Over 70% of women spend at least an hour on their beauty routines—and foundation and tinted moisturizer are usually part of this process. They’re both great at evening out your skin tone. However, there are some distinctions between the two products that will make all the difference when it comes to achieving a flawless face.

Here’s a guide on foundation vs. tinted moisturizer to help you pick the right product for your skin.

Foundation vs. Tinted Moisturizer

If you have acne-prone skin or large pores, foundation will provide you with a smoother and more even-looking complexion.

A tinted moisturizer is a good option for those who want to cover light imperfections. It’s the best choice for oily skin because it doesn’t clog pores like foundations can.

While your skin type is an important factor in choosing between these two, it’s not the only thing to consider. Here are some of the main differences between tinted moisturizers and foundations.

Coverage

If you’re looking for full coverage, go with foundation. It’ll give you a flawless finish.

For those who want a more natural look and don’t want to feel like they’re wearing makeup, tinted moisturizer is a better choice. It will even out your skin tone and cover up your redness.

Cost

The cost of foundation and tinted moisturizer can vary greatly.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive option, tinted moisturizers are generally less expensive than foundations. But if you want a product that will last longer, then a foundation may be worth the extra expense.

Shade Range

Tinted moisturizers usually have a smaller shade range than foundations.

If you have very fair skin and find that even the lightest foundation shades are too dark for you, then a tinted moisturizer may be your best bet. However, if your skin tone is medium to dark, the tinted moisturizer options on the market might not match well.

How to Use Tinted Moisturizer

A tinted moisturizer is meant to be applied directly onto the skin, so there’s no primer needed. Use a brush or sponge to apply it in circular motions. Start at the center of your face and blend outwards so all areas are covered evenly.

How to Apply Foundation

To apply foundation, you’ll want to start with a primer. This will help your makeup last longer and look more natural.

Next, apply the foundation in sections with a brush or beauty blender. Blend each section of your face until the foundation matches the natural tone. For an even more realistic look, buy this self adjusting foundation and use it to blend your makeup base seamlessly.

Turn Your Uneven Skin Tone Into a Flawless Face

In the battle of foundation vs. tinted moisturizer, the winner is whichever gives you the coverage you’re looking for.

Tinted moisturizers have lots of good qualities, but they don’t offer the same coverage as foundation. If you want to totally smooth out your skin tone, a self-adjusting foundation is the best option.

These products are the cornerstone of your beauty routine, but let’s not forget all the other fun stuff that makes you feel like a glam goddess. For those who want to take their entire makeup game to the next level, read our beauty and fashion section for tips.