Our favorite tinted sunscreens for every skin type
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No one product can do it all, which is why skin care routines often consist of multiple steps. But tinted sunscreen is a multitasker, experts say. It can replace sunscreen, primer and foundation since it’s designed to even out skin tone while protecting you from UV rays. And as long as you buy the right one, tinted face sunscreen is just as effective as standard face sunscreen, says Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
I talked to dermatologists, estheticians and makeup artists about how to find the best tinted sunscreen for your skin tone and type. I also rounded up a handful of options NBC Select staff tested, in addition to expert-recommended picks.
SKIP AHEAD The best tinted sunscreens | How to shop for tinted sunscreen | Tinted SPF v.s. other tinted skin care products
How I picked the best tinted sunscreens
While shopping for tinted sunscreen, experts recommend thinking about the following factors.
SPF level: Your tinted sunscreen should have a SPF rating of at least 30, which is in line with the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendation. Going up to SPF 50 can add an additional layer of protection, but SPF ratings over 50 offer marginally more UV blockage, experts told me.
Broad-spectrum protection: This ensures that sunscreen protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are associated with signs of aging, while UVB rays can lead to sunburns and skin cancer, according to the AAD.
Sunscreen type: There are three types of sunscreen: mineral, chemical and hybrid (we break down the difference between them below). Each type offers equal amounts of protection, so choosing one is a personal preference. However, most tinted SPFs are mineral sunscreens because their color typically comes from mineral pigments that also have sun-blocking properties, says Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical.
Skin type: To prevent irritation, choose a tinted sunscreen that best suits your skin type. For example, if you have acne-prone or oily skin, experts recommend looking for noncomedogenic formulas, meaning they won’t clog pores. If you’re struggling with dry skin, look for a hydrating formula with added moisturizers, and if you have sensitive skin, stay away from fragrances, says Westbay.
Shade: Tinted sunscreen comes in a variety of shades so you can choose one that best matches your skin tone. Some brands offer a more expansive range of shades than others, and many have shade matching tools online to help guide your shopping.
Coverage level: Coverage level refers to how well tinted sunscreen evens out skin tone, covers redness and hides dark spots. There are three coverage levels: light, medium and full. Tinted sunscreen typically offers light to medium coverage, but many are buildable — as you apply more layers of the product, it offers more coverage.
Additional ingredients: Depending on the ingredients it’s made with, tinted SPF can offer extra skin care benefits, says Westbay. For example, some are rich in antioxidants to prevent skin damage and others have peptides to soften wrinkles. Rachael Gallo, the chief operations officer at Silver Mirror Facial Bar and a national certified esthetician, specifically recommends looking for tinted SPFs made with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. They help the pigment last longer on skin and give you a glowy, radiant finish.
The best tinted sunscreens, tested by editors
All the tinted sunscreens below offer broad-spectrum protection and have a SPF rating of at least 30.
Best overall: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50 $ at Sephora
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50 $ at Nordstrom
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50 $ at Supergoop
I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, and I abandoned wearing foundation in college because it made my skin itchy. Tinted sunscreen has been a staple in my daily skin care routine ever since, and this Supergoop formula is my current go-to. It has an airy yet creamy feel and blends into my skin in seconds — I apply makeup directly over it and don’t have to wait for it to dry first. The tinted SPF evens out my skin tone enough that I rarely need to add concealer over blemishes, and it leaves behind a finish that’s equal parts matte and glowy. Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select associate reporter, also uses this Supergoop skin tint instead of foundation and appreciates the compact size of its bottle. “It’s perfect for travel since it doesn’t take up too much space, and it doubles as makeup, which helps me pack less,” she says. (Supergoop sent Alvarez and I its tinted SPF to try.)
Type: Hybrid | SPF: 50 | Ideal skin type: Normal, combination, dry, oily, sensitive | Shade range: 14 shades | Coverage level: Light | Additional ingredients: Ectoin, hyaluronic acid-infused clay
Best for dry skin: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream SPF 30
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream SPF 30
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream SPF 30 $ at Amazon
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream SPF 30 $ at Sephora
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream SPF 30 $ at Ulta
Some tinted moisturizers have SPF, making them a great option if you’re looking to hydrate skin, protect it from UV rays and even out skin tone with a single product. Ilyas recommends BareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue, as does Alvarez, who says it’s a tried-and-true product she’s used for years. The SPF has a mousse-like feel and a dewy, glowy finish, she says. Its vegan, cruelty-free formula is noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic and oil-free.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Ideal skin type: Dry, normal, combination | Shade range: 20 shades | Coverage level: Sheer to light | Additional ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Best for sensitive skin: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46 $ at Amazon
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46 $ at Dermstore
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46 $ at Bluemercury
“EltaMD’s tinted sunscreen is a game-changer for my sensitive skin,” says Mili Godio, NBC Select updates editor. “It’s never caused any irritation or made my redness worse, which is a big issue I have with skin care products in general.” Cory Fernandez, NBC Select editor, also uses this SPF. “It blends in seamlessly with my skin, especially as someone with a darker complexion, and it doesn’t run into my eyes or sting, even if I’m sweating.” The fragrance-free, oil-free sunscreen gives skin a dewy finish.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 46 | Ideal skin type: Sensitive, acne-prone, oily | Shade range: 2 shades | Coverage level: Sheer to light | Additional ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Best buildable: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen $ at Amazon
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen $ at Sephora
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen $ at Saie
When she wants a lot of control over coverage, Godio opts for Saie’s tinted SPF, which is buildable — she adds more layers of the product to cover up redness and breakouts, and less layers if she simply needs to even out her skin tone. The fragrance-free sunscreen doesn’t feel heavy on Godio’s face, something she looks for since she has dry, sensitive skin. She describes the texture as lightweight and mousse-like.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 35 | Ideal skin type: Sensitive, dry | Shade range: 14 shades | Coverage level: Light | Additional ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Best for acne-prone skin: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen $ at Amazon
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen $ at Sephora
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen $ at Tower 28 Beauty
Tower 28 is one of our favorite AAPI-owned businesses, and its tinted SPF is beloved by many NBC Select staffers, including myself. The sunscreen tames redness often caused by my prescription acne medication, and it has never made me break out. This product also has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. “As someone who has been dealing with eczema my entire life, I like knowing that this product was formulated to address the concerns I have while protecting me from all the light exposure I come in contact with,” says Alvarez. It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free and noncomedogenic.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Ideal skin type: Sensitive | Shade range: 17 shades | Coverage level: Light to medium | Additional ingredients: Prickly pear, aloe vera, white sage
Best serum: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 $ at Amazon
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 $ at Sephora
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 $ at Nordstrom
Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is one of the most moisturizing options I recommend, based on my experience using the product after the brand sent it to me. Its liquidy serum comes in a tincture bottle, and a few drops go a long way. When I rub it in, it feels like my skin is drinking up the hydrating formula, which appears lighter when I first apply it but adjusts to its true tone in about a minute. The oil-free, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic SPF is gentle and lightweight, so I use it when my skin is especially flakey or dry.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 40 | Ideal skin type: Sensitive | Shade range: 30 shades | Coverage level: Light | Additional ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide
Best shade match: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 $ at Amazon
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 $ at Dermstore
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 $ at ColoreScience
This tinted SPF is white when you dispense it, but as you rub it in, the colored pigment surfaces and adjusts to your skin tone. “I was skeptical about color matching as a concept, especially because I’m so pale and formulas always seem to be off, in my experience,” says Lindsay Schneider, NBC Select editor. “But this one truly matches so well. When you start rubbing it in, it immediately changes color.” The fragrance-free sunscreen has a matte finish and offers buildable coverage. It’s noncomedogenic and oil-free, as well as hypoallergenic and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Ideal skin type: All | Shade range: 4 shades | Coverage level: Light | Additional ingredients: Niacinamide, antioxidant Lipochroman, bisabolol
Best matte: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 Weightless Mineral Sunscreen
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 Weightless Mineral Sunscreen
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 Weightless Mineral Sunscreen $ at Sephora
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 Weightless Mineral Sunscreen $ at Kohl's
Even though Tatcha’s tinted SPF is sheer, it gives Schneider a little bit of coverage, blurs redness and serves as a great base for makeup. It has a matte yet glowy finish, and concealer sits nicely on top of it, she says. The sunscreen’s noncomedogenic, fragrance-free formula is packed inside a bottle with a precise tip, which helps Schneider control how much product she dispenses. (Tatcha sent Schneider its tinted SPF to try.)
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Ideal skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Shade range: 1 | Coverage level: Light | Additional ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, silk extract
Best coverage: Younique Bare You BB Tinted Moisturizer and Sunscreen SPF 30
Younique Bare You BB Tinted Moisturizer and Sunscreen SPF 30
Younique Bare You BB Tinted Moisturizer and Sunscreen SPF 30 $ at Younique
The first time I wore this tinted SPF, friends told me that my skin looked airbrushed — as someone who has struggled with my skin since I was a tween, that’s one of the best compliments I can receive. The sunscreen gives my skin a smooth, matte texture and even tone, hence the “airbrushed” effect. And while it offers the most coverage out of the options I’ve tried, it’s still lightweight and I forget I’m wearing it. Younique designed its tinted SPF to last for at least 12 hours — every time I’ve worn it for about that long, I haven’t noticed it fade or start to wipe away.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Ideal skin type: All | Shade range: 9 shades | Coverage level: Medium | Additional ingredients: Ceramides
Best water-resistant: Daybird 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tint
Daybird Tinted Skincare
Daybird Tinted Skincare $ at Daybird
“It’s really hard to find tinted sunscreen for fair skin that doesn’t look too dark, but this one seamlessly melts into my very pale skin,” says Schneider. It gives her face a glowy appearance without making her feel shiny or greasy, and has a thin, lightweight texture. The noncomedogenic, fragrance-free SPF is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, according to Daybird, one of our favorite women-owned brands.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Ideal skin type: All | Shade range: 3 shades | Coverage level: Light | Additional ingredients: Niacinamide, bisabolol
Best antioxidant infused: Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40
Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40
Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40 $ at Nordstrom
Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40 $ at Dr. Loretta
Dr. Loretta’s fragrance-free tinted sunscreen is ideal for daily wear, whether or not you add makeup over it, says Schneider (the brand sent her a sample to try). It doesn’t leave behind a pink or white cast, and has a creamy texture that feels lightweight on skin. But the formula takes a few seconds to absorb, in Schneider’s experience, so give it time to dry before layering anything else on top. The tinted SPF comes in a pump with a narrow opening — this ensures that only a small amount of product comes out at a time, which helps you avoid wasting any.
Type: Hybrid | SPF: 40 | Ideal skin type: All | Shade range: 1 | Coverage level: Light | Additional ingredients: Peptides, antioxidant Lipochroman, Indian ginseng
How to shop for tinted sunscreen
Since tinted sunscreen is makeup and skin care in one, there are a handful of factors you’ll need to consider while shopping. Below, I highlight the most important ones.
Skin type
It’s important to find a tinted sunscreen formulated with your skin type in mind. That’s the best way to avoid potential irritation like rashes and breakouts, and it ensures that you’ll feel comfortable wearing the SPF for hours at a time. Tinted sunscreen can also interact with the other skin care products you use, and if it doesn’t layer well with your acne medication or serums, for example, it may pill and lead to an uneven finish.
When evaluating tinted sunscreens’ formulas, Westbay recommends prioritizing the following factors for each skin type:
Combination skin: Combination skin has some dry areas and some oily areas. Because of this, you’ll want a tinted sunscreen with a lightweight, balanced formula, meaning one that’s hydrating without being heavy or greasy. Options with a gel-cream texture are typically best.
Dry skin: Hydration is the top priority when it comes to dry skin, so avoid options with a high alcohol content — the more alcohol a product has, the more drying it is. Choose tinted sunscreens that have moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. If a tinted SPF has a creamy texture, it’s likely hydrating.
Oily skin: Look for oil-free, noncomedogenic options to prevent clogged pores, and gel-based or fluid sunscreens that have a lightweight texture. A matte finish is best for those with oily skin since it helps control shine. Ingredients like zinc oxide can control oil production, while niacinamide may shrink pore size over time.
Acne-prone skin: It’s crucial to stay away from pore-clogging ingredients when choosing a tinted sunscreen for acne-prone skin. Make sure the formulation you purchase is noncomedogenic and oil-free. Soothing ingredients like niacinamide can help calm skin, especially when there’s active pimples.
Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic tinted sunscreens are the most gentle and the least likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Mature skin: To combat concerns like dryness and uneven texture, opt for tinted sunscreens with hyaluronic acid, which can keep aging skin hydrated and plump. Antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E can also protect against free radical damage.
Sunscreen type
Most tinted sunscreens are mineral-based because their color typically comes from mineral pigments that also have sun-blocking properties, says Westbay. But all types of sunscreen offer equal amounts of protection, so choosing one is a personal preference.
Mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. It sits on top of the skin to act like a shield against UV rays, making it less likely to cause irritation for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Chemical sunscreen contains ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate and octinoxate, which the skin absorbs. These chemicals help turn UV rays into heat, which is then dissipated from the skin.
Hybrid sunscreen contains mineral and chemical active ingredients.
Shade
Finding the right shade for your skin tone may involve some trial and error — after all, you won’t know if something is a perfect match until you actually put it on your face. Many brands offer shade matching tools online that can guide you, but figuring out whether your skin has a warm, cool or neutral undertone is a great place to start, says Gallo.
To determine your skin’s undertone, look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. “If your veins appear blue or purple, you’re cool, and if they look green, you’re warm,” says Meredith Boyd, a makeup artist. “If you can’t easily decide, you’re most likely neutral.” You can also fold over your ear and ask someone to tell you what color the vein is, or use a mirror to see for yourself.
Those with warm undertones should opt for shades that have a yellow, gold or peachy base, while those with cool undertones should opt for shades that have a pink, red or blue base, says Westbay. And if you have a neutral undertone, stick with shades that have a balance of warm and cool tones. Keep in mind that your skin tone can change with the seasons, so you may need a different shade in the winter and summer.
Once you find one or two promising shades, apply a small amount on your jawline or neck and let it sit on the skin before evaluating how it looks in natural light. “Some products may oxidize and change color after application,” says Westbay. “Give the tinted sunscreen a few minutes, or, preferably, a few hours, to settle before judging the match.” The right shade should seamlessly blend into your skin and not create a noticeable line.
Coverage level
Coverage refers to how well pigmented skin care products hide blemishes, even out skin tone and reduce redness that can be caused by rosacea or eczema. There are three coverage levels:
Light coverage gives skin a dewy glow or shimmer, and subtly improves skin tone. This type of coverage won’t hide acne, but it can dull redness. It’s ideal for people looking for a “barely there” makeup look and feel. Products that offer light coverage tend to have a liquid or serum-like consistency, says Westbay.
Medium coverage evens out skin tone more so than light coverage, and can make blemishes look less noticeable.
Full coverage completely hides blemishes and evens out skin tone. It also makes skin smooth so it’s easy to apply makeup on top of. Full coverage products tend to have a thick, creamy consistency, says Westbay.
To determine a product’s coverage level, check its label and description. You can also do a swatch test by applying a small amount of the product on your wrist or jawline. Then, evaluate how well it evens out your skin tone and masks imperfections like acne scars. Keep in mind that many tinted sunscreens are buildable — one thin layer gives you a light finish, while additional layers can help you move closer to a full coverage look.
Most tinted sunscreens offer light to medium coverage — they’re sunscreens that are tinted, not makeup designed solely for cosmetic purposes. If you’re going for a full coverage look, foundation is a better option, and some are formulated with SPF, says Ilyas. However, many foundations with sunscreen don’t offer a SPF rating of at least 30, and most people don’t apply their makeup in a thick enough layer to achieve the specified SPF level, says Westbay. To avoid these issues, she recommends using a tinted sunscreen underneath your foundation, giving you full coverage and maximum sun protection.
Tinted SPF, BB cream, CC cream, foundation and tinted moisturizer: What’s the difference?
Tinted sunscreen is often grouped into the same category as BB cream, CC cream, tinted moisturizer and foundation since all five products even out skin tone. But they’re different from one another, and understanding how may help you decide which is best for your skin. I put together the comparison chart below using expert guidance.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Erum Ilyas is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Meredith Boyd is a makeup artist and the founder of Meredith Boyd Cosmetics.
Rachael Gallo is the chief operations officer at Silver Mirror Facial Bar and a national certified esthetician.
Dr. Rachel Westbay is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate updates editor at NBC Select who writes about skin care, including articles on ingrown hair, razor burn and sunscreen for acne-prone skin. For this article, I interviewed four experts about how to shop for tinted sunscreen and rounded up options NBC Select staff tested.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ $ at Amazon
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ $ at Walmart
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ $ at Derm Store
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
The thick, buttery texture of Naked Sundays’ tinted sunscreen sold me on this product when I tried it after the brand sent me a sample. It feels rich and creamy on my skin, and leaves behind a shimmery glow. The tinted sunscreen is made with Naked Sundays’ proprietary vegan collagen to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and boost moisture, according to the brand. It also has watermelon extract, which contains vitamin C. Naked Sundays tinted SPF is reef-safe, noncomedogenic and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Shade range: 1 shade | Coverage level: Light
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ $ at Naked Sundays
Younique Bare You BB Tinted Moisturizer and Sunscreen SPF 30
The first time I wore this tinted moisturizer, friends told me that my skin looked airbrushed — as someone with dry, acne-prone skin, that’s one of the best compliments I can receive. The tinted sunscreen gives my skin a smooth, matte texture and even tone, hence the “airbrushed” effect. And while it offers the most coverage out of the options I’ve tried, it’s still lightweight and I forget I’m wearing it. Younique’s tinted SPF is designed to wear for 12 hours, according to the brand — every time I’ve worn it for about that long, I have not noticed it fade or start to wipe away.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Shade range: 9 shades | Coverage level: Medium
Daybird Tinted Skincare
“It’s really hard to find a tinted sunscreen option for fair skin that doesn’t look too dark, but this one seamlessly melts into my very pale skin,” says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. She wears it on its own as well as under makeup, and Schneider says it gives her skin a glowy appearance without making her feel shiny or greasy. The noncomedogenic tinted SPF also has a thin, lightweight texture and contains niacinamide as well as bisabolol, a chamomile extract that helps reduce inflammation and even out skin tone, according to Daybird, one of our favorite women-owned brands.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Shade range: 4 shades | Coverage level: Light
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45
The Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion won best face sunscreen in Select’s 2023 Wellness Awards. It doesn’t leave a white cast on her darker skin and blends in quickly, leaving behind a glowy look, says Sadhana Daruvuri, Select social media editor. The tinted sunscreen contains niacinamide as well as hydrating plant-based nectar and sea moss to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, according to the brand. Keep in mind that while the formula is noncomedogenic, it’s a chemical sunscreen, so it may irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin, experts told us.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 45 | Shade range: 1 shade | Coverage level: Medium
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion
What is tinted sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreen contains flesh-colored pigments to help it seamlessly blend into skin. This makes tinted sunscreen more cosmetically elegant compared to its untinted counterpart, says Ilyas. Untinted sunscreen tends to leave behind a white, chalky residue many seek to avoid, especially on their face.
Tinted sunscreen is often grouped into the same category as BB cream and CC cream since all three help even out skin tone before you apply makeup. BB cream — otherwise known as beauty balm — is geared toward those dealing with redness. CC cream — or color correcting cream — provides a matte finish, making it helpful for those who have oily skin. Tinted sunscreen offers cosmetic and functional benefits thanks to the built-in UV protection. BB and CC creams can be made with SPF — these variations are essentially specialized types of tinted sunscreen.
How to choose what coverage level is right for you
Coverage refers to how well pigmented products like tinted sunscreen, foundation and BB or CC creams hide blemishes, even out skin tone and reduce redness that can be caused by rosacea or eczema, for example. There are three coverage levels:
Light coverage — which can also be referred to as sheer coverage — are skin care products that give skin a dewy glow or shimmer, and subtly improve skin tone. They won’t hide acne, but they can dull redness. They’re ideal for people looking for a “barely there” makeup look and feel.
Medium coverage products even out skin tone more so than light coverage options, and can make blemishes look less noticeable. Medium coverage products are also buildable — one layer gives you a light finish, while additional layers can help you move closer to a full coverage look.
Full coverage products completely hide blemishes and even out skin tone. They also make the skin texture smooth, providing a fresh surface to apply makeup on top of.
Most tinted sunscreen offers light or medium coverage — it’s a sunscreen that’s tinted, not a makeup designed solely for cosmetic purposes. If you’re going for a more full coverage look, foundation is a better option, and you can buy options formulated with SPF, says Ilyas.
Is tinted sunscreen as effective as regular sunscreen?
Yes, tinted sunscreen is just as effective as regular sunscreen, so long as you buy one that has a minimum SPF 30 rating and offers broad-spectrum protection. It’s also important to make sure you’re applying enough sunscreen to your face and neck for adequate protection — a 1/2 teaspoon of product (about the size of a dime) for each is a good rule of thumb, says Ilyas.
Because tinted sunscreen can also act as your primer and foundation, you may be more inclined to use it, thus increasing the chance that you remember to wear SPF daily. Additionally, tinted sunscreen usually gets its color from iron oxides, an ingredient that aids in blocking blue light, a type of UVA ray, says Ilyas. So that tint can actually enhance how well your skin is protected from both.
How often should you apply tinted sunscreen?
The trickiest part of wearing tinted sunscreen is knowing when to reapply and how to do so. Experts generally recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, but since most people wear makeup over tinted sunscreen, reapplication can be a challenge.
If you’re not spending much time outdoors and are not directly exposed to the sun for long periods of time, applying tinted sunscreen once in the morning offers you enough protection for the rest of the day, Ilyas says. But if you end up spending a lot of time outside and need to reapply SPF over makeup, the best solution is using brush-on powdered sunscreen, Boyd says. She’s worked with actors who spend hours filming outside, and to ensure they don’t burn, she reapplies SPF over their makeup using Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Brush and Derma-e Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30. She recommends these options because they mattify the face while adding a layer of UV protection.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, PA.
Meredith Boyd is a makeup artist and the founder of Meredith Boyd Cosmetics.
Why trust Select?
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at Select who has reported about skin care products like spray sunscreen and sunscreen for acne-prone skin. For this piece, Malin tried multiple tinted sunscreens, gathered recommendations from Select staffers and experts and interviewed two experts to learn how to shop for the product.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
