5 best tinted sunscreens UK tried and tested to keep your skin protected
However, there's one product that I'll never forgo: sunscreen.
1
I believe that applying an SPF every day is a non-negotiable, and there are several reasons why.
Sunscreens are available in mineral, fluid, tinted and powder varieties to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, reducing premature ageing and the risk of skin cancer.
Depending on the formula, some sunscreens also protect against blue light, emitted by the sun, digital screens and pollution.
However, according to St. Moriz, it's thought that 80% of Brits are still not wearing enough sunscreen on their faces.
In previous years, people had a good excuse for avoiding sunscreen because many formulas were tacky, heavy, or greasy.
But now, a new generation of sunscreens has entered the market, offering better protection (hello, SPF50) and more elegant, lightweight formulas.
I've been especially impressed with tinted formulas, which protect your skin while providing a flattering glow. Here are some of my absolute favourites…
Best tinted sunscreens at a glance
How I tested tinted sunscreens
After cleansing and moisturising my skin, I applied each sunscreen in the morning, focusing on my entire face and neck.
I wore each of the sunscreens from morning to bedtime (15 hours, give or take) before washing it off with cleanser in the evening.
During this review, I'm looking for a few key elements: a lightweight, comfortable formula; skin-flattering results; and oil control throughout the day.
Best tinted sunscreens 2025
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50, £65
Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier against the sun on your skin and get a bit of a bad rap.
Historically, these formulas have been thick and pasty, leaving skin overloaded and greasy.
However, these formulas have come on leaps and bounds in the past few years, and this Tatcha sunscreen is no exception.
This sunscreen has made its way into my everyday routine, and while it's eye-wateringly expensive, one bottle will last you a few months.
Silk by name and nature, its soft, fluid texture glided onto my skin and settled into my complexion like a lightweight skin tint.
It has a pale, subtle tint that neither warms your complexion nor leaves behind a white cast, which will be a win for some.
The formula also keeps shine and greasiness at bay, which is great news for my oil-prone forehead.
Formula-wise, I can't fault it. I just wish it wasn't so expensive.
Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 50
BUY HERE
You'd be forgiven for mistaking this sunscreen as a foundation, because it looks and feels exactly like one.
Similar to make-up, it comes in 15 shades, which is impressive and very unusual for a sunscreen product.
While its formula is a lot thicker than others on this list, it's very concealing, and I was surprised at how well it camouflaged blemishes on my face.
However, due to its thicker consistency, this sunscreen also felt fairly heavy and greasy on my skin, especially my forehead.
Fortunately, it scores points for its pump bottle, which enables you to dispense product without creating a mess, and I also love its fragrance-free formula.
While the brand recommends you use this as a base before applying foundation, you could absolutely wear it on its own, thanks to its camouflaging results.
Overall, it's a solid option, but better suited for those less prone to oiliness.
Naked Sundays CabanaGlow SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops
Naked Sundays CabanaGlow SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops, £34
BUY HERE
This formula does it all: high SPF50 protection, hydrating serum formula, and a gorgeous foundation-like finish.
This formula has such a flattering, dewy finish that I now prefer it to wearing a foundation, meaning its SPF 50 sun protection is just a bonus.
This sunscreen has a sheer, glow-promoting tint and a serum-like texture that quickly sinks into the skin.
Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and pink algae, it left my skin feeling hydrated throughout the day, but it also left it looking a little oily.
Its bottle is small and compact, fitting perfectly into the palm of my hand, so it's great for slinging into a pocket or chucking into a handbag, and would make a great beach bag essential.
While its strong chemical scent is a little bizarre, the formula doesn't feel heavy or irritating on the skin, which is a bonus if you have sensitive skin like me.
But be warned, white t-shirt wearers, as it is prone to transferring onto clothes and it will leave a stain behind (RIP, my favourite top).
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid SPF 50+ Glow
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid SPF 50+ Glow, £8.66
BUY HERE
Vitamin C goes hand in hand with sun protection, thanks to its antioxidant properties that neutralise free radicals emitted by the sun.
The skincare ingredient also helps promote glowing, clearer skin and tackles hyperpigmentation, making it a great addition to your skincare routine.
