There’s one for every skin type, finish and budget
Experts are in agreement that we should all be wearing SPF every day. And while many foundations contain SPF, remember you'd need to top up with a teaspoonful on the face and neck every two hours to keep up the level of protection it says on the bottle. That's a whole lot of pigment! This is where tinted moisturiser with SPF comes into its own; it's sun protection first and foremost, but one you can top up throughout the day with that extra bit of colour or coverage
These magical bases come in different formulas (liquid and cream) as well as finishes (dewy, matte, satin) and feature super sheer, medium, and full-coverage options. Some simply blur to unify your complexion rather than add a foundation-like shade.
In the past, tinted SPFs have been fairly limited when it comes to the shades they offer. And whilst there is still a lot more work to do, thanks to modern formulations a lot more 'one shade suits all' products really do work for every skin tone. Whilst other brands are approaching their tinted SPFs like a foundation range (we're looking at you wonderful people at Ilia and Ultra Violette). So if that has put you off in the past it is definitely time to rethink and give tinted SPFs another chance.
Whether you're looking for a subtle blurring of imperfections or a high-coverage tint, we've got all bases covered with our tried and tested round-up of the best tinted SPFs.
Best classic buy: Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30, £33
Arguably the OG tinted moisturiser with SPF. This delivers fairly sheer coverage but it is buildable however you will need a concealer on stand for any areas that need a bit more pigment oomph. It blends like a dream, feels really light and hydrating - thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid - 0on the skin and has a decent SPF 30 to boot.
Best for oily complexions: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30/ PA+++, £37
Available in 12 shades this is a cult favourite amongst makeup artists and beauty editors alike due to it creating a matte finish that doesn’t look too flat. In terms of moisturising properties, it contains sea minerals and a natural sugar that hydrates the skin and perpetuates skin renewal. It also has an oil-free formula, delivers brilliant coverage yet still feels light and hydrating enough to keep it in the tinted moisturiser category rather than a foundation, it also contains solid SPF 30 protection.
Best for shade range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30, £48
If you prefer a serum-based skin hydrator that offers SPF and tint, this is for you. Available in a staggering 30 shades it contains pore-shrinking niacinamide, hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid plus a mineral-based SPF that doesn’t feel chalky or leaves residue on the skin. The packaging is also completely recyclable.
Best BB tinted SPF: Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF50, £37
Containing 2 per cent niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, glycerin for extra moisture and a brilliant mineral and chemical sunscreen to provide excellent coverage. Unlike many other BB creams the tint is actually quite heavy so if you like coverage then this will deliver, but if you prefer a sheerer effect a little will go a long way. As a true BB cream should do, this also colour corrects at the same time taking redness and sallowness in the skin tone. It only comes in four shades but they really do stretch across a lot of skin tones.
Best for bronzing: Lancaster Infinite Bronze SPF15, £18
For days when you’ll be in the shade or inside (yes, you still need SPF if you’re sitting by a window) or in the evenings, this bronze-tinted SPF15 is a winner. Sadly it doesn't have high enough SPF to be used midday in the bright, glorious sun, but it still has a worthy place in your skincare arsenal. Not only does it smell of holidays but it has a lovely gorgeous creamy consistency and feels really hydrating. If you’re having a good skin day then this really is all you need on your skin in terms of makeup, but otherwise, you could team with a bit of concealer too.
Best for hydration: Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF50, £35
You know you’re going to get amazing SPF protection when you’re buying from dermatologist, Dr Sam Bunting and this contains titanium oxide to offer safe and effective sun protection. This has a slightly thicker consistency than other tinted SPFs but drier skins will lap it up. It contains hydrating squalane, shea butter and sodium hyaluronate a bi-product of hyaluronic acid. It comes in two shades but there is also a completely clear shade as well.
Best foundation-like SPF: Ultra Violette Daydream Screen Tinted Veil SPF50, £38
Available in 14 shades this has to be the truest representation of what a modern day tinted SPF should be. It has amazing SPF protection and the fact that it comes in specific shades means you are going to treat it just like a tinted moisturiser and get a truly customised finish that works for your skin tone.
Best sunkissed look for all skin tones: Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Sunkissed, was £66 now £26.40
Unlike any other brand, Institut Esthederm doesn’t follow the standard SPF categories as it doesn’t believe that the numbers go far enough to protect against all the damage the sun can do, so using their products does require a bit of research and re-education. What you will notice are the words ‘moderate sun’ on the packaging which means this is designed for days where the skin is exposed to…you guessed it, moderate sun. It comes in one universal shade that really does work on all skin tones and it leaves a gorgeous bronzed effect to the skin whilst delivering skin caring ingredients and sun protection. And just like other SPFs they recommend reapplying every two hours.
Best serum texture: Cabana Glow Mineral Glow Serum Drops SPF50 Illuminating £34
This liquid serum shows just how far mineral sunscreens have come with absolutely no whiteness. Instead, it gives a gorgeous flush of glowy bronze with high-factor protection and skin-caring ingredients such as pink algae and hyaluronic acid. Our dry-skinned tester loved the addition of jojoba oil for added moisturising without being greasy, and keeping makeup in place.
Best mineral facial SPF: Esse Sunscreen SPF30, £37.50
Mineral sunscreens have had a bit of a bad rap in the past. This is because they physically block the sun’s rays from your skin and the ingredients that were used to do this were quite heavy and chalky. However those days are long gone and this product from probiotic skincare specialist Esse stands as a testament to that. It sinks in immediately and even though it comes in one shade it doesn’t leave any white residue so does work for everyone.
