If there is a beauty brand that is on everyone’s radar lately, I would say it is Kosas. Like many brands that are Insta-worthy, it has the minimalist aesthetic similar to coveted brands, like Glossier and Milk Makeup. It also uses “clean’ and “natural” formulas, which seem to be where makeup is heading right now. It is amazing to me, that Sephora even has a whole wall dedicated to clean beauty (well, according to their own terms for the word).
In recent months, their Tinted Face Oil has gotten a lot of good reviews. So many, in fact, that I couldn’t help but jump onto the bandwagon and buy it to try. I also love their lipsticks, so I was hoping for the same quality. Just summarizing off their website, this tinted oil is a mix of skincare and makeup, and is supposed to provide medium coverage. Mineral pigments are mixed in with six botanical oils that evens out your skin, minimizes pores, and hides imperfections. Providing lightweight coverage, it also self-adjusts to your skin tone leaving a velvety finish. So what did I think? The truth is I’m still a bit on the fence, but I’ll break down my thoughts below and you can decide for yourself.
Packaging
This tint comes in a squeeze bottle, which may seem ideal since you can control the number of drops you want. However, the product comes out so quick even with a simple squeeze, I don’t even need to squeeze it. I just let gravity do its work. I think this would be a situation where a dropper would have been more ideal. The product also builds up around the opening, so it can get quite messy. I usually give the opening a wipe every once in a while. You get the gist. I am not fond of the packaging.
Application
If you have read quite a few reviews on this product, you will know that it is “finnicky” to apply. Everyone seems to have their own opinion about what is the best way to apply it. The main problem seems to be that it seems to pill over certain skincare and I did experience that problem as well. Since it is an oil, I find that it seems to go well over my facial oil. My sunscreen is also oil-based too. With regards to primers, I found that it completely pilled over Tatcha The Silk Canvas, but seemed fine over the Fenty Beauty Instant Retouch Primer. I don’t know the science behind this, but I would love to hear which primers have worked for you with this tint. I found the best way to apply this base is to dot it over your skin and then pat it in. If you try to smooth it over with your fingers, it will tend to streak.
Results
I really think the results are what make others love this tint. It does a great job of evening out your skin tone, while leaving a lovely satin finish. I wouldn’t say it was completely pore filling but it does even out your skin texture. Your skin still looks natural, but “better.” I would say the coverage is really on the light side for me, but that is what makes it great for everyday wear.
Now onto the cons. I think the wear time is not that great. It looks the best the first 3 to 4 hours. I have dry skin at this point in my life. At the end of a work day for me, I find that it makes my skin look drier and my fine lines more prominent. I would love to know what your experience with this product is if you have oily skin. I tend to like base productions that wear better over time once it mixes in with your natural oils and this one is the opposite. It does seem to last better with a moisturizing primer though.
VERDICT: I am so undecided about this tint. It has its share of pros and cons. I think you might enjoy it more if you have combo or oily skin.
smudges 