The Best Tinted Sunscreens We’ve Ever Tested
If there’s one thing you must add to your beauty routine, it’s sun protection—and that’s true whether or not you plan to go outside! For those who love a one-and-done product, tinted sunscreens are the best solution, combining the best of skincare and makeup. “Tinted face sunscreen is as effective as non-tinted face sunscreen,” says cosmetic physician Vivian Chin of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics. “They can be used as an all-in-one facial lotion or as a primer for your skincare routine.”
To determine the best tinted sunscreens, we tested a variety of popular options based on factors such as coverage, hydration, wear, and value. We also took into account skin type, offering recommendations that we felt worked great for those with oily, sensitive, dry, or mature skin. In addition to Chin, we also spoke with Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin DermChin, for extra advice on shopping for the right tinted sunscreen.
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum at Bluemercury.com
$35
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense at Skinstore.com
$72
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It's safe for sensitive skin and won't cause breakouts.
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The formula needs to be applied with a brush, as it spreads out streaky when with hands.
Let's be straightforward—we love the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation so much! The non-greasy formula comes in 20 shades and is quite thin, so it works well under makeup, and it provides a natural look. But at the same time, it provides enough coverage to hide acne scars and rosacea, particularly if you apply it with a brush (we learned during testing that using your hands can create a streaky finish).
It's also very hydrating, smoothing out dry patches instead of settling into the cracks. Tower 28 claims that this tinted sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin, and that it won't cause breakouts; in our tests, we found this to be true, though we'd want to test the product even longer to ensure that's the case.
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, prickly pear, aloe vera | SPF: 30 | Size: 1 fl oz. | Number of Shades: 20
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![A person applies Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen to the back of their hand]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Amanda Klein
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![A person after applying Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Amanda Klein
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![A person before applying Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Jessica Juliao
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