The Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF Are the Beauty Trifecta Your Skin Needs

Foundation, moisturizer, and sunscreen all in one.

Collage of tinted moisturizers by Ilia, Bare Minerals, and Nars with photo of woman with makeup overlaid on gradient background
(Image credit: Future)

You don’t need a beauty editor to tell you to wear sunscreen every single day. Even on rainy days, the sun still projects rays that can damage your skin. (Office workers don’t get a pass, either, as the sun goes through windows.) But layering sunscreen—which can be thick, chalky, or even cause breakouts—can be a real pain. That's where the best tinted moisturizers with SPF come in. For starters, these miracle products kills two birds with one stone—less steps, less gunk on your face—not to mention the sheer coverage and UVA and UVB protection. Also, more elegant formulations allow for greater compliance, meaning you'll actually remember—nay, want—to apply one each day, and your makeup will look all the better for it. 

Tinted moisturizers differ from tinted sunscreen in their multitasking abilities. "A tinted moisturizer will provide hydration, skincare benefits, and a small amount of coverage," explains pro makeup artist Mia Dondero. "Whereas foundation is used purposefully for coverage, but doesn’t always offer the same hydrating benefits." And because we could all use as much sun protection as we can get, a tinted moisturizer with SPF is basically the makeup-skincare holy grail in one product. 

Reese Witherspoon Ava Philippe

Reese Witherspoon and Ava Phillippe's red carpet glow at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards can be credited to Ilia's tinted moisturizer.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As editors who use tinted moisturizer with SPF almost every day, we know what makes one noteworthy. The best tinted moisturizers with SPF have to be lightweight, actually moisturizing, and provide light (preferably buildable) coverage. Lucky for you, all of the products on this list tick those boxes. Ahead, Marie Claire editors rounded up the best tinted moisturizers with SPF that will not only make your skin gorgeous but will also keep your skin gorgeous with sun protection. Sorry in advance: These may make you forget your favorite foundation exists. 

Overview

The Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF

What to Look For in Tinted Moisturizers With SPF

If you're looking for adequate sun protection, it's best to use a traditional sunscreen (with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30 or higher), rather than relying solely on a tinted moisturizer with SPF. That being said, think of the best hybrid products as an additional means of sun protection with all of the benefits of a tinted moisturizer. 

Here's what else to consider when looking for a tinted moisturizer with SPF.

  • Ingredients 

Tinted moisturizers tend to have several skin-loving ingredients, allowing them to pull double duty as makeup and skincare. In terms of ingredients, Dondero recommends looking out for hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. "Any face tints with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are a great find, because it’s going to add extra skincare benefits like plumping the skin, smoothing texture, and adding extra hydration," she explains. 

Additionally, both Dondero and pro makeup artist Cat Mignano choose tinted moisturizers that only uses clean ingredients, meaning they are formulated without any phthalates, parabens, formaldehydes, sulfates, and other elements that may be harmful to you or the environment. 

  • Finish 

Tinted moisturizers with SPF also have a range of different finishes, providing distinct looks depending on your skin type. If you have dry or combination skin, you may want to choose a tinted moisturizer with a glowy, radiant, or dewy finish. "I love any skin tints that have a glowy finish, because the glow will blur texture on the skin," adds Dondero. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, go with a matte finish to help keep unwanted shine at bay. And if you're not a fan of the glowy or matte look, you can't go wrong with a tinted moisturizer with a natural, second-skin finish.  

How to Apply Tinted Moisturizer With SPF

Some makeup products can be tricky to apply, but tinted moisturizers aren't overly complicated. In fact, you don't even need a foundation brush—just your fingers will do. "I like to apply tinted moisturizer as if it was any other moisturizer, with my hands," says Mignano. "I think that the warmth of your fingers really helps the product melt into your skin, making the product look as if its a second layer of your beautiful skin, but better."

Simply rub the tinted moisturizer between your fingers and pat onto the skin. To ensure the tinted moisturizer lasts all day, Dondero says to make sure you set it with a setting powder.

Meet the Experts

Mia Dondero headshot, pro makeup artist, holding up makeup brush
Mia Dondero

Mia is a pro makeup artist based in both L.A. and New York City. Her work has appeared on the runways of NYFW, in campaigns for Inked by Dani, Extensible Jewelry, Navy Hair Care (and more), and in editorial spreads. 

Cat Mignano headshot, pro makeup artist
Cat Mignano

Cat is a New York City-based makeup artist who was formally trained at the Make-Up Designory (MUD) in New York City, completing the Multi-Media Program. She has extensive experience in editorial and branded beauty looks. Some of her clients include Bethenny Frankel, Ellen Pompeo, Remi Bader, and Alex Cooper. 

Taylore  Glynn

Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more. If you need her, she’s probably roasting a chicken, flying solo at the movies, or drinking a bad Negroni at JFK.