I’m not one to gush over makeup, but ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 has me hooked. This isn’t just another tinted moisturizer—it’s a game-changer that blends skincare, sun protection, and light coverage into one sleek bottle.
If you’re after that “your skin but better” glow without feeling like you’re wearing a mask, this is your holy grail. It’s clean, vegan, and packed with ingredients that actually care for your skin. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your routine ASAP.
Here’s why it’s worth every penny.
My Journey With ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
Let me take you back to when I first stumbled across ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint.
I was browsing Sephora, feeling overwhelmed by the endless rows of foundations promising flawless skin but delivering cakey disappointment.
My skin—combination with an oily T-zone and occasional dry patches—was screaming for something lightweight yet effective.
I’d heard the buzz about ILIA’s clean beauty ethos and decided to give it a whirl.
The promise of a skincare-makeup hybrid with SPF 40 was too tempting to pass up.
When I got my hands on the sleek glass bottle, I was skeptical. Could one product really hydrate, protect, and even out my complexion without feeling heavy?
I chose shade ST4 Formosa, thanks to ILIA’s handy online shade-matching tool, and hoped for the best. The first thing I noticed was the dropper applicator—fancy, but a bit tricky at first. You have to shake it well, or the formula separates like oil and water.
Once I got the hang of it, I dispensed a few drops onto my fingers, warmed it up, and patted it onto my clean face.
The texture? Liquid gold. It’s lightweight, almost watery, but blends like a dream. My skin drank it up, leaving a dewy glow that made me look like I’d just returned from a yoga retreat. It didn’t cover every blemish, but it softened redness and gave my complexion a natural radiance.
By noon, I was still glowing, not greasy—a miracle for my oily T-zone. After a week, I noticed my skin felt softer, thanks to the niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. This wasn’t just makeup; it was a skincare boost I didn’t know I needed.
What Makes ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Special?
This isn’t your grandma’s tinted moisturizer. ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint is a triple-threat: makeup, skincare, and sunscreen rolled into one. Launched in 2020, it’s built a cult following for good reason.
The vegan, fragrance-free formula uses non-nano zinc oxide for SPF 40 protection, shielding your skin from UV rays without that dreaded white cast. Then there’s the skincare lineup: niacinamide to smooth texture, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and squalane to lock in moisture without clogging pores.
It’s like a smoothie for your face—nutritious and refreshing.
What sets it apart is its commitment to clean beauty.
No silicones, no chemical sunscreens, no nonsense.
It’s designed for all skin types, from sensitive to combination, and comes in 30 shades to match a wide range of undertones.
Whether you’re fair like porcelain or deep like mahogany, ILIA’s got you covered.
The finish is dewy but not shiny, giving you that “I woke up like this” vibe. It’s not about masking your skin—it’s about enhancing what you’ve got while keeping it healthy.
Pros of ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
- Lightweight, Breathable Feel
Let’s talk about that texture. The moment I apply ILIA’s skin tint, it feels like nothing’s there. It’s not heavy or sticky like some foundations that make your skin feel suffocated. The water-based formula glides on smoothly, blending into my skin like a second layer.
Even on hot, humid days, it doesn’t slide off or make me look like a disco ball. It’s perfect if you hate the weighed-down feeling of traditional makeup but still want a polished look.
- Skincare Benefits That Deliver
This isn’t just makeup playing dress-up as skincare. The ingredients actually work. Niacinamide has been a game-changer for my uneven texture, smoothing out rough patches over time. Hyaluronic acid keeps my dry spots hydrated, and squalane ensures my skin stays soft without triggering breakouts.
After a month of use, I noticed fewer fine lines around my eyes and a more even tone. It’s like my morning serum and moisturizer had a baby with my sunscreen—and I’m here for it.
- Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Protection
Sunscreen in makeup can be hit or miss, but ILIA nails it. The non-nano zinc oxide provides legit SPF 40 protection without the chalky residue. I love knowing my skin is shielded from UV rays, especially since I’m guilty of skipping sunscreen some days.
It’s not enough for a day at the beach, but for everyday errands or Zoom calls, it’s more than sufficient. Plus, it’s reef-safe, so I feel good about my environmental impact.
- Inclusive Shade Range
Finding the right shade can be a nightmare, but ILIA makes it easy with 30 options. From cool to warm to olive undertones, there’s something for everyone. I struggled with shade-matching in the past, but ILIA’s online quiz and photo-matching service nailed my tone.
The shades adapt slightly after application, so even if you’re between colors, it blends seamlessly. This inclusivity makes it accessible for all skin tones, which is a huge win in my book.
