Product Rating:   (62 reviews) Barely There Sheer Matte Tint
I hate the feel of foundation on my face. But my makeup feels better on my face on top of foundation. What's a girl to do?! Well, buy Barely There Sheer Matte Tint, of course! This product is awesome!! I can't even tell I have anything on my face, yet my skin obviously looks more "even." Thanks for making such a great product.
—Jessica P


I absolutely love this product. Thank you for making samples. I had tried a different foundation and returned it and almost gave up. I am very fair and have a difficult time with foundation colors. This really evens out my skin nicely without looking like a mask and the color is perfect. Thank you!
—Catherine P.


Dear Paula, I just wanted to rave about your Barely There Sheer Matte Tint. It's absolutely the BEST tinted moisturizer out there! I have combination skin and other tinted moisturizers are just too greasy. I don't even have to powder my t-zone with this one, AND my face is protected with a generous spf 20. Thanks for a superior product, again.
—Philene S.


I love this foundation! I tested this foundation against a high-end foundation: On one side of my face I wore the expensive foundation, and on the other I wore Paula's Choice. (I did this for a few days.) The Paula's Choice Sheer Matte Tint "tied" with the expensive foundation on several factors (blendability, coverage, color, finish, SPF). Price was not a deciding factor in my test as I am willing to spend big money on the right products. The fact that Paula's is only $13 is the cherry on the sundae!
—Kim W.


I have been using your products for a while now and I am absolutely thrilled with them. I especially love the Barely There Sheer Matte Tint. It glides onto my skin and provides sheer coverage that stays put all day. I also use the cleanser, toner and BHA lotion and love them all! Your products are everything you say they are! Thank you so much for providing these pure products at very affordable prices.
—Joanne L.


Love your sheer SPF 20 foundation; it applies like a dream, especially with a foundation brush. Just enough color to cover mild imperfections, just enough sheerness to stay out of wrinkles....perfect. Same for Best Face Forward foundation.
—MJ


I really had second thoughts about ordering this product. Me?? Sheer? Oh yeah! I was pleasantly surprised that my skin looked perfected, natural, warmed, and soft. Yea!! from this 51 year old lady who still loves to look great. Paula's Choice skin care is what I use, daily, repeatedly, and loyally. Thanks Paula, you are the best!
—Paula


This looks so natural. I ordered the samples and found the exact color that looks natural on me. It feels good in hot or cold weather and doesn't look like foundation. Plus it has a SPF15 only which is what I prefer. Thank you!
—Martha S.


I am 53 years old. The heavier foundations I used to use are no longer flattering. The Barely There Tinted Moisturizer is perfect for everyday use on more mature skin.
—Ayako O.


This foundation feels so light and blends so effortlessly into my skin. It looks so natural that nobody can tell I'm wearing makeup. I have been using it conjunction with the Barely There Sheer Blush. I've received numerous compliments about my beautiful complexion!
—Alison L.


As I'm sure most women have, I've tried sooooo many different foundations; but, I've never really been happy with one. I have combination skin and rosacea. Barely There Sheer Matte Tint is amazing! It simply evens out my skintone, which can look flushed at times, and makes me look beautiful! I love it!!! I can't thank you enough!!!
—Marcie W.


I just wanted to let you know that never in my life have I found a foundation that actually matched my skin color and was easy to apply. I'm fair skinned and sort of yellowy, but pinkish where I breakout. I have spent a fortune on all different brands of makeup. The colors have always been too pink or too orange or the formulations were too hard to apply. Your Sheer Ivory Barely There Sheer Matte Tint is perfect!!! It blends into my skin easily.
—Stephanie G.


I am truly impressed with your Barely There Sheer Matte Tint. Finally a foundation that gives light but even coverage, it evens my skin tone without feeling like a mask. I finish with Healthy Finish Pressed Powder for a very natural look. The compliments I get just reinforce what I see in the mirror. Thanks!
—Kathryn T.


I have tried at least 50 brands of foundation. My search is over. Paula's Sheer Matte Tint is the best in the world. I love all the products. THANK YOU, PAULA!!!!
—Lynne A.

