The SPF Aisle Hates to See Me Coming—12 Trustworthy Tinted Versions I Actually Sign Off On

Pros: Hydrating formula, healthy glow, sensitive skin-friendly

Cons: Radiant finish may not be for everyone

Size: 0.68, 1.7 oz. | Shades: 4 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, sea lavender, cocoa peptides | Skin type: Normal, dry, oily, combination

The age of glowy skin is nowhere near over, because this TikTok viral sunscreen stays at the top of our tinted SPF list for another year. It’s not just that it offers an ethereal glow in every dollop, or that it smooths and hydrates my dry, sensitive skin, or that it’s a class act makeup primer that made me forget about the actual makeup primers I loved before. No, it’s all of this and more, because it’s also packed with SPF 40 that actually keeps my skin sunburn-safe. I’ve gone through bottle after bottle of this luminous liquid, and I’ll continue to slather it on during every beach vacation, Central Park run, and glam summer outing.

Editor review: “I loved this product and used it daily for at least two weeks. It goes on smooth, feels light and barely there, and gives your skin a nice shimmery sheen, sort of like Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter primer. That said, given that I don't usually wear makeup or anything with a shimmery look to it, this product ended up being a little bit too much for me. I prefer the brand's Unseen Sunscreen, which has no color to it and feels like you have absolutely nothing on. But hey, that's just me.” — Eliza Huber, senior fashion editor

Pros: Evens tone and texture, very hydrating, versatile formula

Cons: Small shade range

Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 2 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, octinoxate | Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive

EltaMD is an internet favorite—and it’s approved by my mother, who is incredibly picky with her expensive SPFs. My fellow editors and I have relied on this luxe protection-laden formula for its skincare elements, which provide us with hydrated, bouncy skin thanks to hyaluronic acid, and its buildable tinted formula, which evens out skin texture and hyperpigmentation. Even Hailey Bieber’s a fan. Need I say more?

Editor review: “I can see why people love this product. It's simple and effective, and something about the brand having 'MD' in its name made me feel extra good about wearing it. Also, like Glowscreen, EltaMD's sunscreen includes hyaluronic acid, giving it an almost skincare-like quality. My only qualm is that there is only one shade (it's meant to be universal), and it is too dark for my skin. Perhaps in the summer, once I've had a little more time in the sun, it would match better, or if I mixed it with some of my moisturizer to dilute the color a bit, but on its own, the shade didn't naturally match." — Huber

Pros: Acne-prone skin–friendly, great price for quantity and quality

Cons: Needs a deeper shade range

Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 3 | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin type: Acne-prone, sensitive, dry, normal, combination

Not only is this CeraVe tinted sunscreen one of the most cost-effective in this list, but it’s also one of the most universal for all skin types (yes, including acne-prone and sensitive). This mineral formula includes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work together to block harmful UV rays and neutralize skin tone, while niacinamide and hyaluronic acid soothe and hydrate the skin. It blends beautifully and leaves a healthy, natural finish, while imparting a cool SPF 30 (great for everyday wear).

Editor review: “For one, the price is hard to beat. This isn't a small product size, so you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. The formula is very creamy and hydrating, and I like that the shade was a nice match for my skin and blended in nicely. Because of its creamier, thicker texture, I'd suggest using a little less of this sunscreen than you would with most other tinted SPFs at first and then building on it. Either way, though, you'll absolutely get that wet, glowy look from this product, which is never a bad thing if you ask me.” — Huber

Cons: May be too matte for dry skin types

Size: 1.8 oz. | Shades: 4 | Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Skin type: All, including sensitive

Without a doubt, the French brand La Roche-Posay makes some of the best drugstore beauty products that money can buy—and this tinted sunscreen has more than 20,000 five-star Amazon reviews to back me up. This product is a showstopper thanks to its highly protective, skin tone and texture-evening formula that works hard to provide the strongest shield (SPF 50) and four flexible shades that won’t leave white casts (even the universal shade).

Customer review: “Was on the fence about buying for weeks because it’s not cheap, but ultimately decided to give it a try. SO glad I did, it exceeded my expectations in every way! From the moment it touched my skin I knew I’d love it. It ACTUALLY dries matte which I love as an oily girly. It feels like you truly have nothing on your skin. It lasts all day, I’ve worn for up to 10 hours and it looks the same as when I put it on.”

