Hi friends!
It’s drugstore review time yet again. Last week I reviewed the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Concealer (check that out here), and now it’s time to talk about another product in the same range, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint. I loveeee testing out new coverage products, and I’ve been eyeing this one for quite a while; I’m always on the lookout for hydrating makeup products to help my dry skin. My mom was a big fan of this product last year, so I was excited to finally get my hands on it. Secretly, I wondered if this *could be* a drugstore alternative to my beloved Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue. So let’s get into it!
Read this: Review: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION / BENEFITS
NEW Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint applies flawlessly while instantly quenching skin, leaving skin so hydrated it looks smooth and fresh all day. This foundation moisturizes and plumps skin for 24 hours. It creates a natural, moisturized and fresh look.
- With hydrating hyaluronic acid
- Improves the suppleness of skin over time
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Available in 10 blendable shades
HOW I APPLY THIS PRODUCT
I apply a light layer of this foundation along the center of my face using the large doe-foot applicator. I then blend out the product like I would with a moisturizer, using my fingers. I have applied this both over a moisturizing primer and completely on its own on separate occasions. I have not tried applying this product with a sponge or brush.
MY THOUGHTS ON PACKAGING
I really like the packaging of this product! It’s a lightweight glass bottle that unscrews into a large doe-foot applicator (think Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter). Just the right amount of product is on the applicator to apply a thin layer all over the face, and I really appreciate that. However, I can understand how putting the applicator in direct contact with your skin would not be OK with some people for hygiene reasons. So you just need to decide if that’s something that really bothers you or not. I’m OK with it.
RATING: 5 / 5 ⭐️
Read this: Drugstore alternatives to Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter
MY THOUGHTS ON APPLICATION
Overall I’ve had a pretty easy time applying and blending this product into my skin due to its thin consistency. It doesn’t sit in my pores or fine lines, or cling to dry patches. However, I would say that it applies better over a lightweight moisturizer or your moisturizing primer of choice; but nothing too rich or very emollient. The only time I experienced difficulty in application was over the Weleda Skin Food Light; it bunched up on me and peeled a bit. But otherwise, no issues.
RATING: 5 / 5 ⭐️
Read this: Weleda Skin Food Original vs. Light: Which should you buy?
MY THOUGHTS ON COVERAGE / FINISH
I’d definitely say this falls into the light-to-medium coverage category, which is exactly my sweet spot! For those of you who want a breathable base with lighter coverage for summer, this could be for you. (Just be aware that there’s no SPF protection in this.) Personally, I’d wear this throughout the year regardless of season.
The finish is definitely what I’d call “natural.” For me, this was a bit disappointing. I kinda expected this to be more dewy and moisturizing given the name and its claims. So if you want really nourished-feeling and glowy skin, this foundation will not provide that on its own; you have to prep your skin beforehand to get that effect.
RATING: 3.5 / 5 ⭐️
MY THOUGHTS ON SHADE SELECTION
As is the case with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Concealer, this Hydrating Tint has a less-than-ideal shade range. There are only 10 shades to choose from, and the distribution is definitely uneven. If you’re in the light-to-medium skin range, you may have a chance finding a shade. But if you have a deep, rich skin tone you only have two shade options to choose from.
I picked up the lightest shade (what else is new) in Classic Ivory, and it’s a bit too dark but I can totally make it work. But it’s also quite yellow as well (ahhhh!!). When will the drugstore offer more neutral to cool undertones already?!
RATING: 3 / 5 ⭐️
Swatch of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint in Classic Ivory
MY THOUGHTS ON LONGEVITY
I have found the wear and longevity with this product is really good for me. I generally have this on my face for about 8 – 10 hours, and I still have some coverage. But keep in mind a few factors: I have dry skin naturally, this product has a thin consistency already, and I work in thin layers. I can get most base products to last on me, provided I’m not in extreme hot or humid conditions.
RATING: 5 / 5 ⭐️
MY THOUGHTS ON PRICE
This is $16.99 for 30 ml of product, but I’m sure you can get it for cheaper at places like Target or Amazon. It’s definitely on the high-end of usual drugstore pricing for sure; sadly these days a lot of drugstore makeup is increasing in price (even Elf and NYX). Truthfully I wish it was a few bucks cheaper – $13.99 to $14.99 would be perfect!
RATING: 4 / 5 ⭐️
Before application (left); After application (right) of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall I think this is a very nice lightweight and easy base to use. It’s kinda like “no brainer” makeup – you apply, blend, and go. It’s hard to mess up and I like that. I just wish the color range was more comprehensive and the finish more dewy/moisturizing. It’s definitely not a drugstore alternative to the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue, as I initially hoped. So I must keep searching!
Have you tried the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint? Do you have a fave tinted moisturizer at the drugstore? I’d love to know!
xo, Erica
PIN IT!
This seems like a great everyday foundation because sometimes “natural” coverage is all you need, but I could see why you expected more because of the name. Hmmm 16.99?! Holy crap. Lol that’s pretty pricey for drugstore I agree.
It definitely is a great ‘apply-and-go’ kinda product. But yea I was a bit taken aback at the price! But after buying some of the Neutrogena makeup I realized most of it is quite pricey sadly.
So true. Hmm I wonder why that is. If they expanded their shade range and I found the perfect shade then I wouldn’t mind the price, but geez. Lol
I always think brands base these decisions on customer data. What kind of customer buys from them, where do they live, their ethnicity, average income, etc. Then they make shades for “those people” and no one else. Less money they have to put out then and less stock just sitting on the shelves. But who really knows? 🤷🏻♀️
Makes complete sense. It’s all in the money
Always, always 😏
I actually jumped for joy when I saw how yellow the foundation swatch was!! It’s a huge struggle for me finding light foundations with yellow undertones at the drugstore. The lighter shades are almost always pink in other brands which doesn’t match my face or neck at all 🙁 So It actually makes me happy seeing that this shade exists, but I’m sorry it didn’t match you very well.
It sounds like a pretty nice foundation. Too bad it’s not a dewy finish, but a dewy primer might help!
Sounds like we have opposite problems! 😆 If I prep my skin well I can definitely get a more radiant finish to come through the base since it’s so lightweight. I definitely like using it, and don’t regret the purchase, but I guess I was expecting more when it claims to give sooo much hydration.
The hydro boost skincare line is so hydrating, I’m surprised the foundation wasn’t the same. It does look nice on you though!
Thanks so much! I do like it, I just don’t love it.
I love makeup in little glass bottles. 😀 I would probably love this. Your description reminds me a little of the CoverGirl True Match I used to use. I’ll have to give this a try.
If you want easy makeup that you don’t have to fuss with much, give it a try!
It appears Neutrogena has really stepped up their products over the years! Another good review!
Thanks so much Diane!
Love this foundation. Went through two bottles! Love the lightweight, sheer coverage and it is so moisturizing.
I love how easy it is to use and I appreciate the light coverage too! Just wish it was a bit more moisturizing for me!
It does look really great on your skin and it does look like it’s more of a natural finish. Not sure I would get it as sometimes I want an little more coverage. Shade range is bleh though even I have a hard time finding a shade that will still look fairly well on me. Who knows maybe one day I will try it despite the fact that it is a bit pricey
It’s very second-skin-like which I really prefer in a base. But it’s a bit pricey and not as moisturizing as I thought it would be. It’s a “like”, not a “love.”