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Cindy Crawford loves this tinted SPF serum — and so do I, a skin care-obsessed shopping expert
Being fans of the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 might be the only thing the celeb and I have in common, but I'll take it!
When an icon like Cindy Crawford shares her beauty secrets, we listen! At 57, she has a complexion that would rival that of many 30-year-olds, and as a huge skin-care buff myself, I was thrilled to learn that we're both fans of the same multitasking product: Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. This 3-in-1 formula moisturizes, color corrects and helps protect skin from the sun (yes, you still need to think about SPF in winter). It's a one and done wonder that makes it easy to get ready in the morning and keeps my skin glowing all day. Keep reading for my full review.
Leave that cakey makeup back in 2023 where it belongs — this year, it's all about a dewy natural glow. This skin tint, beloved by Cindy Crawford, is the secret.
In a chat with The Zoe Report about her beauty regimen, Cindy said, "It's a skin tint, an SPF 40 and has a little bit of that glow, so I love that for summer." For me, this is a year-round product. As someone with super dry (and very pale) skin, I love wearing the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint this time of year too. It feels more hydrating than most foundations, gives me a bit of color and provides that extra dose of sun protection that's just as important during the winter.
Makeup, but make it skin care
This formulation packs a punch in terms of ingredients: squalane to improve elasticity, niacinamide for smoothness, hyaluronic acid for a plumping effect and zinc oxide as a sun shield, the last of which Im particularly grateful for (mineral sunscreens don't sting my eyes the way chemical SPFs do).
You can tell how hydrating the formula is as soon as you place a drop in your hand — it's light and liquid-y. I usually apply it with a brush, but it spreads so easily, you could just use your fingers. Because my face is so dry, especially in the cold weather, I often use a bit of my regular moisturizer beforehand to create a flake-free base. If your skin has more moisture, you might be able to get away with using the tinted serum on its own.
One of the things I appreciate most is how lightweight it feels — way less suffocating than traditional foundation! My skin can also be fairly sensitive, and I haven't noticed any breakouts or rashes since I started using this tint about a year ago.
A filter-like finish
I've seen reviews that liken the effect of Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint to that of a photo filter, and I'd say that's accurate! While I wouldn't call the serum a complete replacement for foundation — it offers much less coverage and isn't the most buildable — I've found that it does a fantastic job of evening out my skin tone and adding just enough color. I'm a big fan of the no makeup-makeup look, and if you are too, this product belongs in your cosmetics bag.
In addition to tinting the skin, it adds an undeniable glow, with a finish that's very much on the dewy side (matte lovers, this one's not for you!). Because my skin is so thirsty and dull on its own, I like having a glossier look — but one that doesn't feel greasy (this serum checks that box).
Can we also talk about the color options for a sec? This tinted serum comes in a whopping 26 shades at Amazon (and 30 at Sephora!). Before you start wondering how the heck you'll find your perfect shade, know that each one is well described, with details on which undertones it suits, from golden to cool to neutral.
A few notes
There are no fragrances added to this product to mask the natural scents of the ingredients, which is a plus for sensitive skin. But if there's one critique I have, it's that the scent it does have immediately brings me back to my teen years, when I would douse myself in sunless tanner (it's a very distinct aroma, and if you know, you KNOW). The smell is strongest while I'm applying the serum; I barely notice it once it's on my face.
My only other note is the price, which is a bit higher than I normally would go for a single product. But a little really does go a long way, and the fact that this serum is essentially three products in one makes it worth it, in my opinion.
Mass appeal
Cindy and I aren't the only fans of the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint — nearly 3,000 Amazon customers of different ages love it too.
"I'm 46 with very dry, very sensitive skin and this is the best tinted moisturizer I've ever used," gushes a happy buyer. "My skin looks better when I use it, probably because of all the skin care in it. I love that this is my moisturizer, skin care, SPF and some light coverage all in one. I've bought this five times since it came out — nothing makes my skin look as good, so it's all I use now. ... Has a somewhat peculiar scent, but doesn't bother me — smells herbal-ish, and I far prefer that to masking, irritating, artificial fragrance."
"I am now 75 and find that most foundations look terrible on me. It gets in the wrinkles," says another impressed shopper. "This product performs beautifully in all areas of concern. First, it covers nicely without being goopy or dry or too oily. Second, it only takes a small amount. Third, finally, I find a product that does not turn orange on me. ... It does absolutely nothing bad to my skin. ... This beautiful product is good for all ages and especially on older skin. Nothing gets into the lines. Please don't stop making this!"
"Love this!" exclaims a third fan. "So easy to apply, not thick or cakey, covers well, will definitely buy this again. I am 61, have very dry skin and needed something that didn't maximize wrinkles. Only negative is the medicinal smell of it, but I can overlook that."
Once you feel how lightweight this serum is and see how radiant it makes skin look, you'll be as smitten as Cindy and I are.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
