I knew Dior HydrAction Deep Hydration Skin Tint SPF 20 ($38) was something special when I tried taking a few pictures with it on.
Most of the time I’ll wear a full-coverage foundation for pics because many tinted moisturizes appear too sheer for flash photography — not HydrAction, though. It disguises EVERYTHING, and almost passes for a foundation in pictures.
Dior HydrAction in action! I have no idea what’s going on with my hair…
Lightweight
But while it may cover like a foundation, it doesn’t feel like one on my skin. It’s light, lets my skin breathe and looks so natural that I sometimes forget I even have it on — perfect for days when I want good coverage but don’t want the weighty feel of a foundation.
Dior’s “ultra-fine pigments and light-reflecting micro-pearls” must be magic… One small blueberry-sized dollop of the richly pigmented formula covers all of my red patches, pigmentation spots and pimples, leaving skin that’s almost flawless (as close to flawless as my skin gets).
Note: For the most natural natural-looking results, I like using a foundation brush to apply and blend Dior HydrAction. Fingers are okay, too, but the coverage can look streaky.
A few more reasons why HydrAction’s rockin’ my boat:
- Finish: It’s mostly matte with a pinch of dewiness, like perfect bare skin
- Scent: The light floral scent — girly and fresh — doesn’t linger for long (and doesn’t conflict with other fragrances I might be wearing)
- Travel-friendly packaging: The elegant 1.8-oz tube fits nicely into a medium-sized makeup bag
- Hydration: The formula moisturizes the dry spots on my cheeks, nose and mouth without weighing me down
- Fine lines: Some tinted moisturizers settle into fine lines and wrinkles, but this doesn’t; a big plus for aging skin
If it sounds too good to be true…
It has a lot going for it, but like most good things in the makeup world, HydrAction has some drawbacks.
First off, there’s the $38 price tag. Yes, it’s a little cheaper than Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer ($42 for 1.7-oz tube), but that doesn’t mean it’s a drugstore-caliber bargain.
And with just four colors to choose from, it’s lacking in shade selection. I have Golden 3, which is the third darkest color. I happen to like how neutral it is (neither too red nor yellow), but I have a feeling some women simply won’t be able to find a shade that works for them.
Swatch of Golden 3
Despite the drawbacks, I think HydrAction’s texture and coverage are exceptional for a tinted moisturizer. If you can find a color to match your skin tone, you’re set.
I’d love to see Dior expand the selection of colors and drop the price. 🙂 If they did, I’d be singing their praises from the rooftops! Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
You might like HydrAction tinted moisturizer if…
- You have dry skin
- You’re looking for a product that doesn’t settle into fine lines
- You want light to medium coverage
- You’re looking for a tinted moisturizer that photographs well
- You like lightly scented products
- You don’t mind springing for tinted moisturizers in the $40 range
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
So I’m thinking that this sounds like it’s totally worth the $38 price tag, as cheap as I may be. Now please let them have it in my shade!
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… Conserve Water With Psssssst! Dry Shampoo =-.
Hi Rebecca,
If you can find a color that works for you methinks you could wear this EVERY DAY. For reals!
I hope one of the four colors matches your skin tone. 🙂
Ooh! I don’t love the price tag, but everything else sounds amazing — a light scent, good for dry skin and photographs, sheer-to-medium coverage, AND SPF?!
Man, I really hope porcelain is fair enough for me!! That’s been my biggest problem during my recent foundation hunt x.x
.-= Rae’s last blog post… Monday morning and the coffee’s on the brill… =-.
Hi Rae,
That seems to be a big issue for many pale beauties! I hope the lightest color suits you so you can try this (and hopefully fall in love with it, ha ha!).
Hey, I absolutely adore my dior nude skin foundation…i tried a very dark shard at first and it felt like i was putting dirt on my face but then i switched a couple shades lighter and I LOVE IT. I expect the same from this tinted moisturizer. hopefully i’ll find my shade 🙂
Hi Shivotra,
Funny how some foundations oxidize like that. I’ve heard good things about DiorSkin Nude… gotta pick a bottle up one of these days!