You can't even feel it
Foundation ALWAYS appears orange on me but I need the coverage. This leaves NO demarcation, makes your skin look NATURALLY beautiful, and feels like moisturizer!
—Nancy Whenton

Barely There Foundation
As with most of Paula's products, I am again impressed with another fantastic product. I tend to stay away from foundations because of the way they feel on my skin. Barely There is exactly what it claims, it evens out my skin tone without feeling like I have a layer on my face. The mineral sunscreens pose no problems for breakouts either! Love it!
—Sharon

Beautiful skin
Your Barely There Sheer Matte Tint makes me WANT to wear sunscreen every day. Thank for a wonderful product that makes my skin look perfect and helps keep it that way!
—Cindy

Barely There Sheer Matte Tint
This tint is the best and is comfortable without being heavy on oily/combination skin especially in humid Texas. I'm going to try Best Faces Forward for the summer which I know will be great. Thanks for all of your products Paula! They do what they promise!!
—Pam S.

The best!
This product is very impressive. It's not sticky or blotchy. It goes on like silk and soaks in fast and dry. It blends beautifully and gives great coverage with a natural look. The SPF factor is an added plus, not having to use 2 products! Thank you for creating an easy, affordable and quality product. Lisa
—Lisa

Barely There Sheer Matte Tint
I love your Makeup! I had given up using foundation as it always looked phony. I cannot believe with a minimal amount of blending, it looks perfectly natural. I am a believer!!!
—Janice Stoodley

Love it
I have to agree with all the previous reviewers. This tint blends much easier and feels much lighter than any foundation I've tried. Even my very blunt husband said my skin "glowed" in a way it never had before.
—June

Disappointed
I was really looking forward to trying this foundation. I am a fan of Paula's no frills and reliance on data, instead of traditional cosmetics company smoke and mirrors to sell their wares. This foundation did not wear well at all. It migrated and discolored quickly. I have pretty good skin. I have few if any wrinkles, so I don't need a lot of coverage. I went back to the inexpensive Loreal True Match I purchased. Its covers better and does not settle into pores, the way Paula's foundation did. I wish I had something positive to say.
—MS

More shades wanted!
I would love this tint, but even the Sheer Fair is patently too deep for my fair skin. It's so tricky to find an affordable sheer tint with SPF and here I've found the best, but there isn't a shade I can use.
—Amelia

Barely There Sheer Tint = Perfection!
Finally, a light foundation that can survive my lifestyle! This product is phenomenal. I live in sunny, sticky south Florida and this is the first product that doesn't just slide right off of my face! I love the smooth, sheer finish and the SPF 20 is the icing on the cake. The squeeze tube is so simple to use. I get compliments every day on how great my skin looks and that it doesn't look like I'm wearing foundation. Thanks, Paula!
—Kim Buckley

Top of the class!
This is by far the most elegant tinted sunscreen I've tried. It provides just enough coverage to even out skin tone, without looking like you're wearing foundation. It sets to a dewy matte finish -- just right for my combination skin.
—Marie

Like A 2nd Skin!
This is the best TM/light foundation money can buy! Not greasy or chalky and lasts all day, even on very oily skin. Physical SPF is a major plus!
—Curry

KUDO'S TO THE COMPANY
i AM WAITING NOW FOR MY SAMPLES OF THE TINT. I JUST WANTED TO COMMEND PAULAS CHOICE FOR OFFERING THE SAMLPLES TO TRY. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON OTHERS JUST TO BE THE WRONG COLOR OR TOO DRYING. THIS WAY I WILL KNOW WHAT I AM GETTING AHEAD OF TIME. NO OTHER COMPANY DOES THIS. THANK YOU PAULA'S CHOICE! WILL BE PURCHASING OTHER ITEMS!
—Patricia Vann

Add more color selections!!
I give this product a 2 simply because it needs to have a wider array of colors available! The Sheer Fair is too dark and a little too peachy for my super fair, yellow-undertone skin. But, other than the color issue, this product is awesome for it's natural coverage and comfortable feel... just waiting for more colors to come out!
—Melissa

