Skin Care·5 min read

This 4-in-1 Serum Cut My Makeup Routine in Half

This 4-in-1 Serum Cut My Makeup Routine in Half
Design: theSkimm | Images: Daybird, Shannon Bagford
April 21, 2026

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Skimm Tested

What I Tested...

  • Daybird 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tint ($39.50)

Why I Tested...

Why Shannon Tested
Before and After Daybird 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tint
Design: theSkimm | Images: Shannon Bagford

Test Results...

  • Tint. I used the shade “Light,” though I think the next shade up would have been a better match for my tanner skin tone. Even though it was on the lighter side, it didn’t leave a white cast and helped cover up any redness in my skin.   

  • SPF protection. Unlike regular sunscreens, this serum felt incredibly lightweight and luxurious during and after application. The tint offers a much higher SPF (50) than most tinted mineral formulas I’ve tried, so I felt protected all morning, and then all afternoon after reapplying. 

  • Consistency. While the liquid consistency was very runny, it dried quickly and had a matte finish. The formula overall felt a bit heavy, so I paired it with a lightweight moisturizer instead of my usual, thicker moisturizer. That made all the difference.

  • Sensitive skin-friendly. I’m happy to report that the formula didn’t irritate my eyes at all, which was a huge win. That being said, it contains niacinamide, which means you have to be careful about layering it with a moisturizer that contains the same ingredient, as too much can potentially lead to breakouts. Otherwise, I had no complaints.

  • Time-saving. I was able to skip my primer and foundation and loved the look. It effectively replaces multiple steps in a morning routine, saving me time when I need it most. 

  • Staying power. The short: wears beautifully without pilling. The long: While this kept my overall look fresh and light, I noticed my other makeup faded a bit faster than usual by the end of the day. But I was happy to see that it didn't leave my oily skin feeling greasy or shiny by noon, unlike other sunscreens.

Daybird 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tint
Design: theSkimm | Images: Daybird

Sidenotes…

  • With only four shades, the range is currently limited, in my opinion. I’d love to see more options on both fair and deep sides of the spectrum.

The Fine Details...

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