If You Don't Like Layering Skincare, These 13 Tinted Sunscreens Might Be the Answer

A one-step SPF that you'll actually want to wear.

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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 looking impossibly oily. Don’t get me wrong—I know that sunscreen formulas have come a long way, but let’s face it. We’re not quite there yet, are we? After all, if we were, everyone would wear it every day.

Michelle Rose Drumm wearing sun hat and mini dress

(Image credit: @michellerosedrumm)

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 glowy SPF, 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).

Aysha Sow with glowy skin and braids

(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

No, facial SPF is not always 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. Shop my favourites below.

The Best Tinted SPFs

Three tinted SPFs on a white linen background

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

1. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF 20

2. MZ Skin Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer

3. Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay testing the Beauty of Joseon tinted SPF

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

"I'm a big fan of tinted SPFs, and this Beauty of Joseon one is now a firm favourite. One thing I will say is that it's very sheer, but it's ideal for no-makeup makeup days. The silky texture is like nothing else I've ever tried, and I'm recommending it to everyone I know." — Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor

4. Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen SPF 30

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay testing the Kosas tinted SPF

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

"I seriously love this product. When I first tried it, I was a little confused by the thicker consistency, but it blended into my skin like a dream, and my foundation practically glided on after using it. It adds a radiant, lit-from-within kind of glow that always earns me compliments." — Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor

5. Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50

6. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

7. Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil

8. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30

9. L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Tinted Glow SPF 50+

10. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30

11. Ultrasun Face Fluid SPF 50+ Tinted

12. Avene Tinted Mineral Fluid SPF 50+

13. Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay testing the Merit tinted SPF

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

"Merit's tinted SPF is so lightweight that it practically melts into the skin. I've tried using both my hands and my foundation brush to apply this, and both methods deliver a natural-looking, glowing base. It comes with a sheer tint that gives you that "my skin, but better" finish and is available in 15 different shades. It's the perfect balance between a matte and glowy base, and it features fine natural powders that help to smooth and blur the complexion for this soft-focus finish that I am just obsessed with." — Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor

What Should You Look for in a Tinted Sunscreen?

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.

However, there are some things to bear in mind from a sun protection perspective. "Always check that the tinted SPF is labelled as broad-spectrum to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB and look for an SPF of at least 30—ideally 50," explains Dr Rakesh Anand, consultant dermatologist at Skin Surgery Associates of London. "If you have concerns about pigmentation, choose one that contains iron oxides, which offers added protection against visible light. And texture is important too—lighter formulations may be better for oily or acne-prone skin, while richer ones may suit drier skin types."

Do Dermatologists Recommend Tinted Sunscreen?

Being passionate about sun protection, I was interested to know how efficacious dermatologists and skin experts genuinely consider a tinted SPF to be. "Provided it has a high SPF (30 or above) and offers broad-spectrum protection, a tinted sunscreen can be just as effective as a traditional sunscreen," explains Dr Anand. "In fact, many tinted SPFs contain iron oxides, which add an extra layer of defence against visible light."

The important thing, of course, and is the case with all sunscreens, is to make sure that you're applying enough of your tinted SPF to guarantee that it's actually doing its job. Applying roughly the amount of two finger lengths is a good place to start.

Anna Newton with natural makeup and strappy black cami

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

Are Tinted Sunscreens Suitable for All Skin Types?

In terms of whether a tinted SPF can work for everybody, Dr. Anand does have some reservations. "While the main advantage of a tinted SPF is that it combines sun protection with a cosmetic benefit, the downside is that shade matching can be tricky, especially for deeper or very light skin tones." Thankfully, all of the tinted SPFs in our list are either tinted to add a glow rather than coverage, or they come in an array of shades so that you can find one to suit you.

However, in terms of whether you're oily or dry, you should be able to find a formula that works for you—it will just depend on whether you want a lighter or richer texture from your product.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

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Shannon Lawlor
Shannon Lawlor
Beauty Director

Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.

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