Anyhoo, I hope this works for you. If you’re a Dior girl then chances are you’ll probably heart it.
I’ve been using the Shisedo tinited moisturizer and love it. It’s very light weight but with not much coverage. I’m eager to try the Dior one and compare!
Hi Mags,
Cool, I’ll have to try it one of these days. I swear by Shiseido’s 55+ SPF (can’t live without it!), so I hope the tinted moisturizer delivers!
I find that most tinted moisturizers don’t come in a large shade selection, but still match most skin tones. I like that this one is moisturizing and light…some tinted moisturizers are a little too oily.
.-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Primed and Perfectly Tan – Laura Geller Spackle® Tinted Under Make-up Primer Review =-.
Hi Kajal Couture,
It boils down to pigmentation. Sheer ones tend to suit a wider range, but this one is VERY pigmented.
Where would I find out what my perfect shade is in foundation or tinted moisturizer?! I am kinda ashamed to ask so late in the game =)
Hi Yvette,
Honestly, the easiest way to do it is to go to the makeup counter and have them match you. It’s less hit-and-miss than going to the drugstore and trying to figure out what shade works best.
I like tinted moisturizers and in general that is enough for me on a daily basis for a light coverage. I will probably need one of the darker colours though. It is also nice that it is completely neutral without leaning towards yellow or red tones. I will sample this at the Dior counter the next time I go out.
.-= amy’s last blog post… FOTD Shimmery Purple MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Devil May Care, MAC Greasepaint Sticks V and Black =-.
Hi Amy,
Great! I hope the darkest shade works for you! 🙂
Hi Karen,
What’s the oiliness factor of this product? I tend to break out with some products, yet I do have dry patches (ohhh the joys of combination skin!). I’m thinking since it’s a Dior product, the formulation is probably great for most skin types, but I was just wondering how you think it might work for combo-skin?
Thanks!
– Jess
Hi Jess,
I have combo skin too. This doesn’t feel greasy to me and has pretty good oil control (I set it with powder, though, just to cover my bases).
Do you live near a Sephora? They usually carry Dior. If you ask one of the sales associates nicely they’ll usually make up a sample for you!
Ooohh sounds great! I prefer tinted moisturizers over foundation any time, but usually the coverage is not enough. So, I make my own “tinted moisturizer”, by mixing my moisturize (MAC Oil Control) with SPF (Vichy 50+) and foundation (either Natura, brazilian brand, or La Roche Posay Toleraine). I just can’t stand thick foundations! Not even thin ones, actually. LOL. If only I didn’t have to use any… now that would be fantastic 😀
.-= Marce’s last blog post… MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics – Swatches #2 =-.
Hi Marce,
LOL, you’re like a makeup chef!
As for heavy foundations, I’ll tolerate them if I need to take pictures, but for everyday stuff, I prefer lighter textures. 🙂
i love the hair! it looks good, if only mine looked like that???
i haven’t really gone out in trying new moisturizers because the things i’m using right now are affordable and do really well for my skin.
this is sorta random but, i’ve been using walgreen brand cotton balls bot put on my toner.
i’ve noticed that the cotton balls sort of scratch at my face, idk maybe parts of the seed?? or something?? i bought like 6 bags because they had a really good deal, and i want to use them.
do you think it will bring on the wrinkles?
Hi Bomi,
Seriously? I have no idea what happened to it this morning. I swear in my mind it looked good, ha ha ha.
Oh, about the cotton balls, probably not, not unless your tugging like crazy. If it’s scratchy or irritates you in any way I’d save them for removing nail polish. I’m a big fan of cotton pads (the square ones)… they’re softer and I feel like they waste less product.
