I’ve at all times been skeptical of any tinted magnificence purchase. The sub-par endurance and orange-y hues steered me away from the place they sat on the Sephora cabinets. As a substitute, I plastered on layers of basis and concealer in hopes I’d get the identical, lit-from-within glow tinted merchandise promised. Now, years later with tons of of magnificence merchandise examined beneath my editor belt, I’m a proponent of make-up that doubles as skincare. (The best sunscreens are solely step one right into a world of beauty-centric suncare.) Not solely that, however as a result of I search to curate a simple and succinct routine, I’ve discovered myself experimenting with the perfect tinted sunscreen. And readers, I really like the outcomes.
Tinted sunscreens have developed. In 2023, anticipate multitasking products worthy of your hard-working summer season skincare routine. The most effective tinted sunscreen for you affords light-weight summer season protection whereas prioritizing personalized sun protection. And as tinted sunscreens develop into extra well-liked, manufacturers wish to differentiate themselves. Whether or not you favor a delicate glow, concealer-like protection, or serum-like pores and skin tints—the perfect tinted sunscreen delivers.
Featured picture from our interview with Nitsa Citrine by Clare Huntsberger.
The Finest Tinted Sunscreen, In keeping with Magnificence Consultants
However how have you learnt in case your tinted sunscreen is offering sufficient solar safety? And are any of those 2-in-1 merchandise too good to be true? For solutions on what to search for as you store tinted sunscreens, I spoke all issues SPF with Scottsdale-based SkinSpirit Aesthetician and pores and skin most cancers survivor Kaylee Esplin. She encourages everybody to “store neatly,” and warns that “tinted sunscreen and make-up merchandise with SPF are usually not the identical factor!”
I additionally tapped Rose-Marie Swift, make-up skilled and founding father of the beloved RMS Beauty for her recommendations on discovering your greatest system. “I’ve by no means discovered an SPF that I truly like, not to mention love. Easy as that. From the unacceptable elements to the shortcoming to layer with make-up and that ghoulish white solid, by no means have I liked an SPF… till now.” After creating the RMS SuperNatural Radiance Serum SPF 30, Swift desires everybody to be obsessive about their sunscreen. And a tinted product is perhaps the way in which to go.
Collectively, the 2 consultants offered full-spectrum protection (pun meant) on how one can discover a tinted sunscreen that doubles down on solar safety and pores and skin protection—whereas, in fact, preserving your look flawless.
What is tinted sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreen is an antidote to the dreaded white cast faux pas. While it offers the same protection as regular sunscreen, tinted formulations are pigmented to prevent any white residue. From sheer tints to makeup-like coverage, tinted sunscreens come in different degrees of pigments to fit your preference.
What to Look for in the Best Tinted Sunscreen
“Check the ingredient list to avoid potential irritants or allergens if you have sensitive skin,” says Esplin. “Also, consider the texture, non-comedogenicity (if you have acne-prone skin), and any additional benefits like moisturization or antioxidant properties based on your skin’s needs.”
As for its SPF properties, Esplin recommends looking for:
- Physical blockers. Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they provide effective mineral protection and are generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
- Broad-spectrum protection. You want a sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays (this is typically indicated on the label).
- SPF value. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to ensure sufficient protection.
Swift looks for mineral (aka physical) sunscreen over chemical sunscreen. The tint helps prevent the white cast that sometimes comes with mineral formulas.
Usually, zinc oxide is the main ingredient in clean mineral sunscreens. “Zinc oxide not often causes irritation on the pores and skin, so it may be used on any pores and skin kind—even on these with delicate pores and skin,” says Rose-Marie. She recommends on the lookout for non-nano zinc oxide. “Nano refers to nanometers. Nanoparticles are smaller than 100nm. It means the mineral zinc oxide is bigger than 100nm and subsequently gained’t penetrate your pores and skin.” Consequently, the zinc oxide creates a bodily defend in opposition to the solar with out irritating or clogging pores.
In keeping with Swifft, different particular elements to search for embrace:
- Iron oxides and rose geranium extract present blue mild safety.
- Mica displays blue mild.
Tips for Applying Tinted Sunscreen
Swift recommends what she calls the two-finger method. “Squeeze one line of sunscreen onto your index finger from the base of the tip. Do the same on your middle finger and apply all over,” she advises. “This measurement will ensure enough product for adequate SPF coverage. Massage it into the face and neck as you would a moisturizer. And be sure to reapply every two hours.”
“Don’t forget to protect your lips!” Esplin adds. “My first diagnoses was in 2016, a Basal Cell Carcinoma located on the cupid’s bow portion of my upper lip—an area that most people forget to protect. It’s important to remember that even our lips are susceptible to sun damage and cancer! And the effectiveness of any sunscreen, tinted or not, also depends on proper application, using the recommended amount, and reapplying every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming.”
Should you wear regular sunscreen underneath tinted sunscreen?
According to Esplin, tinted sunscreen can be just as good as any other SPFs. “As long as your tinted sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays and has an appropriate sun protection factor (SPF of at least 30), it can be as safe and effective as regular sunscreen.”
“A sunscreen with SPF 30 will protect you from around 97% of UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 50 means protection from about 98% of UVB rays,” says Swift. “Anything beyond SPF 50 makes very little difference in terms of risk of sun damage, and no sunscreens offer 100% protection from UVB rays. So we feel 30 SPF is sufficient.”
The Best Tinted Sunscreens
Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
When looking for a tinted sunscreen, my priority is finding something that hides hyperpigmentation while still staying lightweight. With such a great range of shades, I was wowed by how seamlessly it blended into my skin and provided a filter-like look.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: 17 shades
- Key Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Prickly Pear, Aloe Vera
The fewer products, the better—especially in the sun. This serum is my go-to for a casual day out. The lightweight texture means it spreads really easily for breathable coverage. It’s great for summer because niacinamide reduces shine, making it a game-changer for oily and combination skin.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: 3 tones
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
Though this line only has three shades, its blurring formula means the color matches surprisingly well. At the beginning of the summer, I mixed two shades together to get the perfect match. Now, in mid-summer, my skin is closer to the Rich shade. Whatever the tone, I love the subtle glow this gives me. No need for a highlighter.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: 3 shades
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Iron oxides, Mica, Rose Geranium Extract
- SPF: 44
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: One shade
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Hyaluronic acid, Antioxidants
- SPF: 50
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: 15
- Key Ingredients: Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Apple Extract, Irish Moss, Red Seaweed Extract
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral
- Shade range: One shade
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
- SPF: 50
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: One shade only
- Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Senna Alata, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
- SPF: 50
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: 3 shades
- Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus, Red Algae
- SPF: 36
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: One shade only
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Phytoene, Phytofluene, Ectoin
- SPF: 30
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: 4 shades
- Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E
- SPF: 50
- Type: Physical
- Shade range: One shade only
- Key Ingredients: Balm mint, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral Sunscreen
- Shade range: One shade only
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower Extract, Rosemary Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
