Mixing foundation with moisturizer is a popular move for the skin-like yet dewy finish it offers, and it’s an easy DIY when you want to sheer out the application of your current foundation and/or add more moisture to your routine. It also represents a shift toward makeup that's not just about looking great but also about feeling great and treating your skin right. 

How can you pull it off, and what are your options for combining foundation with moisturizer? Before you reach for your tried-and-true daily moisturizer and foundation, there are a few things to consider. Let’s break it down.

When Should I Mix Foundation With Moisturizer?

Mixing foundation with moisturizer is an easy shortcut to making a tinted moisturizer, to create a coverage product that’s lighter in formula and coverage. This mix allows for a customizable makeup experience, where you can play around with the coverage and moisture levels to suit your skin.  

And what do we mean when we say “mix”? We mean physically blending the two—warming up in your hands, for example—to customize your own product, not simply using moisturizer and foundation, separately but in tandem, as part of your makeup routine. 

Before you start DIYing, consider what it is you’re really looking to do: 

Do you want to dilute the coverage for a lighter, more even application?* 

Do you want to pack in more moisture? 

Both?

*(One key thing to consider: Are you applying concealer first and then foundation? You may be over-applying product then, which of course will have you reaching for something lighter. We recommend foundation first then concealer—once you get used to that, and feel like you’re suitably touching up your complexion, you’ll likely find that you can get away with using less foundation and less concealer. Your skin will breathe easier.)

We’ll get to the particulars about achieving those goals in just a moment, but here is one moment when you should not mix your foundation with moisturizer: if you’re using What the Foundation. 

It’s not just a foundation—think of it as a tinted moisture balm. It’s a hybrid of hydration and coverage. With jojoba oil and sodium hyaluronate, it nourishes and moisturizes, creating a look that’s both flawless and kind to your skin. 

What The Foundation suits all skin types but as it’s plenty nourishing and restorative, adding more moisturizer to this may weigh you down and lead to pilling. With that in mind, you may find you can skip your daily moisturizer and simply use What The Foundation. (We know—we’ve been adamant about consistently moisturizing your face, but if your skin is on the oilier side, What The Foundation may suitably provide all the moisture you need.)

However, our Gel Bronzer mixes beautifully with moisturizer for a lit-from-within finish that’s like your skin but better.

How Do I Choose the Right Products for My Skin?

Getting this mix right is all about choosing the right products, so take a look at your current moisturizer, considering the season and your skin type. (Here’s a simple crib sheet of Jones Road’s moisturizers, from lightest to heaviest: Oil-Free Moisturizer, Light Moisture Cream, and Miracle Cream.)

First, embrace the idea that different formulas (and colors) work for different times of the year. 

Your complexion is probably a bit darker in the summer, and if you don’t usually deal with oily skin, you may find that your skin more easily feels weighed down in the hotter, more humid months. You probably need a new moisturizer that is more lightweight and a foundation that is slightly more pigmented.

Wintertime brings duller, less vibrant skin that gets parched easily, so conversely, explore richer products that are lighter in tone. The adjustment may be as simple as applying a heavier moisturizer and then your regular complexion-correcting products. 

PSA: If more moisture is what you’re after, it can be very tempting to swap out your day-to-day moisturizer with a heavier-hitting one and a foundation built with more nourishing ingredients. Be cautious because it’s easy to overdo it. The coverage won’t blend as easily, and will more apparently settle into fine lines and creases and look as if it’s sitting atop your skin. 

When you are using the right products—with the right moisturizing properties for your skin type—then you’ll find that evening out your tone and targeting areas of hyperpigmentation are easier.  Achieving the perfect balance of color and moisture may take some time and a little trial and error, but it’s absolutely doable.

Read up on how to find the colors best for you, or even better, take this quick quiz to find the right shade of What The Foundation for you, and for additional, seamless correction, find the best colors of The Face Pencil.

How Do I Apply Foundation With Moisturizer?

Mastering the art of mixing foundation with moisturizer involves more than just combining the two. It may be a trial-and-error process to figure out the exact composition to achieve the nourishment and coverage you want, and the tools you use can make a significant difference. 

You may find that you want to blend your moisturizer and foundation with your hands. This sounds amateur, but it’s an application that even the most expert makeup artists prefer. Using your hands can also help you get up close with your face’s texture, to give you a more accurate picture of where you could add more moisture. 

First, wash your hands, then start by applying a small amount of moisturizer and a small amount of foundation on your finger tips. (Adjust the proportions—if you want more moisture and less coverage, then don’t use a lot of foundation. Looking for more coverage but some moisture? Then go with more foundation.)

Warm the mixture up by rubbing your fingers on both hands together and gently press into the areas of your face where you want coverage, blending where necessary. 

You can also use a brush, like our Skin Brush, or sponge. Brushes can offer a more polished finish, while sponges help in achieving a more blended, natural look. 

Ultimately, how you apply is up to your personal preference. Happy experimenting.

Enhancing Your Look With Miracle Balm

Many people like tinted moisturizer because it is not full coverage and lets your skin’s natural tone and texture peek through. (You are probably a fan of no-makeup makeup, too.)

If that’s your intent, Miracle Balm needs to be in your arsenal. Depending on the color and your aims, it can be used as an all-over skin tint, colorless glow, blush, highlighter, or bronzer. 

It’s our secret weapon in achieving a refined, polished look. You can use it on its own—no complexion-correcting products necessary—or atop your foundational products for extra luminosity. 

This balm's formula, rich in jojoba seed oil, is a true powerhouse for your skin. Jojoba seed oil is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to deeply nourish the skin with fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. 

Beyond its nourishing properties, Miracle Balm is incredibly versatile. This adaptability makes it perfect for creating a variety of looks, from a barely-there, natural glow to a more defined, radiant finish.

Break the surface of the pot and scoop out no more than a pea-sized amount. (A little goes a long way.) Warm up with your fingertips if you’re applying by hand or use the Everything Brush. 

When you’re looking for the right hue, we recommend trying it on your face, instead of swatching it on your hand. Since it’s such an impactful product, Miracle’s Balm color and highlight may appear more intense when you concentrate it on the back of your hand. 

The Bottom Line

Mixing foundation with moisturizer is more than a makeup technique. It’s a reflection of where beauty is headed—a place where your makeup and skincare routines align to offer you the coverage and nourishment your needs.

It’s about finding your individual approach to beauty that respects and enhances your natural skin while giving you the confidence in the moment of application to tackle whatever the day has in store for you.