Tinted SPFs Are The Key To Sun-Protected, Glowy Skin, So Here Are 7 Formulas We Swear By

Protected, glowing skin all year round.

tinted spfs

by Georgia Scott |
Updated on

Although you may be reaching for your SPF-infused products more so now with summer's arrival, protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial all year round. But, if you're a little on the lazier side when it comes to skincare, the most effective way of ensuring you're wearing SPF every single day is to combine sun-protection with complexion coverage - AKA, a tinted SPF.

Tinted SPFs are great for blurring and perfecting your skin whilst protecting it from the sun and any environmental aggressors. The perfect holiday companion, shopping for a tinted SPF will save you applying multiple skincare products, and prevent your skin from feeling too sticky - especially in warm weather.

Typically, a tinted SPF adapts to your skin tone using pigment that releases as you massage into the skin. Similar to a tinted moisturiser, the texture of a tinted a SPF often resembles a moisturiser, sitting comfortably on the skin. You can simply blend into the skin using your fingertips for an even, flawless finish. In most cases, the more you massage a skin tint into the skin, the more coverage it will release.

As the sun starts to make an appearance, we have collated our all time favourite tinted SPFs to find you the perfect product for you skin. From Ultra Violette, Erborian and It Cosmetics, shop our buyer's guide below.

Shop: The Best Tinted SPFs For Your Skin

Best glowing tinted SPF

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF30Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant is serious about a skincare and make-up hybrid. This lightweight, hydrating formula is full of nourishing ingredients and antioxidants to protect the skin. The radiant tint leaves your skin looking seamless and hydrated, perfect for wearing alone or under make-up as a primer. Reviewers have compared this product to the viral bronzing drops due to the immaculate glow it leaves behind.

Pros

  • Broad spectrum coverage
  • Feels moisturising and hydrating

Cons

  • Only available in one universal shade

Best tinted SPF with multiple shades

Ultra Violette

If there's a brand that knows a thing or two about sun protection, it's Ultra Violette. Typically, skin tints adapt to the skin, but this skin tint is available in 15 shades to perfectly suit your undertones. If you typically enjoy a tinted moisturiser with a glowing finish, we think you'll love this.

Pros

  • 15 shades to choose from
  • High sun protection factor

Cons

  • More suitable for drier skin types

Best hydrating tinted SPF

Verity Clark, Health & Beauty Director at Grazia says: 'Fun fact, Korean skincare brand Dr Jart was the pioneer of the first skincare/makeup hybrid a BB cream. That was 20 years ago and since then the multifunctional products have got better and better. Your-skin-but-better is a beauty term that’s often – falsely – bandied about but that’s exactly what that this velvety complexion balm delivers. Second-skin coverage that gives an imperceptible glow? Yes please. I didn’t even realise it has factor 50 protection, so that’s a welcome bonus. Talk about hybrid heroes'.

Pros

  • Broad spectrum SPF
  • Made with niacinamide to treat the skin

Cons

  • Only available in four shades

Best colour adapting tinted SPF

Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint ReleaseEstée Lauder

A classic tinted SPF option from Estée Lauder, the DayWear Sheer Tint Release offers adaptable coverage combined with an SPF15 protection ideal for everyday wear. Acting as your daily moisturiser, simply blend this creamy formula all over your skin with your fingertips until the skin adapting pigments release. Love a product that feels lightweight? This might be your perfect match.

Pros

  • Great for all skin tones and types
  • Works as a multi-tasking moisturiser

Cons

  • Low SPF protection

Best tinted SPF for redness

Emma Richardson, Beauty and Fashion Commerce Writer says: 'I tend to err on the side of full coverage when it comes to foundation, avoiding CC creams at all costs. However, after hearing so many positive reviews about Erborian, I decided to try out the Korean brand's CC Red Correct Colour Cream, and it's safe to say that I was not disappointed. While it isn't a full-coverage foundation per se, I still found that the cream did a great job at covering the redness on my cheeks, evening out my skin tone and leaving me with an airbrushed finish similar to that of a full-coverage foundation. It's become a staple in my makeup bag, especially now that summer is here and breathable beauty products with SPF are a need, not a want.'

Pros

  • Subtle green pigments conceal any redness
  • Adjusts to skin tone resulting in perfect match

Cons

  • Only SPF25 protection

Best full coverage tinted SPF
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ CreamIT Cosmetics

Trending Content Editor, Aimee Jakes says: 'I always come back to IT Cosmetics CC Cream which delivers excellent coverage despite being a skin tint, ample sun protection and leaves your skin glowing and radiant. It's lightweight enough to apply with your fingers and thanks to a blend of peptides, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, helping to hydrate and protect against environmental aggressors. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a your-skin-but-better finish, but has pesky acne scars and blemishes so wants a formula with plenty of oomph.'

Pros

  • Provides full coverage
  • Hydrating formula made with hyaluronic acid

Cons

  • Might be too heavy for some

Best everyday tinted SPF

The perfect everyday tinted SPF for an even complexion. Erborian's CC Cream is a beauty fan favourite for a seamless base. This hybrid skincare and make-up wonder combines skin-loving ingredients to strengthen the skin's barrier and boost elasticity. This Korean brand knows a thing or two about a natural skin-like finish from its products and I have to agree. I always find myself going back to this product when I want a glowing, even base perfect for running out to the gym or grabbing a coffee. As someone with dry skin, this CC Cream works wonders for me to moisturise and conceal any imperfections while giving me peace of mind that my skin is protected from the sun.

Pros

  • Adapts to your skin tone
  • Feels like a moisturiser on the skin

Cons

  • Only available in two shades

How should you apply a Tinted SPF?

Think of your SPF as the coat to your outfit. Much like your everyday moisturiser and SPF, it should be the last step in your skincare routine. A tinted SPF combines your skincare with some natural coverage to softly even out your complexion which gives you the option to wear alone. You can also apply your usual make-up routine on top of your SPF without any creasing or smudging.

Should you wear SPF everyday?

Yes, absolutely. A tinted SPF makes it super easy to combine your skincare and make-up in one without applying lots of layers of product. Regardless of the weather or time of year, SPF is essential for protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Georgia Scott is a Beauty & Fashion Product Writer for Bauer Media, writing for Grazia, Closer and heat. Georgia specialises in beauty writing and spends her days hunting for the latest trending beauty products to get her hands on and review.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us