“You’re Not Wearing Foundation?!” Is My Favorite Compliment—These Skincare Hybrids Are Responsible

Look, I get it: The phrase “skincare-infsued makeup” elicits an immediate eye roll, especially among the editor set. I mean, in what world am I using a hyaluronic acid-infused foundation in place of my beloved HA serum? What is vitamin C *really* doing in my highlighter? The answer is not much—at least not until recently. It’s 2025, and the skincare and makeup categories are fusing into one with formulas that boast stellar finishes and a supercharged ingredient list.

As such, we’ve seen an uptick in skincare-first brands betting on color cosmetics: Glow Recipe, Rhode, Versed, and Cocokind have all debuted makeup staples with good-for-skin formulas that don’t skimp on performance. And the consumer response has been wild. Need I remind you of the absolute pandemonium following the launch of Rhode’s Pocket Blush or Glow Recipe’s Rosy Glow Hue Drops? (The latter was a limited-edition exclusive for TikTok Shop but quickly earned a permanent spot in the lineup given its success.) “Today’s beauty consumers are incredibly intentional—they’re looking for formulas that enhance their natural features while actively improving their skin. The days of choosing between a beautiful finish and real skincare benefits are over—people want both. That’s why hybrid formulas are thriving,” says Priscilla Tsai, founder of Cocokind—which recently added a glossy lip tint to its skincare offerings.

Even celebrity makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench, well-known for fashioning bold, avant-garde beauty looks, decided to center on functionality for her own Core Collection. “I’ve often felt like wearing makeup undoes all of the many immersive hours we spend on our skin, from expensive creams to futuristic treatments. One wrong makeup texture can wreak full-blown havoc in the form of congestion, acne, irritation and all sorts,” she tells WWW. “Makeup with a focus on skin health felt like the thing I’ve been waiting for and just what the faces of today need!”

My own face certainly enjoys the emphasis on skin-loving formulas. More often than not, I’ll slap on a full face of skincare-makeup hybrids and walk right out the door looking like a dew drop. These 12 products below have earned me the most “You look so glowy” compliments, so I’m officially crowning them the crème de la crème.

The Best Skincare-Makeup Hybrids at a Glance

• Best Primer: Isamaya Microbial Gel
• Best Lip Tint: Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm
• Best Blush: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush
• Best Tinted Moisturizer: U Beauty The Super Tinted Hydrator
• Best Bronzing Drops: True Botanicals Bronze Well Regenerative Glow

The Best Skincare-Makeup Hybrids of 2025

Best Primer: Isamaya Microbial Gel

Best Color Corrector: Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm +Red Correct

Best Bronzing Drops: True Botanicals Bronze Well Regenerative Glow

Best Foundation: Ciele Tint & Protect SPF 50

Best Lip Tint: Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm

Best Lip Balm: Augustinus Bader The Tinted Balm

Best Blush: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush

Best Eye Shadow: Versed Sheer Stay Liquid Eyeshadow

Best Powder: Laneige Neo Blurring Powder

Best Lip Liner: Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

Best Highlighter: Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded All-Over Illuminator Drops

Best Tinted Moisturizer: U Beauty The Super Tinted Hydrator

What is a skincare-makeup hybrid?

Skincare-makeup hybrids are essentially products that boast makeup-focused elements (such as coverage, tints, shimmer, etc.) and powerful skincare-level actives (niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides, etc.). Think tinted moisturizers, emphasis on moisturizers; blush serums that actually have serum-like concentrations of actives; lip tints with line-smoothing benefits… you get the idea. If you’ve ever stumbled across a beauty product and thought, “Is this meant to be skincare or makeup?” you’ve likely got a hybrid on your hands.

And yes, it is true that most makeup products on the market right now include some sort of hydrating and/or brightening ingredient. The makeup category is becoming more sophisticated every single day with formulas that dress your lips, eyes, cheeks, etc. in stunning hues without sacrificing all your skincare goals. That said, a true skincare-makeup hybrid will include highly-concentrated versions of those actives, oftentimes with clinicals to back up their skin-improving claims. As Tsai said up top, “The days of choosing between a beautiful finish and real skincare benefits are over—people want both.” They also tend to lean more on the natural side when it comes to color payoff; if you’re hoping for just a wash of pigment on no-makeup days, these double-duty formulas are your best bet.

Does skincare in makeup actually work?

Now, am I recommending you toss your vitamin C serum in favor of a vitamin C-infused bronzer? Absolutely not. While skincare-makeup hybrids do contain a high concentration of actives, they shouldn’t replace a dedicated skincare routine. Think of them as add-ons with extra perks. If you’re someone who struggles with fine lines, a complexion product brimming with peptides and hyaluronic acid can coddle your moisture barrier for long-term skin health and even temporarily plump your skin day-of. Or let’s say you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation; layering an antioxidant-spiked foundation or blush on top of your serums and creams can help move the needle—and deliver a stunning glow, while they’re at it.