Today’s guide will explore the world of tinted sunscreen, its benefits, and how to choose the best-tinted sunscreen in the UK. We understand the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays while enjoying a flawless complexion. Tinted sunscreen provides the perfect solution by combining sun protection with a hint of color. Let’s delve into the details and discover everything you need about this incredible beauty product.

Understanding Tinted Sunscreen

Tinted sunscreen is a specialized type of sunscreen that offers sun protection and provides light coverage to even out the skin tone. It combines sunscreen and foundation benefits, making it a convenient and time-saving product for daily use. The sunscreen’s tint helps blur imperfections, giving your skin a smoother and more polished appearance.

Benefits of Tinted Sunscreen

• Sun Protection: Like regular sunscreen, tinted sunscreen offers protection against harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin damage.
• Evens Out Skin Tone: The tint in the sunscreen helps to even out the skin tone, covering minor blemishes, redness, and discoloration.
• Convenience: Tinted sunscreen eliminates the need for a separate foundation or BB cream, saving time and simplifying your beauty routine.
• Natural Finish: Tinted sunscreen provides a natural and lightweight finish, allowing your skin to breathe while still providing coverage.
• Hydration: Many tinted sunscreens contain moisturizing ingredients that help to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Tinted Sunscreen

When selecting the best-tinted sunscreen for your needs, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

• SPF Level: Look for a tinted sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to ensure adequate sun protection.
• Skin Type: Consider your skin type when choosing a tinted sunscreen. Look for oil-free options for oily or acne-prone skin and moisturizing formulas for dry skin.
• Shade Range: Check if the brand offers a range of shades that can match your skin tone. Finding a tinted sunscreen that blends seamlessly with your complexion is essential.
• Texture and Finish: Decide whether you prefer a matte or dewy finish, and choose a tinted sunscreen accordingly.
• Ingredients: Read the ingredient list to ensure that the tinted sunscreen does not contain known irritants or allergens that may cause a reaction on your skin.
• Customer Reviews: Consider the experiences and reviews of other users to gauge the performance and suitability of the tinted sunscreen.

How to Apply Tinted Sunscreen Correctly

To achieve the best results and maximum sun protection, follow these steps when applying tinted sunscreen:

• Preparation: Start with a clean and moisturized face. If desired, apply a primer for smoother application and prolonged wear.
• Dispensing: Squeeze an appropriate amount of tinted sunscreen onto your fingertips or the back of your hand.
• Application: Apply the sunscreen in small dots on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
• Blending: Gently blend the sunscreen using your fingertips or a makeup sponge, ensuring even coverage and seamless blending with your skin.
• Buildable Coverage: If desired, layer the tinted sunscreen for additional coverage on areas that require more attention.
• Finishing Touches: Allow the tinted sunscreen to settle for a few minutes before applying other makeup products. Set with a translucent powder for longer-lasting wear.

Top 10 Best-Tinted Sunscreens in the UK

1. EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen is a dermatologist-recommended tinted sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. This product provides a smooth and natural-looking coverage while safeguarding your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It has a lightweight formula that suits all skin types and includes hyaluronic acid for added hydration.

Key Features:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection
• Sheer and natural-looking coverage
• Lightweight formula suitable for all skin types
• It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration
• Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free

Pros:

• High sun protection with SPF 40
• It provides sheer coverage for a natural look
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
• Hydrating formula keeps skin moisturized
• Doesn’t clog pores

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• It may not provide enough coverage for those with significant skin imperfections.

2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is a tinted sunscreen with a mineral-based formula. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection and a subtle tint that blends seamlessly with various skin tones. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Key Features:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection
• Mineral-based formula
• Subtle tint for natural coverage
• Lightweight texture with a matte finish
• Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin

Pros:

• High sun protection with SPF 50+
• Mineral formula suitable for sensitive skin
• Subtle tint for a natural and even complexion
• The lightweight texture absorbs quickly
• Matte finish helps control shine

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• Tint may not be suitable for very fair or deep skin tones

3. Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream is a multitasking tinted sunscreen with SPF 35 protection and color correction. It provides lightweight coverage to even out the skin tone while protecting against UV damage. The formula is infused with antioxidants and essential fatty acids to nourish the skin and improve its appearance.

Key Features:

• SPF 35 protection
• Color-correcting formula
• Lightweight coverage
• Infused with antioxidants and essential fatty acids
• Suitable for all skin types

Pros:

• Provides sun protection and color correction in one product
• The lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin
• Blends seamlessly for a natural look
• Nourishes and improves the skin’s appearance
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• It may not provide enough coverage for significant skin imperfections

4. Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen is mineral-based with SPF 50 protection. The formula is enriched with botanical extracts, such as Kakadu plum and red algae, known for their antioxidant properties. It provides natural-looking coverage and is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Key Features:

• SPF 50 protection
• Mineral-based formula
• Enriched with botanical extracts
• Natural-looking coverage
• Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate

Pros:

• High sun protection with SPF 50
• Mineral formula suitable for sensitive skin
• Botanical extracts provide antioxidant benefits
• Natural-looking coverage for a radiant complexion
• Free from harmful ingredients

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• Texture may feel slightly greasy on some skin types.

5. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is a popular tinted sunscreen that offers full coverage with SPF 50 protection. It is infused with skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins, to provide multiple benefits for the skin. The CC+ Cream helps to conceal imperfections, even out the skin tone, and provide a radiant finish.

Key Features:

• SPF 50 protection
• Full coverage formula
• Infused with skincare ingredients
• Conceals imperfections and evens out the skin tone
• It provides a radiant finish

Pros:

• High sun protection with SPF 50
• Complete coverage for flawless-looking skin
• Skincare benefits from hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins
• Long-lasting formula
• Radiant finish for a healthy glow

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• It may feel slightly heavy on the skin for those who prefer lightweight coverage

6. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense is a tinted mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 protection. Its sheer tint enhances the skin’s natural radiance while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays. The formula is infused with antioxidants and sunflower shoot extract to nourish and defend against environmental stressors.

Key Features:

• SPF 30 protection
• Mineral-based formula
• Sheer tint for a natural glow
• Infused with antioxidants and sunflower shoot extract
• Suitable for all skin types

Pros:

• Provides sun protection with SPF 30
• Sheer tint enhances the skin’s natural radiance
• The antioxidant-rich formula for added skincare benefits
• Lightweight and comfortable on the skin
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• It may not provide enough coverage for significant skin imperfections

7. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is lightweight with SPF 30 protection. It provides a natural-looking coverage that enhances the skin’s radiance. The formula uses botanical extracts and skincare ingredients, including mineral-rich seawater, to nourish and hydrate the skin.

Key Features:

• SPF 30 protection
• Lightweight tinted moisturizer
• Natural-looking coverage
• Infused with botanical extracts and skincare ingredients
• Nourishes and hydrates the skin

Pros:

• Provides sun protection with SPF 30
• The lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin
• Enhances the skin’s natural radiance
• Nourishing and hydrating properties
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• Coverage may not be sufficient for those with significant skin imperfections.

8. Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense is a tinted sunscreen with SPF 30 protection. It is specifically designed to combat signs of aging while providing broad-spectrum sun protection. The lightweight formula blends smoothly into the skin, producing a satin-matte finish.

Key Features:

• SPF 30 protection
• Anti-aging properties
• Lightweight formula
• Satin-matte finish
• Suitable for all skin types

Pros:

• Provides sun protection with SPF 30
• Helps combat signs of aging
• The lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin
• Satin-matte finish for a smooth complexion
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• It may not provide enough coverage for significant skin imperfections

9. jane iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Jane Iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer is lightweight with SPF 15 protection. This product gives a light and natural-looking coverage that evens your skin tone. Its moisturizing formula has botanical extracts and antioxidants that nourish and protect your skin.

Key Features:

• SPF 15 protection
• Sheer coverage
• Lightweight tinted moisturizer
• Botanical extracts and antioxidants
• Nourishes and protects the skin

Pros:

• Provides sun protection with SPF 15
• Sheer coverage for a natural look
• Lightweight and comfortable formula
• Moisturizes and nourishes the skin
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• Coverage may not be sufficient for those with significant skin imperfections.

10. Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free is a lightweight gel sunscreen with SPF 50 protection. It offers a matte finish and is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. The non-comedogenic formula absorbs quickly and provides long-lasting sun protection.

Key Features:

• SPF 50 protection
• Lightweight gel formula
• Matte finish
• Oil-free and non-comedogenic
• Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin

Pros:

• High sun protection with SPF 50
• The lightweight gel formula feels comfortable on the skin
• Matte finish helps control shine
• Non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin
• Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• It may not provide enough hydration for dry skin

These top 10 best-tinted sunscreens in the UK provide a range of options to protect and enhance your skin. Whether you prefer lightweight coverage, full coverage, or added skincare benefits, a tinted sunscreen is on this list to suit your needs. Remember to choose the one that matches your skin type and desired level of sun protection for a healthy and radiant complexion.

The Difference Between Tinted Sunscreen and Foundation

While tinted sunscreen and foundation may seem similar, they have distinct differences:

• Purpose: Tinted sunscreen provides sun protection with a touch of color, while the foundation is primarily used for coverage and evening out the skin tone.
• Coverage: Tinted sunscreen offers sheer to light coverage, whereas foundation provides varying levels of coverage from light to full.
• Ingredients: Tinted sunscreen contains SPF and ingredients that protect against UV rays, while foundation focuses on pigments and color correction.
• Texture: Tinted sunscreen usually has a lightweight and breathable texture, while foundation can vary in texture from lightweight to heavier formulations.
• Application: Tinted sunscreen is typically applied as a sunscreen, while the foundation is used as part of a makeup routine.

FAQs

Is tinted sunscreen suitable for all skin types?

Yes, tinted sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. However, choosing a formulation that caters to your specific needs is essential. For example, those with oily skin may prefer oil-free tinted sunscreens.

Can I use tinted sunscreen as a replacement for the foundation?

Yes, tinted sunscreen can be used as a replacement for foundation if you prefer lighter coverage. It provides sun protection while evening out the skin tone.

Can I apply other makeup products over tinted sunscreen?

Yes, you can apply other makeup products over tinted sunscreen. Allow the sunscreen to set for a few minutes before applying any additional products.

How often should I reapply tinted sunscreen?

For best results, applying tinted sunscreen again every two hours is advisable. However, if you are sweating or swimming, it is recommended to reapply more frequently.

Can tinted sunscreen be used on sensitive skin?

Yes, tinted sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin are available. Look for hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic options to minimize the risk of irritation.

Will tinted sunscreen make my skin look greasy?

Not necessarily. Choose a tinted sunscreen with a matte or oil-free formula if you have oily skin. Proper application and setting with powder can also help control shine.

Can tinted sunscreen be used on its own without other makeup?

Tinted sunscreen can be used independently for a natural, “no-makeup” look. It provides sun protection while evening out the skin tone.

Does tinted sunscreen have an expiration date?

Yes, tinted sunscreens have expiration dates. Check the packaging for the recommended shelf life and discard any expired products.

Can tinted sunscreen be used under makeup?

Yes, tinted sunscreen can be used as a base under makeup. It provides sun protection and can act as a primer for smoother application.

Can men use tinted sunscreen?

Absolutely! Tinted sunscreen is suitable for everyone, regardless of gender. It provides sun protection and can help even out the skin tone.

Conclusion

Tinted sunscreen offers the perfect combination of sun protection and a flawless complexion. In this guide, we have explored the benefits of tinted sunscreen, factors to consider when choosing the best one, and a list of the top 10 tinted sunscreens available in the UK. Remember to select a tinted sunscreen that suits your skin type, offers adequate SPF protection, and blends seamlessly with your skin tone. Enjoy the benefits of a radiant and protected complexion with the best-tinted sunscreen.