Love, love this!
Sheer Matt Tint is the absolute best. It goes on so smoothly and the color is beautiful! I am fair and I ordered the sheer ivory tint. I have received several compliments on my skin while wearing it! Feels great, looks great and protects!!!!
—Cathy

Not for fair skin
While I liked the product, like so many foundations it disappears within hours on my oily skin esp in summer in the south. Also, I agree this foundation (and all PC foundations) doesn't/don't come in shades for very fair skin. I contacted the company about the lack of colors for very fair skins and why all neutrals and none with pink tints. I got an reply that PC colors are ONLY in neutral shades and there are NO plans to include more shades for very fair skins. Well after that response,I finally gave up and found a Lancome shade that is a very good match for my very fair skin.
—Carol McRee

Great foundation
I love the Sheer Matte Tint. I can't stand regular foundations because they always feel too heavy or don't blend right on my combo skin. This tint is perfect: goes on quickly and easily and provides sun protection. The packaging is great, also, because I travel frequently for work and don't want to have to worry about my makeup leaking all over.
—Anne

Perfect amount of coverage for a
Excellent light coverage on its own or under makeup. Very natural looking matte finish. The colour is a little warm for my "1N-Mac" skin but most tinted moisturizers are.
—Vivienne

Sheer coverage, nice feel
The product goes on smoothly, provides consistent coverage, allows for building a less sheer coverage. I have combination/sensitive skin; the texture of the product once applied was uniform whether on drier or oilier areas. The ingredients were mild and did not clog pores. I will use this product for daytime/ basic make-up wear
—Alessandra

No Shade Suitable For Fair Skin
Great formulation...but if you can't find a shade to match, the formulation matters nil. Why the lack of shades? Please add more shades, particularly one for truly fair skin and not just the token "Fair" shade every other cosmetics line has (and doesn't work either) Customer Care Response: When Paula originally introduced her makeup line she offered Sheer Ivory as the original lightest shade, then Sheer Fair was introduced to meet the needs of those who found the Ivory shade too dark or too yellow. At this time we do not have plans to launch a shade lighter than Sheer Fair. For alternative options, please be sure to check out Paula's product review site www.beautypedia.com
—Melissa

One of the best ever - get it!
Forget going to the drugstore - this is the one and only foundation you will ever need. It goes on like a dream, lasts all day, doesn't clog pores, and makes you look like a star. Thank you Paula, this is such a tremendous product I can't recommend it enough, particularly for us women with very very oily skin.
—Bonnie Shulman

Just okay
If this is applied liberally enough to get the full SPF rating, it looks heavy and masklike. If applied very sparingly, it looks sheer - but then you don't get the sun protection. Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—jane

Lovely
Foundation falls into my overly large pores and produces a weird kind of "freckled" look. This product doesn't and does it better than any other tinted moisturizer that I have tried. My daughter is hooked too - thanks to MOM!!
—Lynn

The Very Best!!
I have very sensitive skin and unfortunately I am unable to use chemical sunscreens. It's incredibly difficult finding products that contain zinc and titanium as the only active ingredients. So imagine my surprise to find this little gem!! It wears beautifully, it's matte, it imparts a bit of color but your skin still shines through and it has 5% of both zinc and titanium. I highly recommend it! Way to go Paula!
—Sonia Moreno

Best Foundation/Moisturizer/Sunscreen
Aside from being a sunscreen with a high protection factor...and a moisturizer...the foundation factor is Beautiful! It goes on beautifully. I have oily/combination skin..and now I don't have to use an individual suncreen and moisturizer and foundation...this has it all and looks so pretty. I used to use the mineral powder foundations...but they don't look pretty on women over 40..and this gives a youthful appearance. LOVE IT!
—terri rosen

Love this makeup!
I received this as a free sample and just love it. I really have a hard time finding makeup b/c I have rosacea and acne... very oily skin too. It is very light and I just love the way it feels on my skin...plus it has the SPF. I love Paula's skincare and now I am here to buy a full product size of the makeup. Thanks, Paula!
—K M