Pros: Lightweight texture, easy to blend, sensitive skin-friendly

Cons: Only one shade

Size: 1.69 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, photolyase | Skin type: All, including sensitive and acne-prone

This tinted sunscreen is made with all skin types in mind and is a great option for anyone who prefers mineral formulas (i.e., the kind that form a physical barrier against UV rays versus absorbing them), which are usually those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. “This tinted mineral SPF gives you a subtle coverage and is packed with skincare ingredients like niacinamide and squalane to brighten and hydrate your skin without feeling heavy or thick,” explains Kim. That said, we do wish there were more shades offered, as one tinted hue can only be so flexible.

Customer review: “​​Came here JUST to write this review. This product is absolutely INCREDIBLE. As a licensed esthetician and skincare junkie (and kinda a brat TBH) I am very particular about what goes on my face. I’ve tried numerous sunscreens and nothing has compared to this. The texture is amazing, it glides right on over my skincare with no issues, there is no stickiness, and I have had zero skin sensitivity problems! As someone who dealt with acne for 20+ years of their life, it’s scary trying something new, but this sunscreen is the truth! You won’t regret getting it…I promise!”

Pros: Nongreasy formula, doubles as a makeup primer, no white cast

Cons: Has a lavender scent, which may not be preferred

Size: 1.4 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, blueberry extract, green tea extract | Skin type: Normal, combination, oily

“This one is great for those with normal to oily skin,” explains Farhang. “It’s a 100% mineral formula (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), goes on smoothly with a soft matte finish, and the universal tint works well for many skin tones.” Its antioxidant-rich formula includes protective ingredients like blueberry, acai, and green tea “to help fight free radical damage,” and it has special mattifying powers thanks to a rosa canina fruit oil infusion, which helps control oil production and minimize the appearance of pores. Extra points for being one of the cheapest mineral formulas we’ve seen yet, too!

Customer review: “I hate wearing foundation but my skin is blotchy and uneven so I need some kind of light daily coverage. I’ve probably tried like 30+ different BB/CC creams and tinted sunscreens over the years- this is the first one that *actually* looks and feels like I’m wearing nothing. it doesn’t separate or cling to dry patches or sink into pores. just adds a sheer, glowy tint, blends easily, and hydrates so nicely without being shiny.”

Pros: Light feel, oil- and sweat-controlling finish

Cons: May be too drying for dehydrated skin, not enough shades

Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Skin type: Normal, oily, combination, sensitive

If you’re looking for something to control oily skin or summer sweat, look no further than this mineral sunscreen from Sun Bum. Not only does this formula feature SPF 30 for a healthy dose of sun protection, but it also offers a shine-diffusing finish that works to preserve your complexion in sweaty situations (and moonlights as a great makeup primer). We do wish it came in more shades—and we’d suggest looking for something a bit more hydrating if you run dry—but all in all, there’s a lot to love about this magical matte sunscreen.

Editor review: “This sunscreen feels almost whipped, it’s so lightweight, and it goes on almost matte, which is very different from the other products I tested out. Normally, I’m not really a matte-makeup person, but since summers in New York are extremely hot and humid, I actually think that once the weather heats up, I’d love a slightly matte sunscreen to counteract my natural dewiness.” – Huber

Pros: Reduces the appearance of fine lines, plumps skin, evens tone and texture

Cons: Quite expensive, only one shade

Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key ingredients: Octinoxate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

You don’t grow into or out of needing sunscreen—just as someone slathered you in it in your "terrible twos," you should be adding an extra layer in your 80s. “This one is a splurge but worth it because it’s an all-in-one tinted moisturizer with SPF 45 that provides sun protection, hydration, and anti-aging benefits,” says Farhang. Its formula works hard to not only nourish mature skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but the makeup component effectively smooths hyperpigmentation and evens skin texture. It even comes in different finishes for dry and oily skin types, including dewy and matte.

Customer review: “I absolutely love this product. It provides a light coverage that blends perfectly with my skin tone. Doesn’t clog my pores or look cakey like some of the pricey foundations I’ve used. Plus it provides SPF, which is great too. I’ve tossed the foundations and this is now my product of choice!”

