Let’s face it—if you have oily skin, the beauty aisle can feel like a minefield. Every product that promises a “glow” or “hydration boost” often ends up turning your face into a slick, shiny mess by midday. And tinted moisturizers? They’re some of the trickiest to get right. While they’re beloved for their lightweight feel and “your-skin-but-better” look, most of them just don’t play well with oil-prone complexions.
That’s because the majority of tinted moisturizers are made to moisturize—which is great if your skin is dry or normal, but not so ideal if your face already produces plenty of its own oil. Many formulas are too rich, too dewy, or just not built to last on oily skin. The result? Your makeup slides around, clogs your pores, and leaves you feeling like you need a blotting sheet every hour.
But here’s the good news: not all tinted moisturizers are created equal. There are actually some fantastic formulas out there that are lightweight, breathable, and specifically made to stay put on oily or combination skin. These gems can even help balance your oil production, rather than fight against it. So instead of avoiding tinted moisturizers altogether, the key is knowing which ones to trust.
This list is all about those exceptions—the 11 tinted moisturizers that actually work for oily skin. We’ve combed through expert recommendations, customer reviews, and real-world wear tests to find the ones that not only deliver on coverage and comfort but also help keep your skin looking fresh, not greasy. Whether you’re looking for a matte finish, a soft glow that won’t go overboard, or a sheer tint that blurs imperfections, there’s something here for you.
And don’t worry, we’re keeping things simple and realistic. No overhyped claims, no complicated routines—just good products that do what they say they’ll do. Whether you’re heading to work, class, brunch, or just running errands, the right tinted moisturizer can cut down your routine and still leave you looking put together.
So if you’ve been avoiding tinted moisturizers because of your oily skin, now’s the time to give them another shot. These 11 are worth the hype—and they just might become your new go-to.
What to Look for in a Tinted Moisturizer for Oily Skin
When choosing a tinted moisturizer for oily skin, keep these tips in mind:
- Oil-Free Formulas: Avoid products with heavy oils that can clog pores.
- Matte or Natural Finish: Look for products that control shine.
- Non-Comedogenic: Ensure the product won’t block your pores.
- SPF Protection: Sun protection is essential, but opt for non-greasy formulas.
- Lightweight Texture: Heavy products can feel uncomfortable and exacerbate oiliness.
1. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

This lightweight skin tint offers buildable light-to-medium coverage with a natural finish. It’s designed to blur imperfections and control shine, making it ideal for oily skin. Users appreciate its ability to even out skin tone without feeling heavy or greasy.
2. Make Up For Ever Super Boost Skin Tint

This skin tint provides a radiant finish without making the skin look oily. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores, offering a smooth appearance throughout the day.
3. Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Formulated with Amazonian clay, this tinted moisturizer helps control oil and provides a natural finish. It’s lightweight and offers light coverage, making it suitable for daily wear.
4. Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

This product combines sun protection with buildable coverage. It starts with a dewy finish that settles into a natural look without feeling greasy, making it suitable for oily and sensitive skin types.
5. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

This gel-cream formula offers hydration with a sheer-to-medium coverage. It’s designed to provide a natural, slightly glowy finish without making the skin feel oily.
6. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

This mineral sunscreen offers tone-adapting coverage with a demi-matte finish. It’s lightweight and provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, making it a great choice for oily skin.
7. Laura Mercier Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20

This oil-free tinted moisturizer provides light coverage with a soft-focus, pore-blurring effect. It’s designed to offer a natural look while controlling shine.
8. Pacifica Kind Tint Tinted Serum

This tinted serum offers light coverage with a dewy finish. It’s lightweight and blends easily, making it suitable for those looking for a natural glow without excess oiliness.
9. Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream

Specifically designed for oily skin, this BB cream provides medium coverage with a matte finish. It’s oil-free and helps control shine throughout the day.
10. The Lip Bar Just a Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner

This multitasking product offers light coverage, hydration, and SPF protection. It’s lightweight and provides a natural finish, making it suitable for oily skin types.
11. Trinny London BFF Cream Skin Perfector

This skin perfector offers sheer coverage with a radiant finish. It’s lightweight and designed to even out skin tone, providing a healthy glow without excessive shine.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest—finding a good tinted moisturizer when you have oily skin can feel like a never-ending battle. Most formulas are designed with hydration in mind, which sounds great… until your face turns into a shiny mess just a few hours later. The truth is, not all tinted moisturizers are created equal, especially if you’re trying to balance oil control with a natural, healthy-looking glow.
But here’s the good news: there are great options out there that won’t clog your pores, slip off your face by noon, or leave you looking overly dewy (and not in a cute way). The 11 products listed above were chosen specifically because they’ve proven to work for people with oily or combination skin. Whether you prefer a soft matte finish or a skin-like glow that doesn’t slide off, there’s something here for you.
What really sets these products apart is their ability to multitask. Many of them offer sun protection, sheer to medium coverage, and skin-friendly ingredients—so you’re not just wearing makeup, you’re also treating your skin right. Brands like Fenty Beauty and Tower 28 have formulas that blur imperfections and hold up throughout the day, even in humid or oily conditions. Others like Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream and Laura Mercier offer a more classic matte look without feeling cakey or dry.
And if you’re someone who’s breakout-prone? Don’t worry—many of these are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores. In fact, some even contain calming or oil-controlling ingredients like Amazonian clay or niacinamide to help keep breakouts at bay.
The key takeaway? It’s totally possible to enjoy the benefits of a tinted moisturizer—even with oily skin. You don’t have to stick to heavy mattifying foundations or skip complexion products altogether. The trick is knowing what to look for: oil-free formulas, lightweight textures, and a finish that suits your preference.
Try one or two of these and see how they wear on your skin. It might take a bit of experimenting, but once you find the right one, it can seriously simplify your makeup routine. You’ll get hydration, coverage, and shine control all in one step—and that’s a win for any skin type.