5 Best Tinted Primers - May 2026

BEST OF THE BEST

tarte

BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer

Customer Favorite

Long-lasting coverage and quality sun protection have made this primer a favorite in the beauty community.

Check Price at Sephora View at Sephora

PROS

Provides medium coverage when worn on its own without foundation.
Contains SPF 30.
Lightweight primer helps smooth and perfect your makeup while keeping it locked in place all day.
The matte finish keeps oil at a minimum.

CONS

Product is only available in a limited range of shades.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP

Tinted Skin Veil

Check Price at Ulta View at Ulta

PROS

Smooths out skin tone with a satin finish to prep for foundation application.
Aloe and cucumber extracts are included in this non-comedogenic, vegan, and cruelty-free formula.
Comes in 12 shades.

CONS

This product may not be best for dry skin types.

Make Up For Ever

Color Correcting Primer

Multi-Purpose

This primer addresses specific concerns related to color correcting while doing much more.

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PROS

Also serves as a base for foundation for a smoother and more even application.
Vegan and good for different skin types.
Multiple shades target certain issues such as redness, dullness, or sallowness.
Contains ginseng for added radiance.

CONS

A few customers reported that the scent was a bit too strong.

essence

Tinted Primer

Rich Consistency

Free of unwanted ingredients, this primer goes on with a velvety finish and can be used before foundation or on its own.

Check Price at Ulta View at Ulta

PROS

Comes in 4 shade options in a range from dark to light.
Has a mousse-like consistency and is used to blur out imperfections on the skin.
The vegan formula is free from parabens, oil, acetone, and alcohol.
Marked cruelty-free.

CONS

Some of the reviews noted that the thick consistency can make it difficult to blend.

CoTz

Face Primer and Protect

Contains SPF

Get double the use out of this product that serves as both a primer for make-up and as a sun defense mineral sunscreen.

Check Price at Ulta View at Ulta

PROS

Has a sheer tint that goes on matte and works for all skin types.
Has 40 SPF and will be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Contains zinc and titanium dioxide.
Is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

CONS

A few people felt that it left a white cast after applying.

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First Reviewed

December 12, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated December 2021

As we all know, priming your skin is an essential step in achieving flawless makeup looks. A tinted primer, when worn under foundation, creates a smooth and even-toned base for your makeup. Tinted face primers can also be worn on their own without foundation for a light, natural look. If you’re planning to use tinted face primer on its own, always look for a formula that contains SPF to protect yourself from the sun. You can also find tinted primers for your eyelashes, eyelids, and lips. When priming your eyes, look for a tinted primer that’s a similar shade to your eyeshadow to help deepen the color.

Best Tinted Primers

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

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