A hint of colour

Tinted moisturizers—seldom is the cosmetic industry that self explanatory and honest while labeling the products. Since the name suffices and obviates any need for filling in the initial blanks, let’s cut to the chase. Simple as they may sound but not all tinted moisturizers are all that simple to choose from. Some are more tinted, others more moisturizing and just because the word ‘moisturizer’ fits right in there, does not mean all formulas are hydrating. Some tinted moisturizers have powder pigments that soak up the skin’s oils. 

The types 

Even though they are aimed at being a one step quick routine for sunscreen, moisturizer and a hint (a tint) of colour, Chandigarh- based make-up artist Christina Alexander, who runs a studio by her name, still suggests prepping up the skin first with a regular moisturizer. “A tinted moisturizer is the lighter alternative to heavy foundations, and I recommend that one should consider them just that. When one needs just a little bit of coverage and although they claim to moisturize your skin too along with giving sun protection and a sheer coverage, I still suggest that one should prep up their skin first,” she says. 

Tinted moisturizer vs CC & BB creams 

Official speaking, the Beauty Balms (the BB cream that is) and Correct and Cover creams (the CC cream that is) are slightly more potent formulas than a simple tinted moisture formula. “Or, a lot of tinted moisturizers by several beauty brands are marketed as either BB or CC creams,” adds Christina. 

“A CC cream comes in with the added benefit of addressing any skin concern that one might have. Be it acne, or wrinkles, or colour correction. Since it often addresses the issue of acne, CC creams could be more lightweight formulas suitable for oily skins.” Although what anyone of them may do, depends more on the product range that varies from brand to brand. If one were to essentially differentiate a BB cream from a tinted moisturizer, then BB cream comes in with the packed benefit of priming the skin as well. 

—Manpriya Singh