Think of it as a tinted version of your favourite facial SPF. That being said, Dr. Garshick notes that it does provide adequate UV protection but be sure to apply enough of the formula. Her rule of thumb? Apply two finger lengths to the face and neck. Dermatologist Joyce Park echoes these sentiments, sharing some final insight: “Both chemical and mineral sunscreens work well; the best sunscreen for you is the one that you will actually use!”
With that, read on to discover Vogue’s edit of the best tinted sunscreens to consider, as tested and reviewed by our experts and editors.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
- Why we like it: “This splurge-worthy mineral sunscreen incorporates both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage while also improving overall skin tone and radiance,” Dr. Garshick details. “It is a lightweight formulation that absorbs easily while offering a universal tint without leaving behind a greasy or white residue. It can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, as it is paraben free and fragrance free.”
- SPF level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 5% and titanium dioxide 6%)
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
- Why we like it: There’s something about Ilia’s skin tint that keeps us buying it again and again. It’s so good that it’s even earned Plug’s stamp of approval. “[This] is a product that claims to do it all, and I have to say it even stood up to a recent beach day in Maui (with reapplication, of course). I was impressed.” Did we mention there were 26 shades to choose from?
- SPF level: SPF 40
- Texture: Serum
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 12%)
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
- Why we like it: “This lightweight broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide 12%, iron oxide, antioxidants, and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is available in four different shades, making it easy to blend with your skin for natural coverage, and uses iron-oxide pigments to adapt to your specific tone without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it good for all skin types.”
- SPF level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight serum, featuring encapsulated iron-oxide pigments
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 12%)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50
- Why we like it: It’s safe to say La Roche-Posay’s Antelios sunscreens are editor favourites – whether we’re picking them up at a French pharmacy or stocking up at our local chemist. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, this lightweight number absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish while its co*cktail of antioxidant technology, mineral-sunscreen filter, vitamin E, and thermal spring water treats, protects, and hydrates skin from within.
- SPF level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (titanium dioxide 11%)
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
- Why we like it: Isdin’s tint is a thoughtful pickup for someone with mature skin. Why? Per Dr. Garshick, “this tinted mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide as well as peptides, antioxidants, and DNA Repairsomes to work to repair sun damage and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also protecting the skin from UV and blue-light damage.” Dr. Park highly recommends the formula, too.
- SPF level: SPF 50
- Texture: Serum
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 10.7%)
MDSolarSciences MD Mineral BB Crème SPF 30
- Why we like it: This MDSolarSciences BB cream creates a natural matte finish that is perfect for summer. Available in four shades, its sheer tint is known to sit well on the skin without clogging pores or settling into fine lines. Niacinamide and caffeine are enriched in the formula too, to aid redness, puffiness, and discolouration.
- SPF level: SPF 50
- Texture: Cream.
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 17% and titanium dioxide 2%)
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
- Why we like it: Dermatologists can’t seem to recommend EltaMD’s sunscreens enough, this tinted variant included. It’s currently Dr. Park’s favorite – noting that it “contains hyaluronic acid and applies so smoothly on the skin.” Think of it as your go-to for sensitive or post-procedure skin care.
- SPF level: SPF 44
- Texture: Lotion
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 10% and titanium dioxide 5.7%)
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Drunk Elephant
Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
- Why we like it: Thanks to the marula and raspberry seed oils that are included in this formula, the lightweight finish magically reduces the appearance of fine lines. Antioxidant sunflower shoot extract and grape juice are also put to work to protect skin against external stressors, such as pollution. Think of this serum like an all-day facial, nourishing and protecting your skin, all while leaving you with a sun-kissed glow.
- SPF level: SPF 30
- Texture: Serum
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
Saie Slip Tint SPF 35
- Why we like it: Plug calls Saie’s Slip Tint a total crowd-pleaser because it’s great for daily use and blends like a dream. “The light coverage evens out skin tone and gives a nice glow.” Each of the 14 shades features a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, liquorice-root extract, and pansy flower to hydrate skin and boost luminosity.
- SPF level: SPF 35
- Texture: Lotion
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 15%)
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30
- Why we like it: Supergoop!’s Glowscreen is Vogue verified for a reason. The viral SPF has captured the hearts of editors and celebrities alike (think Brooke Shields and Storm Reid) for its ability to illuminate your complexion without weighing you down. The multipurpose tinted sunscreen meets face primer even includes hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and glycerin to maintain skin’s moisture levels and brighten your complexion.
- SPF level: SPF 30
- Texture: Silky primer
- Chemical or mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
Nars Cosmetics Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30
- Why we like it: This lightweight formula moisturises and brightens, leaving a healthy, translucent glow. The natural botanicals and hydrating extracts allow your real skin to shine through with the added benefit of evening out texture and tone.
- SPF level: SPF 30
- Texture: Light cream
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint Face Liquid Sunscreen
- Why we like it: Dr. Garshick is a fan of Neutrogena’s tint because it blends well under make-up and is notably lightweight across its four shades. What’s more, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and “contains zinc oxide as well as vitamin E to help nourish the skin.”
- SPF level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 21.6% and titanium dioxide 3.2%)
Avène Solaire UV Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
- Why we like it: A French pharmacy staple, Avène’s tinted sunscreen is a favourite amongst editors and supermodels for a reason. The mineral formulation offers broad-spectrum UV protection, while delivering numerous skin care benefits. Powered by thermal spring water and infused with niacinamide, bisabolol, and allantoin, the lightweight sunscreen moisturises and evens out the complexion, all while delivering a sheer wash of colour that looks like you spent all of winter break on holiday. Bonus: it’s waterproof.
- SPF level: SPF 50
- Texture: Velvety fluid
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 12%)
La Mer The Radiant SkinTint Broad Spectrum
- Why we like it: The silky formulation wears like a dewy, skin-plumping veil – but its perks go beyond a complexion-boosting glow. Offering broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30, the tint is infused with lime tea concentrate to protect against a host of environmental aggressors.
- SPF level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Chemical or mineral: Chemical (octinoxate 7.5%, octisalate 2.0%)
Nudestix Nudescreen Daily Mineral Veil
- Why we like it: Reef-safe, the formula takes it easy on the environment – but works hard for your skin, multitasking as a primer, a moisturiser, and effective sun protection. Formulated with green-algae and passionflower extracts, the vegan tint shields the skin from UV rays, as well as from blue light.
- SPF level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral (non-nano zinc oxide 15%)
Meet The Experts
- Marisa Garshick is a New York City-based and board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
- Joyce Park is a board-certified and founding dermatologist at virtual clinic Skin Refinery and content creator at TeawithMD.
- Britta Plug is an Austin-based holistic aesthetician and the cofounder of Wildling.