Pros: Hydrating formula, dewy glow, grips makeup for long wear

Cons: Some reviewers cite a glittery finish

Size: 1.69 oz. | Shades: 3 | Key ingredients: Aloe, hyaluronic acid, squalane | Skin type: Oily, dry, combination

I love a drugstore diamond, which is why I fell hard for the e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Who Glow tinted moisturizer with SPF 30. This tinted sunscreen comes in 3 flexible shades that offer my typically dry skin a subtle, glowing visage that I’d normally need to pack on the moisturizer to achieve. Its hyaluronic acid- and squalane-quenched formula makes it an extra hydrating component to my skincare regime (a godsend in the summer), and its grippy formula acts as a smooth, pill-free base for my summer makeup routine, no matter how minimal or full-glam I go.

Customer review: “Wasn’t expecting this! Got the travel size as a free gift. No sunscreen smell. Goes on light and blends nicely. Went back and ordered the regular size. Have made this item a part of my daily routine. Price point is great!”

Pros: Has a comparably wide shade range, hydrating formula

Cons: Could be higher in SPF

Size: 1.35 oz. | Shades: 14 | Key ingredients: Non-nano mineral zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract | Skin type: All

Huber fell hard for this SPF-jacked formula when she tried it herself a few years ago. “As someone who rarely wears makeup, especially face makeup, I was shocked at how much I liked wearing this barely tinted moisturizer and sunscreen,” she says. “It didn't really cover up anything on my face, all it did was make my natural skin look glowy and more even. It also made my blush and highlighter—both liquid—stay on for way longer, which has always been somewhat of an issue for me when using those products on my bare skin.” If you’re looking for a skin hydrator, perfector, and protector all in one, I think you’ve just met your match.

Customer review: “I am LIVING for this Saie Skin Tint with SPF! It is the perfect combo of SPF, the perfect tint, the perfect glow without being too greasy, and I didn’t even need powder. I just brushed it on and went about my day which included outside activities! I definitely love and recommend.”

Pros: Longwearing, hydrating, weather-proof

Cons: Pricey for a tinted moisturizer

Size: 1.5 oz. | Shades: 18 | Key ingredients: Probiotic complex, upcycled black grape pomace, hyaluronic acid, octisalate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Skin type: All

As someone with chronically dry skin, no matter the weather (I blame my water-drinking deficiency), I tend to always need something hydrating on my skin. This cult-favorite tinted moisturizer from Laura Mercier has a massive following for a reason—its outstanding formula is engineered to moisturize your skin with up to 24-hour hydration, it provides 16 hours of wear, and has an impressive shade range with zero white cast. It provides a dewy finish while still managing to be sweat- and humidity-proof (sorcery, I guess) and gradually improves skin tone with consistent use. It doesn’t get better than this, IMO.

Customer review: “I don't like wearing foundation, and my skin is too mature for powder foundations at this point. I recently purchased this updated formula and was in awe of how youthful and smooth my skin looks. I've tried a number of other tinted moisturizers from high end brands and they all caked and made my skin look dry. The coverage is light but covers my red spots and uneven tone! It looks like my skin but healthier! It lasts all day and doesn't oxidize! I highly recommend!”

Pros: Longwearing, high SPF level, hydrating, shine-controlling

Cons: Expensive for the amount of product

Size: 1.08 oz. | Shades: 30 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E | Skin type: All, including sensitive and mature

There’s nothing I detest more than my makeup sliding around on a particularly steamy summer day, but this matte SPF-packed CC cream-foundation hybrid has cracked the code. Its skin-smoothing formula makes my skin look like porcelain and zaps my pores away while offering SPF 50—a rare feat in any high-protection makeup product. But most importantly, it comes in a slew of inclusive shades (30, to be exact) that work hard to even the skin tone and texture, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles included.

Customer review: “This CC cream foundation is SUPERB! I absolutely love how it has SPF 50+. I’m constantly looking for a good foundation that actually has SPF, and this CC Cream does the trick. Great coverage and consistency, too, I love how it’s skincare and foundation all in one! I highly recommend this if you want a product that truly does it all. It’s very creamy but blends in well to the skin. I do have acne-prone skin but it hasn’t seemed to break me out yet, we’ll see if it does over time!”