You know you should be wearing a broad spectrum facial SPF everyday without fail, it protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and can slow down the ageing process. However, many of us just don’t have time to add an extra step to our skincare routine every morning. Applying moisturiser, SPF and foundation can be time-consuming. You could be fooled into skipping facial sunscreen entirely by thinking that using a foundation with an SPF built into it is enough to protect you. But, did you know that you’d have to apply 15 layers to achieve the SPF factor it claims to have?
A tinted SPF is great in this instance because it eliminates the need to apply foundation and if you choose one that is also hydrating, you could even skip your daily moisturiser, too.
Not a fan of normal sunscreen? Suncare and skincare brands are expanding their ranges to include tinted versions of their innovative SPFs that you’ll actually want to wear everyday.
Tinted sunscreen is now available in lots of different formulas, textures, finishes and coverage options to protect, correct and blur your skin to perfection. But, which one is right for you?
How to choose…
1. Do you prefer chemical or physical sunscreen?
Physical sunscreens use mineral-based ingredients to block UV rays and work by staying on top of the skin to deflect UV rays away from the skin. They’re better for those with sensitive skin or those that suffer from redness or acne-prone skin.
Chemical sunscreens contain chemical compounds that absorb UV rays, change them into heat and then release them from the skin. They tend to be thinner in texture and have added skincare benefits but can cause problems for those with more sensitive complexions.
2. What’s your skin concern?
Do you have skin that has a tendency to breakout? Or perhaps your skin is showing signs of ageing and you’d like a formula that will tackle fine lines and wrinkles while it protects?
3. What’s your lifestyle?
Do you play a lot of outdoor sports or run? Or are you sitting in front of a computer screen for a large proportion of the day? Would it be convenient for you to apply your sunscreen on-the-go? Look for extra benefits such as water-resistance, protection from blue-light (digital screens) or a handy compact applicator.
4. What finish do you prefer?
Pick a finish that will suit your needs – shiny complexions may prefer something with a more matte finish whereas drier skin types would be better suited to an SPF that provides hydration.
Tinted SPF has become one of the main staples in my beauty routine. Why? I don’t like a heavy foundation – it feels uncomfortable on my face, it takes too long to apply and it settles in my fine lines. A tinted sunscreen formula gives me just enough coverage while feeling natural on my face and. On those days when I want more coverage? I treat the tinted SPF like a primer and apply a layer of light coverage foundation on top – it never feels cakey and gives my skin a beautiful glowing finish. Here are my favourites…
Best Mineral-Based Tinted SPF
Features:
• SPF 30
• Mineral-based formula
• Broad-spectrum
• Vegan
• Oil-free
Format: Compact
Texture: Lightweight cream-liquid
Coverage: Light
Finish: Sheer, slightly dewy and glowy
Scent: Strong fruity-floral aroma
Not only is this the perfect choice for those looking for a mineral-based tinted facial SPF, but it’s also ideal for on-the-go application thanks to its compact format, handy mirror and hygienic silicone applicator. With a very light tint, it gives you a flawlessly unified, skin-like dewy-glow that also sits beautifully underneath makeup too if you’re wanting to add additional coverage.
Find out why Chelsey loves the Clarins Mineral Sun Care Compact so much in her 5 Best Mineral SPFs edit here.
Best For Running and Sports
Features:
• SPF 50 chemical-based formula
• Broad-spectrum
• Water-resistant
• Exclusive WetForce technology and cooling essence
• Non-comedogenic
• Anti-ageing
Format: Cream Compact
Texture: Cream
Coverage: Medium buildable
Finish: Satin
Scent: Very faint fresh scent
If sweating and suncare is a problem for you, you need Shiseido WetForce. It contains innovative WetForce technology that makes its sun protection even more powerful when it comes into contact with sweat or water. This compact is gym-bag friendly and would also be perfect to travel with or take away on holiday with you. It gives a beautiful satin finish and medium coverage that you can build on if you wish and is available in a range of skin tones from light to very dark.
Best For Anti-Ageing
Features:
• SPF 50+ chemical-based formula
• Broad-spectrum
• Water-resistant
• Vegan
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Anti-ageing
Format: Pump bottle
Texture: Cream
Coverage: Sheer
Finish: Radiant and glowing
Scent: Very faint, almost fragrance-free
You’ve hopped on the facial SPF a little late, but want something that will tackle your existing signs of ageing and add a gorgeous unified glow to your skin to boot. Sounds almost impossible, doesn’t it? Well suncare specialists, Ultrasun, have made this a reality with their tinted formula. It feels both lightweight and hydrating on the skin and leaves an incredible glowing finish that works just as well under makeup as it does on its own. While it protects your skin, it gets to work on helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores to give your skin the boost it needs.
Best All-Rounder
Features:
• SPF 50+ chemical-based formula
• Broad-spectrum
• Tints and adapts to your skin as you apply
• Hydrating
• Water-resistant
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Non-comedogenic
Format: Tube
Texture: Emulsion
Coverage: Sheer
Finish: Satin
Scent: Fresh, and floral.
If someone asks me for a recommendation for an SPF and I’m not sure about their skin type or concern, this is the one I choose and it’s a personal favourite of mine, too. This is because Avene B-Protect covers all skin concerns and needs. Its white cream texture turns into a tinted formula on application, thanks to micro-encapsulated pigments. I love that it’s hydrating but doesn’t look greasy which means it’s great worn alone but also doubles up as a smoothing primer if you choose to wear it under foundation.
Best For Acne-Prone Skin
Features:
• SPF 50+ chemical-based formula
• Broad-spectrum
• Enriched with antioxidant, licorice, to support the skin’s renewal process
• Mattifying
• Suitable for acne-prone skin
• Non-comedogenic
Format: Pump bottle
Texture: Cream
Coverage: Sheer
Finish: Matte
Scent: Fragrance-free
If you have a specific skin concern, Eucerin always comes up with the goods in my opinion. This mattifying CC cream SPF formula is great for those who suffer with oily or acne-prone skin because it helps to diminish shine and unlike some chemical-based formulas – it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores and cause skin to break out. With added skincare benefits it will also assist with keeping your skin healthy while it protects it from the harmful rays of the sun.
Discover More:
• 10 Of The Most Common SPF Myths Debunked
• SPF Terms Made Simple
