The Best Tinted Sunscreens to Achieve Off-Duty (UV-Protected) Beauty
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission. Tinted sunscreen is the not-so-secret ingredient to main...
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
Tinted sunscreen is the not-so-secret ingredient to maintaining youthful skin while attaining a no-makeup makeup look — but the secret lies in which brands do it best.
While lightweight formulas with some degree of pigment are the throughline, products range in degree of coverage, type of application, suite of skin benefits and finish. As a general rule of thumb, tinted sunscreens tend to fall in the sheer to light coverage category with a dewy, glowing finish; however, that’s not always the case. For more color payoff and matte finish options, look for products marketed as “skin tints” or “tinted moisturizers” — just be sure they have SPF in the mix. Alternatively, skip the search and see our five tried-and-tested favorites below.
best overall
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Thanks to EltaMD’s extensive SPF selection targeting a spectrum of skin types and concerns, the dermatologist-coveted, expert-approved brand is an easy choice for any and all sun care needs. And when it comes to tinted products, it certainly takes the cake.
For a subtle tint and healthy glow, EltaMD’s UV Clear SPF is our pick. It’s lightweight, absorbs easily and works double duty as a moisturizer — and at the end of a long day, there won’t be a clogged pore in sight.
best under-$20
Bubble Plus One Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
For a budget-friendly buy that stands up to the competition, Bubble’s Plus One is a no-brainer.
It features a non-greasy formula that’s well-suited for oily-leaning skin, and the lilac extract further mattifies and balances acne-prone skin. And akin to EltaMD, Bubble’s pump makes for easy application. At the end of your morning skin-care routine and ahead of any makeup, apply two to four pumps evenly, 30 minutes before sun exposure. Pair with a water-resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating.
best matte
Tarte BB Blur Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Maybe oily skin is your main concern and glow isn’t your no. 1 priority. In that case, enter Tarte’s BB Tinted Moisturizer, offering a blurred soft-matte finish for an easy no-makeup-makeup look.
While many tinted sunscreens offer light coverage, BB Blur provides medium coverage for days we need that little extra something-something. And because Tarte’s formula has more color payoff, it’s available in a wider range of shades than the category’s sheerer alternatives.
best serum
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Ilia’s fan-favorite skin tint is another multi-hyphenate miracle worker that prioritizes a wide shade range, deep moisture and sun care as skin care (and vise versa).
Available in 30 dewy shades that offer light to medium coverage, the powerful yet sensitive formula combines a mineral SPF with Hyaluronic Acid and Plant-Based Squalane to lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, along with Allantoin to soothe dryness and reduce the appearance of redness. And the serum consistency keeps skin feeling like skin.
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best compact
Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50
Prefer a compact to a liquid? Opt for Avène’s non-greasy cream-to-powder skin tint.
With broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection, a formula that’s water resistant up to 40 minutes and a compact and mirror for easy on-the-go application and reapplication, the Mineral Tinted SPF has you covered in more ways than one. And the light, non-irritating formula is safe for hypersensitive skin.