elf Halo Glow Skin Tint At A Glance
The e.l.f. Halo Glow Skin Tint is a tinted, light coverage foundation serum that contains SPF.
• Shades: 18 available; priced at $18 — one of the highest priced products for e.l.f.
• Formula: Tinted sunscreen serum foundation featuring mineral SPF 50.
• Packaging: Squeeze tube that dispenses drops.
• Availability: Sold at most major retailers in stores and online, but is still being rolled out.
I have the elf Halo Glow Skin Tint in the shade 1 Fair Neutral. I am doing swatches, a review, and three wear tests on acne prone, combo, oily skin.
Details & Claims
The elf Halo Glow Skin Tint is a lightweight, buildable coverage serum foundation. It contains mineral SPF 50 in the form of zinc oxide, which provides UVA and UVB protection. Since this product is tinted, that counteracts the white cast.
It claims to sink into the skin with a serum feeling. elf markets it as a do-it-all product for serum/skincare, SPF 50, and skin tint.
It comes in 18 shades for $18 each, and it contains 1 fl oz of product. That is standard foundation size. The shade range is organized into six families with three undertones.
This product is non-comedogenic and water resistant up to 80 minutes.
This product will be rolled out to major retailers both in stores and online over the couse of the year. The full list of retailers is elf Cosmetics, Amazon, Ulta, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Target.
When it comes to how to use the Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50, start by shaking it well. Then, apply five drops to your face by using your fingers, a brush, or a sponge. You may apply more as needed to acheive your desired level of coverage.
Swatches & Shades
Below you can see swatches of 1 Fair Neutral.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in the elf Halo Glow Skin Tint are zinc oxide (the mineral SPF 50), niacinamide to brighten the skin, and bisabolol to soothe the skin. Allantonin also gets a mention.
The actual ingredient list varies from shade to shade. Below are the ingriedient lists provided by elf Cosmetics:
1 Fair Neutral – Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isododecane, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Tridecyl Salicylate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, C13-15 Alkane, Silica, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide
May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
2 Fair Warm – Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Tridecyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, C13-15 Alkane, Caprylyl Methicone, Silica, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Sodium Chloride, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide
May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
Review
To set you up for the three rigourous wear tests that I performed, I want to re-iterare my skin type. I have fair skin that is acne prone and I get oily in my t-zone, specifically on the forehead and nose. I also have combination skin. Mix all of this with my decade of experience reviewing this brand and makeup in general.
For all of these tests I applied my normal four step skincare routine of Vitamin C serum, collagen peptide serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I trust these products to layer well with makeup and not make my oily. I also did not use primer, and I used a basic setting spray that does nothing for wear time.
I allow each layer of my skincare routine to sit on my skin and absorb for a time before moving to the next product.
You might stop here questioning why I used sunscreen when elf markets this product as a sunscreen. In order to get adequate sun protection you need to apply 1/2 tsp of susncreen to your face. You will never apply that much of a skin tint, no matter show sheer it is. You would look crazy if you did, similar to slathering your face with peanut butter.
SPF skin tints are not a replacement for sunscreen. Please wear them with sunscreen. Also, always shake this product well before applying.
Test 1: Fingers
For test one I applied five drops with my fingers. I massaged the product over my skin to distribute it, then patted it in. I did not layer the tint. I wore an all cream/liquid makeup look that I did not set with powder. I used a small amount of powder on my under eye and smile lines, which I do daily.
Below you can see a before and after of me applying the skin tint.
The skin tint feels like it dries down, or is setting into the skin quickly. The formula almost feels like a matte foundation on your fingers.
I was worried that five drops would not be enough, but, I like it! You get more coverage than you expect. I can see blemishes and veins showing through. The elf Halo Glow skin tint has low, almost medium, coverage. The shade match is decent for me.
This skin tint does not have glitter or shimmer. The finish of the elf Halo Glow Skin tint is natural and fresh – subtle dewy. It gives you that good skincare day look. It is not shiny or greasy, making this an ideal choice for oily, combo skin.
The final look is skin-like and natural. However, the elf Halo Glow Skin Tint does not dry down on the skin, maintaining a tacky feeling that can be prone to transfer. All in all, finger application is approved!
At the end of this wear test I can confirm that no oils came through, nor did I get shiny. The elf Halo Glow Skin Tint is oily skin approved!
My problem areas are my upper lip and chin. This is where foundation separates, breaks down, and takes on a heavy or textured appearance. This did not happen while wearing the tint.
All makeup creases in my smile lines, but, since I am wearing only five drops with low coverage, my lines are less pronounced.
My boyfriend described my look as “mostly matte with a hint of natural glow, but no sparkle.” That is dead on!
Test 2: Brush & Set
For test two I applied five drops using a foundation brush. Then, I tested the ability to build the coverage by adding three more drops. I set my entire face with the elf Halo Glow Setting Powder, then I used the elf Halo Glow Powder Filter as a finishing powder in key areas of the face.
The elf Halo Glow Skin Tint has buildable coverage to become low medium. Applying more than the suggested five drops will give you a slightly heavier, less skin-like look, but that is understandable. Adding powders will help with you to achieve a dry-touch finish, however, you will again loose some of that skin-like look, even though elf’s powders are lightweight.
