best of tinted moisturizers

What’s a girl to do when a consistent, loving ten-year relationship is suddenly ripped out from under her? When Estée Lauder discontinued my beloved tinted moisturizer not too long ago, I felt totally abandoned. Lost. I had worn this daily since college and couldn’t imagine my life without it. It magically dispersed the perfect amount of coverage for a not-too-makeupy look and left skin moisturized and oil-free. Seriously, it was skin care/makeup perfection. So, after I begged the sales gal at Nordstrom to get real and quit joking with me (poor thing had the misfortune of bearing the discontinuation news) I set out to trial several different products. Of course I had to search online first for any leftovers yet sadly discovered there are just a few remaining bottles for $160.00. Devastation. I visited every makeup counter in the store and decided to try three tinted moisturizer favorites. (I’ll wear actual foundation on weekends, but for an every day product I prefer tinted moisturizer.) Although I’ll always miss my cherished Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Moisturizer, I did manage to find one that appears to be up for the job.

The sales gal naturally went with Estée Lauder’s newest version, the DayWear Anti-Oxidant BB Creme which is a bit heavier and offers more coverage than I care for.

I’m a little surprised I didn’t like La Mer’s Fluid Tint more. I was convinced it would by luxurious yet simple. It turned out to be much too oily for my skin and clogged my already giant pores right up. Gross.The winner: I realize it’s pretty much a cult favorite and nothing new, but I definitely preferred Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer to the others for its light weight and minimal coverage. Although, it’s easy to increase the coverage without looking too done. Perhaps this is the reason I’ve been getting compliments on my skin lately? Maybe. You try it, and let me know.

But, like a little kid who thinks their divorced parents might get back together I am not giving up hope, Estée Lauder, that you’ll bring back my true love and we’ll be reunited once again.