If you’re anything like me, you know how much you hate everything about facial SPF products. They not only feel uncomfortable sticky and often greasy on the skin, but they also make your skin look impossibly oily most of the time. Don’t get me wrong—I know that sunscreen has come a long way since it was first made. We still have a little way to go, don’t we? If we were, everyone would wear it every day.
Michelle Rose Drumm in a mini dress and a sun hat
And it looks like everyone has a hard time with facial SPF for different reasons. Some people don’t like how the ingredients make their dry and sensitive skin feel, while others don’t like how the oily formulas sit on their already-oily skin. I fall into the second group. I like a glowy SPF, but a lot of them make my pores look three times as big. Putting on any kind of makeup over the top to try to fix the problem is out of the question (unless I want to chase it around my face all day).
No, facial SPF isn’t always the best but we have to wear it. And I have definitely found my favourite formulas and know not to stray from them. There is a new kind of facial SPF this year, and I’m all in. On days like this, when putting on a full face of makeup seems silly but I still want to look like myself, I’ve been using tinted SPF products instead. Below, you can buy my favourite things.
The Best Tinted SPFs
Three tinted SPFs on a white linen background
Best Tinted SPF Overall: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF 20, £13
The MZ Skin Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser is the best luxury tinted SPF. £100
Best for Daily Use: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30, £17
Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen SPF 30, £37, is the best for skin that looks healthy.
Supergoop! is the best for all skin tones. Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50, £40
1. Oil-Free SPF 20 Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil
Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF 20 from Beauty PieBest all around
£13 for Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF 20.
The price shown is for members only.
There are 8 shades.
Protection from UV rays: broad-spectrum
SPF level SPF20
Beauty Pie’s formula is a must try if you want a veil of colour that doesn’t feel heavy. It doesn’t have any oil or fragrance in it, and it makes your skin look better. Great for running 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 Moisturiser
MZ Skin + Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser is the best high end SPF.
MZ Skin Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser costs £100.
Shades 1
Protection from UV rays: broad-spectrum
Type of SPF: SPF30
Honestly, this stuff has blown me away. It blurs, hydrates (thanks to hyaluronic acid), and gives you a serious glow (thanks to vitamin C). It’s a total winner. It’s great for everyday use, but if I were going to the park to sunbathe, I’d probably bring a broad spectrum SPF 50 just to be safe.
3. Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF30
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Spf30 Pa +++Best for everyday use
The Beauty of Joseon
Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 Pa +++ £17. Buy Now
Number of colours: 12
Broad spectrum UV protection
Type of SPF: SPF30
Grace Lindsay, a junior beauty editor, is trying out the Beauty of Joseon tinted SPF.
for Who What Wear UK for the picture)I really like tinted SPFs and this Beauty of Joseon one is now one of my favourites. I will say that it is very sheer, but it is perfect for days when you don’t want to wear makeup. The silky feel is unlike anything else I’ve ever tried, and I’m telling everyone I know to try it. — Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor
4. SPF 30 Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen
Kosas Dreambeam Sunscreen SPF 30 40ml (in a range of colours)The best way to get a healthy glow
Kosas
£37 for Dreambeam Sunscreen SPF 30. Buy it now!
There are two shades.
Protection from UV rays: UVA
Type of SPF: SPF30
Grace Lindsay, a junior beauty editor, is testing the Kosas tinted SPF.
for Who What Wear UK)I really like this item At first, I was a little confused by how thick it was, but it blended into my skin perfectly, and my foundation went on so easily after I used it. It gives me a glow that looks like I’m lit from within, and people always tell me how good I look. — Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor
5. Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Spf Tint Spf 50 (35ml) Various ShadesBest for all skin tones
Supergoop!
Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50
“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
Drunk Elephant + Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30Best mineral SPF
Drunk Elephant
Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
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
Ultra Violette Daydream Screen Spf50 Tinted VeilBest skincare-makeup hybrid
Ultra Violette
Daydream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil
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, but it also gives the skin a natural radiant and glowy finish.
8. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
BareMinerals + Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30Best for dry skin
BareMinerals
Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
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+
L’oréal Paris Daily Fluid Tinted Glow Spf 50+ 50ml (various Shades)Best affordable option
L’oréal Paris
Daily Fluid Tinted Glow SPF 50+
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 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
Supergoop! Glowscreen Spf30 50ml (various Shades)Best for a glowy finish
Supergoop!
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF30
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
Ultrasun + Face Fluid SPF 50+ TintedBest for all skin types
Ultrasun
Face Fluid SPF 50+ Tinted
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+
Avène Very High Protection Tinted Mineral Fluid Spf50+ Sun Cream for Intolerant SkinBest for sensitive skin
Avène
Tinted Mineral Fluid SPF 50+
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.
13. Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
The UniformBest lightweight SPF
MERIT Beauty
The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Number of shades: 15
UV protection Broad-spectrum
SPF type SPF50
Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay testing the Merit tinted SPF
“Merit’s tinted SPF is so lightweight that it practically melts into the skin. I’ve tried using both my hands and my foundation brush to apply this, and both methods deliver a natural looking, glowing base. It comes with a sheer tint that gives you that my skin but better finish and is available in 15 different shades. It’s the perfect balance between a matte and glowy base, and it features fine natural powders that help to smooth and blur the complexion for this soft focus finish that I am just obsessed with.” — Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor
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.”
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.
Anna Newton with natural makeup and strappy black cami
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.