Best for touch-ups: Shiseido Sports BB Compact SPF50+, £36
While this has been designed with sporty people in mind (it’s sweat-proof, water-proof and activity-proof), it’s also a great tinted SPF for those less sports inclined as well as for keeping on you for last minute applications or touch-ups - plus it has a handy mirror in the lid so you can see what you’re doing as you’re doing it. It has a lovely cream-to-powder consistency that you apply with the puff that comes in the compact and comes in five shades.
Best for pollution protection: Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Hydrating Protection Shield SPF 50, was £58 now £46.40
Another firm favourite at GTG, this very lightly tinted lightweight shield is your year-round sun and pollution protection. Its superfine hydrating texture means it sits perfectly under foundation, or indeed over it if you need a top-up. Prevage's signature antioxidants add extra environmental protection powers too. This mixed mineral and chemical sunscreen is one we have in our makeup bag all year.
Best all-rounder: Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF30, £32
If you want a definite hint of colour, Drunk Elephant's Umbra Tinte sunscreen is a perfect choice. The mineral formula is enriched with antioxidants drawn from sunflower shoot extract and grape juice which both work together to reduce photo ageing and encourage a younger-looking complexion. It doesn't contain any silicones or fragrance, a great option for those with dry, combination or sensitive skin.
Best for rosacea and redness: Rosalique 3-in-1 Miracle anti-redness formula SPF 50, £28.49 for 30ml
If you suffer from sensitivity, rosacea or redness – and even if you don't – this is one of our top choices for a tinted mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF. It gives pretty much all the coverage of a foundation without looking like you have anything on. The secret is in its adaptive tint. It goes on green to neutralise redness and then blends away to look like your skin tone. Rosalique says that this universal cream works on skins that are light to olive "and even a little darker as long as there is a bit of a yellow undertone when you do have slightly darker skin." (Our tester who has mixed white and black Caribbean skin says it made her face look a little ashy). It's also highly moisturising and contains skin-calming active ingredients including bisabolol, derived from chamomile. With many five-star reviews, it constantly sells out.
Best for ultra-high protection: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating SPF50+ Tinted BB Sun Cream, was £21.50 now £17.20
This is one of the thicker options on our edit, meaning it really feels like it's protecting the skin. Our tester (and superfan) doesn't add foundation on top, just a powder to set it and she's good to go.
Best for darker skin tones: Neostrata Sheer Physical Protection SPF 50, £36 for 50ml
This oil-free translucent mineral sunscreen gives the subtlest sheer tint to nix the dreaded white cast you often get with a mineral SPF. A favourite of aesthetic doctor Dr Amiee Vyas, who showcased it on our Get The Gloss skin brightening masterclass and recommended it for her clients of every skin tone. It has antioxidant ingredients including green tea and vitamin E keep skin moisturised and healthy and it's ultra-light on the skin (shake well first). Best of all? It undoes already existing DNA sun damage for a unified skin tone.
Best budget primer SPF: E.l.f Cosmetics Suntouchable! Woah Glow, was £13.95 now £9.75
Trust Elf to punch way above its price tag with this creamy and slightly shimmery sheer primer in three shades. Elf helpfully always shows its colour comsetics swatched on different skin tones making it much easier to find your match. Pop this in your handbag for mid-day tops, it works a treat to revive and protect your skin.
Best fragrance-free tinted SPF: Ultrasun Sun Protection Tinted Face Fluid SPF50+, £28
This tinted sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, while giving your complexion that St Tropez glow. It is a universal tint that suits all skin shades and doesn't leave a white film upon application. The formula contains ectoin, a naturally-occurring enzyme that works to minimise photo ageing. It's also suitable for all skin types (including you sensitive lot) as it contains no perfumes or essential oils and is rich enough to take the place of a moisturiser.
Best oil-free: Heliocare 360 Color Gelcream Brown, was £28 now £22.40
Heliocare really does have an SPF for every skin tone, type and concern, with plenty of tinted options too that give light to medium coverage and can easily replace your foundation and at a reasonable price. The cult Heliocare 360 Color Gel Cream, £28 is an oil-free non-shiny formula that has amazing reviews online and is also widely recommended by dermatologists and comes in Bronze and Beige shades that suit most skin tones up to a Fitzpatrick type 4. If you are after something a little more hydrating with a glow, the brand's famous 360 Water Gel (another oil-free formula ) now comes in a Color version with the two shades as well – a great option if you hate going completely makeup-free at the beach but don't want to compromise on sun protection.
Best for a subtle glow: Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Instant Radiance SPF40, £46
This tinted SPF is a powerhouse of a product, waking up the complexion, reducing redness and protecting against UVA and UVB rays. It’s available in two shades, medium-deep and light medium and gives a subtle glow to the skin. Two shades doesn’t sound like a lot, but it has a correcting complex in the formula which adapts itself to most skin tones.
Best for fast-absorption: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30, £17.50
This is a lightweight, pearlescent formula that creates a pretty, glowy finish, all the while protecting from broad-spectrum UV rays and blue light. It’s a chemical sunscreen and also includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 for moisture. It absorbs ultra-quickly and makeup applies perfectly on top with no slipping and sliding. Our tester says she never needs makeup on top, it has the same coverage as a tinted moisturiser gives such a healthy glow. It's one universal shade, which is more suited to lighter skin tones.
Best for a velvety texture: SVR Sun Secure Blur SPF 50, £20
SVR's mineral SPF has a mousse texture with a subtle tint that blurs imperfections and makes your complexion look more even. It has niacinamide to boost your skin barrier while protecting against UVA, UVB and infrared.
Best for blurring: Avène Very High Protection Tinted Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry Sensitive Skin, was £21.50 now £17.20
French pharmacy brand Avène does some of the best high-protection SPFs around, they are deeply hydrating yet non-sticky and suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. Its latest launch, a tinted version of its Very High Protection SPF50+ offers more colour coverage than most and is a personal favourite of GTG's editorial director Victoria Woodhall.