If you’re anything like me, you know what it’s like to absolutely loathe everything about facial SPF products. Not only do they feel uncomfortable, sticky and often greasy on the skin, but they also, more often than not, leave your complexion look impossibly oily. Don’t get me wrong—I know that facial SPF formulas have come a long way, but let’s face it. We’re not quite there yet, are we?
And it seems everyone struggles with facial SPF for different reasons. Some find that the ingredients irritate their dry and sensitive skin, while others struggle with the way that the oily formulas sit on their already-oily skin. I’m in the latter category. I like a glow, but I find that so many SPF products make my pores look triple their size, and applying any sort of makeup over the top in an attempt to rectify the situation is out of the question (unless I actually want to chase it around my face all day).
No, facial SPF is not the one, but we have to wear it. And I have definitely settled on my favourite formulas that I know not to stray from. However, this year, there’s a new type of facial SPF on the scene, and I am all in. For days like these when applying a full face of makeup seems counterintuitive but I still want to feel like myself, I’ve been opting for tinted SPF products instead.
Before this year, I must admit that the idea of pore-clogging, breakout-inducing tinted SPF would send shivers down my spine, but the new formulas are different. Sitting much closer on the spectrum to high-protection skincare as opposed to makeup, they keep skin looking and feeling like yours and sometimes even offer up a bit more of a bronzed glow. Does that sound good to you? Keep scrolling for the tinted SPF formulas that I’m wearing day in, day out.
This stuff has frankly blown me away. Blurring, hydrating (thanks to hyaluronic acid) and seriously glow-giving (it’s formulated with vitamin C), it’s an absolute winner. It’s perfect for everyday wear, but if I were going out to sunbathe in the park, I’d probably pack a broad-spectrum SPF 50 just to be safe.
Great for those with sensitive skin that usually plays up with SPF application, this SPF from Bioderma is wonderfully soothing (and smoothing).
Designed to work with all skin tones (as the majority on this list are), this SPF is intensely hydrating. My skin loves it.
More obviously than some others, this stuff is an SPF first, so it’s great if you’re serious about your sun protection. However, the universal tint is just a fabulous touch to a really great, comfortable formula.
Ultra Violette knows a thing or two about SPF––the brand is dedicated to combining skincare and sun protection. Not only does this tint protect from the suns rays, it gives the skin a natural, radiant and glowy finish.
Unlike other brands, Institut Esthederm (which, by the way, is widely regarded as just about the best suncare brand in the game among editors) doesn’t use an SPF rating, as it doesn’t believe the scale goes far enough to ensure skin is protected against all of the sun’s damaging rays. This tinted formula is best suited to skin tones and types that don’t burn easily, as it also contains tan enhancers. It’s protected tanning at its finest.
I have been a huge fan of La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios face SPF for ages, and this tinted version is perfection. It’s lightweight, dries instantly and, besides the natural-looking sheer tint, is invisible on the skin.
Admittedly, this is more of a radiance booster than a tint, but I’m including it nonetheless. It’s effectively the brand’s editor-adored Unseen Sunscreen but with an extra-dewy, radiant finish rather than a matte one. It’s intensely hydrating and looks beautifully bright on all skin types whether worn alone or layered beneath makeup.
This is the perfect compact to keep in your handbag on hot, sunny days. Apply the solid BB formula over the face for skin-perfecting sun protection.
I loved this way more than I thought I would. Not only does it smell divine (like summer fruits), but the dewy coverage that it gives isn’t too dissimilar from my go-to tinted moisturiser, except it’s an SPF 50 sun cream.
Whereas the previous Institut Esthederm product on the list was formulated for those with more sun-tolerant skin types, this is great for paler tones that worry about sun spots and pigmentation.
This has quickly become one of my favourite SPF formulas ever. It has SPF 30, and although it doesn’t contain obvious pigment, it has a truly amazing blurring tint. Whenever I wear this stuff, people always compliment my skin. For £20, it’s a feat.
Ultrasun is responsible for some of the best SPF products in the game, and this tinted fluid is no exception. I really rate this stuff for its fast-absorbing and glow-giving qualities.
Definitely more of a classic tinted moisturiser than the other formulations on this list, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue is one of those does-it-all products: It moisturises, protects skin from the sun and provides a very decent amount of buildable coverage. Available in 20 shades, it could easily replace my usual base products during the summer months.
If you aren’t already aware, among beauty editors, Australia is considered SPF holy land. Naked Sundays is a new brand from Australia, and this particular formula is exceptional. Like most of the SPFs on this list, it looks tinted (and has all of the blurring benefits) but blends out into a sheer, weightless veil.
I’ve never met a Summer Fridays product that I don’t like, and the brand’s latest launch is no exception. The mineral nature of this milky sunscreen means it has a totally natural, tinted hue that (again) blends out entirely sheer but does give a lovely blurring, glowing result.
