18 Best Tinted Sunscreens That Protect the Skin and Deliver a Flawless Glow, According to Experts

close up of young womans face applying sunscreen

By Jasmine Washington

Since sunscreen is a daily skincare staple, it’s only right that you give yourself options for different occasions. Powder SPF makes reapplying sunscreen easy-breezy. Then there are drugstore sun blockers made just for your face that you can snag without breaking the bank. Plus, you can combine sun protection and light-coverage makeup thanks to tinted sunscreens. Along with providing essential protection from harmful sun rays that lead to painful burns, premature wrinkles, and skin cancer, the best tinted sunscreens conceal imperfections and camouflage blemishes.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Brauer, tinted sunscreens are effective because UV-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, “which are mineral particles that have been shown to block not only UV,” combat “visible or blue light emitted from laptop and phone screens.” And that’s a must for the days when you have a little too much screen time. SPF-slash-skincare hybrids like tinted moisturizers with SPF must be followed up with an additional layer of sun protection, but options specifically labeled tinted sunscreens can be worn alone. Dr. Brauer advises reapplying “sunscreen — whether it’s tinted or not — every two hours.”

From SPFs that conceal redness to ones that received the Skin Cancer Association’s stamp of approval, read ahead for the best tinted sunscreens for every skin type and tone.

Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

This lightweight mineral sunscreen comes highly recommended by Dr. Brauer, and it also has the Skin Cancer Foundation’s stamp of approval, too. According to Dr. Brauer, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen combines broad-spectrum protection from the sun and delivers a subtle “no makeup, makeup” glow.

Best Shade Range

Tula Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Treat your skin to a radiant boost with Tulu’s brightening serum skin tint sunscreen. Along with brightening and protecting from UV damage, this breathable serum is wearable for up to 12 hours and delivers light to medium coverage.

Best for All Skin Types

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

With over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and nearly 400 five-star reviews on the Derm Store’s website, EltaMD’s water-resistant tinted SPF is a fan favorite and dermatologist approved because it evens skin tone and is safe for use by all skin types.

Best for Dry Skin

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane

If you have dry skin, then you’re probably all too familiar with the creasing that comes every time you apply your fave skincare and makeup products. Summer Friday’s Sheer Skin Tit uses hyaluronic acid and squalane to provide an additional boost of hydration while protecting the skin from harmful sun rays and delivering a buildable coverage in 10 different shades.

Best Color Corrector

Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50

Supergoop’s CC Scream 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF color corrects and evens out the skin’s texture. This light CC cream meets sunscreen hybrid is available in 15 shades.

Best Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Who says you can’t get full coverage with tinted sunscreen? Tower 28 Beauty’s tinted sunscreen foundation features light to medium coverage that’s buildable, while non-nano zinc oxide protects from UVA/UVB rays. Plus, it comes in 14 shades.

Best for Light Coverage

Skinbetter Science Sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion

Some days, all you need is light coverage to style your “clean girl” makeup. According to Dr. Brauer, Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75 protects “skin against UVA/UVB rays, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation” with “just a hint of color” as a finishing touch.

Best for No White Cast

Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36

When you need to conceal blemishes, grab Alastin’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum. Lightweight and water resistant, Dr. Brauer recommends this tinted sunscreen because “it protects skin from environmental stresses” without leaving behind a white cast.

Best for Brightening

SkinCeuticals SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Revive dull skin with this brightening skin tint that also combats UV rays and heat-induced skin stress.

Best to Conceal Redness

Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Redness has met its match with Peter Thomas Roth’s Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45. This lightweight sunscreen improves uneven skin tone and provides coverage for dry, combo, and normal skin types.

Best for Matte Finish

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Available in four shades, this mineral sunscreen uses color pigments to deliver a tone-adapting coverage with a matte finish.

Best for Layering with Makeup

MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30

This top-rated mineral-tinted sunscreen can be layered underneath makeup delivering similar results as a mattifying, pore-smoothing primer. Just be sure to shake before applying.

Skin Cancer Foundation-Approved

PCA SKIN Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Available in one shade, this lightweight SPF is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and comes recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.

Best Tinted SPF for Lips

NudeStix Lip Primer SPF 30

Your lips need SPF love, too. This lightweight primer spf hydrates lips and protects against UV damage.

Best Tinted SPF Face Stick

Salt & Stone Tinted Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Applying SPF lotions, gels, and creams can get a little messy every now and then. Salt & Stone’s TinteSunscreen Stick glides on smooth without leaving a cast.

Plus One

Not only does this sun blocker protect from harmful sun rays, but it also combats blue light rays that lead to dark marks and hyperpigmentation.

Best for Dry Skin

bareminerals Mini COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer

Give your skin an added boost of moisture with this hyaluronic acid-laced tinted moisturizer. Not only will you get SPF 30 protection, but it provides sheer-to-light coverage.

Best Tinted Moisturizing Primer

Dermalogica Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30 0.75 oz/ 22 mL

This lightweight primer preps skin for makeup application, and it’s enriched with SPF to combat harmful rays from sun exposure.

Source: seventeen.com

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At Spectrum Skin and Laser we utilize the latest technologies and techniques, often in combination to best improve your results. Dr. Jeremy Brauer has remained at the forefront of these technological advances since the beginning of his career, and looks forward to meeting with you to discuss your needs. To schedule a consultation, please schedule below. 

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