Wow!
I cannot say enough good things about this Barely There. I used to alternate 4, 5, or more different bottles/formulations of foundation, in order to get a the right color, texture, natural-look, sunscreen, etc. This works all the time, for all occasions. Sheer Beige just melts into my skin, making it look flawless, plumped, and radiant. Barely There is light, but somehow matte, and the sunscreen is gentle. On me this has excellent coverage, too. It truly evens out my skin tone, and looks so healthy!
—Scarlett

Barely There Sheer Matte Tint
I love that this has a physical sunscreen as chemical ones irritate me. It also wears long and still looks smooth at day end, not cakey. Unfortunately, the lightest shade, Fair, is too dark for me. What a shame as it is so great otherwise. Customer Care Eesponse: We appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear that this product did not work for you. Please contact our customer service team via Live Chat, Phone or email for assistance in processing a return.
—Janine

Perfection! (-1)
Definitely a 5: it evens & smooths my skin PERFECTLY, but feels like nothing's on my face! Would like another, somewhat lighter "fair" option, though.
—Jane C

Nice color & coverage!
Doesn't sting my eyes or face, evens my complexion w/o being detectable--this is my new everyday sunscreen, along w/ Paula's weightless spf 30 spray on my neck & body. Terrific duo!
—Lynda

Almost perfect
The product itself is great--I love the coverage and I don't even need additional makeup with this on! But honestly, for what I paid, I expected to get more than 1 oz! Can you sell this in a bigger bottle, Paula?
—Paige

Evens out my skin tone beautifully!
I am Asian-American and have eczema on my face. I was previously using L'Oreal's True Match Liquid Foundation in natural beige, because it matched my golden/yellow undertones perfectly. Unfortunately however, my skin is drying up as I get older, and L'Oreal's True Match Foundation was exacerbating my eczema. Coupled with the winter climate and dry air, I knew I had to switch foundations, fast. I tried Paula's Barely There Sheer Matte Tint in Sheer Ivory, and was very pleased to discover that although I have an oily T-zone, this foundation doesn't make my face look greasy. It also has not created problems for my eczema. Last but not least, it blends in beautifully with my golden/yellow undertones, evening out my skin tone and smoothing out redness.
—Nicole

The Best Foundation/Cover Up
I've been using this sheer matte tint for years! I'm a huge fan of Paula's products because all of them are fragrance free and made to be good for my sensitive skin. I like all of her foundations but this tint is my favorite because it is so easy to put on and build up if necessary. Plus, it has the SPF protection I need. I highly recommend it!
—Holly

The Best SPF on the market!
This is easily the best SPF on the market. Chemical sunscreens concern me but with rosacea prone skin I know I need protection. This sunscreen is elegant, all mineral sunscreens and is sheer, no white cast! Would love in a much larger size!
—Pat

Helen
I was very impressed by this product. I have oily skin and I too find that most tinted moisturizers are as greasy as all get out! This one stayed matte ALL DAY, that is so rare! I also find that no matter how much you put on, it doesn't look overdone, and still incredibly natural. Big thumbs up!
—Helen

I'm in love
I have used this product for over a year and I LOVE it! It's by far the best tinted moisturizer on the market. I have tried Mary Kay and numerous others and found them to be very greasy. This product is great for oily or combo skin where only light coverage is needed.
—Desiree

most FAB
well I am giving this a 5 star, because it looks absolutely amazing on. the only thing is, it tends to make me break out slightly. and all the shades are a lot darker than the other foundations pc has. so I wear a lighter shade in this foundation verses the other pc foundations available. does need a larger selection of colors!
—Jamie Jensen

Second Skin
The perfect foundation for my aging skin with rosacea! Thanks, Paula!
—Lee

A+++
Phenomenal tinted moisturizer Paula! I love that it matches my skin tone perfectly and makes my not so perfect skin look so naturally perfect! If I want more coverage it is easy for me to build up without actually looking like I am wearing any makeup at all. I love this product.
—Tanya