- Eco-Conscious and Clean
ILIA’s commitment to clean beauty isn’t just marketing fluff. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. The bottle is recyclable, and the dropper can be sent to TerraCycle. I feel good knowing my beauty routine isn’t harming the planet.
Plus, ILIA donates a portion of sales to environmental causes like reforestation and ocean conservation, which makes my purchase feel like a small act of activism.
Cons of ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
- Dewiness Can Be Too Much
Don’t get me wrong—I love a glowy look, but this stuff is dewy.
If you’ve got oily skin or live in a humid climate, it can feel a bit slick.
By midday, my T-zone sometimes looks more shiny than radiant.
A quick dusting of translucent powder fixes it, but it’s an extra step I didn’t expect.
If you prefer a matte finish, this might not be your vibe unless you’re ready to tame the glow with setting powder.
- Light Coverage Limitations
If you’re after full-coverage foundation to hide blemishes or dark spots, this isn’t it. The coverage is sheer to light, perfect for a natural look but not for heavy-duty concealing. I’ve got some acne scars that peek through, so I pair it with a concealer for extra coverage.
It’s buildable to an extent, but layering too much can make it look greasy rather than glowy. Know your needs before committing.
- Shade Matching Challenges
While the 30-shade range is impressive, the formula oxidizes, meaning it darkens slightly after application. This tripped me up initially—I picked a shade that looked perfect in the bottle but turned a tad too warm on my skin.
It took some trial and error to get it right. If you’re shopping online, use ILIA’s shade-matching tools or test in-store to avoid surprises. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it requires patience.
- Pricey for the Size
At $48 for 1 fl oz, this isn’t cheap. I go through a bottle in about two months with daily use, which adds up. Compared to drugstore tinted moisturizers, it’s a splurge. That said, the skincare benefits and SPF make it a multi-tasker, so I’m essentially replacing my serum and sunscreen. If your budget is tight, you might hesitate, but I think the quality justifies the cost.
- Application Learning Curve
The dropper applicator looks chic, but it’s not foolproof. If you don’t shake the bottle well, the formula separates, leaving you with a watery mess. I made the mistake of applying it directly to my face once, and it dripped everywhere.
Warming it in your palms and patting it on works best, but it takes a few tries to master. A pump bottle might’ve been easier for clumsy folks like me.
Tips For ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
- Shake It Like You Mean It
Before you even think about applying, give that bottle a good shake. The water-based formula separates when it sits, and without mixing, you’ll get uneven pigment and SPF.
I shake mine for about 10 seconds to ensure everything’s blended. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference in how the tint performs. Think of it like shaking a salad dressing—don’t skip it.
- Warm and Pat, Don’t Rub
Here’s my golden rule: never rub this stuff in. Dispense three to four drops into your palms, rub them together to warm the product, then gently pat it onto your face. Start at the center—cheeks, forehead, nose—and work outward.
This technique gives you that seamless, skin-like finish without tugging at your skin. If you rub, it can catch on dry patches or look streaky. Trust me, patting is the way to go.
- Use a Beauty Blender for Extra Polish
While fingers work fine, I’ve found a damp beauty blender takes the finish to the next level. It blends the tint evenly, especially around tricky areas like your nose or jawline.
The sponge also helps control the dewiness, giving you a more polished look. I keep a travel-sized blender in my bag for touch-ups. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a game-changer for a flawless application.
- Set with Powder for Oily Skin
If you’re oily like me, a translucent setting powder is your best friend. After applying the tint, I lightly dust powder over my T-zone to keep shine in check. It doesn’t dull the glow—it just makes it look intentional. I use a fluffy brush to avoid caking.
If you’re in a humid climate, this step is non-negotiable for all-day wear.
- Layer Strategically for More Coverage
For days when I need a bit more coverage, I spot-treat with a concealer before applying the tint. I dab concealer on blemishes or dark spots, blend it out, then apply the skin tint as usual.
This keeps the look natural without piling on product. If you try to layer the tint too much, it can get greasy, so less is more. A little concealer goes a long way.
- Store It Right
To keep the formula fresh, store your bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat can mess with the active ingredients, especially the SPF. I keep mine in a drawer, not my bathroom counter, where steam and warmth could degrade it.
Also, clean the dropper tip after each use to avoid bacteria buildup. A quick wipe with a tissue does the trick.
- Reapply SPF for Long Days
The SPF 40 is great for daily protection, but if you’re out in the sun for hours, you’ll need to reapply. I carry a small bottle of mineral sunscreen for touch-ups over the tint.
You can’t realistically reapply the tint itself without disturbing your makeup, so a separate SPF is key for extended sun exposure. Think beach days or long outdoor brunches.
