beauty

'I tried Selena Gomez's new Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturiser. Here are my honest thoughts.'

Mamamia’s Tried and Tested series is your review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellness. You won’t find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Mamamia's Senior Health and Beauty Writer reviews Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser.

Tinted moisturiser is probably my favourite category of beauty products. There, I said it. That lightweight coverage! The hydrating foundation/cream hybrid! The no-fuss application! 

I'm a BIG, SHOUTY, CAPS-LOCKY fan.

But seriously, these weightless formulas are the easiest way to feel that little bit more pulled together and give your skin a leg up, without having to go full glam. Which is always preferred, really.

Watch: I tried the lube makeup trick. And the results kinda surprised me. Post continues below.


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So, when I heard buzzy brand Rare Beauty was dropping a new tinted formula, I knew I had to get it on my face.

In case you've had your phone on silent for the past year and haven't heard of Rare Beauty - it's Selena Gomez's beauty brand. Yes, she has a beauty brand! Don't worry, it's one of the ones that's *actually* good - promise.

The products are all super light and easy to apply, and totally buildable, depending on your preference - whether you want a barely-there look or something bolder.

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My absolute favourite is the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($34) - the formula is insane (it literally melts into your skin and gives you the most beautiful, natural finish). Oh! And the Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer ($33) - a beautiful medium coverage formula that actually stays on your face and does its job for more than, like, two hours.

Okay, okay, okay. The new tinted moisturiser. 

Let's talk about her! Because we all have questions.

Like, will it be as popular as some of the other cult Rare Beauty products? Is it really worth all the hype we're seeing on social media? Does it actually do the laundry?

Well, I tried it to find out! 

Here's what I thought about the new Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser.

Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser, reviewed.

In case you've skimmed down to the review bit (so cheeky!), let's give you the basic deets on this newbie.

Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser is a creamy tinted moisturiser that promises to suit all skin types - combination, dry and oily. You can get it at Sephora for $49, and it comes in 24 shades.

Here's what she looks like up close:

Image: Supplied.

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Following the aesthetic of the other products, it comes in a cute little squeezy tube with a blush lid. It's compact, malleable and the handy dropper allows you to dispense the formula really easily.

You just give it a shake and can apply it straight to your skin with your fingertips - which is very good news for everyone who does their makeup on public transport. 

I did try applying it with a brush at first, but found it blends way better with your hands? Unsure why. I also like to use a damp beauty sponge and give it all a once over, pressing the formula into my skin so it all melts in.

As expected, it feels lovely and lightweight on the skin, and gives a nice soft coverage, blurring any signs of redness or blemishes. I've been struggling with breakouts around my chin lately, and have some patches of redness around my nose, and found it evened everything out with just one layer.

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I love how it lets your skin look like skin, but it's still buildable if you're looking for a little more coverage - you can even just dot it over the areas where extra coverage is needed and it blends quite nicely.

Here's what my skin looks like before and after Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser. (Side note for you: On the left, I'm wearing some eyebrow product, concealer and mascara, and on the right I'm wearing all of that plus blush, lip gloss and the new tinted moisturiser).

Before and after Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturiser. Image: Supplied.

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Now, the finish. I need to talk about this as it was not as glowy/radiant as I expected. Actually, it's kinda leaning towards more of a satin-y/matte finish.

Look, I'm usually not friends with anything that would even whisper the words 'matte', because my skin has the texture of stale bread. Also, it's winter at the moment, and I find that I really need to lean into those dewier/hydrating/radiant formulas more than ever.

The formula is definitely not as hydrating as some of the other tinted moisturisers I've tried, so I feel like the key here is to prep your skin really well beforehand with moisture-boosting formulas in order to avoid any issues with patchiness.

I tend to apply a lot of hydrating, glow-giving skincare formulas before starting my makeup, anyway - so I just went with what I usually do. For example, the last product I put on my face before starting my base is sunscreen (obvs) - and it's either Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Collagen Glow Creme, $34.95 or Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+, $47 - both of which are really hydrating and very generous on the luminising front.

On the wearability side of things, I found the tinted moisturiser lasted pretty well throughout the day. At around 3pm there was a little bit of dry/clingy action around some blemishes on my chin, and creasing around my eyes, so a few touch-ups wouldn't have gone astray. 

But, overall, it all wore quite evenly!

The verdict.

With the right kind of prep, I think this is a great formula for all skin types - but it's particularly up your alley if you're from the oily/combo camp.

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If your skin is prone to dryness and dehydration, as I mentioned before, I'd definitely recommend applying something hydrating for that added glow beforehand - whether it's a hydrating primer or an illuminating moisturiser.

The only other thing I'd say is that the product is quite small - it's great for chucking in your bag and all the jazz, but I don't feel it will last you too long. Especially if you like to build your coverage. For $50, I'd love to see a bigger size!

So, would I try it again?

While I reckon there are better options on the market for my dry/dehydrated skin type (Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Foundation, $49, and Rimmel Kind and Free, $19.95, are my current staples), I do really like how even and seamless it makes my skin look, so it's one I'll definitely continuing using.

If you're looking for a new everyday tint that is quick and easy to apply, feels weightless and looks natural - try it for yourself!

Wanna hear more from Erin? Follow her on Instagram.

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Have you tried Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser? What were your thoughts? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Erin Docherty

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