Barely There
I loved the feel of this product and ease of use. Unfortunately the neutral color looked yellow on my skin tone. I think this product would be great for someone with no flaws but I need a bit more coverage.
—Daryl

Good stuff
I got a sample of this in sheer fair. It is very light coverage so it's great for the summer time or if you don't have lots of imperfections to cover. I do have lots of imperfections to cover so I think I will go with the all bases covered foundation, which I also got a sample of and I like the amount of coverage better, but all three of the foundations paula sells are fantastic, I just can't decide on the right shade!
—Liz

Good Stuff
When I initially applied this, I was very concerned about the EXTREMELY sheer coverage. However, as the product settled, I noticed it did an exceptional job of neutralizing redness and evening skin tone, and also did not settle into pores or fine lines. On a good skin day, I would have no qualms about going out with just this product on. Another thing I love about this, as well as all of Paula's foundations is that they actually improve the redness in my skin and I find my skin "reacts" less to environmental irritants. That said, those with more than minor redness, breakouts, or skin discolorations will find this doesn't provide nearly enough coverage.
—Krista Duncan

Great wearability, but too dark
I loved the texture and wearability of this foundation, and unlike the others, it's a higher SPF 20. Unfortunately, even the sheer fair is a little too dark for me, as I have very fair skin. It's funny, the All Bases Covered in nude (not even the lightest color in that formula) is the exact color for me, but it's too moist in more humid weather. And the Best Face Forward would definitely be too dry. Yet there's one foundation I truly love here and your company won't add more shades? After all that talk of matching your foundation to your skin color exactly?! Sigh!
—Margaret

Beautiful Finish
This tinted moisturizer has a very nice finish and covers a little more than others I have tried. Application is smooth, but if your skin is on the drier side, you will probably want another moisturizer under it. My only complaint is that the lightest color, Sheer Fair, is slightly dark for my skin and makes me look a touch orange/tan. Wish there was one shade lighter, but I think it will work in the summer when my skin gets a touch darker.
—Elizabeth F.

My favorite product!
This was the best foundation/tinted moisturizer I ever used! My skin is sensitive to most type of sunscreen, but this one didn't cause any irritation. Also, many foundations cause my skin to flake. This one is moisturizing, yet it has a matte finish. I don't know how that works but it looks wonderful! I tried both "sheer ivory" and "sheer neutral", and actually both work - I just look a bit more tanned with the neutral.
—Shiri

Sheer with full protection
This is one of my all time favorite PC products. I love how it offers sheer coverage that still evens out my skin tone. It holds up pretty well in the tropics, and gave me full sun protection right smack on the Equator.
—Siobhan

Barely There Sheer Matte Tint
While I appreciate the sheer coverage (which is just what I was looking for)I would prefer a little more moisturizing product. I currently blend it with Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream before applying.
—Mary Ruhe

Surprisingly Good
I wish Paula offered a truly pale tint for this product, but I love how this makes my skin look and feel: dewy, fresh, clean, and smooth. And even at the end of a long day I am not shiny or patchy. Kudos, Paula!
—Alicia

What makes this product unique?
Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20 is an unbelievably light and silky tinted moisturizer that blends effortlessly to even out your complexion while allowing your natural skin tone to show through. You'll get a smooth, satin-matte finish with sheer coverage and a hint of color to enliven skin. All this, plus broad-spectrum sun protection via pure titanium dioxide and zinc oxide make it the perfect beginning to your makeup application!

This product is 100% fragrance-free.

Who is this product for?
Barely There Sheer Matte Tint is recommended for all skin types and may be used by those with rosacea.

How should this product be used?
Apply to clean skin using a makeup sponge or clean fingertips. Dab tint onto the central part of your face and blend toward the jawline using smooth, even strokes. If needed, apply a light layer of moisturizer under the tint. If you have dry skin, moisturizer can help make application easier and coverage more even.

