If You Hate Heavy Facial SPF, These Tinted Formulas Are Worth Knowing About

If you’re anything like me, you know what it’s like to absolutely loathe everything about facial SPF products. Not only do they feel uncomfortable, sticky and often greasy on the skin, but they also, more often than not, leave your complexion look impossibly oily. Don’t get me wrong—I know that facial SPF formulas have come a long way, but let’s face it. We’re not quite there yet, are we?

And it seems everyone struggles with facial SPF for different reasons. Some find that the ingredients irritate their dry and sensitive skin, while others struggle with the way that the oily formulas sit on their already-oily skin. I’m in the latter category. I like a glow, but I find that so many SPF products make my pores look triple their size, and applying any sort of makeup over the top in an attempt to rectify the situation is out of the question (unless I actually want to chase it around my face all day).

No, facial SPF is not the one, but we have to wear it. And I have definitely settled on my favourite formulas that I know not to stray from. However, this year, there’s a new type of facial SPF on the scene, and I am all in. For days like these when applying a full face of makeup seems counterintuitive but I still want to feel like myself, I’ve been opting for tinted SPF products instead.

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(Image credit: @AEMILIAFAY)

Before this year, I must admit that the idea of pore-clogging, breakout-inducing tinted SPF would send shivers down my spine, but the new formulas are different. Sitting much closer on the spectrum to high-protection skincare as opposed to makeup, they keep skin looking and feeling like yours and sometimes even offer up a bit more of a bronzed glow. Does that sound good to you? Keep scrolling for my ultimate list of the best tinted SPFs. 

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(Image credit: @cassandra.cadwell)

1. Dermalogica Skinperfect primer SPF 30

2. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Sheer Tinted Oil-Free SPF 20

3. MZ Skin Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer

4. Bioderma Photoderm AR Tinted Cream SPF 50

5. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

6. SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50

7. Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil

8. Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Sunkissed

9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra Light Fluid Tinted SPF 50

10. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30

11. Shiseido Sports BB Compact SPF 50+

12. Tropic Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream

13. Institut Esthederm Face Brightening Tinted SPF 50+ Sun Protection Cream

14. Ultrasun Face Fluid SPF 50+ Tinted

15. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30

16. Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

17. Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50

18. Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion

19. Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.