The way you apply tinted moisturizer matters, too. Gerstein turns to tinted moisturizer for spot coverage—in other words, she preps skin with tinted moisturizer before dabbing a concealer for mature skin beneath the eyes, onto dark spots, and around blemishes. “Apply this moisturizing base underneath more pigmented products in order to keep them looking even and smooth on mature skin,” Gerstein says.
Much like applying other base products, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo says to start by moisturizing skin and applying sunscreen: “Then take your skin tint or tinted moisturizer and squeeze a bit onto the back of your nondominant hand,” she says. “Using your dominant hand, take the skin tint and apply light dots all around your face, concentrating on the center of your face: your nose, inner cheeks, chin, and forehead in between your eyebrows.”
Uzo suggests using your fingertips to build a natural, no-makeup look. “Sponges and brushes are also great options, but nothing compares to the natural, skin-like finish you achieve when you use your fingers,” she says.