It is recommended that you apply the tint liberally to achieve the rated level of sun protection. An application that's too thin will not sufficiently protect the skin from the sun. If you plan on applying a sheer layer of the tint, use our Healthy Finish Pressed Powder with SPF 15 to set it.

This tint can be applied to the eyelids and then set with powder. This step will ensure an even application of eyeshadows and eyeliner.

Barely There Sheer Matte Tint can be layered for additional color and a bit more coverage. Since this is a tint, the level of coverage increases only subtly as you add layers (not substantially as it would with a foundation).

Since the shades are sheer, it is easy to get an exact match. If you are in-between two shades, we recommend going with the shade that is slightly darker (instead of lighter) than your skin tone. This will add a touch of translucent color to your face, though you will want to make sure the shade matches your neck/jawline as closely as possible.

What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?

Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun

Proven effective based on hundreds of published scientific studies

Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more

Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals

100% customer satisfaction guaranteed

Unequalled customer service

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5%; Zinc Oxide 5% (mineral-based sunscreens).

Other Ingredients: Water, Cyclomethicone (silicone slip agent), Propylene Glycol (water-binding agent), PEG/PPG-118/18-Dimethicone (silicone-based emulsifier), Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate (thickener), Talc (absorbent), Dimethicone (silicone slip agent), Phytantriol (water-binding agent), Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (antioxidants vitamin E and C), Boron Nitride (absorbent), Glycerin (slip agent), Palmitic Acid (thickener), Dextrin Palmitate (emulsifier), Sodium Hyaluronate (water-binding agent), Sodium Chloride (stabilizer), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben (all preservatives).

May Contain: Iron Oxides, Ultramarines (FDA-approved cosmetic pigments).

Directions: Apply to clean skin using a makeup sponge or clean fingertips. Dab tint onto the central part of your face and blend toward the jawline using smooth, even strokes. Because this product contains sunscreen, it is imperative to apply it at least 20 minutes before going outdoors.

If needed, apply a light layer of moisturizer under the tint. If you have dry skin, moisturizer can help make application easier and coverage more even.

It is recommended that you apply the tint liberally to achieve the rated level of sun protection. A too-thin application will not sufficiently protect the skin from the sun. If you plan on applying a sheer application of the tint, it is recommended that a regular sunscreen be applied first to ensure you are getting enough sun protection.

This tint can be applied to the eyelids and then set with powder. This step will ensure an even application of eyeshadows and eyeliner.

Barely There Sheer Matte Tint can be layered for additional color and a bit more coverage. Since this is a tint, the level of coverage increases only subtly as you add layers (not substantially as it would with a foundation).

Since the shades are sheer, it is not critical to get an exact match. If you are in-between two shades, we recommend going with the shade that is slightly darker (instead of lighter) than your skin tone. This will add a touch of translucent color to your face, though you will want to make sure the shade matches your neck/jawline as closely as possible.

Do I need to use a separate moisturizer with Barely There Sheer Matte Tint?
Unless you have dry skin or dry areas, Barely There Sheer Matte Tint can be used comfortably on its own. It is designed for all skin types, but someone with dry to very dry skin may prefer to apply a moisturizer first for additional hydration. Those with normal to oily skin will likely appreciate the light feel and natural matte finish Barely There Sheer Matte Tint provides, though for this skin type a lightweight moisturizer can be applied to dry areas if needed.

Is Barely There Sheer Matte Tint closer to a tinted moisturizer or a foundation?
It is closer to a tinted moisturizer, but offers more coverage than most tinted moisturizers do. It does not provide coverage on par with liquid foundations, including All Bases Covered Foundation SPF 15 (for normal to dry skin) and Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 15 (normal to oily/combination skin).

Is Barely There Sheer Matte Tint safe for breakout-prone skin?

It is a good choice due to the fact that it isn't heavy, thick or greasy. However, we cannot guarantee it won' cause or worsen blemishes. For some people, this product's active ingredients (the mineral sunscreens titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) can cause clogged pores. The only way to know if any product will cause or worsen breakouts is to try it and see how your skin responds.