Skin-first makeup is so rave-worthy because it’s the best of both worlds: high quality makeup meets nourishing skincare. However, it’s way to easy for brands to claim that their product is moisturizing just because it uses some coconut oil here and there. Or that it’s “radiant” just because there’s a slight shimmer or a little glitter in the mix.
You can always tell which brands are the real deal by checking out what it’s formulated with! If there’s all types of clean, healthy ingredients like water, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, or any of the effectively nourishing ingredients our skin normally loves, it’s likely a winner.
But while there are tons of great products out there that are worth investing in, we saved you the trouble of searching high and low, and just made a list of 4 nourishing skin-first products that we think should definitely be on your radar.
Youthforia Pregame Primer, $38
Having a good primer that protects your makeup all day long is a big win, but it shouldn’t protect your makeup and then pay your skin dust. That’s why Youthforia’s Pregame Primer is one of the best primers out there because it’s loaded with skin actives that keep your skin adequately hydrated and moisturized.
And really the best part is that it’s made from a bunch of things we’re already familiar with. So why Youthforia has this skin-first makeup thing down to a science, they also things like eucalyptus, willow extract, aloe, and castor oil—keeping it simple enough for us to know and trust.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, $46
According to the opinions of a whole lotta women, tinted moisturizer is a great alternative to heavy foundation. I mean, who wouldn’t love it? Just like lotion, it absorbs into your skin with just a gentle rub in, comes in a variety of tones and shades, and still gives you light to full coverage—blemishes and dark marks included!
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is the proof. It’s a ightweight, skin-like tinted moisturizer that hydrates and smooths skin while brightening with vitamin C and protecting with SPF 30. That means that, yes, it’s working to give you coverage, but it’s also formulated with ingredients that’ll protect, heal, and nourish your skin in the process. I know that’s right!
Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid, $26
When it comes to both makeup and skincare, we always see oils and serums as two completely separate items serving two completely different needs. But what if I told you that the two baddies could actually come together and create the skin-first makeup product of your dreams? Cue Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid.
It’s what we like to call a skincare routine shortcut. It gives you all the moisturized, glowy goodness of a completed skincare routine from the very start. The catch here is that, it doesn’t fake good skincare (it’s actually made with all types of wonderful plant-based ingredients!), it just speeds up the visual benefits by making skin softer and makeup dewier.
Live Tinted Hueglow, $34
Nothing looks better on black women of skin tones than a gold-hued body bronzer. Baby, the way our melanin shines and glistens when it’s covered in a nice oil-based shimmer is truly a sight to behold. That’s why we totally love Live’s Tinted Hueglow.
It’s a nice, subtle shimmer that gives a natural glow, but is made with some super powerful (and popular!) skincare ingredients. The sustainably-sourced squalane in the formula protects your skin barrier and keeps your skin hydrated. The superpowered blend of botanical extracts, on the other hand, keeps that moisture and shimmer locked in all day, or night, long.
