Let’s be honest. Some days, you just can’t be bothered with a full face of makeup. Foundation can feel heavy, and powder can look cakey. But you still want your skin to look healthy, even, and fresh.
You want that “I woke up like this” glow. The kind of skin that looks like your own, but better. This is the holy grail of beauty, and it’s called the “no-makeup” makeup look.
Enter Rare Beauty, the brand by Selena Gomez that’s taken the world by storm. They’re famous for their positive message and amazing liquid blushes. But they also have a product that’s a quiet hero: the Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer.
But is it any good? Can it really give you that effortless, dewy glow without looking greasy or disappearing by lunchtime?
I’ve put it to the test. This is my honest, in-depth review of Rare Beauty’s tinted moisturizer. We’ll look at the feel, the coverage, and whether it’s the secret you’ve been searching for.
Also Read: Is the Rare Beauty Bronzer Stick the Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Contour?
First, What Even is a Tinted Moisturizer?
Before we talk about Rare Beauty’s version, let’s clear up what this product is.
A tinted moisturizer is like a hybrid. It’s a mix of your daily moisturiser and a very light foundation.
- It provides hydration like a moisturiser.
- It provides a sheer wash of colour to even out your skin tone.
It’s not designed to cover big blemishes or redness completely. Its job is to make your skin look naturally healthy and fresh. It’s the perfect product for a low-maintenance day, for work, or for when you want your skin to look good without looking like you’re wearing makeup.
Unboxing the Hype: First Impressions
The packaging is classic Rare Beauty: clean, simple, and elegant. It comes in a sturdy plastic tube with a practical pump. This is great because it’s hygienic and you can control exactly how much product you use.
The product itself has a lovely, lightweight liquid texture. It’s not thick or greasy at all.
The Main Event: What It Feels Like On Your Skin
This is where the magic (or the disappointment) happens. So, what’s it like?
When you pump it out, it has a creamy, but runny consistency. It feels incredibly light as you blend it in. It’s like you’re applying a rich serum, not a makeup product.
It sinks into the skin beautifully without feeling sticky or heavy. You can barely feel it on your face, which is a huge win for anyone who hates the feeling of makeup.
The Famous “Glow”
Now, for the glow. This product gives a natural, lit-from-within radiance. It’s not a glittery shine or a greasy look. It’s a dewy, healthy-skin finish.
If you have very oily skin, you might find this a bit too dewy for your T-zone. But for everyone else – dry, combination, or normal skin – it’s a dream. It makes your skin look hydrated and plump.
Also Read: Is the Rare Beauty Contour Stick the Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Sculpting Tool?
The Big Question: Does It Actually Work?
Let’s get to the point. What can you really expect from this tinted moisturizer?
The Coverage:
This is a light coverage product. It will even out your skin tone, blur minor redness, and make your complexion look more uniform. It will not cover acne scars, dark spots, or significant blemishes. For that, you’ll need concealer.
Think of it as a filter for your skin. It makes everything look softer and smoother.
The Shade Range:
One of the best things about Rare Beauty is its commitment to inclusivity. The Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer comes in a wide range of shades for many skin tones. You can find your perfect match on the Rare Beauty website or at UK stockists.
The Longevity:
How long does it last? On its own, it will stay put for a good 6-8 hours. Because it’s so lightweight, it does fade gradually rather than cracking or patching. If you have oily skin, you might want to set it with a light dusting of translucent powder to make it last longer.
How Does It Compare to Other Brands?
You might be wondering how it stacks up against other popular tinted moisturizers.
- Vs. The Ordinary Serum Foundation: The Ordinary offers more coverage and a more matte finish. Rare Beauty is more about the dewy glow and feels more like skincare.
- Vs. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: The NARS one is a cult classic and offers a bit more coverage. It’s also more expensive. Rare Beauty is a fantastic, more affordable alternative that focuses on a very natural feel.
- Vs. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint: The Ilia skin tint is also very popular but can feel quite oily on some skin types. Rare Beauty’s version feels a bit lighter and less greasy.
Who Is This Tinted Moisturizer Perfect For?
This product will be a holy grail for some people, but not for everyone.
You will LOVE the Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer if:
- You have dry, combination, or normal skin.
- You prefer a “no-makeup” makeup look.
- You want a product that feels like nothing on your skin.
- You’re a makeup beginner and want something easy to use.
- You want a dewy, healthy glow.
You might want to SKIP it if:
- You have very oily skin and prefer a matte finish.
- You need medium to full coverage for blemishes or redness.
- You dislike any kind of dewy or shiny finish on your skin.
How to Use It for the Best Results
To get the most out of your tinted moisturizer, follow these simple steps:
- Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean, moisturised face. If you have dry skin, this step is extra important. A good moisturiser will help the product blend seamlessly.
- Apply Sunscreen: Tinted moisturizer often has a low SPF, but it’s not enough. Always apply a separate sunscreen first to protect your skin. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is a brilliant choice.
- Pump and Dot: Use one or two pumps and dot it all over your face – on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
- Blend It In: Use your fingers, a damp makeup sponge, or a foundation brush to blend it out. Your fingers work great because the warmth helps it melt into your skin.
- Add Concealer: If you need a bit more coverage in some areas, dab a little concealer on top.
- Set If Needed: If you have oily areas, lightly powder your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
The Pros and Cons: A Simple Summary
Let’s break it down clearly.
The Pros (The Good Stuff)
- Feels Weightless: You truly cannot feel it on your skin.
- Beautiful, Natural Glow: Provides a healthy, dewy finish.
- Great Shade Range: Inclusive for many skin tones.
- Easy to Apply: Hard to mess up, perfect for beginners.
- Hydrating: Feels like a skincare product.
