The 20 Best Tinted Moisturizers with SPF, Vetted by Editors and Reviewers

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a collage of best tinted moisturizers with spf
Dasha Burobina/PureWow

There's no doubt about it: Tinted moisturizers with SPF are extremely popular these days. Part makeup, part skincare, you can get the best of both worlds. Why? They provide great light coverage, protect against UVA/UVB rays and blue light and are super easy to blend with your fingers, brush or a makeup sponge. If you're looking to add one to your routine, I polled PureWow editors and two dermatologists provide their go-to picks, from our all-time fave (hello, Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen) to a buzzy new product from Supergoop!.

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Meet the Experts

  • Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, who specializes in treating conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, moles and skin cancer.
  • Dr. Fatima Fahs is a board-certified dermatologist, practicing in Michigan, who specializes in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. She's also the founder of Dermy Doc Box, a subscription box that features hand-selected skincare products from brands like Skinfix, CeraVe and Vichy.

How I Chose the Best Tinted Moisturizers with SPF

I tapped my amazing coworkers, who happily shared their favorite tinted moisturizers with SPF. From there, I did rigorous research on each product and looked for key ingredients, coverage/finish, shade range and SPF. I also scanned through countless reviews to find the top picks our readers are currently loving. Ahead, a list of the 20 best tinted moisturizers for SPF to shop now.

What to Consider When Buying a Tinted Moisturizer with SPF

There are a ton of tinted moisturizers on the market, so take these five categories into consideration when shopping the right one for you.

  • Coverage Type: Do you want dewy or matte coverage? Some tinted moisturizers mimic a traditional foundation, while others make you look shiny and glazed like a donut. When picking out a tinted moisturizer, look for keywords like 'radiant,' 'dewy' and 'sheer' to give you insight into what finish you can expect.
  • Skin Type: Be mindful of your skin type. Dr. Camp recommends dry or sensitive skin types use dewy, oil-based tinted moisturizers. If you have oily skin, he recommends lightweight, matte or oil-free picks. And those with acne-prone skin can look into oil-free picks to prevent potential breakouts.
  • SPF Count: SPF numbers vary widely among tinted moisturizers. Dr. Fahs recommends finding ones that are 30 or higher. Also, look for the words ‘broad spectrum’ on the label, “so you’re getting coverage against both UVA and UVB rays,” she adds.
  • Shade Range. Yes, there are plenty of tinted moisturizers with SPF out there, but the number starts to dwindle when you check out their shade ranges. However, don't be discouraged. Brands like ILIARare BeautyTower 28 and The Lip Bar are already changing the game and offering 15+ shades in their repertoire. There's also a neat trick of mixing shades together to get your perfect match. Consider a swatch test of the tinted moisturizer of your choice and try mixing two that are close to your skin tone.
  • Skincare Benefits: It’s a hybrid product after all. Find a tinted moisturizer that caters to your skin woes. Some key ingredients found in tinted moisturizers are niacinamide, aloe and hyaluronic acid. “Hyaluronic acid offers significant hydration, as this molecule helps attract and retain water within the skin,” Dr. Camp explains. “Niacinamide is included in some moisturizers because of its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, which makes it a great option for rosacea or acne-prone skin.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Benefits of Tinted Moisturizers with SPF?

“They are often lightweight, so they layer easily without clogging pores. They also help seal in moisture to keep skin hydrated, while protecting your skin from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as sunburn and sun damage,” says Dr. Camp.

Do Tinted Moisturizers Have Enough SPF in Them?

Not all tinted moisturizers with SPF are created equal. The amount of protection offered in these products can range anywhere between SPF 10 to 30+. And even if a tinted moisturizer has 30+ written on the product, that doesn’t give you a pass to skip on your traditional face sunscreen. “I personally do not rely on the sunscreen in a tinted moisturizer alone because the most common mistake we make with sunscreen is that we aren’t applying enough of it,” explains Dr. Fahs.

She also mentions just because a tinted moisturizer has SPF in it doesn’t mean it can protect against everything. “Lots of products will list an SPF number, which is an indicator of UVB protection but no mention of being 'broad spectrum,' which means the product has both UVA and UVB protection,” she says.

Bottom line: If you’re spending more than two hours in the sun, you need to reapply sunscreen. Dr. Fahs also recommends applying a layer before your tinted moisturizer for adequate coverage. (And luckily, there are powders and sprays that you can top things off without disrupting your makeup.)

How Should You Use a Tinted Moisturizer?

Since tinted moisturizers are so emollient, you can apply them using your fingertips. First, use the dot method (aka applying dots of the product all over your face) before massaging the tinted moisturizer into your skin. If you want a more airbrushed finish, you can pat it in using a sponge or a fluffy makeup brush.

Is Tinted Moisturizer Better for Mature Skin?

A tinted moisturizer can be a great option for mature skin. Since many are lightweight, provide light coverage and a natural finish, older folks can appreciate how a tinted moisturizer doesn't settle into fine lines and wrinkles, while adding sun protection and moisture for the day.


about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

Former Beauty Editor

  • Wrote trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
  • Six years of experience as a Beauty Editor
  • Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz