*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
If you’re looking for the best skin tints with SPF, you’re in the right place! I’ve tested so many over the past few months, and I’ve pulled together a list of the top performers that truly deliver on both glow and protection. Whether you want sheer coverage, a radiant finish, or skincare-meets-makeup multitasking, these tinted sunscreens are absolute standouts.
Best Tinted Sunscreens
From lightweight tinted mineral SPFs to hydrating serum-style tints, here’s the best of the best, all tried and tested by yours truly.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50
Best for: Skincare-first makeup lovers
SPF: 50
Finish: Dewy buildable coverage
If you’re after a skin tint with SPF that actually feels like skincare, this is it. Dr Sam’s always nails the formulas, and Gossamer Tint is no exception. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and kind to sensitive skin. The tint gives really good coverage but skin still stays looking like skin.
Read my Dr Sam’s review here.
MERIT The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 50
Best for: Everyday minimalist makeup
SPF: 50
Finish: Soft satin
I was so excited to try this one, and it didn’t disappoint. It has a silky and smooth texture. It is liquidy but not overly runny and it feels very creamy on the skin. It leaves a second-skin finish that’s slightly blurring but not heavy.
My full Merit review is here.
Naked Sundays SPF50 Peptide Foundation
Best for: Full coverage SPF lovers
SPF: 50
Finish: Glowy
This is one of the most makeup-like products in the round-up, so if you want SPF with coverage, this one’s a winner. The texture is really nice. It is thin and liquidy and spreads over the skin effortlessly. It feels super lightweight on the skin yet is really hydrating and comfortable and is boosted with peptides, so ideal for mature skin.
Check out the Naked Sundays review.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30
Best for: Dewy, plumped skin
SPF: 30
Finish: Super dewy
This is one of the OGs of the tinted SPF skin tint category and still a top pick. It’s packed with skincare ingredients (niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid), and gives such a hydrated finish. Ideal for dry or mature skin andI think this gives a good medium coverage. You can build it up, but it gets dewier the more you apply, so I actually prefer a light layer for more of a weightless feel.
See my ILIA review with swatches.
Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50
Best for: High SPF meets radiant sheer coverage
SPF: 50
Finish: Luminous and sheer
This one is a game-changer if you love glowy skin. It has a serum-like texture and gives a hint of coverage and feels ultra-light. It is the perfect base if you want to skip foundation and just use a touch of concealer, as it gives you really juicy, healthy looking skin.
Check out my full Ultra Violette Future Fluid review.
Kopari Bright As Day Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
Best for: A no-makeup day with a natural glow
SPF: 50
Finish: Sheer and glowy, yet not slippery or shiny
I was really surprised by how much I loved this one! It’s super lightweight, blends in beautifully without any chalkiness, and leaves skin looking fresh and dewy. It’s not overly tinted but gives a soft blur, just enough to even everything out. And although it gives a glow, it actually feels fairly matte on the skin, which is great for the hot summer months.
Read my full Kopari review here.
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF50
Best for: Glowy skin with added skincare benefits
SPF: 50
Finish: Illuminating
This is one of the most glow-boosting and perfecting SPFs that doesn’t technically have any coverage that I’ve tried. It has lovely skin perfecting pigments that subtly improve the appearance of your complexion without actually delivering any coverage as such. It layers well over skincare or under makeup. Perfect for dry or dull skin days!
Read my Full Kate Somerville HydraKate SPF50 review.
Final Thoughts: Which Tinted Sunscreen is Best for You?
If you’re wondering which skin tint with SPF is right for you, here’s a quick summary to help narrow it down:
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint, MERIT The Uniform, and Naked Sundays Peptide Foundation all give the most foundation-like finish, with proper coverage and a more polished look. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint also offers impressive coverage and that perfected-skin feel, although it’s SPF30 rather than SPF50.
If you prefer a more lightweight approach, Ultra Violette Future Fluid and Kate Somerville HydraKate don’t offer much coverage as such, but they do a brilliant job of smoothing and perfecting the look of the skin, making them ideal for no-makeup makeup days.
For a sheer tint Kopari Bright As Day is a great choice even if you have oily skin. It evens and warms up the skin tone ever so slightly, with a soft radiant finish that surprisingly feels quite matte on the skin. It’s great if you want something minimal but still fresh and glowy looking.
Whatever your preference; high coverage, dewy glow, or sheer and natural, there’s a tinted sunscreen here to suit your skin and your style. And remember, whichever one you choose, always apply enough for full protection (and don’t forget to reapply if you’re out and about!).
