If you’re anything like me, you know what it’s like to absolutely loathe everything about facial SPF products. Not only do they feel uncomfortable, sticky and often greasy on the skin, but they also, more often than not, leave your complexion looking impossibly oily. Don’t get me wrong—I know that sunscreen formulas have come a long way, but let’s face it. We’re not quite there yet, are we? After all, if we were, everyone would wear it every day.
And it seems everyone struggles with facial SPF for different reasons. Some find that the ingredients irritate their dry and sensitive skin, while others struggle with the way that the oily formulas sit on their already-oily skin. I’m in the latter category. I like a glow, but I find that so many SPF products make my pores look triple their size, and applying any sort of makeup over the top in an attempt to rectify the situation is out of the question (unless I actually want to chase it around my face all day).
No, facial SPF is not always the one, but we have to wear it. And I have definitely settled on my favourite formulas that I know not to stray from. However, this year, there’s a new type of facial SPF on the scene, and I am all in. For days like these, when applying a full face of makeup seems counterintuitive but I still want to feel like myself, I’ve been opting for tinted SPF products instead.
What Should You Look For in a Tinted Sunscreen?
Before this year, I must admit that the idea of pore-clogging, breakout-inducing tinted SPF would send shivers down my spine, but the new formulas are different. Sitting much closer on the spectrum to high-protection skincare as opposed to makeup, they keep skin looking and feeling like yours and sometimes even offer up a bit more of a bronzed glow.
However, there are some things to bear in mind from a sun protection perspective. "Always check that the tinted SPF is labelled as broad-spectrum to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB and look for an SPF of at least 30—ideally 50," explains Dr Rakesh Anand, consultant dermatologist at Skin Surgery Associates of London. "If you have concerns about pigmentation, choose one that contains iron oxides, which offers added protection against visible light. And texture is important too—lighter formulations may be better for oily or acne-prone skin, while richer ones may suit drier skin types."
The Best Tinted SPFs
- Best overall tinted SPF: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF 20, £21
- Best luxury tinted SPF: MZ Skin Tint Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer. £100
- Best for everyday wear: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30, £17
- Best for healthy-looking skin: Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen SPF 30, £36
- Best for all skin tones: Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50, £40
1. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF 20
Best for: Everyone
Number of shades: 8
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF20
For a veil of colour without any hint of heaviness, Beauty Pie's formula is a must-try. It's lightweight, oil and fragrance-free and gives the complexion a 'your skin, but better' glow. Perfect for throwing on to run errands or when you don't want to wear anything too heavy in the heat.
2. MZ Skin Tint Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer
Best for: Luxurious texture that blurs the skin
Number of shades: 1
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF30
This stuff has frankly blown me away. Blurring, hydrating (thanks to hyaluronic acid) and seriously glow-giving (it's formulated with vitamin C), it's an absolute winner. It's perfect for everyday wear, but if I were going out to sunbathe in the park, I'd probably pack a broad-spectrum SPF 50 just to be safe.
3. Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30
Best for: Everyday wear
Number of shades: 12
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF30
“This tinted SPF has been dominating my social feed now that summer is on its way, and now that it’s finally available in the UK, everyone has been going wild for it. It really is a brilliant option if you want a tinted sunscreen that’s going to act as a makeup alternative for you, because while the coverage is sheer, it really does a brilliant job of diffusing uneven texture and redness and adding a natural dewiness to skin. I tend to just layer on a little bit of concealer beneath my eyes and then I’m good to go for the day.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor
4. Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen SPF 30
Best for: Adding a healthy glow to skin
Number of shades: 2
UV protection: UVA
SPF type: SPF30
“Available in 2 shades—Original, a subtly brightening peachy-pink and Sunlit, an illuminating golden-bronze—this tinted SPF is basically a shortcut to faking well-rested, healthy skin. And as a perpetually tired mum of two, I’ve been reaching for it regularly to hydrate skin and add some much-needed brightness. It’s glowy, rather than shiny (perfect for my oily skin) and I love that it has an almost plumping effect too thanks to the addition of skin-strengthening ceramides and peptides.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor
5. Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50
Best for: All skin tones
Number of shades: 14
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF50
“When it comes to the best SPFs on the market, Supergoop is up there for me as one of the best in the business, so it’s no surprise that it delivers when it comes to tinted sunscreen too. Unlike so many tinted formulas which come in a one-shade-fits-all formulation, this one takes skin tone seriously with 14 brilliant shades on offer. And while the colour matching is brilliant, the formula itself is also beautiful. It’s hydrating, just the right amount of luminous, and truly acts like a lightweight foundation alternative.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor
6. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Best for: A mineral-based option
Number of shades: 1
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF30
Designed to work with all skin tones (as the majority on this list are), this SPF is intensely hydrating. My skin loves it.
7. Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil
Best for: An alternative to foundation
Number of shades: 15
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF50
Ultra Violette knows a thing or two about SPF. The brand is dedicated to combining skincare and sun protection. Not only does this tint protect from the sun's rays, it also gives the skin a natural, radiant and glowy finish.
8. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
Best for: Dry skin
Number of shades: 20
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF30
Definitely more of a classic tinted moisturiser than the other formulations on this list, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue is one of those does-it-all products: It moisturises, protects skin from the sun and provides a very decent amount of buildable coverage. Available in 20 shades, it could easily replace my usual base products during the summer months.
9. L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Tinted Glow SPF 50+
Best for: An affordable, brightening option
Number of shades: 2
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF50
“For a long time, I’ve found that the best tinted SPFs come with a hefty price tag, but this new offering from L'Oréal Paris proves that the high street can deliver too. Available in Pearl Glow and Bronze Glow—depending on whether you want more of a pearlescent shine or a sun-kissed radiance—this lightweight tinted formula not only dials up radiance, but smooths the skin too. And if you have any pigmentation or dark spots, then you’ll be pleased to know that it’s formulated with 3% niacinamide to help minimise their appearance while protecting your skin from further damage with broad-spectrum SPF50. I’ll be wearing this all summer long.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor
10. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30
Best for: Brightening and boosting glow
Number of shades: 5
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF30
Admittedly, this is more of a radiance booster than a tint, but I'm including it nonetheless. It's effectively the brand's editor-adored Unseen Sunscreen but with an extra-dewy, radiant finish rather than a matte one. It's intensely hydrating and looks beautifully bright on all skin types, whether worn alone or layered beneath makeup.
11. Ultrasun Face Fluid SPF 50+ Tinted
Best for: All skin types
Number of shades: 1
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF50
Ultrasun is responsible for some of the best SPF products in the game, and this tinted fluid is no exception. I really rate this stuff for its fast-absorbing and glow-giving qualities.
12. Avene Tinted Mineral Fluid SPF 50+
Best for: Sensitive skin
Number of shades: 1
UV protection: Broad-spectrum
SPF type: SPF50+
Avène is such a great brand for sensitive skin. In fact, this sun cream has been designed with sensitive skin types in mind and comes with the most gorgeous golden tint for a glowing finish.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Tinted Sunscreen?
Being passionate about sun protection, I was interested to know how efficacious dermatologists and skin experts genuinely consider a tinted SPF to be. "Provided it has a high SPF (30 or above) and offers broad-spectrum protection, a tinted sunscreen can be just as effective as a traditional sunscreen," explains Dr Anand. "In fact, many tinted SPFs contain iron oxides, which add an extra layer of defence against visible light."
The important thing, of course, and is the case with all sunscreens, is to make sure that you're applying enough of your tinted SPF to guarantee that it's actually doing its job. Applying roughly the amount of two finger lengths is a good place to start.
Are Tinted Sunscreens Suitable for All Skin Types?
In terms of whether a tinted SPF can work for everybody, Dr Anand does have some reservations. "While the main advantage of a tinted SPF is that it combines sun protection with a cosmetic benefit, the downside is that shade matching can be tricky, especially for deeper or very light skin tones." Thankfully, all of the tinted SPFs in our list are either tinted to add a glow rather than coverage, or they come in an array of shades so that you can find one to suit you.
However, in terms of whether you're oily or dry, you should be able to find a formula that works for you—it will just depend on whether you want a lighter or richer texture from your product.
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