Bargain vs Bougie: The Difference Between These 4 Dewy Skin Tints & Serum Foundations

Friends, we’re talking about, wearing and getting excited about makeup again.

There’s even a heap of really good makeup stories on Beauty IQ at the mo, from 28 makeup looks to try in 2023 to this new brightening concealer.

AND did you know Adore has a new Makeup School podcast dedicated to makeup? I'm here for it.

One makeup product that made its debut on the beauty scene last year was skin tints, also known as serum foundations.

Think of tinted serum foundations as the new full coverage foundation, only more sheer and with a weightless formula. Like, your-skin-but-better vibes. 

I was thrilled when my editor asked me to investigate this category.

Road-testing 4 serum based foundations that give me dewy, glowy skin without having to add highlighter? Sign me up. 

Keep scrolling to see my reviews of 4 of the best serum foundations, and which one's right for you.

Firstly, What Is a Skin Tint or Foundation Serum?

Skin tints or serum foundations aim to give you sheer, natural-looking coverage and are often skincare/makeup hybrids.

Mixing a serum with foundation to give you a flawless base? It’s genius.

As a relatively new makeup product, finding a good skin tint can feel like a gamble.

Will it last all day? What’s the coverage like on the skin and what shade should you go for?

While skin tints don't have the wide range of shades (yet!) as foundations, Adore Beauty’s helpful shade-matching tool will help you find the one closest to your skin tone.

Looking for the best serum foundation or skin tint for you?

You're in luck, because I reviewed 4 of the best dewy serum foundations and skin tints, from bargain to bougie.

Rest assured, at least one of these will work for you. I promise.

1. L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum.

What: L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum

Fast facts:

• A tinted serum foundation infused with 1% hyaluronic acid that hydrates skin and makes it look plump.

• It’s suitable for sensitive skin, highly blendable, and is comfortable to wear.

• Gives skin a dewy glow that lasts all day.

• Comes in 9 shades - I used the shade tan, however I might go for the medium tan shade when I want more depth for a nighttime makeup look.

My L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum review:

I’m awarding this one the most accurate product description: “smooths and plumps while creating a luminous glow.”

The creamy and thicker texture of this tint applies seamlessly on the skin and you only need a small amount for decent coverage.

It delivered plump cheeks (as promised) and my face looked smoother. Plus, as you can see from the selfie above, it looks great in bad lighting too.

I tried this on my mama too so I would say this is a really good serum foundation for mature skin. 

I applied two layers because it was a humid day and I wanted to make sure it didn't slip around. I ran some errands, wore a mask and it did not budge.

I also looked at my mask after taking it off and hardly any of the makeup had transferred!

This is definitely one of the best full coverage serum foundations for oily skin peeps like me.

2. Ultra Violette Dream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil.

What: Ultra Violette Dream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil

Fast facts:

• A tinted skin-serum that has broad spectrum protection (again, you must still wear your normal SPF underneath).

• Buildable coverage and promises to leave a dewy finish and glow.

• Australian made, vegan, and cruelty, artificial fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil and sulphate free.

• Includes rice bran wax (antioxidant), Saccharide Isomerate (hydrates skin) and a blend of SPF filters.

• Comes in 11 flexible shades - I used shade V8, but this great article shows each shade on the skin to help you find yours.

My Ultra Violette Dream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil review:

Dream Screen is the makeup release from cult sunscreen brand Ultra Violette.

As one of the biggest beauty launches of last year, I was really hyped to try it.

It’s packaged in a cute squeeze bottle (with the iconic pink lid) and has a silky consistency. 

I applied one layer with my beauty blender and found that wasn't enough to hug every inch of my face. 

Two layers was just the right amount of even coverage that I needed from a full coverage serum foundation.

Indeed, I was left with a glowy, dewy sheen! And I loved the golden tone this shade gave my complexion.

I thought I would have needed touch ups for this one, so I popped it in my handbag but to my delight, she was still on at the end of the day!

Those with dry skin may want to test a sample of this first to make sure it doesn't go patchy on those dry areas throughout the day.

Overall, it gets a glowy stamp of approval from me.

3. M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Dewy Skin Tint.

What: M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Dewy Skin Tint

Fast facts:

• A dewy, skincare-enriched tinted moisturser that leaves a luminous complexion.

• Combines the pearlescent and light-reflecting ‘lit-from-within’ finish of M.A.C’s iconic strobe cream.

• Comes in 16 shades, my shade is Medium 1.

• Coverage is sheer and buildable. 

• Has a hydrating, comfortable feel with 8 hours wear. 

• Ideal for normal to dry skin types. 

• Contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and squalane.

My M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Dewy Skin Tint review:

When I first squeezed out this tint from the tube, it came out quite thick and creamy so I was surprised how quickly it sheered out when I applied it on my skin.

I have a slightly uneven skin tone so I did need to apply two layers for a coverage I was happy with.

I liked that my freckles and 'real' skin was still coming through as well as the soft, satin finish it left behind.

The dewiness from the strobe cream element is instant.

Skin looks glowy, but not beaming. It truly gives a ‘lit-from-within’ look.

This is perfect for those who want a glowy base that isn’t too heavy or dry skin types that want something that will feel comfortable and grip on to the skin.

4. Eye Of Horus Skin Tint Serum Foundation.

What: Eye Of Horus Skin Tint Serum Foundation

Fast facts:

• This gorgeous cruelty-free serum foundation delivers luminosity in spades (the tops of my cheeks were shining all day).

• Comes in 10 shades, my shade is Golden.

• It's Australian-made, vegan, alcohol, paraben free, made with 50% recycled packaging and 100% natural ingredients.

• Contains seven oils including pomegranate, Baobab and Moringa to nourish skin while also making you look like a dewy queen.

• Is water-resistant and as mineral sun protection SPF15 (this is added protection not a substitute for your SPF)

My Eye Of Horus Skin Tint Serum Foundation review:

I know this one’s a little exxier, but with a luminous glow that lasted til 8pm - I think it’s worth the price tag.

It has a runnier texture so make sure you give it a good shake, and be careful when applying to avoid any spillage. 

I first applied it with my fingers which looked streaky, so I switched to my beauty blender and it sat on the skin much better.

I was left with a polished, satin-like finish. I loved that it softened the appearance of my pores and gave my face an airbrushed feel.

It’s suitable for all skin types, but if you have oily skin, this may add some unwanted shine.

I’m prone to greasy-looking skin throughout the day and still loved the dewiness, but it may not be everyone’s jam.

That said, it passed the water-resistant and long-wearing test with flying colours.

I took my dog for a walk in the light rain and while my poor pup got drenched, my skin tint was intact and there was no patchiness.

You could also lightly powder or apply a shine control primer underneath for even more staying power.

The product has an earthy scent and feels really moisturising, making it one of the best serum foundations for dry skin in my opinion.

I’ll also be reaching for this one in winter when my skin is feeling dry and looking dull. 

Final Verdict...

Which skin tint did I love the most?

All of them were great, but I would definitely repurchase the Eye of Horus tint for an ultra dewy option.

That said, I was also surprised by how much I loved the L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum.

So, do you need a skin tint or serum foundation?

Personally, I think a makeup product that enhances your natural complexion and gives you dewy skin all day is a no brainer.