Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint Is a Standout Multitasker, Complete with SPF 40 (2024)

We put Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Finding a good foundation can be a journey, but few things beat the experience of landing upon a product you really love. A formula that helps you achieve a radiant, even-toned complexion (your skin, but better!) with a few skincare benefits to boot is unbeatable—and that's exactly what Ilia promises with its Super Serum Skin Tint. This makeup-skincare hybrid includes nourishing ingredients and SPF 40 to keep your face in its best state while it provides medium, dewy coverage. Read on for our full review of this fan-favorite product, complete with a 12-hour wear test.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

The Ingredients: Clean coverage and sun protection

Ilia founder Sasha Plavsic has struggled with products that clog pores and cause breakouts—which is one of the reasons why she wanted to make the Super Serum Skin Tint a treatment and a makeup product. In addition to plant-based squalane, one of the most hydrating and non-comedogenic oils on the market, the product also has niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 known to treat breakouts and congestion, as well as two forms of hyaluronic acid to deliver a hydration boost and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In terms of SPF, this formula uses a special form of zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. For Plavsic, it was the hardest part of making this product. "Most non-nano zinc—when zinc has been reduced to a smaller sized particle—has a silicone coating on the pigment," she says. The result of this is something she calls "ghosting"—or, rather, the product has a white cast when first applied. However, once the product oxides after 30 to 60 seconds, the cast disappears.

The Feel: Lightweight and nourishing

The texture of this product is lightweight and hydrating yet substantial, similar to many hyaluronic acid serums. The finish is super dewy, and the coverage is light-to-medium but easily buildable. The consistency is liquid-like, plus there's absolutely no fragrance, which makes the formula friendly to those with sensitive skin.

The Results: Dewy, even coverage

I have super sensitive skin that can break out at a moment’s notice. Even though my complexion has been looking pretty good lately, I do have a couple of breakouts healing on my cheek and chin, and my eyes have some veiny discoloration. Usually, pre-foundation, I prime my skin with either squalane oil or Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream Rich, but since the Skin Tint has squalane already, I skipped any prep. My favorite way to assess foundation is by doing a 12-hour wear test to see how it lasts throughout the day, so read below to see exactly how Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint stacks up.

8 a.m.: Plavsic told me to shake the product well before applying it. I use my fingers to smear the Skin Tint on dry, freshly exfoliated skin.

9 a.m.: The product has fully soaked into my skin like a ladyfinger in tiramisu. I dermaplane once a week, so I think that products generally absorb better on my face since it lacks peach fuzz and dead skin.

10 a.m.: I powder my nose a bit because I’m going on a date to an art fair, and I’ll probably be sweating from nerves. To my surprise, my pores look pretty unnoticeable, which is rare for me with a product without silicones.

1p.m.: I go to the bathroom during my date to check my face. It looks even and dewy, despite two glasses of champagne and direct sun. I reapply some Clé de Peau Corrector to a couple of spots of discoloration. It’s a sunny, 70-degree day in L.A., yet my oil levels are well under control.

3 p.m.: It’s time for sushi after the art fair, and the maître d’ compliments my skin. I’m over the moon. I decide I could use a little bit more powder around my T-zone, but luckily, Laura Mercier makes a translucent setting powder small enough to fit into my tiny purses (complete with a tiny puff). I re-powder before the green tea mochi comes out.

5:30 p.m.: My skin feels really good, and not cake-y like I'd expect after wearing foundation all day. I’m checking for my biggest pet-peeves: creasing and dry patches. I see a little dryness around my mouth, but a dry chin is normal for me thanks to perioral dermatitis. I head out for an early dinner.

8 p.m.: My day of testing Ilia’s brand new Skin Tint is complete, and the results are clear: this product is the cat’s pajamas. It kept my skin looking radiant and even all day long, with only minimal touch-ups necessary.

More Reviews

"For a skin tint, Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint has a surprising amount of coverage—I would call it medium. It has an oily texture, but it's oil-free, which makes it safe for my acne-prone skin. It blends out seamlessly and really feels like you're wearing nothing. Best of all, it is a mineral SPF that makes my skin feel plumper and look more radiant, in a super natural way." — Star Donaldson, social media director

"I wear makeup almost every day, but I definitively prefer lightweight complexion products that allow me to create a radiant, skin-like appearance while nourishing my complexion. Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint absolutely delivers in this department: I found a shade that works well with my cool undertones, and the formula sets to a dewy yet natural finish that layers well over skincare. To that last point, despite the product’s multiple skin benefits, I recommend at least pairing it with a dedicated SPF, as the amount of skin tint you’d need to use for adequate protection is probably more than you want to apply as makeup." — Ali Webb, associate editor

The Value: Worth the hype (and the price)

Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint runs on the expensive side for a foundation, but its multi-tasking formula will transform your routine, making it worth the investment. I’m newly obsessed with micronized zinc thanks to this—I love the way it gives my skin a healthy glow while providing sun protection. Many consumers have reported that certain popular shades have been selling out online quickly, but the brand regularly restocks, so stay on the waitlist: You’ll be glad you did.

Final Verdict: A summer glow in a bottle

If you hate looking cake-y and you want effortlessly fresh day-to-nighttime makeup with an added boost, Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint is the only product you’ll need.It provides a host of skin benefits while simultaneously providing glowy, skin-like coverage that lasts, making it completely worth the price point.