I Tried This “Perfecting Liquid” Tinted Moisturizer, and I *Must* Say, the Name Doesn’t Lie

Nearly, every tinted moisturizer I’ve ever tried never matches my skin. They’re either too pale, or too orange. I’ve purchased, tried, and returned many-a-product on this journey to find the perfect match. So, when I was able to try some of Rodan+Fields’ makeup products,  including the Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30 ($70), I went into it with low expectations, since I didn’t expect the brand’s cosmetic product to work with my skin tone (as so many others’ haven’t). Spoiler alert: I was proven wrong.

Rodan+Fields, Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30 — $70.00

Available shades: 10

How does the Rodan + Fields “Perfecting Liquid” work?

In an email with Well+Good, board certified dermatologist Jodi Logerfo DNP, APRN, FNP-BC took a look at the Perfecting Liquid to explain why this blend of ingredients infuses skin care into this tinted moisturizer, which is what gives the formula its seamless application, and why it makes skin look so radiant. “[There are] antioxidant compounds that protect cells from free radical damage and the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS),” Dr. Logerfo tells Well+Good. “ROS are generated when skin is exposed to UV light and visible light, environmental pollutants like smoke and smog… ROS contributes to skin’s aging process,” the dermatologist adds.

Dr. Logerfo also notes that the peptides in the ingredient list serve an important purpose. “They are important because they are the building blocks of skin, like collagen and elastin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen making skin become drier, and less elastic. Using peptides can help to restore aging skin,” Dr. Logerfo explains.

And of course, the SPF. As for what we all know, SPF is a necessity in maintaining healthy skin for years to come. “A broad spectrum sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used every day before you go outside,” the dermatologist says. When it comes to using SPF, Dr. Logerfo concludes with this: “Sun damage is easier to prevent that treat!”

An honest review of Rodan+Fields “Perfecting Liquid”

The serum-meets-moisturizer formula seamlessly matches my face without making me look washed out (I’m using the shade “Caramel”), or like a fictional movie character. Think semi-matte, my-skin-but-better finish. Best of all, I didn’t feel any burning or tingling which meant my sensitive skin was happy, too.

To give this product a wear test, I applied the tinted moisturizer on my face with the Rodan+Fields Radiant Defense Liquid Brush. Then, because I have combination skin that can get a bit shiny after a couple of hours, I topped it off with some translucent powder that I had from a residual Sephora sample. All locked in, I went out for a night on the town. Coming home in the early morning, not only did the Perfecting Liquid stay on my face the whole night, but it didn’t make my skin greasy, nor did I notice any splotchy patches. The whole time I didn’t even touch up my face with the powder.

To remove the Perfecting Liquid in the wee hours of the morning, I simply double cleansed with a cleansing balm followed by a foam face wash, and everything came off with ease. Needless to say, ever since that night the Rodan+Fields Perfecting Liquid has become my go-to tinted moisturizer. It matches my face, is non-irritating on my sensitive skin, and has SPF 30 – Rodan+Fields Perfecting Liquid is perfect for me. Guess the name of this product didn’t lie after all.