The Cons (Things to Consider)
- Light Coverage: Won’t cover major imperfections.
- Can Be Too Dewy for Oily Skin: Might require powder.
- Not Long-Lasting on Oily Skin: May fade faster without powder.
Where to Buy Rare Beauty in the UK
The great news is that you don’t have to order from the US! Rare Beauty is readily available in the UK.
You can find it at:
- Space NK: Both online and in their physical stores.
- Cult Beauty: A fantastic online retailer with great service.
You can browse the full collection on the Cult Beauty website.
The Final Verdict: Is It the Secret to the Glow?
So, after all that, what’s the final answer?
Yes, the Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer is absolutely a secret weapon for a “no-makeup” glow – if your skin type and coverage needs align with what it offers.
It delivers perfectly on its promise: lightweight, comfortable hydration with a beautiful, natural-looking finish. It makes achieving that coveted healthy glow incredibly easy.
It’s not a miracle worker that will transform problematic skin, but that’s not its job. Its job is to make good skin days look even better, and to give you a break from heavier makeup.
If you’re looking for a product that simplifies your routine and makes you feel confident in your own skin, this tinted moisturizer is absolutely worth trying. It might just become your new best friend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the “glow” from this tinted moisturizer differ from looking greasy or oily?
The key difference lies in the formulation and the visual effect. A greasy or oily look is often caused by excess sebum that can appear separated and shiny in large pores. The Rare Beauty glow is a targeted luminosity created by light-reflecting particles and hydrating ingredients that bind to the skin. It creates a diffuse, “blurred” radiance that makes skin look plump and healthy, rather than a flat, slick shine that highlights texture. Think of it as the difference between the sheen of a polished pearl versus the gloss of a french fry.
2. For someone with mature skin, how does this product interact with fine lines and wrinkles?
This product is generally excellent for mature skin due to its hydrating, light-reflecting properties. The lightweight, serum-like texture means it’s less likely to settle into fine lines than heavier foundations. The dewy finish helps to “plump” the appearance of the skin optically, making lines less noticeable by reflecting light away from them. However, proper skincare prep is crucial—using a good moisturizer beforehand ensures the product doesn’t cling to any dry patches that can become more common with age.
3. Can this truly replace both my moisturizer and sunscreen in one step?
While it contains hydrating ingredients and some SPF, it should not replace your dedicated moisturizer or sunscreen. You would need to apply a very large, impractical amount of the tinted moisturizer to achieve the level of sun protection stated on the bottle. For proper skincare, follow this order: apply your regular moisturizer, then a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50), and finally, the Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer as your makeup step.
4. How does the wear-time of this dewy formula hold up in humid UK weather or on a long workday?
In typical UK humidity, it holds up reasonably well due to its skin-adhering base. However, its longevity is directly tied to your skin type and preparation. On normal to dry skin, it will fade gracefully over 6-8 hours. In high humidity or on oily skin, it will break down faster, especially in the T-zone. For all-day wear, a key step is to use a gripping primer and lightly set strategic areas (like under the eyes and around the nose) with a fine, translucent powder. This locks in the glow while increasing its staying power.
5. What is the best application tool (fingers, sponge, brush) to achieve the most natural finish?
Each tool offers a slightly different finish, but fingers are often recommended for the most seamless, skin-like result. The warmth of your hands helps to melt the product into your skin, enhancing the “second-skin” effect. A damp beauty sponge will provide the sheerest application and a touch more luminosity. A dense foundation brush can give slightly more coverage but must be buffed in thoroughly to avoid any streakiness. For the truest “no-makeup” look, start with your fingers.
6. If I have rosacea or significant redness, can this product provide enough coverage?
For mild, diffuse redness, it can provide a decent blurring effect. However, for noticeable rosacea or post-acne redness, its light coverage will likely be insufficient on its own. The best approach is strategic layering. Use a green colour-correcting primer first to neutralize the redness, then apply the tinted moisturizer. For specific spots, you will still need a concealer with higher coverage to spot-treat after applying the tinted moisturizer.
7. How does the shade range adapt to different skin undertones, especially for deeper complexions?
Rare Beauty is renowned for its inclusive shade range, and this product is no exception. The shades are carefully formulated to consider not just depth but also undertone (cool, warm, neutral, and olive). For deeper complexions, the shades are designed to avoid the common pitfalls of looking ashy or overly orange. They maintain their richness and transparency, allowing the skin’s natural depth to show through while still providing an even, glowing finish.
8. Is the formula non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin?
Yes, the formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it is specifically designed not to clog pores—a crucial feature for acne-prone skin. It is also oil-free and fragrance-free, which reduces the risk of irritation. However, as with any new product, if you are highly acne-prone, it is always wise to patch test the product on a small area of your jawline for a few days to see how your skin reacts before applying it to your entire face.
9. Can I effectively layer powder products like blush and bronzer over this dewy base?
You can, but technique matters. Because the base is dewy, powder products can sometimes “grab” onto certain areas if applied heavily. For the most seamless blend, use a lightly dense brush and tap off the excess product before applying. Cream-based blushes and bronzers are actually the ideal companions for this product, as they meld into the base perfectly, enhancing the overall glossy, skin-like finish.
10. How does this product’s “skin-improving” claim hold up over the long term?
The “skin-improving” claim refers to the inclusion of beneficial ingredients like niacinamide and hydrating agents. With consistent use, these can contribute to better-hydrated, more balanced-looking skin. Niacinamide can help to refine pores and calm inflammation over time. However, this is not a substitute for a dedicated skincare routine. Think of it as a makeup product that provides a skincare benefit, rather than a treatment product that will fundamentally alter your skin’s health. The primary improvement you’ll see is in the immediate, daily appearance of your skin.
