When Fenty Skin launched in 2020, the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer was one of the first products in its line up (right next to the Fat Water toner). It became an internet favorite. Five years later, the brand offers two new iterations of the viral sensation: invisible and tinted mineral—as opposed to chemical—SPF options. And while chemical SPF is known for layering better with makeup, we had to test these new offerings to see if Rihanna could outsmart the typical chalky goopiness that comes with a mineral sunscreen. The brand promises that, "And just like the original formula, Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer layers perfectly under makeup with no pilling, flashback or greasy effect," but do either invisible or tinted option live up to it? Three editors put the two products to the test. Here are our honest reviews of the regular vs. tinted moisturizer, including original photos.
Regular vs Tinted: Fenty's 2 Mineral SPF Hydra Vizor Moisturizers, Editor Tested
An SPF staple
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
What Is Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer?
The moisturizer works to tackle dryness and dullness. It’s formulated with niacinamide, which has been proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and pores, while evening out your complexion. You’ll also find hyaluronic acid and kalahari melon to lock in moisture and soothe skin, along with 15 percent of zinc oxide to protect against sun damage. Note: It can get a little confusing in the shopping aisle. So remember that this regular or 'invisible' moisturizer comes in two formulations: a chemical and a mineral. We're reviewing the mineral version.
What Is Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Tinted Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer?
It's a tinted moisturizer that promises to hydrate, soothe and protect skin. It's formulated with 15 percent of zinc oxide to protect against UVA/UVB damage, along with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and niacinamide to reduces the appearance of large pores and dark spots. Similar to the regular moisturizer, it also has SPF 30 and offers a radiant glow.
How We Tested Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizers: Regular vs. Tinted
We each tried the regular and tinted Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer. From there, we spent time with each product to assess the quality, texture and finish. We answered key questions like “Are both moisturizers lightweight on our skin?” “Does the tinted moisturizer offer buildable coverage?” “Do we prefer the regular over tinted moisturizer?” Keep reading to see our thoughts around the buzzy products, including original photos of the regular *and* tinted version.
The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know what’s worth the spend—and what’s total hype. Learn more about our process here.
First, Let’s Talk Packaging
Fenty
L-R: Original photography of the tinted moisturizer, the case and the regular moisturizer
Before using the product, I have to give props to its unique design. When you first buy the regular moisturizer, you’re given a case and a refill tube. Once you finish your moisturizer, you’re able to just buy the tube over and over again. You can even swap out the regular formula for a tinted tube instead. I just love how eco- and user-friendly the process was to put the duo together. Though, I would say it’s a bit tricky popping the tube out of the case. It’s definitely a learning curve so have some patience. But overall I like the option to toggle between the regular and tinted moisturizer whenever I want.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Regular Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer Review
What We Like
- creamy formula
- lightweight
- great for all skin types
- zero white cast
What We Don't Like
- one pump is enough
- a bit thick
Fenty
L-R: Original photography of each editor with the regular moisturizer on.
- Value: 18/20
- Functionality: 19/20
- Quality: 19/20
- Coverage: 18/20
- Finish: 20/20
- Total: 95/100
All you need is one pump of the regular moisturizer to get the job done. For VP of Editorial Candace Davison, any more than that and it was too intense on her skin. “My eyes seemed to water for the first 20 minutes that I wore it (even if I tried to stay far from my eyes), so I just stuck with one pump for my face and neck,” she shares.
It has a thick, creamy texture that’s easy to blend and cover the entire face. Once applied, I found it was super hydrating and lightweight. As mentioned, it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and kalahari melon, so expect a luminous finish without looking outright greasy. “It has a very subtle pink sheen that gives you a rosy glow, so you can pair it with your favorite foundation to create a more custom, radiant look,” Davison notes. And of course, the invisible component is important. The moisturizer has zero white cast and layered well under makeup—so no piling here.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, kalahari melon
- SPF: 30
- Finish: radiant
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Tinted Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer Review
What We Like
- offers sheer coverage
- lightweight
- hydrating
What We Don't Like
- not great for oily/combo skin
- not transfer-proof
Fenty
L-R: Original photography of each editor with the tinted moisturizer on.
- Value: 17/20
- Functionality: 18/20
- Quality: 18/20
- Coverage: 19/20
- Finish: 18/20
- Total: 90/100
If you’re looking for a bit of color, the tinted version provides sheer coverage and a lightweight finish for those days when you don’t want to wear a full face of foundation—just ask Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth. “I loved the level of coverage I got with just one pump. It evened out my skin without covering my freckles and other beauty marks, giving me a subtle natural glow. I honestly only used brow gel and mascara with it for a sort of ‘no makeup’ makeup look most days,” she shared.
Although there are only ten shades in the collection, we were all lucky enough to find one that matched our skin tone. (Hot Tip: If you’re already a huge fan of Fenty’s Pro Filt’r Foundation, you can easily find the moisturizer shade that works best for you.) Formula wise, it has the same ingredients (aka niacinamide and hyaluronic acid) but differs with 15 percent of zinc oxide, a mineral sun filter that protects against UVA/UVB damage. Similar to the OG, Davison found this one to be deeply hydrating and offered solid coverage. “It provides a very light tint that still felt like me—my freckles and moles were still there—but it evened things out, provided a softly blurred, even-toned effect instead,” she shares.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, aloe
- SPF: 30
- Finish: radiant, dewy
The Bottom Line: Which Mineral Moisturizer Do We Prefer?
The regular moisturizer was creamy, dewy and gentle. Although its a mineral sunscreen (which often is susceptible to developing a white cast), it didn't leave skin chalkiness. We did knock off some points for its thickness. Davison found the finish was too glowy on screen (though it wore off after a few hours), while I was surprised to see how well it worked for my combo skin.
Meanwhile, the tinted moisturizer complemented our skin tones, was lightweight and offered sheer coverage. One downside is the watery consistency. It takes a bit to settle and folks with oily/combo skin (like myself) might need to add a bit of setting powder to look less like a greaseball. Hepworth also notes that you should wait a few minutes for the moisturizer to settle before layering on any other makeup (i.e, blush, highlighter, etc) as it offers a smoother finish. The scent was also some getting used to. (Hepworth describes the smell as ‘Play-Doh,’ so do what you will with that information.)
Differences aside, we can appreciate the hydration and radiant finish from both moisturizers—plus, the refillable container is a great way to try either out. So, did RiRi hit it out of the park? While the tinted moisturizer was a great alternative to a traditional foundation, the overall consensus of all three editors was that we're sticking with the OG moisturizer. It offered a boost of hydration, protection and a glowy finish we simply couldn't pass up.
