Everything you need to know about Typology tinted serums.

At midway between skincare and makeup, the serum-based foundation is a hybrid formula that simultaneously evens the complexion and conceals imperfections, while delivering the nourishing and hydrating benefits of a serum. It offers light, buildable coverage and a natural, luminous finish.

At Typology, we offer you a tinted serum made from 99% naturally derived ingredients. It is enriched with active ingredients, such as vitamin C for a radiant complexion and olive squalane and aloe vera to hydrate the skin. Moreover, this 2-in-1 product is suited for sensitive skin and excludes any fragrance. Our tinted serum also contains no nanoparticles or silicones, which are controversial ingredients but are frequently found in traditional foundation formulations. In addition, its ultra-fine texture does not clog pores.

The tinted serum easily adapts to all skin types thanks to its lightweight, non-greasy texture that instantly blends in without leaving any sticky film.

This refined texture makes it an ideal option for combination to oily skin types seeking a product that unifies the complexion without intensifying shine. Its moisturizing properties also make it fully compatible with dry skin, delivering added comfort. Fragrance-free and formulated with ingredients carefully selected to minimize irritation risk, the tinted serum is equally suitable for sensitive or reactive skin that poorly tolerates conventional formulas.

Its benefit also lies in its capability to adapt to all skin tones. Indeed, this formulation is available in multiple shades and seamlessly adapts to both very fair and darker complexions. The tinted facial serum thus delivers a natural, seamless finish without visible demarcation lines, positioning itself as a universal product designed to enhance every skin type.

To apply a tinted serum, nothing complicated. You simply need to know where it fits in your skincare routine. Despite its name, it does not replace a traditional serum, nor a moisturizing cream : its formulation is different and, although it provides skincare benefits, it cannot substitute for a concentrated active serum or for a cream designed to keep skin hydrated and protected all day.

In practice, its usage more closely resembles that of a foundation or a BB cream. After thoroughly cleansing your skin, apply your regular serum, then your moisturizer to create a balanced, comfortable base. Next, dispense a few drops of tinted serum — more or less depending on the desired effect — then spread the product from the center of the face outward for an even, natural result. You can apply it with your fingers for a more sheer finish, with a brush for greater precision, or with a sponge for a velvety effect. Be sure to gently blend the texture into your neck to avoid any demarcation.

Which makeup remover should be used to remove a tinted serum?

As with foundation, it is essential to remove a tinted facial serum before going to bed. The makeup removal is generally very easy: a cleansing oil or an oil-based balm effectively dissolves pigments while preserving the hydrolipidic film. Gently massage your face in circular motions to lift impurities and deeply cleanse pores before rinsing with lukewarm water.

If your skin is neither delicate nor prone to eczema or atopy, a micellar water may also be suitable. However, we recommend rinsing off the micellar water with lukewarm water after use to avoid residual, potentially irritating surfactants on your skin. Then finish with a gentle cleanser to completely remove all traces of product and prepare your skin for your nighttime routine.

Because the formulation of tinted serums undergoes a two-stage process—first fluid and adjustable, then perfectly fused to the skin upon drying—it’s common to make certain application errors. Here are the most frequent ones and how to avoid them:

• Failing to hydrate the skin beforehand.

  Even though tinted serums contain moisturizing ingredients like olive-derived squalane or aloe vera, they don’t replace either a targeted treatment serum or a moisturizer. Applying the product to skin that isn’t adequately hydrated can result in an uneven finish, overly rapid absorption, or discomfort. Properly hydrated skin provides a better base and ensures a uniform, luminous outcome.

• Skipping the makeup removal step.

  Regardless of the tinted product used, it is essential to remove it in the evening. Leaving a serum foundation on the skin overnight can hinder cell turnover and promote the appearance of imperfections. A thorough makeup removal allows the skin to regenerate effectively and absorb the active ingredients applied during the evening routine.

• Do not wait for the formula to dry before evaluating its shade.

  Immediately after application, the tinted serum may look slightly lighter or darker than your natural skin tone. This is normal: the formula stabilizes as it dries. Only once it is completely dry can you accurately determine the final color.

The advantage of tinted serums lies in their two-in-one mechanism, which clearly sets them apart from traditional foundations. Formulated with moisturizing and nourishing actives similar to those in a serum, they first strengthen the skin barrier, improving smoothness and suppleness over successive applications. Additionally, the serum deposits a tinted veil that subtly evens out skin tone, minimizes irregularities, and imparts a natural glow without any heavy finish. In contrast, most classic foundations focus solely on coverage or visual correction of imperfections, without actively contributing to skin balance. This can sometimes lead to a “caked-on” and unnatural appearance.

It’s not always easy to choose the right shade of foundation or tinted serum. Based on the classification of phototypes by Fitzpatrick which groups six skin tones according to their pigmentation and reaction to sun exposure, our range of tinted serums is available in six shades:

• Type I : Very fair skin with freckles. It never tans but presents a high risk of sunburn.

• Type II : Fair skin that reddens in the sun, sometimes acquires a slight tan, and frequently sustains sunburn.

• Type III : Light to medium (medium) skin that occasionally reddens and gradually tans (light tanning).

• Type IV : Moderately brown skin that tans well (dark tan) with occasional sunburns during intense exposure.

• Type V : Brown skin that tans easily (resulting in a very dark tan) with infrequent sunburns.

• Type VI : Deeply pigmented skin that darkens upon sun exposure and very rarely experiences sunburn.

Furthermore, given the product’s lightweight coverage, a single shade can actually suit different skin tones.