You will loose the “halo glow” if you powder this skin tint. That is why pairing it with elf’s Halo Glow line of powders is an ideal choice to preserve that subtle, dewy glow. I have an entire elf Halo Glow Powder Filter review where I test it five ways, which makes a superb companion to this tint.
While the elf Halo Glow Skin Tint is brush application approved, you cannot beat the finish that is achieved by using your fingers.
At the end of the day my face looks heavier, or less skin-like than it did when I went unpowdered. My problem areas look more textured. However, no oils come through.
Test 3: Sponge
For the final wear test I applied the skin tint using the elf Halo Glow Angled Silicone Sponge. I did not set with powder. I started with five drops, then I built up the coverage with two more drops.
elf took the teal sponge and changed the color and the name to make it a part of the Halo Glow line. I still have the original. I have full details on this sponge in my elf makeup sponges review.
I have always liked the sponge, however, you will face slight product absorption. I find it strange that elf merchandises the sponge with the tint in Ulta. I am not sure why you would want less coverage for a tinted product. This is why I chose to build it up.
The skin tint is also sponge approved.
At the end of this wear test, all of my remarks are the same. I will add somehow it looks a bit more textured. This makes me wonder if the skin tint disagrees with a damp makeup sponge. Beyond that, it wears better when you stick to the recommended five drops.
I conclude that the best tool to apply the elf Halo Glow Skin tint is simply your fingers. Using a foundation brush or a sponge is adequate to build coverage or to work with more precision. However, the skin-like and natural look yieleded by your fingers is unbeatable.
This is truly a no-fuss product, which is what I seek in a skin tint. I want to throw this product on with my fingers and be out the door. That is exactly what you get with this product. Also, this product wears the best without being set. You may see that as a negative since it does not have a dry-touch finish.
elf has not released an SPF skin tint before, but this product does expand on their successful line of Halo Glow products in their iconic baby pink packaging. With this product being one of their highest price points, it does not have much to offer against the competition. Many SPF wearers like the ingredients of niacinamide and zinc oxide. At least elf is providing this quality at the drugstore versus Sephora.
Below is a table of the key details:
| elf Halo Glow Skin Tint Details | |
|---|---|
| Shades | 18 |
| Price | $18 |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
| Finish | Subtle dewy |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc oxide, niacinamide, bisabolol |
| Skin Types | All |
| Retailers | elf Cosmetics, Amazon, Ulta, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS |
These are the quantitative measurements:
- Oil Control: 10/10
Effectively controls shine and prevents oil breakthrough throughout the day. - Dewy Finish: 8/10
Provides a soft, healthy-looking dewy glow without appearing greasy. - Coverage: 5/10
Light coverage that evens out skin tone without masking imperfections. - Buildability: 7/10
Can be layered to achieve low-to-medium coverage, though too much reduces the natural finish.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Suitable for oily, combination, acne-prone, and fair skin tones.
- Delivers a skin-like, natural-looking finish.
- Controls excess oil throughout the day.
- Ideal for quick, minimal makeup routines.
Cons
- Building coverage may reduce the natural, skin-like appearance.
- Performs best without setting powder.
- Has a tacky finish that does not fully dry down.
- Can look heavier when applied with a brush or sponge.
Amanda’s Review: ★★★★★
What Reddit Users Say About The Tint
“I got the fair cool because I’ve found that elf’s neutral is always more yellow than true neutral. I tried it today and it looks great!”
” I think it looks pretty good. Lightish coverage which I’m fine with and my skin looks glowy but not greasy”
“I ordered shade 2 fair warm and it is light on me. I got a sample card with a limited amount of shades and the fair neutral was too pink and the light warm was a bit too dark. I am thinking of trying the light neutral because I really like the formula. It dries down and seems to be fairly sweat proof.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the elf Halo Glow Skin Tint non-comedogenic?
Yes, the e.l.f. Halo Glow Skin Tint is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. This makes it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin types looking for light coverage and a dewy finish.
Is elf Halo Glow Skin Tint a Foundation or a tinted moisturizer?
The e.l.f. Halo Glow Skin Tint is a light-coverage foundation serum with SPF. While e.l.f. markets it as an SPF skin tint, it performs like a sheer foundation rather than a tinted moisturizer.
What are the best tools to apply elf Halo Glow Skin Tint?
The best way to apply the e.l.f. Halo Glow Skin Tint is with your fingers for a natural, skin-like finish. You can also use a dense foundation brush or the e.l.f. Halo Glow Angled Silicone Sponge for more coverage or precision.
Is the elf Halo Glow Skin Tint a dry-touch finish?
No, the e.l.f. Halo Glow Skin Tint does not have a dry-touch finish. It leaves a slightly tacky feel and may transfer without setting. For a longer-lasting finish, pair it with a setting powder or spray.
Shop The Tint
When I wear this skin tint I feel confident and glam! I will be reaching for it again, especially when I want a lighter and more natural look. It is also excellent for long makeup days. Will you be picking this up? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
