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Tinted moisturizers are one of the wonders of the cosmetic world. They hydrate and protect skin from the sun -- yes, the only ones worth considering have sunscreen, if that's not already obvious. But they also impart just the sheerest amount of color to even and enhance skin tone. African-American women have their own requirements when it comes to moisturizer, so pick a formula that addresses your skin type.
Cover Girl Smoothers SPF 15 Tinted Coverage
Cover Girl's tinted moisturizer is great because it's accessible and affordable -- you can find it at almost any drugstore. It's got the oomph of a cosmetic powerhouse behind it to ensure smooth, even coverage in a tint that suits your skin tone, but it delivers on everything you need in a moisturizer. An SPF 15 keeps photo-aging and skin cancer at bay and gives skin a healthy, happy glow.
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer is an amazing choice for black women because its formula lets you build up how much you wear without getting greasy or oily looking. If you want a sheer look that lets a lot of skin show through, just a single layer will do the trick. If you need a little more coverage on certain days, just apply a little more. It's got an SPF 20, too, so you're protected all day long.
Smashbox Sheer Focus
Smashbox has an almost cult status for its incredible finishes. Its tinted moisturizer, Sheer Focus, is a perfect choice when you want a natural glow that looks like you've done nothing to your skin, but you still think there may be camera in the vicinity. Even really dark skin gets the right glow from Sheer Focus without the ashiness that appears in pictures with a tint that's too light. Lots of vitamins and peptides in the formula keep your skin healthy even after you wash it off your face at night.
Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free
Bobbi Brown is a special kind of makeup guru. Her cosmetics are excellent at controlling shine because the line offers matte formulations that still let the impact of black skin's texture, color and glow show through. This oil-free moisturizer does exactly that, while still going on with just a few simple strokes of your fingertips. You have to buy this one in department stores, but it's worth the trip.
