Tints are pigments added to products like sunscreen, moisturiser, or lip balm to give colour to the skin. Experts weigh in
Modern times call for a product that’s effortless but effective. And tints tick every single box. Tints are like that effortless pop of freshness, not makeup-makeup, just your natural glow, but slightly enhanced. The cosmetic and personal beauty space is waking up to tints. People want quick routines and natural finishes. Tints help achieve that glow without glitter. Something that looks good even on a ‘just woke up’ face.
Tints make you look awake, healthy, and put-together without even trying. “They help add radiance to your skin without heaviness. They are lightweight, blend like a second skin, and make you look like you, but better. Tints use light pigments that melt into your skin or lips. Unlike lipsticks or heavy makeup, they stain lightly and then become one with your natural tone,” says Akanksha Sharma, co-founder, and CEO of CITTA (Lexicon Lifestyle – A Lexicon Group Enterprise).
The Details
From sunscreen to makeup, tinted products are making their mark in the beauty industry. These pigments may be mineral-based or synthetic organic. They are primarily used for cosmetic enhancement, providing a more appealing appearance when the product is applied. In the case of tinted sunscreens, they also help block visible light, making them more effective for treating pigmentation. The most common skincare products that use tints are sunscreens and lip balms. “Makeup, of course, uses pigments to provide colour across a wide range of products like lip tints, cheek tints, primers, root tints, etc. In makeup, pigments serve mainly a cosmetic purpose. In skincare, however, tints can have a functional role — especially protecting against visible light when formulations contain ingredients like iron oxides, which help block blue light and visible light. This is particularly important when treating pigmentary conditions such as melasma, PDLs, PIH, and freckles,” says Dr Manisha Mareddy, an expert in advanced, interventional & holistic dermatology from Hyderabad. Tints are also used to make skincare products more cosmetically acceptable. They can help with colour correction, provide a smoother finish, and blur imperfections.
The Edge
Tints have evolved into a core category across sunscreen, makeup, and hybrid skincare, driven by the need for products that enhance the complexion without feeling heavy. “They deliver subtle coverage, improved blendability, and better user satisfaction, making them a seamless fit for modern, simplified routines. Tints are surging because consumers want lightweight, multifunctional products that deliver instant tone correction without the heaviness of traditional makeup. Their ease of use and everyday wearability make them a go-to choice across age groups,” says Piyush Jain, CEO, SkinInspired. Tints have evolved dramatically, extending far beyond their original role as simple lip stains. Today, this lightweight pigment technology is integrated across a wide spectrum of beauty products. “While they remain prominent in makeup items like lip tints, multi-use lip-and-cheek tints, and eye tints, their functionality now extends into high-performance skincare as well. Their unique mechanism allows them to diffuse easily into the skin, leaving a natural flush that truly mimics your own skin tone. Unlike traditional opaque makeup that sits on top, tints are designed to seamlessly blend and adapt to your skin’s natural undertones,” says Manasa Garemella, co-founder of Kindlife.
The pluses
Tints use very fine, sheer pigments that disperse evenly across the skin to softly neutralise unevenness. Because the pigments blend with your natural tone rather than masking it, your real skin still shows through. “Their advantages are simple. They look natural, feel incredibly lightweight and require minimal effort to blend. Many tints also come with skincare benefits, so you get hydration, protection or soothing along with colour. And because the coverage is flexible, you can keep it sheer or build it slightly depending on how polished you want to look,” says Alekhya Vavilala, Founder & CEO, Thou Beauty.
As the category evolves, tints are becoming this beautiful bridge between skincare and makeup. They are something you can wear daily, feel good in, and still recognise yourself in. Tints are supposed to feel fun, easy, and expressive. Mix shades, try the monochrome look (same tint on lips and cheeks), and don’t worry about perfection. Tints are made for real life, not airbrushed life.
Tint Tips
• Always do a patch test to check for allergies. Iron oxides are generally safe, but synthetic pigments can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
• Reapply tinted sunscreen — tint does not replace the need for reapplication.
• Don’t assume tint is equal to SPF. Always check the SPF label to ensure proper sun protection.
• Don’t use tints with an oily base if you are acne prone.
• Use enough product, especially with tinted sunscreen.
• Blend quickly; many tints set fast.
• Choose undertones that match - warm, cool, or neutral.
• Patch test if you are acne-prone (some tints contain oils or silicones).
• Don’t over-layer; tints are meant to be lightweight.
• Avoid applying tints on flaky skin, prepare well for a smooth finish.
• Don’t use expired tints – pigments may separate or oxidise.