Comparing ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint To Other Brands
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Vs. Saie Slip Tint
I pitted ILIA against Saie Slip Tint, another clean beauty favorite, to see which delivers the better glow. Saie’s SPF 35 formula, infused with hyaluronic acid and argan oil, feels featherlight, almost like a moisturizer.
It’s slightly less dewy than ILIA, which I appreciated on oilier days, but its coverage is so sheer that my redness peeked through more than with ILIA. Saie’s 14 shades are decent, but ILIA’s 30-shade range wins for inclusivity.
At $36, Saie’s cheaper, but ILIA’s higher SPF and skincare actives like niacinamide make it more of a multi-tasker. If you want barely-there coverage, Saie’s great, but ILIA feels more substantial.
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Vs. Tarte BB Blur Tinted Moisturizer
Next up, I compared ILIA to Tarte’s BB Blur Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30.
Tarte’s formula is thicker, offering medium coverage that hides blemishes better than ILIA’s sheer finish.
It leans matte, which suits oily skin but lacks ILIA’s radiant glow.
Tarte includes hyaluronic acid and maracuja oil, but I didn’t notice the same skincare benefits as ILIA’s niacinamide.
With only 10 shades, Tarte falls short of ILIA’s inclusivity.
Priced at $39, it’s slightly cheaper, but the lower SPF and less dewy finish made me prefer ILIA for a natural, hydrated look.
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Vs. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, with SPF 30, was a tough contender.
Its creamy texture blends beautifully, offering light-to-medium coverage that outshines ILIA for concealing imperfections.
The finish is radiant but less dewy than ILIA, which I liked for a polished look.
However, NARS lacks the skincare punch of ILIA’s niacinamide and squalane, and its SPF is lower. With 16 shades, it’s inclusive but doesn’t match ILIA’s range.
At $46, it’s close in price, but ILIA’s clean formula and higher SPF tipped the scales for me, especially for daily wear.
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Vs. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue
Finally, I tested BareMinerals Complexion Rescue, a gel-cream tinted moisturizer with SPF 30.
Its whipped texture feels cooling and hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid and mineral electrolytes, but the coverage is sheerer than ILIA, leaving my redness more visible.
The finish is dewy like ILIA but can feel sticky in humidity. BareMinerals offers 20 shades, which is solid but trails ILIA’s 30.
At $37, it’s more budget-friendly, but ILIA’s skincare benefits and higher SPF make it a better all-in-one.
If you love a gel-like feel, BareMinerals is a contender, but ILIA’s formula feels more refined.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint is a fantastic choice for mature skin. The hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane plump up fine lines and keep your skin looking dewy, not dry or cakey. I’ve noticed it doesn’t settle into wrinkles, which is a common issue with heavier foundations. The lightweight formula enhances your natural glow without masking your skin’s character. If you’re over 40 and want a radiant, low-maintenance look, this tint delivers. Just be sure to exfoliate regularly to avoid any texture issues.
Yes, it’s more than just makeup. The niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane work together to hydrate, smooth, and strengthen your skin barrier. After weeks of use, my skin felt softer and looked more even-toned. The non-comedogenic formula means it won’t clog pores, making it safe for acne-prone folks like me. The mineral SPF 40 adds protection without irritating sensitive skin. It’s not a replacement for a full skincare routine, but it’s a solid boost that makes your skin happier over time.
It depends on what you’re after. ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint offers sheer to light coverage, perfect for a natural, “no-makeup” look. It evens out redness and softens minor imperfections but won’t fully cover blemishes or dark spots. I use it alone on good skin days or with concealer for more coverage. If you love full-coverage foundation, you might find it too sheer. But for a lightweight, glowy finish, it’s spot-on. You can build it slightly, but don’t expect it to transform into a heavy-duty foundation.
On my skin, it lasts about 8-10 hours with minimal touch-ups. I apply it in the morning, and it stays dewy without fading, though my T-zone needs a powder refresh by afternoon. The SPF holds up for daily activities, but you’ll need to reapply sunscreen for prolonged sun exposure. A 1 fl oz bottle lasts me about two months with daily use, which feels reasonable for the price. Setting it with powder and storing it properly extends its shelf life and performance.
Why ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Is A Must-Have?
I can’t stop raving about ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. It’s the perfect blend of makeup, skincare, and sun protection, delivering a radiant glow that feels like nothing on your skin. Whether you’re a clean beauty enthusiast or just want a low-maintenance routine, this product delivers.
The $48 price tag is worth it for the quality and multi-tasking benefits. Grab a bottle, find your shade, and get ready to fall in love with your skin all over again. It’s a purchase you won’t regret.