ColourPop Tinted Moisturizer Review: 30-Day Test Results

Should you buy ColourPop’s tinted moisturizer? I spent 30 days finding out.
You’re here because you want the truth about this $15 product. Not marketing hype. Real results. I get it. You need to know if it’s worth your money.
Here’s what I’ll cover in this review:
- How it performs on real skin
- Coverage and finish quality
- Shade matching challenges
- Price comparison with other brands
- Who should (and shouldn’t) buy it
I tested this daily for a month. I have combination skin and high standards for base makeup.
No brand paid me to write this. I bought it with my own money. I’m sharing my honest experience because I wish someone had done this for me.
By the end, you’ll know exactly whether ColourPop’s tinted moisturizer fits your needs. No guessing required.
What Made Me Try ColourPop’s Tinted Moisturizer
You know that feeling when your skin looks tired? That’s me every morning.
I needed something light. Something that wouldn’t cake up. Something that actually worked.
ColourPop’s tinted moisturizer kept popping up everywhere. TikTok. Instagram. Even my sister mentioned it.
But here’s the thing – I’m picky about base makeup.
First Impressions: The Packaging and Texture
The tube is simple. Clean white with ColourPop’s logo. Nothing fancy, but it feels sturdy.
The formula surprised me.
It’s thicker than I expected. Not watery like some tinted moisturizers. But not heavy either.
The scent? Barely there. Just a hint of something fresh.
Testing Phase: How I Used It
I wore this for 30 days straight. Here’s my routine:
- Applied it after my regular moisturizer
- Used my fingers to blend
- Set it with a light powder on oily areas
- Wore it for 8-10 hours daily
Some days I skipped the powder. Bad idea – more on that later.
The Good: What Actually Worked
Coverage That Makes Sense
This isn’t full coverage. And that’s exactly what I wanted. It evens out my skin tone without looking cakey. My freckles still show through. My skin looks like skin.
But better skin.
The Finish is Right
Not too matte. Not too dewy. Just right.
It gives that natural look everyone talks about.
Easy Application
You don’t need brushes or beauty blenders. Your fingers work fine.
Blends easily. No streaking. No patchy areas.
The Not-So-Good: Where It Falls Short
Oil Control Issues
Here’s where things get tricky.
If you have oily skin, you’ll need powder. Without it, I looked shiny by lunch.
Not a dealbreaker, but something to know.
Limited Shade Range
ColourPop offers 24 shades. That’s better than some brands. But it’s not enough.
Finding my perfect match took two tries. I had to return the first one.
Longevity Problems
By hour 8, it starts to fade. Especially around my nose and chin.
You might need touch-ups if you’re out all day.
Shade Matching: My Experience
I’m fair with neutral undertones. The shade “Fair 2N” worked perfectly. But ordering online is risky. The website photos don’t show true colors.
My advice? Buy from Ulta if possible. Their return policy is better.
Ingredients: What’s Actually Inside
The good stuff:
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Vitamin E for antioxidants
- SPF 20 for basic protection
No heavy silicones. No harsh chemicals.
It’s actually gentle on sensitive skin.
Price Point: Is It Worth $15?
Let’s be real here.
$15 is cheap for tinted moisturizer. Most drugstore options cost more. You get 1.45 fl oz of product. That lasts about 3 months with daily use.
The math works out to $5 per month. Hard to beat that.
Who Should Buy This?
Good for you if:
- You want light coverage
- You’re on a budget
- You like natural-looking base makeup
- You have normal to dry skin
Skip it if:
- You need full coverage
- You have very oily skin
- You want 12+ hour wear
- You need exact shade matching
How It Compares to Other Brands
I’ve tried similar products from:
- Glossier (Cloud Paint)
- Fenty Beauty (Eaze Drop)
- Rare Beauty (Positive Light)
ColourPop holds its own. The coverage is comparable. The price is unbeatable.
The main difference? Staying power. More expensive options last longer.
Conclusion
After 30 days of daily wear, I’m keeping this in my routine. Here’s the truth about ColourPop’s tinted moisturizer.
It’s not perfect. The oil control struggles by midday. The shade range could use more options. You’ll need touch-ups for all-day wear.
But here’s what matters more. For $15, it delivers exactly what it promises. Natural-looking coverage that doesn’t feel heavy. Your skin looks like skin, just better.
I’ve tested tinted moisturizers costing three times more. This one holds up surprisingly well. The formula is gentle. The application is foolproof. The price can’t be beat.
Would I repurchase? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Yes, with realistic expectations. This isn’t luxury makeup trying to be budget-friendly. It’s budget makeup that actually works.
Bottom line: If you want affordable, everyday coverage that looks natural, buy it. Just grab some powder while you’re at it.
My rating: 7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ColourPop tinted moisturizer work on oily skin?
It works, but you’ll need powder. Without setting powder, it gets shiny by lunch. If you have very oily skin, consider something else.
Can I wear this instead of foundation?
Yes, for light coverage days. It won’t cover blemishes or dark spots completely. Think of it as your skin having a good day, not a total transformation.
How long does one tube actually last?
About 3 months with daily use. I use a pea-sized amount for my whole face. That makes it roughly $5 per month, which is pretty good.
Is the SPF 20 enough for daily protection?
It’s better than nothing, but not ideal. I still wear separate sunscreen underneath. SPF 20 is fine for incidental sun exposure, not beach days.
Does it break out sensitive skin?
I didn’t experience any breakouts. The formula is pretty gentle without heavy silicones. But patch test first if you have reactive skin