e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint Just Launched—And We Got First Dibs

The Glow-Down on e.l.f. Cosmetics’s Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50

The perfect do-it-all product that combines glass skin and SPF protection in one bottle? Low-maintenance girlies, vacation baddies, and everyone in between—meet your new fave. This latest addition to the Halo Glow fam claims to be the key to your glow-getting routine, and then some. Plus, this product has earned the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation, validating this skin tint as an effective sun protection product (which is kind of a big deal).  We’ll be honest, she has a pretty hefty resume for such a cutesy bottle: 

• A hydrating serum-like skin tint that delivers light, buildable coverage

• Mineral SPF 50 protection (sans white cast!) for a naturally glowing finish

• Packed with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and bisabolol to brighten and soothe skin

• Available in 18 flexible shades for a barely-there look

Now for the real reason we’re all here: Does she deliver? 

Our IPSY Staff Weigh In

Talya Coviello, Content Producer, 4 Light Neutral

First Impression: “It looks like skin.”

Talya felt “it was thicker than most skin tints” she’s used before, but once she blended it out, she was shocked: “It had a dewy, skin-perfecting, almost filter-in-real-life look after I finished applying.” Another notable? She felt it was easy to blend and had “the highest coverage from a skin tint” she’s ever used. (Full-coverage baddies, we’re looking at you.) Her favorite part about the product is its do-it-all formula and “the fact it has mineral SPF!!!” Would she use it again? “ABSOLUTELY! I haven’t stopped using it since I received it.” 

Ebony Jones, Brand Operations Specialist, 13 Deep Neutral

First Impression: “This one surprised me.”

As an oily-skin, “full-coverage foundation girl,” Ebony was definitely not expecting to like this—she’s never been “a fan of skin tints,” she says, because of their minimal coverage and their oily nature. But after eight hours of wear and no touch-ups, she was pleasantly surprised by how it left her hydrated with “a nice healthy glow,” without the typical overly greasy look that many glow-claiming products tend to have. She also gave major bonus points for how well it layered with all her daily products (we love versatility!). Would she use it again? Yup—“it’s oily girl-approved!”

Lucy Zimmer, Senior Project Manager, 4 Light Neutral

First Impression: “It helped me with an overall more even complexion.”

As a medium-coverage lover, this skin tint was right up Lucy’s alley. She tested it out by wearing it “as the base” of her makeup look with a touch of “conclear and bronzer on top.” The verdict? “It’s pretty light on the skin, but did help me achieve an overall more even complexion,” she says. Sounds like a win to us. Her only major drawback was the creasing around her smile lines throughout the day, so she warns to “def set that area with some powder” to avoid it. Would she use it again? “YES.” No explanation needed.

Madison Ortiz, Social Media Specialist, 8 Med Neutral

First Impression: “It feels so luxurious.”

Madison loved that “the texture, the glow—everything about it screams high-end.” (We love when a drugstore product gives luxury!) She also couldn’t get enough of the finish: “It leaves the most radiant, glowy finish—like your skin but better.” She found that applying the skin tint with a brush and gently dabbing it into the skin was the best way to apply it for a “super natural” look that holds up all day long. Would she use it again? We’re three for three on that one: ”Absolutely! It’s already earned a spot in my everyday routine.”

Alex Schultz, Senior Copywriter, 2 Fair Warm

First Impression: “Did I just find my new fave?”

Alex also had a very positive experience with the skin tint: “I couldn’t believe how well it blended into my skin—the shade match was INSANE.” She loved how glowy it made her look without looking greasy. “Normally I’m on the glowy product hate train because my skin is oily…but this right here made my skin look healthy, hydrated, and even.” She’s also always on the hunt for a product that has extra SPF because her “skin is so fair.” Her final verdict? “I think I just found my new holy grail for my base routine—I’m in love!”

How to Apply e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50 Review

All five of our staff members agree: The best way to apply this skin tint is with a foundation brush for the most natural-looking finish. Talya also found that using her fingers worked well too. According to e.l.f. Cosmetics, you definitely have to shake the product well before applying it to ensure you get the most flawless blend. Then, use your fingertips or their new Halo Glow Angled Silicone Sponge to blend it into the skin, building it up to your desired coverage. The best part about this skin tint? The coverage is up to you—sheer it out with a wet sponge, or go for fuller coverage with a brush.

What to Consider Before Trying It

If you prefer a more matte or semi-matte finish, consider setting this product with powder—the glow factor on this skin tint is MAJOR. Also, if you’re looking for something more sheer, we recommend applying it with a wet beauty sponge as the coverage on this one is fuller than most skin tints tend to be.

Final Thoughts on e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50 Review

If you are into skincare-makeup hybrids that not only give you glass skin vibes, but protect you from sun damage and keep you hydrated, you’ll absolutely love this new skin tint. It’s versatile and lightweight enough for everyday wear, and has impeccable, buildable coverage for full glam moments. Just remember: It’s designed to really bring the glow. We have a hunch it’s going to be the “it” skin tint of the year.

Want in on this sure-to-be-viral glow giver? Use code IPSYGLOW at checkout to receive a free e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Angled Sponge with the purchase of one or more Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50 from elfcosmetics.com. One redemption per order and per customer. Valid 5/29/25–8/29/25 at 11:59PM PST or while supplies last.