I tested 7 tinted sunscreens – meet the formulas that impressed me most
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I’ve always said that if I had to pick one beauty product to take to a remote desert island, tinted sunscreens would be a very serious contender. Every dermatologist I’ve ever interviewed agrees that daily SPF is non-negotiable, and when you add a little coverage into the mix, somewhere between a tinted moisturiser and your favourite foundation, it just makes getting ready that bit easier.
As a beauty journalist who’s always out and about, I’m all for anything that speeds up my routine making my skin look ‘too done’. The best tinted sunscreens tone down redness, add a bit of glow and still let freckles and natural texture show through. I use them in the same way I use BB creams and CC creams, when I want my skin to look a bit more even but still like my skin.
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That said, as is the case with all complexion products, my biggest qualm with tinted SPFs is their often sparse shade range. While a few standout brands do offer a healthy range to suit every skin tone and undertone (more on these below), the sad reality is that the vast majority don't cater to darker skin tones, resulting in an unflattering, ashy finish.
The formulas I love? Tinted sunscreen formulas that offer a slightly different approach, instead adapting various skin tones by enhancing your complexion with a subtle bronze (similar to bronzing drops) or a peachy glow. Think ‘your skin but better’.
Below, I've put together a definitive edit of the very best tinted sunscreens that the beauty industry has to offer. From high-end formulas to the more affordable picks, I've personally tested the creme de la crème to help you find the best fit for your exact preferences. Here's everything you need to know.
How we tested tinted sunscreens:
A huge part of our job is testing beauty products - and no, that doesn’t mean just applying something once and calling it a day. We take product testing seriously here at Glamour, which means wearing formulas for weeks, sometimes longer, before recommending them to you. And because one person’s skin doesn’t tell the full story, I also leaned on the wider Glamour team to make sure these tinted sunscreens were tested across different skin types, tones and ages, so our guides feel as fair and inclusive as possible.
When putting together this guide to the best tinted sunscreens, I started with research. That meant speaking to dermatologists about what makes an SPF effective, paying close attention to ingredient lists, and keeping up with new launches and those viral formulas, obvs. Tinted SPF is a category I know and love as someone who’s always preferred one over foundation, but that’s not to say they’re easy to get right. Not only do they have to offer enough protection, you won’t find one under SPF30 in this guide, but they’ve actually got to look good on your skin too.
For testing, we swapped our usual base products for the tinted sunscreens featured in this edit and wore them consistently for at least a few weeks. From long office days and commutes to evenings out and everyday errands, we paid attention to how they applied, how they wore and how they layered with skincare and makeup. We also looked closely at things like white cast, shade range, pilling and longevity. If it’s made it into this list, it’s because it genuinely impressed us. Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust me:
Between us, the Glamour beauty team has tested more SPFs, skin tints and base products than we can count - from cult favourites to brand-new launches. We’ve tried them across a wide range of skin tones, types (dry, oily, combination and everything in between) and ages, to make sure our recommendations work for as many people as possible.
Personally, I’ve spent years reviewing beauty products, attending press launches, speaking to dermatologists and makeup artists, and testing formulas before they hit shelves. So when it comes to tinted sunscreen, I know what separates a good one from a great one - and what’s actually worth investing in.
Discover the best tried-and-true tinted sunscreens…
1. Best overall: Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50
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- Shade range: 14.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Chemical.
- Pros: Contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ectoin, high protection & good shade range.
- Cons: Can tend to look a little patchy by the end of the day.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Offering buildable coverage, this multi-tasking formula is infused with a handful of hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ectoin to keep your skin nice and cared for throughout the day.
“I love how breathable it feels on the skin, delivering just enough coverage to even out my skin tone. I squeezed the product out directly on my face and blended it out in circular motions using my hands rather than a brush. As you can see by the video, it didn't instantly sink into my skin - I had to really work it in. But, once it did blend out, I loved the dewy fresh finish it gave my skin. Basically my skin but better. One thing to note is that it did go a little patchy around my nose area and t-zone where I tend to get a bit oily throughout the day.”
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2. Best for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid Tinted
- Shade range: 1.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Chemical.
- Pros: Great for oily or acne-prone skin as gives a mattifying effect.
- Cons: Only one shade - may leave a white cast on darker skin tones.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: If you suffer from breakouts and find that wearing face SPFs tends to make matters worse, make a beeline for this bestseller product from La Roche-Posay. This 'invisible fluid' has been specially formulated for those with oily and acne-prone skin and mops up excess sebum for a mattifying effect, all while offering a super light feel and SPF50+ protection against the sun's rays.
