7 Things You Never Knew About Tinted Moisturizer

A 2-in-1 product you gotta have.

If there's one beauty product that really divides and conquers, it's tinted moisturizer. It's a bit lighter in texture than your standard foundation, while still giving you just the right amount of coverage. Plus, it keeps your skin hydrated and, therefore, pretty darn happy. It's a 2-in-1 product we adore.

If your plan is to use it often, you should probably know everything about applying it and picking out the perfect shade, right? Right.

We chatted with a few beauty pros and got the lowdown on this miracle worker. Check out the following 7 little (but game-changing) facts you never knew.

1. You still need to color match.

To start, you'll need the right tinted foundation shade. And if you use a product like bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream ($37; nordstrom.com), you know there are a lot of options.

According to makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo, there are two different spots you'll need to color match. "The best way to pick a color is to always do it in the day," she says. "I also do a test on the jawline and then a final confirmation is to place it on the center of the clavicle/upper chest to make sure it's a perfect match. It also makes sure your face matches your body, which is key to looking flawless."

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2. It's fine to also moisturize.

Using a moisturizer isn't forbidden just because you use a tinted moisturizer. If you have super dehydrated skin, Restrepo explains you can totally go double-duty. But if you have normal skin, she suggests applying your tinted moisturizer after you've cleansed and applied your daily serum.

Makeup artist Julie Harris says that if you have oily skin, try using a water-based or oil-free moisturizer first.

3. You probably need additional SPF.

While tinted moisturizer often contains SPF, it might not be enough to protect your skin. Julie Harris suggests applying a separate formula, especially if you're spending a lot of time outdoors on a bright and sunny day. Better safe than sorry!

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4. Your hands are the best tool.

Use the warmth of your hands to blend the tinted moisturizer. It will help boost the glow of your skin, explains Harris. So no, you don't need to have a brush or beauty blender handy.

5. The direction you blend matters.

Turns out that the direction you blend tinted moisturizer makes a difference in how it will look. Harris says to blend up and outward on the forehead, outward on the cheeks, and down the chin and neck.

6. Use concealer at the very end.

Just like you wait to apply concealer after your eyeshadow, you'll want to make it the last step when applying tinted moisturizer, too. According to Restrepo, this will help your concealer stay put.

7. Prep your skin before and after.

Give your skin a spritz of facial spray. "I like to use a face mist before and after makeup application," notes Restrepo. "I like before because it helps to prep the skin and not over-moisturize. I like misting the face afterward, so it helps create a soft, radiant face."