What’s the difference between a skin tint and a foundation, and how do you know which one’s right for you? Don’t worry—we’re here to help you crack the case on makeup bases!
We like to think of skin tints as the cool, laid-back cousin of foundation. They’re all about that lightweight, sheer coverage that lets your natural skin shine through. Think of skin tints as having a “your skin but better” makeup finish with just enough dewy coverage to help out even the appearance of your skin tone. Our lightweight skin tint is perfect for those no-makeup makeup days or anyone who wants sheer coverage and extra SPF protection.
Don’t get us wrong—we still love foundation, just for different reasons. On the other hand, foundations tend to offer more pigment and coverage than skin tints. They’re great if you’re going for a more full glam makeup look.
Bottom line? It all comes down to your desired makeup look. So, let’s break down the details and help you find the makeup base that best suits your skin.
What’s the Difference Between a Skin Tint & Foundation?
Trying to choose between a skin tint and a foundation? We’ve got you covered—literally.
Coverage-wise, skin tints are the “less is more” kind of makeup base. They give you that sheer, your skin but better look—just enough to blur and even things out whilst still letting your natural glow shine. Think: light coverage, low-maintenance, high payoff.
Foundation is your coverage chameleon. You’ve got light, medium, full, and buildable options—meaning you can go from barely-there to fully bold, depending on your mood.
When it comes to formulae, they come in all shapes and sizes: cream foundation, liquid foundation, powder foundation, you name it. But skin tints stick to their lane: they’re liquid with a serum-like texture—thinner than a tinted moisturiser and smoother than a liquid foundation. Bottom line: both bring a level of skin-improving coverage to the table—it just depends on how low-key you want to be!
Benefits of Wearing a Skin Tint
Why do we love a good skin tint? Let us count the many (glowy!) reasons:
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It’s the ultimate no-makeup makeup hero. With light, sheer coverage that smooths and evens without hiding your skin, skin tints give you that effortless, “woke up like this” glow. It basically looks like your skin on its very best behavior.
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SPF. Most skin tints are packed with sheer SPF protection and double as your sun care step—making it a must-have for sunny days and every day.
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Skin tints also feel as good as they look. Their lightweight, fluid texture melts right into skin without ever feeling greasy or heavy. And that dewy, radiant finish? *Chef’s kiss*. It gives you that healthy, lit-from-within glow that plays perfectly with cream blush and a little brow gel.
Ready to meet your new no-makeup makeup must-have? Shop our Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50 and get glowing!
Benefits of Wearing a Foundation
Let’s hear it for foundation—the ride-or-die makeup base that’s as versatile as your makeup looks. Whether you’re going full glam, keeping it natural, or just adding a little polish to your everyday makeup routine, foundation is always there to help even out the appearance of your skin tone.
One of foundation’s biggest perks? Options! With a variety of coverage levels from sheer to full, foundation lets you customize your look based on your desired makeup look, skin needs, or even the weather. Feeling dewy and fresh? Go with a luminous foundation. Want that velvety smooth finish? A matte foundation has got you. Craving something in between? Satin foundation is your sweet spot.
Foundation is the ultimate flex makeup product, giving you control over how much you want to show or smooth over. Plus, our foundations come in shades and textures that work beautifully across most skin tones and skin types.
Application Tips for Applying a Skin Tint
Whilst we adore skin tints for their low-maintenance, can’t-mess-it-up quality, there are still a few pro tips to make the most of its glow-up magic.
First: always start with clean, moisturised skin (bonus points for a good face primer like our Power Grip Matte Primer to lock things in). Then, shake your tint well—it’s got that lightweight, serum-like texture that loves to be activated.
A makeup sponge or face brush are both fair game for application. Just dot it onto your skin and blend outwards.
Want more coverage? Let the first layer settle, then tap on a little more where you need it. Halo Glow Skin Tint’s formula is buildable and breathable, so you don’t have to worry about it caking or settling into skin. Finish with a soft sweep of Halo Glow Powder Filter to lock it all in!
Application Tips for Applying a Foundation
When it comes to foundation, application technique can make all the difference in achieving a smooth, seamless finish that lasts. First things first: prep is key. Start with clean, moisturised skin and a face primer that suits your skin type—hydrating primer, mattifying primer, or gripping primer, depending on what your skin likes.
When it comes to beauty tools, take your pick: makeup brushes for precision or beauty sponges for a seamless blend. Pump or squeeze a small amount onto the back of your hand (it’s your makeshift palette), then dot it onto your face—forehead, cheeks, nose, chin—and blend outward with your face brush or makeup sponge.
If you want light coverage, use a damp makeup sponge. Want more coverage? Go in with a flat makeup brush and build in thin layers. Don’t forget to blend down the neck to avoid any makeup lines. Set with face powder and setting spray depending on your makeup finish goals, and boom—your flawless, long-wear base is ready for whatever the day brings!
Skin Tint Recommendations
If you’re looking for a base product that does the most whilst feeling like the least, it’s all about our Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50. It’s the sweet spot between skincare and makeup—think sheer, skin-enhancing coverage with a serum-like texture that melts right in for that “your skin but glowier” finish.
Perfect for everyday wear, it’s lightweight, breathable, and infused with SPF 50 mineral sunscreen so you get sun protection and a gorgeous glow in one step. Plus, it’s packed with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated.
Foundation Recommendations
Looking for your perfect match in the world of foundation? Let’s break it down:
If medium buildable coverage foundation with a beautiful satin finish is your go-to, then our Soft Glam Satin Foundation is perfect for you. This hydrating liquid foundation delivers a breathable formula that won’t look or feel cakey.
If you’re all about that lightweight, flawless skin look, reach for our Camo CC Cream. It comes in hydrating or matte finishes, so you can choose your glow level. With medium-to-full coverage, SPF 30, and skin-loving ingredients like collagen and peptides, it's basically skincare and makeup’s power couple.
For a dewier, glass-skin finish, try our Halo Glow Liquid Filter. It’s not quite a foundation, but more like a glow booster with colour. Wear it alone, under, or mixed with foundation to add a sheer, radiant filter-like finish to your skin.
Want coverage and a glow? Layer them! Start with Halo Glow Liquid Filter for luminosity, then tap on our Soft Glam Satin Finish Foundation or our Camo CC Cream where you want for an added touch of coverage.