The Best Tinted SPF for a Sun-Safe No-Makeup Look

When it comes to your skin protection in summer, you don’t want to compromise on your appearance as well as your skin’s health. In this article, we’ll focus on finding the right tinted sunscreen that gives your skin a strong defence against damaging UV rays. Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and contributes to wrinkles and early skin ageing . The right tinted daily protection provides comfort and a sun-safe, no-makeup look.

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The Pros and Cons of Tinted Sunscreen

Tinted sunscreen is the best solution for anyone who wants to achieve a no-makeup look during the hot summer months and shield their skin during sun exposure. Compared to tinted moisturisers with SPF, tinted sunscreens boast many advantages.

First of all, they usually have higher UV protection than moisturiser. At Meaghers, we offer a wide range of tinted sunscreens with broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection . For example, the Skingredients® Skin Shield SPF 50 PA+++ is a bestseller for a reason.

Tinted sunscreens offer additional coverage when applied under makeup, saving you time on reapplication and reducing the risk of pilling and caking. Because of the tint, it minimises the appearance of the white that typical mineral SPF can be prone to. It’s also a good alternative to foundation or primer if you don’t want to wear heavy makeup while spending time outdoors.

However, many tinted sunscreens don't have a wide variety of tint options. Customers with darker or very fair skin may struggle to find the perfect shade that matches their complexion precisely. Some products may feel heavier than SPF moisturisers and more difficult to layer or reapply due to their formula. When applying tinted sunscreen, be mindful of your clothes, as it may be difficult to rinse out.

Is Tinted Sunscreen Better than Normal SPF?

As outlined above, tinted sunscreen has many benefits, and it can suit you better than untinted sunscreen SPF, depending on your needs and preferences.

It offers higher UV protection and doesn’t leave a white cast, a common issue associated with mineral sunscreens. Tinted sunscreens' formulas often include mineral filters, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Because mineral SPF physically blocks the sun’s rays, it usually has a white cast. However, they have the advantage of protecting your skin from blue light emitted by electronic devices, which can contribute to oxidative damage and hyperpigmentation.

Recommending the Best Tinted SPF

At Meaghers, we offer our customers a variety of dermatologist-recommended tinted sunscreen options, suitable for every skin type.

Skingredients Skin Shield

For customers with sensitive skin searching for the highest level of UV protection and glowing skin tone, Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming is an ideal choice. Its mineral SPF formula, enriched with antioxidants such as vitamin E and niacinamide, helps improve skin texture. It acts as a primer when applied under makeup; it doesn’t pill or cake, imparting a glowing peachy tint. This sunscreen is not available in different shades, which can be problematic if you have very fair or dark skin.

Key Benefits
Full-spectrum protection: UVA, UVB and blue light 100% mineral filter (zinc oxide) Priming properties with niacinamide Subtle peach tint, which can be worn on its own Minimal white cast Oil-free and doesn’t clog pores Contains hydrating agents and provides a glowy finish The formula is fragrance-free Refillable 75ml package
Possible Downsides:
Tint can leave marks on clothes The formula may not be hydrating enough for very dry skin

Perfect For: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive, and combination complexions

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Rosalique 3-in-1 Miracle Formula

Another great choice for customers with hypersensitivity and redness is Rosalique 3 in 1 colour correcting SPF 50. Its redness-reducing formula and active ingredients include provitamin B5 and soothing shea butter. The subtle skin tint instantly conceals hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and couperose, blurring the skin tone.

Key Benefits
Colour-correcting effect and protects the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays Contains skin-loving bisabolol, shea butter, urea and vitamin B5 Contains mineral filters, which are less irritating to sensitive skin
Possible Downsides:
The product’s thick texture may cause difficulties with application, and it may feel too heavy under the makeup Some users report the skin tint not suiting their complexion

Perfect For: Sensitive, mature, redness-prone and reactive skin

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Bioderma Photoderma Tinted Cream

Bioderma Tinted Cream SPF 50 provides maximum protection against sun damage, reducing rosacea and preventing the appearance of new rashes. Its water-resistant, non-comedogenic formula quickly soothes the skin, leaving it smooth with a slight tint.

Key Benefits
Very high UVA and UVB protection Soothes irritation and reduces redness with Rosactive complex Non-sticky, non-greasy texture Hydrating formula Unfragranced formula is well tolerated by sensitive skin Subtle tint suits a broad range of skin tones
Possible Downsides:
Customers with oily skin may find its finish a bit too shiny Some people report that the tint is not pigmented enough to even skin tone or cover redness

Perfect For: Sensitive, reactive skin and fair complexions that burn easily

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La Roche Posay Anthelios Tinted Fluid

Customers who seek extra-strong protection against sun rays may choose La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune Tinted Fluid SPF 50. Its new exclusive filter shields your skin not only from UVA and UVB rays but also from ultra-long UVA too. Combined with water, sweat, and sand resistance, the product’s formula is ideal for those who enjoy colour correction even while spending long hours outside, at the beach, or by the pool.

Key Benefits
Contains the patented UV filter Meroxyl 400, which gives the ultimate protection from ageing light rays High water-resistance and sweat resistance, which helps the formula last longer Non-greasy and lightweight texture Hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin and doesn’t sting the eyes Contains moisturising agents for a nourished skin feel
Possible Downsides:
Some people find the formula drying

Perfect For: Sensitive, reactive and post-procedure skin that needs maximum protection

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How to Choose a Tinted SPF for Your Skin

When choosing the right tinted sunscreen for your skin, you need to keep in mind a few factors, such as your skin type, skin tone, what level of protection you need, and whether you want to layer it underneath makeup or on its own.

For hypersensitive and redness-prone skin, consider Bioderma Tinted Cream SPF 50 and Rosalique 3 in 1 colour-correcting SPF 50.

What is the best sunscreen for people with a fair complexion?

IMAGE Daily Prevention Pure Minerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 , with its sheer tint, hydration, repairing properties, and protection in one product, is ideal for customers with fair skin tones. Its broad-spectrum sun protection, combined with moisturising and anti-ageing benefits, makes this sunscreen an essential part of your daily routine.

Some formulas are designed for fairer, redness-prone skin, such as the Rosalique 3 in 1 colour-correcting SPF50. The sunscreen’s advanced formula, consisting of unique micro-encapsulated technology, corrects redness while blurring imperfections and offering high sun protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tinted sunscreen just makeup?

Tinted sunscreen is formulated to protect your skin from UVA, UVB, blue light, and other types of sun and environmental damage, giving your skin a healthy and glowing look. They contain pigments similar to those found in makeup, but they can be used together with your makeup or instead of it, giving your skin a healthy, sun-safe, no-makeup look.

Can you wear tinted sunscreen every day?

It’s important to protect your skin from invisible UV rays even on cloudy days or in colder seasons. You can replace your foundation, concealer, or primer with a tinted sunscreen without compromising on your everyday look.

Should men use a tinted moisturiser with SPF?

Tinted moisturiser or sunscreen with SPF is a great option for everybody who wants their skin to look healthy and smooth. They have a subtle blurring effect without looking like you’re wearing makeup. They’re a practical way to protect the skin against sun damage.

Should you use makeup remover for tinted sunscreen?

You should use makeup remover for tinted sunscreen the same way you use it for cleaning your everyday makeup. You can also use micellar water to remove SPF residue, but you may want to double cleanse, especially if it’s a mineral or water-resistant formula.