Typology Vs. ILIA Tinted Serums: In-depth Differences With Features

I’m obsessed with finding the perfect tinted serum—light coverage, skincare perks, and a natural glow. That’s why I pitted Typology Tinted Serum against ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint. Both promise a flawless, skin-loving finish, but which one’s worth your time?

In this article, I’m sharing my firsthand experience—pros, cons, and all—using a conversational, analytical lens to help you decide. From application to wear time, I’ve tested these on my oily-yet-dehydrated skin to see what holds up.

Below’s a quick comparison table, then I’ll walk you through my journey. Let’s figure out which one’s your match!

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Typology Tinted Serum	ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
Price	$44.90 (1.05 fl oz)	$48 (1 fl oz)
Shade Range	6 shades (Fitzpatrick scale-based)	30 shades
Coverage	Light to medium	Light
Finish	Dewy, satin-like	Dewy, radiant
SPF	None	SPF 40 (non-nano zinc oxide)
Key Ingredients	Vitamin C, squalane, aloe vera	Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane
Texture	Lightweight, watery	Serum-like, slightly thicker
Application	Fingers, brush, or sponge	Fingers preferred, brush/sponge optional
Scent	Mild (varies by batch—sometimes sour)	Noticeable (aquarium-like to some)
Packaging	Glass bottle with dropper	Glass bottle with dropper
Vegan/Cruelty-Free	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes
Best For	Hydration, natural finish	Sun protection, skincare benefits

Now that we’ve got the basics laid out, let’s unpack my experience with these two and see how they stack up in real life.

Why I Picked These Two: The Backstory

I’m a sucker for anything that blurs the line between makeup and skincare. Full-coverage foundations?

They’ve lost their charm for me—I’d rather let my skin breathe and still look like me, just a little polished.

Typology caught my eye with its minimalist French vibe and promises of a hydrating, light-coverage serum packed with vitamin C and aloe vera.

ILIA, on the other hand, lured me in with its SPF 40 and a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide—ingredients I already swear by in my skincare routine.

Both seemed like they’d fit my oily-but-dehydrated, medium-olive skin type, so I decided to put them to the test over a few weeks. Spoiler: It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but I learned a ton.

Also Read: Is Borboleta Lash Serum Worth It?

First Impressions of Typology And ILIA Tinted Serums

Opening the Typology Tinted Serum felt like unwrapping a chic little Parisian secret. The square glass bottle and dropper screamed sophistication, and at $44.90, it felt like a reasonable splurge. I went with shade Type 2 (fair with warm undertones), hoping it’d match my skin tone.

The texture was super watery—almost like a lightweight moisturizer—which made me excited to slap it on. Then there’s ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint, priced at $48. Its sleek glass bottle and dropper combo gave off a similar luxe vibe, but the SPF 40 sticker was the real attention-grabber.

I picked shade Skye ST0.5 (light with neutral undertones) after some guesswork, since 30 shades is a lot to sift through. The formula felt a tad thicker than Typology’s, more like a true serum, and I was pumped to see how that SPF would play out.

First whiff? Typology had a faint scent—sometimes neutral, sometimes a little sour, depending on the batch (more on that later). ILIA, though?

It hit me with a weird aquarium-like smell that I couldn’t un-notice. I’d heard mixed reviews about ILIA’s scent, and I’ll admit, it threw me off. Still, I wasn’t about to judge these babies by their sniff test alone.

Application: How They Feel Going On

I started with Typology.

Three drops on my fingertips, a quick rub, and it melted into my skin like a dream.

The watery consistency made it a breeze to blend—fingers worked best, though a damp sponge gave me a slightly more polished look.

It evened out my redness and blurred some old acne scars without feeling heavy.

ILIA was a different story.

I shook the bottle (it separates if you don’t), squeezed out a few drops, and spread it on.

It took a bit more effort to blend—the thicker texture clung to my dry patches at first—but once it settled, it left a radiant glow that screamed “I woke up like this.”

Here’s where preferences come in.

Typology felt like a second skin right away, while ILIA needed a minute to dry down.

If you’re impatient like me, that extra wait might bug you.

But if you’re all about that dewy payoff, ILIA’s finish might win you over.

Coverage And Finish: What You See Is What You Get

Coverage-wise, Typology surprised me. It’s billed as light, but I’d call it light-to-medium. It tackled my uneven tone and gave a subtle boost without masking my freckles—exactly what I wanted. The finish? Dewy but not greasy, with a satin edge that looked natural all day.

ILIA, on the other hand, stuck to its light-coverage promise. It softened my redness but didn’t hide much else. The finish was undeniably dewy—almost too much for my oily T-zone by midday—but it had this radiant, healthy vibe that’s hard to hate.

I tested both on bare skin and over my usual SPF. Typology layered beautifully, never pilling or sliding off. ILIA’s SPF 40 meant I could skip sunscreen some days, but I noticed it didn’t play as nice with extra layers—sometimes it balled up if I wasn’t careful. Point goes to Typology for versatility here.