Starring vitamin C, SPF 50 protection, and mineral pigments for a sheer, illuminated finish, this budget sunscreen keeps skin glowing and protected.
I'm impressed with its smooth, fluid texture that's easily dispensed by its precision dropper, minimising mess while allowing for easier application.
The sunscreen's formula sank into my skin and quickly became undetectable, meaning it didn't leave behind a white cast or feel greasy.
However, my sensitive complexion was less of a fan of its citrus scent, which felt irritating when applied close to my eyes.
But, at just £8.66, it stacks up against the pricey competitors on this list, so this one's definitely got bang for buck.
e.l.f Camo Hydrating CC Cream
e.l.f Camo Hydrating CC Cream, £15
BUY HERE
The 'CC' in CC cream stands for 'colour corrector' - and that's certainly what this product does.
Described as a 'full-coverage CC cream', it masks dark spots and redness while taking care of enlarged pores and areas of imperfections, too.
I was very impressed by how well it disguised my chin, which is often prone to spots, without leaving the area looking overloaded or greasy.
I also love that this CC Cream has a natural yet dewy finish that feels a million miles away from a sticky, heavy sunscreen.
As for its sun protection, its SPF 30 formula isn't quite as effective as the SPF 50s on this list (meaning you'd have to apply more of it, more often), which is a shame.
Moreover, thanks to its foundation-like finish, you're very unlikely to apply enough product to fully protect yourself from the sun.
So, I like this budget-friendly, flattering formula - just ensure you slap on enough SPF 50 sunscreen first.
Best tinted sunscreen FAQS:
What is tinted sunscreen?
SPF is a protection rating given to sunscreen products.
These formulas help protect your skin from the sun and its harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
Tinted sunscreens that have complexion-coloured formulas and often come in various shades.
Dr Alexis Granite, Founder of Joonbyrd and Dual Board-Certified Consultant Dermatologist, says: "I suffer with melasma, so sun protection is especially important for me!
"I always reach for an SPF 45+, and one that contains iron oxide (tint) to help protect against visible blue light that can also exacerbate melasma.
"I tend to break out easily, so I prefer lightweight formulations such as serums and oil-free lotions."
She adds, "Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are highly effective, and it comes down to personal preference.
"Mineral sunscreens can be thicker than chemical sunscreens, and older formulations often left a white cast, but so many advances have been made in recent years, and the formulations are quite elegant and easy to use."
The Importance of SPF
WITH summer finally here, here's everything you need to know about SPF.
1. Protects Against UV Radiation:
SPF shields your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer:
Regular use of SPF can significantly lower the risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
3. Prevents Premature Aging:
UV exposure accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. SPF helps maintain youthful skin by blocking these aging effects.
4. Maintains Even Skin Tone:
Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Using SPF regularly can help prevent these issues, leading to a more even and radiant complexion.
5. Essential for All Skin Types:
Regardless of skin type or tone, everyone is susceptible to UV damage. SPF is crucial for all skin types to maintain healthy skin and prevent damage.
6. Everyday Necessity:
UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, making daily SPF application essential, even on cloudy days or when indoors.
What's the best tinted sunscreen?
There are hundreds of tinted sunscreen options, so choosing the right one for you is down to your preferences.
This includes considering price point, finish you prefer, your skin type and overall level of SPF protection you need.
My advice is to select a formula that you'll like using with and without make-up, and one that you'll be happy to wear every day (meaning it isn't too irritating, greasy, or stains clothes easily).
My top-rated from this list is the Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 because it provides silky soft coverage, and I cannot fault the formula.
I also think the newly launched Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 50 is great for normal or drier skin types.
Who should use tinted sunscreen?
Dr Alexis Granite suggests, "It's important for everyone to wear daily SPF, regardless of skin type.
"UV rays impact the skin even on cloudy days and cause not only cosmetic skin damage leading to fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and pigmentation, but also increase the risk of skin cancer."
I'd personally recommend a tinted sunscreen for anyone who is looking to achieve a healthy or natural glow without relying on makeup.
You'll find plenty of tinted sunscreen options available at all price points and for most skin types, including non-comedogenic sunscreens for acne-prone skin and ones suitable for sensitive skin.
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