OMG, I had picked this up a few weeks ago then decided that I might as well get a real foundation, so I went and returned it! I guess next time… =(
.-= Sheila’s last blog post… If I had an unlimited amount of money… =-.
Hi Sheila,
Maybe try their DiorSkin Nude? It’s supposed to be very good.
Wow karen,I really want to try this foundation..hope this DIOR foundation are available in my country, or I hope I can find an online shopping that ships to my country. I always read your revie coz u have the same skin tone like mine,so if I want to buy a product that u’ve been reviewed its easier to find it. Just pick the same shade or maybe even a little bit lighter or darker. May I know what type of MAC foundation do you usually use?is it NWor NC,or N?thank u
Hi Adinda,
I’m a MAC NC 35/30. 🙂
Ooh, I must try!
.-= Christy’s last blog post… More MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief! =-.
Hi Christy,
Let me know if you like it. 🙂
Karen.
I TOTALLY recommend it dior nude skin – its perfect foundation for everyday. Coverage is moderate – covers up all the flaws and gives the skin a slightly dewy finish. The best part is that it looks sooo natural (just be careful about the shade). I usually use bare escentuals – but my dior nude skin has replaced it forever. Its better than Laura Mercier oil free – which also has my perfect shade but feels sooo cakey. You’ll totally love it…haven’t met a person who doesnt 🙂
Hi Shivotra,
So I’m totally stoked to try it now! I really, REALLY hope I can find a shade that works for me. Which one do you wear?
Are you only wearing the tinted moisturizer in this picture? Do you have blush and lipgloss on? If so they are lovely and what are they?
Hi Louisa,
No blush! I’m wearing lipgloss though. That’s MAC Nymphette. Here’s a post with more details: MAC Unsung Hero, MAC Nymphette
It looks beautiful on you! Yes I wish they had more colour selections ><
Hi Babybubblz,
Thanks hon! I really hope they decide to expand the color range. It’s such a great product — I want more women to fall in love!
Ooh, this looks fabulous on you! Sadly the SPF20 probably means I’ll be allergic to the sunscreen ingredients in it… but I can definitely see recommending this to my mom. She’d probably love it. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… NOTW & Zoya Order 3 Swatches =-.
Hi Catherine,
I hope your mom likes it. 🙂
I use Dior HydrAction in shade 2, which suits my fair British skin (which always has a layer of fake tan on it!). The texture and coverage is by far the best I have tried. The price is a little expensive, but I’ve spent a fortune on cheaper tinted moisturisers in the past and ended up throwing them away, so hey, perhaps it is worth buying just one good one. Thanks for the review Karen!
Hi Karen & Charlie,
I hear ya… I was so impressed with this that I’m tempted to try more HydrAction products. Have you used any of the face moisturizers?
Sending big kitty hugs to Charlie!
Karen, thank you for your review of this. I am on the hunt for a good everyday face product that feels light and yet actually covers…this sounds like it is worth checking out!
Have you tried Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer? How do the two compare as far as coverage goes? I’m generally happy with the LM but I still need a concealer to cover any pimples…if the Dior one does that better, consider me sold!
I really love your honest product reviews, by the way. 🙂
Hi Erica,
I’ve worn LM’s Tinted Moisturizer for years! It’s a great product. I’d say Dior’s has slightly more coverage, but Laura’s is easier to blend.
Do you live near a Sephora? I know they carry both lines. Maybe ask a sales associate to make you up samples of both so you can try and compare ’em.
Hi Karen! Well is not exactly what I’m looking for right now but this product has its good parts. I want something with full coverage and for oily skin. I was thinking to pass by Make Up Forever store and give their foundations a try and see how they work. I’m surprised that The tinted Moisturizer is only 38$, cause here is much more expensive so the price wouldn’t bother me if it was what I was looking for. I would have like it because you say that it doesn’t feel heavy on your skin 🙂
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Jimmy Choo for H&M =-.