We Compared 3 Popular Tinted Moisturizers (NARS, Laura Mercier, Fenty)
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“Your Skin, But Better”: The Champions of the Minimal Routine
The ultimate goal of the “invisible makeup” philosophy is to achieve a look that says, “I just have naturally perfect skin.” In this pursuit, traditional heavy foundations are out, and a new hero reigns supreme: the tinted moisturizer. These products are the heart of a minimal routine, perfectly blurring the line between a skincare routine and makeup. They combine hydration, sheer coverage, and often SPF into one quick, effortless step.
While these modern tints are the new heroes of the minimal routine, it’s worth noting they are challenging the classic mineral powder option that started the “natural makeup” revolution.
But among the sea of options, three names consistently rise to the top: the classic Laura Mercier, the radiant NARS, and the modern Fenty Beauty. We’ve put these three titans head-to-head to help you find the perfect choice for a natural, flawless base.
The Head-to-Head Comparison: Three Philosophies of Natural Skin
#1 The Cult Classic: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
- The Vibe: The original “French girl” effortless, healthy-looking skin.
- Why We Love It: This is the iconic product that arguably started the entire trend. Its formula is focused on deep hydration, packed with Macadamia and Kukui seed oils and Glycerin to keep skin plump and dewy all day. It provides a sheer, believable tint that evens out the skin tone without ever looking like makeup. With SPF 30, it’s a true one-and-done for a quick morning routine.
- The Verdict: Best for normal to dry skin types who prioritize hydration and want a sheer, healthy, “your-skin-but-better” finish.
#2 The Radiant Choice: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
- The Vibe: A glowy, perfected, and slightly more “finished” look.
- Why We Love It: This is the choice for those who want the ease of a tinted moisturizer but desire a bit more coverage. The NARS formula is closer to a lightweight foundation, yet it feels incredibly light. It’s packed with skincare ingredients like Vitamin C and other antioxidants that claim to help brighten the skin over time. It delivers a beautiful, luminous satin finish that looks healthy and radiant.
- The Verdict: Best for normal to combination skin types who want a bit more coverage to hide minor redness or spots, without sacrificing a dewy glow.
#3 The Modern Innovator: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
- The Vibe: A real-life blurring filter that is modern, lightweight, and inclusive.
- Why We Love It: While this technically has no SPF (you’ll need a separate one), it competes directly as a skin tint. Its magic is in its “blurring” formula. It’s a surprisingly lightweight liquid that helps to visibly blur the appearance of pore size and creates a smooth, natural-matte finish. It’s not too dewy, and not too flat. As expected from Fenty, the extensive shade range is a huge plus.
- The Verdict: Best for combination to oily skin types who find traditional tinted moisturizers too greasy. This is perfect for controlling shine and blurring pore size while still looking like real skin.
The At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Feature | Laura Mercier | NARS | Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop |
| Coverage | Sheer | Sheer-to-Medium | Light (Blurring) |
| Finish | Dewy & Hydrating | Radiant Satin | Natural Matte / Blurring |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | No SPF |
| Best For Skin | Dry to Normal | Normal to Combination | Combination to Oily |
Pro-Tips for an “Invisible” Finish
- Warm It Up. For the most natural, skin-like finish, apply a small amount of tinted moisturizer with your clean fingertips. The warmth of your hands helps to “melt” the product and blend it seamlessly.
- Press, Don’t Rub. For an even, sheer application, use a damp makeup sponge and press or bounce the product into the skin. This prevents streaking and avoids a cakey makeup look.
- Spot Conceal After. Instead of applying a thick, heavy layer of your tint, apply one sheer layer first. Then, go back in with a high-coverage concealer and use a tiny brush to cover only the specific spots that need it.
Understanding your skin type is the first step to finding the right product. As the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains, knowing if your skin is oily, dry, or sensitive will help you select a product that works with your skin, not against it.
The Verdict: Your Champion for Real Skin
The “best” tinted moisturizer truly depends on your skin type and the finish you’re dreaming of.
Laura Mercier remains the undefeated champion for classic, dewy hydration. NARS is the winner for those who want a radiant finish with a bit more coverage. And Fenty takes the crown for a modern, blurred, natural-matte look that is a hero for oily skin. All three are exceptional tools for mastering the art of “invisible makeup” and feeling confident in your own beautiful skin.
Mastering the art of “invisible makeup” for your base is the first step. The perfect companion to this look is a natural, non-sticky lip oil that enhances, rather than covers, your lips.
