I don't need to take you back to sunscreen school, because you're a smart human who knows how crucial is it to apply sunscreen every single day. Even on rainy days, the sun is still projecting rays that can damage the fragile skin on your face. But it's fair if layering sunscreen—which can be thick, chalky, or even cause breakouts—isn't the most appealing part of your daily routine. That's where tinted sunscreens and tinted moisturizers with SPF come in. For starters, it's two birds with one stone—less steps, less gunk on your face—not to mention the sheer coverage and UVA and UVB protection. But also, the more elegant formulations allow for greater compliance, meaning you'll actually remember—nay, want—to apply it each day, and your makeup will look all the better for it.
What's the difference between sunscreen and tinted moisturizer?
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Imagine if sunscreen and lightweight foundation had a baby. That's the idea behind the best SPF-infused tinted moisturizers. They're ideal if you're into the effortless approach to the whole makeup thing, and really care about your skin's health. And I think we can all agree that the more weightless, the better—no matter what time of year. Here, our favorites.
The beloved Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is the OG of tinted moisturizers. This SPF 20-infused moisturizer cloaks your complexion with a glowy, sheer tint and a healthy dose of hydration. Lots of sodium hyaluronate is floating around in this formula, which will keep rough patches away and smooth fine, dry lines.
Another oldie but goodie coming at ya thirsty skin with some much-needed moisture. Thanks to its mineral rich sea water and kopara combo, your skin will feel softer and smoother than a baby's bottom. If you have a few dark spots or discoloration, you'll also be happy to know that it's powered by vitamin C, which help to brighten those spots overtime.
Tower28’s tinted sunscreen sold out pretty much the moment it launched, so if you can get ahold of your shade, do so—and fast. The blendable, buildable formula is easy to wear on all skin types (even sensitive skin), and the built-in mineral SPF 30 protects with the best of them.
With hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, goji berry, and niacinamide, this formula lives up to the “moisturizer” part of its name. Use it as a primer with another complexion product layered on top, or solo for a dewy, barely there vibe.
Oh, retinol, and all of the powerful things it can do for skin! This $10 drugstore gem's formulation is no f-ing joke: retinol, SPF 20, and a sheer veil of coverage, which is clinically proven to erase the look of fine lines and keep the texture of your skin in tip-top shape.
Who better to make SPF makeup than a beloved sunscreen brand? This mineral-based CC cream is like tinted moisturizer kicked up a notch, and features a whopping SPF 50.
Hydrating yet oil-free, glowy yet non-greasy, this do-it-all formula has a lightweight finish that works for all skin types. And as a bonus, it’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
For less than $15, you get weightless coverage, broad-spectrum sun protection, and a water-based formula complete with witch hazel and aloe vera. A steal? We’d say so.
Your finicky skin will love this mineral-based formula that combines SPF 30 with essential ceramides to soothe irritation and protect it from environmental aggressors.
If you want no-BS coverage that will camouflage all of your problem areas like a magic marker, this is for you. Offering major sun protection with SPF 50, this stuff is also made with a special anti-aging serum full of hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants, to shrink your pores and reduce signs of aging.
Hydration is key when it comes to a smooth, bouncy canvas for makeup, and this moisturizing option glides on without chalkiness for radiant protection.
Some tinted moisturizers are perfect for a bare face, but if you want to layer makeup on for a full look, then this is the formula to splurge on. Its formula offers an airbrush finish, and plays perfectly with all other textures.
The brand is known for its major wrinkle-fighting results, and this everyday formula is no different. It treats the skin while you wear it so you have a smoother, more bouncy complexion when it's time to wash it off.
Vitamin A is the anti-aging secret in this luxe formula. The antioxidant fights against damaging free radicles, promotes collagen production, and helps moisture retention.
Cushion compacts are a Korean beauty export you need in your arsenal. Its barely-there, satin finish makes you look like you've got naturally amazing skin, and SPF 50 provides major protection if you've got a long, sun-filled day ahead.
When Ilia dropped this super-lightweight formula, editors raved over its satiny, dewy finish. And it doesn't just look pretty: squalane and hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump skin, while an impressive SPF 40 stops UV light from harming the complexion.
Available in 18 inclusive colors—a.k.a. not just a single porcelain or sole deep shade—this silky liquid blots out redness and dark marks with only the tiniest dab, while also providing SPF 35 protection. I also like knowing my skin is getting vitamin C and softening flaxseed extract all the while.
Some tinted moisturizers are so good—and to me that means so foundation-like, with believable, featherlight coverage—it's hard to believe it's also delivering UVA and UVB protection. This is one of those, which also happens to be mineral-based for low irritation. Especially good for vacation times (when that's a thing again) as the formula is water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
I hadn't heard of Trinny London before I started digging around for le best tinted moisturizers, but consistently popping up in my search was this product. This quenching version is versatile, protective, and can be decanted into the small included pot for on-the-go applications.
If wrinkles or fine lines are your concern, it's ideal to find a formula that won't sink in and emphasize them. Estee Lauder's classic smoothes and covers them, adds hydration to plump the skin and reduce their appearance, and has a pretty off-matte finish, to boot.
Piling thick, goopy sunscreen on top of your already oily skin is counterintuitive. Instead, try this lightweight tinted moisturizer that won't leave behind a greasy mess or white residue. It's packed with powerful antioxidants and SPF 30, and it's made without chemical screens or silicones, which can harm sensitive skin.
Secure the ultimate no-makeup makeup glow with this in-between lightweight to medium coverage BB cream. While it protects your skin with SPF 30, it'll also blur your pores, cover imperfections, and boost your skin's radiance thanks to its brightening effect. Bonus: It doubles as a primer if you're looking to double-up on SPF underneath your foundation.
The texture of this oil-free tinted gel cream feels super-soothing to the skin, which is deal for a two-in-one that offers skincare and makeup benefits. Plus, it's extra creamy and blendable, so it won't take much work at all to apply. Just think about how hydrated your skin will feel thanks to squalene and mineral electrolytes, which are two star ingredients in the moisture category.
You won't find any oils or heavy ingredients in this water-gel formula. It will freshen-up your face with a photogenic, SPF-protected glow you can build-up with depending on how much coverage you're looking for.
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