Tinted primer, and primer in general, is having a big moment right now. Modern formulas are more breathable on the skin and offer more than just makeup-enhancing benefits. One formula that’s a cut above the rest is the Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Tinted Primer SPF 30. It’s also our 2024 NewBeauty Award Winner for “Best Tinted Primer,” and multiple editors deemed it a new favorite. Whether you wear it alone or use it as a base for makeup, it’s the secret to smoother, more even-looking skin this season and beyond.
The Benefits of This Tinted Primer
We aren’t the only ones who love this primer: The hundreds of five-star reviews speak volumes. In true Glo Skin Beauty fashion, it goes above and beyond traditional primer functionality. Not only does it blur the look of fine lines and large pores, but it does so with an oil-free, noncomedogenic formula. This makes it a great option for those with combination, oily or acne-prone skin, but it’s popular with, and suitable for, all skin types. I have combination skin and my forehead often gets too shiny, but this solves the problem while still letting my skin look natural. For anyone with acne, it also contains salicylic acid and niacinamide.
The primer comes in five flexible shades and the coverage is sheer, semi-matte and buildable thanks to finely milled natural mineral pigments. It’s just enough to hide most of my redness and make my skin tone look even. In the summer, that is all I’m looking for (plus a little under-eye concealer) for that no-makeup makeup look. The brand also went the extra mile to include antioxidant vitamin C and mineral-based sun protection with 23-percent zinc oxide. This powerful duo shields against UV rays, blue light and environmental aggressors.
And then of course it also helps makeup go on more evenly and smoothly, and also extends its wear. I originally tested this formula last summer during our Beauty Awards testing, and my makeup still looked great at the end of a long, humid day.
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide, vitamin C, salicylic acid, zinc oxide and natural mineral pigments
How to Use It
Apply one or two pumps after applying your serums and/or moisturizer. If you don’t need much coverage, you can wear it alone for a little skin tone–evening and sun protection. (This is a great summertime option, paired with a little concealer.) Otherwise, use it as a primer under foundation to make your complexion products go on super smooth and last longer.