“I've used this sunscreen daily ever since it launched for two key reasons. The science behind the formula is seriously impressive as it protects against damage from the longest UVA rays, and at a purse-friendly price, too. The invisible, non-greasy finish is also really pleasing and means you'll actually enjoy reapplying it.” - Georgia Trodd Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
**Save when shopping for the best tinted sunscreens with these LookFantastic discount codes. **
3. Best for a bronzed glow: Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen SPF30
- Shade range: 2.
- UV protection: SPF30.
- SPF type: Mineral.
- Pros: Packed with peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid and zero white cast.
- Cons: SPF on the lower side.
- Tested by: Fani Mari, Glamour Freelance Writer.
Why we love it: "Sunscreen is one of the most important, non-negotiable steps in my routine, and I’m particularly pleased when I find products that have added skincare benefits. This lightweight, non-comedogenic mineral formula leaves a really nice glow on my skin and it comes in two shades; original, a fair-medium shade and sunlit, a medium-tan shade.
"It’s a viral product and for a good reason. While I generally prefer using an SPF50 all year round, I love using this product for its amazing ingredients and the glow it gives my skin. It makes for a great makeup base and also looks fantastic on its own. While it's very glowy, I like the finish. As my husband said when he saw me, “You look very glowy, but not oily”, and that’s all I strive for!
Both shades have a little tint to them, not enough to replace a proper foundation but great for no-makeup or light makeup days.
“In terms of ingredients, this is packed with peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and soothe the skin. While I’m not always a big fan of mineral formulas, as they tend to be thicker and leave a white cast, this one is great. You need to blend it in a bit more than you would a chemical formula, but it blends in nicely, leaves no white cast on me and it feels lightweight.”
4. Best for radiance: Supergoop! Mineral Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops SPF 30
- Shade range: 2.
- UV protection: SPF30.
- SPF type: Mineral.
- Pros: Zero white cast and adds a healthy bronzed glow to the skin.
- Cons: Very glowy - may be too much for oily skin types and everyday wear.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: "I’ve been using the original Supergoop! Glowscreen (the chemical version) for over a year now, so when the new Mineral Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops SPF30 landed on my desk, I was very curious to see how they’d compare.
"As someone who loves a no-makeup makeup finish, this is exactly the kind of tinted SPF I get excited about. It makes skin look like skin, just warmer, glowier and more even, while still giving you mineral sun protection thanks to zinc oxide. The drops come in two shades, Sunrise for lighter skin tones and Golden Hour for deeper skin tones. I went for Golden Hour, and it gave my skin that bronzed, post-holiday warmth straight away.
“I applied it with my fingers and found it easy to blend, with zero white cast. The dropper applicator is great if you want to mix it into your moisturiser, although it can get a little messy and isn’t the easiest to control. I love a glow, but for an office day I did need a bit of powder across my forehead and T-zone to tone it down slightly. On holiday, though, or when I already have a bit of colour, this would be the perfect no-makeup makeup SPF.
5. Best Korean: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
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- Shade range: 12.
- UV protection: SPF30.
- SPF type: Mineral.
- Pros: Lightweight, hydrating, skin-soothing.
- Cons: Dries quickly, can go patchy, shade ran dark.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: This lightweight sunscreen comes in 12 shades which is more than most on the market - so I was already impressed. Not too dewy and not too matte, its silky lightweight texture glides on effortlessly and it’s enriched with ingredients like Artemisia capillaris (mugwort) extract to soothe and olive-derived lipids for added hydration.
“This one has a really watery texture, so it glides on easily and feels lovely and hydrating on the skin. That said, it dries down quite quickly, so you do need to be fairly fast when blending it in. I went for shade MP200, which was a bit too dark for me and pulled slightly orange, so I could definitely have gone one or two shades lighter.
It gives a nice sheer wash of coverage, but I wouldn’t say it layered brilliantly over serums – I found it went a little patchy in places. Still, if you like a very light, skin-tint-style finish, this is a nice everyday option.”
6.Best coverage: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
- Shade range: 15.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Mineral.
- Pros: High SPF protection, good shade range and a subtle blurring effect.
- Cons: Can feel tacky or look greasy on oily skin.
- Tested by: Lian Brooks, Glamour's Senior Audience Development Manager.
Why we love it: "As someone who religiously wears SPF, but also leans on foundation to even out my complexion day-to-day, I'm always here for a product that can do it both, and Merit's The Uniform promises just that. A tinted mineral sunscreen SPF 50, first and foremost it provides UVA/UVB protection while also offering lightweight coverage for a natural, effortless finish.
