In all of my years as a makeup artist, one of the biggest complaints I heard was that layering sunscreen and foundation on the face seemed too heavy. I couldn't agree more--especially with those who have oily skin or prefer to feel nothing on the skin all day. Finding the perfect combo of face sunscreen and the right coverage foundation is like panning for gold in your backyard. It seems impossible to seek out the right combo, especially as the weather starts to heat up. With the popularity of tinted sunscreens on the rise, I was more than happy to take a look at what was out there and try some for myself. A bit of a background at what I was looking for: I have combo and super sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts. I prefer mineral sunscreens, and I definitely do not want to shine, but I do not mind a good healthy glow. When it comes to tint, I was looking for something that gave me just a hint of bronze for summer that I could blend down my neck and onto my chest. My skin is fair with redness and an uneven tone, so I was looking for tinted sunscreens that would even out my skin tone and help me look like I got a healthy dose of sunshine. It must be a 'throw on and go' type of product that I don't need to fuss with. Below are my tinted sunscreen picks as well as picks from other pros. Enjoy!
I already love the brand Pacifica, so I knew this was a win. They're 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and the price point is usually affordable. When I am out and about on a daily basis, SPF 30 is fine for me, and I prefer UVA/UVB protection. This 20% zinc oxide formula has a medium tan tint that is sheer, and dries down to a semi-matte finish. There is a particular smell to it that I wasn't excited about, but once it dries down on the skin, it is not noticeable. This tinted sunscreen offers hydration plus protection, and is water resistant for 80 minutes--awesome!
I've been tempted to try this tinted sunscreen out for myself, and the reviews are good. On Amazon, this product has about 22,000 5 star reviews. One reviewer stated that most mineral-based sunscreens give you a white cast, and this one does not. There are photos on the
Amazon page to prove that it not only photographs well, but it isn't as greasy as some had expected. This one is suited for sensitive skin and keeps your skin moisturized all day. Another plus is that it is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic--need I say more about this drugstore pick?
I purchased this lovely item before going to Hawaii because it is reef safe, and I planned on doing A LOT of ocean swimming. This is a higher SPF than the aforementioned products, for those that will be spending time in the hot sun. Since this product contains bentonite clay, it can be very drying as the finish is super matte. The coverage was pretty good considering that it is a liquid sunscreen, but it definitely evened out my skin tone. Another reason to love this item is that there is a color range from non-tinted to dark. A
customer on Amazon commented that if you get the non-tinted version that you can add your own foundation to it to create a tinted version since there is a white cast with this mineral-based sunscreen. Did it stay on while swimming? Yes, for me it surely did, but I can't say that it will for everyone, and it is not labeled as water resistant. The brand suggests using a water resistant sunscreen under it if you will be making a splash.
This next product is a bit higher on the price scale, but I am sticking with clean beauty products for this list--and this one is worth it. With 30 shades to choose from, this serum 'skin tint' acts as a daily skincare product with added SPF 40 sunscreen. This will give you a dewy finish and a boost of moisture, so keep that in mind. If you're like me and you are ditching heavy foundations for a more even and healthy glow, this is a good one to try. Ilia is vegan, cruelty-free and has a 'Clean at Sephora' stamp of approval.
Although I have not tried this product, I have to give Perbelle credit for grabbing my attention! I see an ad for this CC cream every time I log onto Facebook, and the reviews are pretty darn good. Korean-based brand Perbelle claims that this cream goes on clear and adjusts to the perfect shade for your skin tone, and evens out sun spots and any types of discolorations like magic. It contains flower extracts to help with anti-aging and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moisturized. Another bonus is the addition of niacinamide, which is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that helps brighten the skin. This product does contain fragrance, which was a little turn off for me, but I still want to see what this magic stuff can do! That will conclude my list of tinted sunscreens to try this summer! Please make sure to read ingredients and make sure there are no irritants that you normally avoid.
