With summer coming along, tinted sunscreen is the key to surviving those hot, humid days without looking like you’re breaking a sweat. It should go without saying that protecting your face from UV rays with a good sunscreen needs to be a daily priority. And of course, it doesn’t hurt when said sunscreen can also achieve an even skin tone at the same time. Tinted sunscreens go beyond a standard sunscreen thanks to the supplemental additions of zinc and iron oxides, which provide an extra layer of protection from visible light (such as blue light).
Get the best of both worlds—SPF protection and glowy, skin-enhancing coverage—with these holy grail tinted sunscreens. These top picks have been compiled based on dermatologist recommendations, beloved Internet-wide faves, and some tried-and-true selections by yours truly.
Best Lightweight: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
It seems Supergoop! has been the name of everyone’s lips when it comes to viral suncare. Well, it’s for good reason. Their original Unseen Sunscreen has been a bestseller for years, revered by beauty gurus and celebs alike. And Glowscreen, its tinted upgrade, has got all the rave-worthy features of the original—silky texture, quick absorption, skin-nourishing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid—plus a dewy pigment. Keep in mind this tint is sheer, so it’s best suited for those seeking a natural, subtle finish.
I used the Golden Hour shade, and loved the illuminating sheen it gave my face. Its lightweight consistency blended, or rather melted, into my skin. And true to its name, it brightened and warmed my complexion in a similar fashion to the soft, dreamy spotlight of a sunset. I’ve also used it as a primer for makeup, and the unique silicone texture serves as a great base for foundation to seamlessly stick to.
Best Matte: Australian Gold Tinted
Here’s one that’s wildly underrated—the Australian Gold Tinted Mineral Sunscreen. It comes in three shades, Fair-Light, Medium-Tan, and Rich-Deep. What stood out the most for me was its beautifully even, almost-airbrushed finish — no joke. I received multiple compliments a week wearing this, friends and strangers alike exclaiming at how smooth my skin looked and asking for a skincare routine to be dropped ASAP. Then I would excitedly explain that I was only wearing a tinted sunscreen. I’m not sure what magic is in this SPF 50 mineral concoction, but clearly it works. Plus, I found this formula wasn’t greasy or sticky; it felt like a velvet soufflé-like texture on my skin. If you prefer a matte look, this is the one for you. It offers a poreless, just-powdered finish that I could confidently leave the house with, no additional makeup (or oily T-zone touchups) needed.
Best Shade Range: Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30
Tower 28 is one of the newer brands to make waves in the beauty realm. Its clean, non-toxic formulas have won over many, and this SPF 30 tint is no exception. With 17 shades to choose from, finding the perfect match for you should be a breeze. The ability to narrow down your just-right shade is made easy with all the options of undertones, from warm to neutral to olive.
Its buildable coverage allows you to seamlessly camouflage any dark spots, redness, or imperfections, plus you don’t have to worry about your face melting off or looking cakey (as foundation tends to do in the summer). It’s a true “your-skin-but-better” formula. This moisturizing SPF-makeup hybrid may just be the effortless addition to your morning routine you’ve been looking for. Another bonus: It boasts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, making it well-suited for dry/sensitive skin.
Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD
Sometimes the simpler, the better. That’s entirely the case with EltaMD’s UV Broad Spectrum Tinted SPF, an effective and widely trusted favorite. Formulated with the quality of your skin in mind, this hydrating sunscreen contains niacinamide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. These all work together to help soothe sensitive skin that may be prone to acne or rosacea. No wonder it’s dermatologist-approved. We especially love that it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.
Coverage is sheer, working best for a natural base. You’ll find it glides onto skin and subtly evens out discoloration—ideal for wearing as a primer to concealer or just for a no-makeup makeup look. If you’re looking for something to swap out your full-coverage foundation routine, this may not be for you. But if your priority is a good-for-you, lightweight tinted SPF, look no further than this trusted suncare staple.
Best Splurge: Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex
This is probably the most unique of the tinted sunscreen out there. It goes on white, then as you blend, changes colors to match your precise shade. The promises of a color-adapting sunscreen are undoubtedly intriguing, so it’s no wonder it has made waves across TikTok and Instagram. Here’s how the magic happens: the iron oxide pigments melt and develop as you apply, and the color shifts to your skin tone.
This tinted sunscreen comes in Fair, Medium, Tan, and Deep. Coverage-wise, it’s not too heavy, but still balances out your skin tone and neutralizes redness and hyperpigmentation. It also contains niacinamide and vitamin E for an extra boost of healthy nourishment. Skincare, sun protection, and natural makeup in one? What more could a girl ask for? At $58, the Colorescience Face Shield Flex is a bit of a splurge, but with its high SPF, skin-smoothening effects, and tone-matching abilities, we say it’s worth the hype.