I appreciated the silky texture of the product and how pigmented it was, with a little blending in easily and going a long way, giving a subtle blurring effect while still allowing my skin to shine through. I was impressed with the soft glow it gave and how it stayed put through the day and could definitely see myself using this for days when I'm out and about in the heat and can't face a heavier foundation."
7. Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Suncream Tinted SPF50
- Shade range: 1.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Chemical.
- Pros: Water and sweat resistant, hypoallergenic & high SPF protection.
- Cons: Some people say it's too dark for lighter skin tones.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: “I’ve always been a fan of tinted sunscreens - I’m not a big foundation wearer, so anything lightweight and hydrating that gives my skin a hint of colour and SPF protection is a win. My skin leans on the drier side, so I love that the aim of this to hydrate thanks to ingredients like glycerin and thermal spring water. I would say the application isn’t the smoothest - I found it a little rigid on the skin, and it dried super quickly - so I feel if it’s not blended properly, it could go patchy.
In hindsight, I think a brush would have been better to apply it with than my hands. Interestingly, it comes in one universal shade which supposedly adapts to all skin tones - and I have to say, the colour match for me was bang on. It’s light coverage, so it doesn’t cover up much, but it’s perfect for days when you want that natural, no makeup makeup finish.” - Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
FAQ's
Meet the experts:
| Dr Sam Bunting | Dermatologist and founder of Dr Sam's. |
| Dr. Eteri Kenkadze | Dermatologist at Evolution Aesthetics Clinic. |
| Dr Sonia Khorana | Cosmetic Doctor & Dermatology Expert. |
| Dr Emmaline Ashley | Cosmetic Physician. |
Is using a tinted sunscreen just as effective as a 'normal' SPF?
If you're an SPF buff and want to ensure your skin is always getting the best possible protection, you need not worry about using a tinted formula instead, the experts agree. “Tinted SPFs can be just as effective as non-tinted SPFs in protecting against UV damage if they offer the same SPF level (e.g., SPF 30) and broad-spectrum SPF protection. The tint itself does not compromise the sunscreen lotion's ability to block harmful UVA and UVB rays,” explains Dr Emmaline.
In fact, says Dr Sonia, you may feel the benefits of tinted formulas more than ‘normal’ SPFs if you have certain skin concerns: “Tinted sunscreens have been found to reduce relapses of melasma more than non-tinted, broad-spectrum protection sunscreens,” she begins, before adding: “Tinted sunscreens have also been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation, both on the skin surface and under a microscope. Iron oxide, in particular, appears to be particularly effective at blocking blue light.”
Dr Sam just reminds all sunscreen users to be diligent with application, no matter if you're reaching for a tinted formula or clear one: “The key is to apply the correct dose for any sunscreen - this is 2mg/cm2 of skin. Practically, this is about ½ teaspoon for the face and neck, or you can use lines of SPF as long as both your index and middle finger as a guide.”
What are the benefits of a tinted sunscreen?
Among the many benefits, the ability to wear a lighter, more breathable base particularly during the summer is perhaps most appealing, especially if you get clogged pores or are acne-prone. “Tinted SPFs can effectively replace foundations or heavier bases in the summer months, offering a more breathable and comfortable alternative,” notes Dr. Eteri. “The lightweight formulation allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of clogged pores, which is particularly beneficial in hot and humid conditions.”
As well as offering a safe protective shield from harmful UV rays, “many tinted SPFs provide a natural, sheer coverage that enhances the skin's appearance without the heavy, cakey feel of traditional foundations,” Dr. Eteri continues. “This makes them ideal for achieving a fresh, dewy look that is perfect for summer.”
Dr Emmaline adds that tinted sunscreens can “even out skin tone, blur imperfections, and provide a more polished look without the heavy feeling of traditional foundations.”
Are tinted sunscreens suitable for all skin types?
As mentioned previously, tinted sunscreens can be particularly suited to those who may experience hyperpigmentation or melasma. They're also handy for anyone acne-prone or who may break out in the summer, and thus would benefit from a lightweight base that also offers sun protection.
In addition, many tinted formulas are actually mineral sunscreens, which can benefit certain skin types. “Mineral sunscreens tend to work best for those with very sensitive skin and concerns like eczema, perioral dermatitis and rosacea,” says Dr Sam.
Dr. Eteri expands: “Mineral sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them. This makes them less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to chemical sunscreens. However, it is worth noting that some mineral-based tinted SPFs may leave a slight white cast, particularly on darker skin tones, though many modern formulations have improved to minimise this issue.”
