Controversial opinion: I actually like this $18 drugstore skin tint more than my most expensive foundation.

Controversial opinion: I actually like this $18 drugstore skin tint more than my most expensive foundation.

      I’ll be honest: I’m a makeup enthusiast through and through. I seek eye shadows with intense pigmentation, eyeliners that won’t smudge (unless I’m aiming for that Charli XCX grunge look), and lightweight foundations that make my skin look flawless. Is that too much to ask? With many products, yes. But with this one particular drugstore find, absolutely not. E.l.f. Cosmetics has been highly praised for its affordable items that deliver results comparable to pricier, high-end brands. I've been a loyal customer of the brand since my early high school days, often restocking essentials like the Glow Reviver Lip Oil and the popular Putty Bronzer when I was living on a part-time lifeguard and hostess budget. Now that my job involves testing various beauty products daily, I’ve encountered a vast array of makeup across all price ranges—and I'll admit, I generally prefer the luxury designer brands. So when something motivates me to stray from the Chanel, Prada, and Armani beauty products on my shelves, I can’t help but shout about it… especially when it originates from the drugstore.

      When I first tried the e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint a few months ago, I didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly didn’t anticipate abandoning my regular foundations, sunscreens, and tinted moisturizers for this skin-blurring product. I was utterly captivated, taking selfies from every angle and admiring my skin in all the bathroom mirrors—even Who What Wear senior editor Jamie Schneider commented on how my skin looked “porcelain.” She was astonished to discover that it wasn’t a result of some pricey facial or a radiant foundation but rather an affordable option from an underrated brand.

      ### About the e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint

      **E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50**

      *Pros:* Ultra-lightweight feel, hydrating formula, high SPF rating, luminous finish

      *Cons:* Might be too shiny for those with oily skin

      *Key ingredients:* Zinc oxide (mineral), niacinamide, bisabolol

      *Customer review:* “I’m very impressed. Lightweight, glowy, and no white cast. Provides light coverage with skincare benefits and SPF 50—ideal for no-makeup days. Not greasy. Affordable and effective!”

      Where should I start? Hydrating, protective, and incredibly light—these words accurately describe this high-quality skin tint in a budget-friendly package. I appreciate thin formulas that efficiently get the job done, especially during hot summers, and this serum-like formula meets all my criteria. Primarily, it functions as a mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 (higher than any other foundational skincare products I have) and offers water resistance for up to 80 minutes. The tint is available in 18 adaptable shades that range from fair to deep, with three undertone options (cool, warm, and neutral). Plus, there's never any white cast.

      Since these shades are adaptable, I can easily switch between a few hues on days when I want a precise color match and those when I prefer a bronzier look. The less I apply, the sheerer my appearance, and the more I apply, the easier it is to build up the coverage. But it doesn’t just enhance the look of my skin; it also improves how it feels.

      As someone with dry skin, it's crucial that my makeup not only makes my skin appear perfect but also provides beneficial effects. It makes sense that this formula is as lightweight and absorbent as a serum because it offers many of the same advantages as the serums I frequently use. Its ingredient list includes niacinamide (which manages redness, minimizes pores, and evens skin tone), bisabolol (for soothing skin and maintaining hydration), and allantoin (which moisturizes and combats irritation), resulting in a makeup-skincare hybrid that is likely more affordable than many products on your shelf.

      ### The Wear Test(s)

      One thing you should know about me is that when I discover a product I love, I become fixated on it—which means I have been wearing this skin tint practically every day since I received it in May.

      Its first major outing was during a long weekend trip to Sonoma, California, where I needed to pack light and simplify my makeup routine. With dry conditions, 90-degree heat, and the inevitable wine-induced flush ahead, this setting seemed ideal for testing this tint. Even while moving from vineyard to vineyard under the sweltering Western sun, my makeup remained mostly intact, and my face was protected from the sun—even when I forgot my hat. My friends were so taken with the adorable pink packaging that they also applied some serum on their skin during our getaway.

      After returning from the trip, I couldn’t stop using this lightweight serum—especially after coming back to New York City during an unexpected heatwave where I didn’t want to wear anything heavier. Schneider approached me during an in-person

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Controversial opinion: I actually like this $18 drugstore skin tint more than my most expensive foundation.

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