Ingredients: What’s Feeding My Skin?

I’m a bit of a nerd about ingredients, so let’s break this down. Typology’s got vitamin C (ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate) for brightening, squalane for hydration, and aloe vera for soothing.

No silicones, no clogging—just clean, simple stuff. I love that it’s 99% naturally derived and vegan, which aligns with my eco-conscious side.

ILIA counters with hyaluronic acid to plump, niacinamide to calm redness, and squalane for moisture, plus non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum SPF 40.

It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, with a skincare-first approach that’s tough to beat.

Here’s my take: Typology feels like a hydrating boost with a makeup twist, while ILIA’s a multitasking powerhouse. If sun protection’s non-negotiable for you, ILIA’s got the edge.

But if you’re already slathering on SPF and want pure hydration, Typology’s ingredients hit the spot.

Wear Test: How They Hold Up

I wore each for a full day—work, errands, the whole nine yards. Typology lasted about eight hours before my T-zone got shiny, but a quick blot with powder kept it in check. It didn’t fade or oxidize, which is a win for my olive skin.

ILIA held strong for six to seven hours, but that dewy finish turned into an oil slick by late afternoon. The SPF was a lifesaver on sunny days, though—I didn’t need to reapply sunscreen, which is clutch when I’m running around.

One hiccup with Typology: after a week, I noticed tiny breakouts. Could’ve been the squalane or a batch inconsistency (that sour smell popped up again). ILIA didn’t break me out, but the scent started to grate on me.

Wear-wise, they’re neck and neck—just depends on your skin’s quirks.

Also Read: Is RapidLash Eyelash Serum Worth It?

Pros And Cons of Typology And ILIA Tinted Serums

Typology Tinted Serum Pros

• Lightweight and blends like a dream. I barely feel it on my face.
• Light-to-medium coverage that still looks natural—perfect for my “no-makeup” days.
• Dewy, satin finish that doesn’t scream “shiny.”
• Clean, simple ingredients that hydrate without clogging (usually).
• Affordable at $44.90 for the quality you get.

Typology Tinted Serum Cons

• Only 6 shades. If you’re outside the Fitzpatrick scale sweet spot, good luck.
• No SPF, so you’re layering it with sunscreen anyway.
• That occasional sour smell—it’s not always there, but when it is, yikes.
• Potential for breakouts if your skin’s sensitive to richer formulas.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Pros

• SPF 40 is a game-changer—no extra sunscreen needed on lazy days.
• 30 shades mean most people can find a match.
• Skincare perks like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide feel legit.
• Radiant finish that’s Instagram-filter-level gorgeous.
• Non-comedogenic, so my pores stayed happy.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Cons

• The smell. Oh, the smell. Like a fish tank gone wrong.
• Light coverage only—if you need more, you’re out of luck.
• Dewiness can turn oily fast if you’re not careful.
• Slightly pricier at $48, and the bottle’s a touch smaller.

Shade Range: Finding My Match

Typology’s 6 shades follow the Fitzpatrick phototype scale, which considers skin tone and sun reaction. Type 2 worked for me, but the limited range feels restrictive—especially if you’re super fair or deep-toned.

ILIA’s 30 shades are a flex. Skye ST0.5 was close enough, though I could’ve tweaked it. With ILIA, you’re more likely to nail your match, but Typology’s simpler lineup might appeal if you hate overthinking it.

Packaging And Value: Worth the Cash?

Both come in glass bottles with droppers—elegant, eco-friendly, and a little messy if you’re clumsy like me. Typology’s $44.90 for 1.05 fl oz feels like a steal for the coverage and finish.

ILIA’s $48 for 1 fl oz justifies itself with SPF and skincare cred, but you’re paying a premium for that multitasking magic. I’d say Typology wins on raw value, while ILIA’s price makes sense if SPF’s your priority.

Which One’s My Ride-or-Die?

After weeks of swapping between these two, I’m torn but leaning toward Typology. Its effortless application, natural coverage, and hydrating feel fit my daily grind better.

The lack of SPF stings, but I’m already a sunscreen junkie, so it’s not a dealbreaker. ILIA’s a close second—the SPF and radiant glow are clutch for summer or low-maintenance days, but that scent and oiliness hold me back.

Your pick depends on what you value: Typology for simplicity and finish, ILIA for protection and skincare oomph.

Also Read: Is Glo Vous Derm Serum Worth It?

FAQ: Quick Answers To Your Burning Questions

Wrapping It Up: Your Turn To Choose

So, there you have it—my unfiltered take on Typology versus ILIA tinted serums. I’ve laid out the highs, the lows, and everything in between from my own trial and error. If you’re craving a lightweight, natural vibe with a hydrating kick, Typology might be your new best friend.

If SPF and skincare benefits are non-negotiable, ILIA’s calling your name despite its quirks. You’ve got the tools now—pick what vibes with your skin and lifestyle. Let me know what you think or if you’ve tried these yourself.

Happy experimenting!