in my mid-30s, I can see tiny sunspots due to SPF neglect. This formula has a thicker texture and is easier to blend with a beauty blender.
Naked Sundays BeautyScreen Peptide Foundation Tint SPF 50
- Ideal for combination skin
- Very smooth
- Tip can get messy
Size: 1 oz. | Colors: 13 | Key ingredients: Squalane, zinc oxide 12%
Whether you live in a warmer climate or want to give your foundation a proper rest, try this foundation tint. It contains peptides and antioxidants that help to boost the skin. I [Espinal] am almost done with this formula and am considering getting their new iterations. The texture is so smooth and offers a glowy complexion.
Trinny London BBF Eye Serum-Concealer
- No-creasing
- Feel hydrating
- Needs brush to blend better
Size: 1 oz. | Colors: 12 | Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
I [Espinal] am obsessed with this concealer because it covers my early signs of under eye bags. The formula is creamy and hydrating and contains the proper amount of hyaluronic acid to keep the area plump. Plus, the texture is smooth without making your wrinkles noticeable. I've layered this formula with other skin tints and tinted moisturizers, and the results are A-plus.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Hydrating
- Evens out skin tone
- Strange scent
Size: 1 oz. | Colors: 30 | Key ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
Writer Emma Stessman uses this skin tint which was also recommended by Mraz. "I rarely wear a full face of makeup, but when I want to look a little more put together, I use this skin tint from Ilia. It evens out my skin tone and dims dark spots and other imperfections without feeling (or looking) too heavy. It feels like I have nothing on! I have really dry skin, so I sometimes struggle with tints and foundations drying it out further and creating rough spots, but I never have that problem with this tint. It's super hydrating and leaves you with a dewy finish," says Stessman.
Tizo Tinted Moisturiing Serum
- Matte and glowy finish
- Very hydrating
- Not many shades
Size: 1.75 oz. | Colors: 5 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides
I [Espinal[ love this product from Tizo because the formula is smooth and not matte. It's like wearing no makeup. I added this on the spot before taking the photos below, and the difference is minimal but effective. It slightly covers my mini sun spots without looking cakey. This is my go-to for days when I want to look fresh and obtain a dewy finish. It has SPF, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which adds hydration throughout the day.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Blurred Matte SPF 30
- Many shades available
- Blurs pores
- Small bottle for value
Size: 1.5 oz. | Colors: 20 | Key ingredients: White rose wine complex, French kaolin, eijitsu rose and sunscreen
I started using this tinted moisturizer from Laura Mercier and it feels super smooth. It blends easily when applied and feels creamy while offering a matte finish. Also, it covers my pores but, they don't feel clogged like other traditional foundations feel. The added bonus? It contains SPF and key ingredients that help to hydrate my skin barrier.
How we chose
We spoke with multiple experts and asked for their top recommended makeup products containing skin care ingredients as well as to speak on their efficacy. Additionally, we asked Shop TODAY editors to share their most coveted products and selected those with ingredients approved by the experts. I [Espinal] added a selection of my personal makeup products that I've been using and are effective on my sensitive skin while keeping expert-approved formulas in mind.
Meet the experts
- Samantha Susca is the lead esthetician at The Spa at Casa Cipriani in New York City. Susca specializes in facial acupresure, Gua Sha, sculptural face lifting and medical-grade extractions.
- Dr. Amy Spizuoco is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist and founder of True Dermatology.
- Deanne Mraz is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, MA and the founder of Modern Dermatology.
- Dr. Howard Sobel is a clinical attending physician in dermatology and dermatologic cosmetic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital.
