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When the temperature rises, the last thing most of us want is a heavy, full-coverage base melting off by lunchtime, or layers of SPF, moisturiser and makeup on top of one another. For me, summer beauty is all about fresh, dewy skin that looks like skin, which is where tinted SPFs come in.
A tinted SPF blurs the line between skincare and makeup. Unlike products that simply contain SPF, these multi-tasking formulas are primarily a sunscreen, offering light coverage, but sufficient protection against visible light. By comparison, foundations that contain SPF often offer higher coverage, but an inadequate amount of protection.
Over the last 12 months, I’ve been testing out a few different formulas and have found three tinted SPFs that even out the complexion while protecting it from UV damage – meaning you can skip foundation entirely without sacrificing coverage. I’ve pulled together a round up of my top three, which I wear on rotation depending one how my skin is feeling and the look I’m going for, with prices ranging from £17 to £40.
Whether you’re heading to brunch, the office or just running errands in the sunshine, these are three of the best tinted SPFs to streamline your routine this summer.
Merit – The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 – £34
If you like your base to feel weightless but still polished, this one is hard to beat. Ahead of its launch last May, Merit’s The Uniform had a waitlist of over 25,000 people – and having used it for 12 months and replaced the majority of my makeup bag with Merit’s formulas, it’s really not hard to see why it’s so popular.
Coming in at £34, this mineral SPF uses 15% non-nano zinc oxide to deliver broad-spectrum protection while avoiding the dreaded white cast – something that often puts people off physical sunscreens. The finish is soft-focus and velvety, thanks to fine natural powders that help blur pores and smooth texture.
Coverage is sheer but buildable, making it ideal for everyday wear when you just want to even things out rather than fully cover. It is an exceptionally lightweight formula feeling like skincare on my face, providing a sheer tint with a natural skin finish that’s never greasy or cakey. It’s non-comedogenic, oil-free, and made without silicones, making it ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin types.
The formula is made with true-to-tone pigments in a lightweight emollient base to deliver smooth, blendable coverage in 20 shades. For those embracing more natural skin this summer, but aren’t ready to go bare-faced, it’s a must.
A mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and a sheer tint that blends in with a light-as-air finish. It’s a sunscreen so perfect, you’ll actually want to wear it every day.
Supergoop! – Protec(Tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50 – £40
If your summer goal is radiant, healthy-looking skin, this is the one to reach for. For those unfamiliar, Supergoop! is a dedicated skincare brand with a focus on SPF, so their take on a tinted formula was always going to be good.
Launched in March 2024, this tinted SPF is packed with skincare benefits, but delivers a little extra coverage in comparison to the other two options in this list. The ingredients include hyaluronic acid-infused clay to lock in moisture and ectoin to help defend against environmental stressors like pollution and blue light. The result? Skin that not only looks even but feels hydrated throughout the day.
Unlike Merit’s mineral formula, Supergoop!’s is hybrid, meaning it combines both mineral (Zinc Oxide) and chemical (Homosalate, Octisalate) UV filters. As such, it’s designed to give the protective benefits of a mineral sunscreen with the blendability of a chemical sunscreen.
Available in 14 shades, the texture is breathable and cushiony, with a light to medium finish that enhances rather than masks your complexion. Recommended for normal, combination, dry, oily or sensitive skin,it makes for a great alternative to foundation, perfect for those no-makeup makeup days when you want a natural second-skin finish.
At £40, it is the most expensive on my list, but if you’re as serious about your SPF application as I am, it’s worth every penny.
Beauty of Joseon – Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 – £17
For fans of the glass-skin trend, this Korean beauty favourite is a must-try. This fluid Beauty of Joseon formula is much thinner than the others but glides effortlessly onto the skin, delivering a sheer wash of coverage and the most radiant finish.
Priced at £17, it’s the most affordable in my beauty arsenal, but is available in the fewest number of shades, with 12 available. I currently mix two different shades to get a match to my skin tone, but it does happen to be a great match and a gorgeous formula.
The tinted SPF is infused with artemisia capillaris extract, which helps balance oil and improve the look of uneven tone, which is ideal if your skin tends to get a little shiny in the heat. It’s also quick and easy to apply with a streak-free finish, making it perfect for low-maintenance mornings or topping up on the go.
The only downside for me is that this one is SPF30 (though they do an SPF40 version, now, too). I do favour a higher factor of protection, but since I love the finish so much, it’s something I’m certainly willing to compromise on for this formula.
If you’ve been looking for a way to simplify your summer beauty routine, tinted SPF is the ultimate swap. You get protection, hydration and light coverage all in one step – no heavy foundation required. And honestly? Once you make the switch, you might not go back.
