After 2 Weeks in the L.A. Sun, the Colorescience Face Shield Flex Turned Me Into a Tinted Sunscreen Believer

Colorescience has long led the suncare category, and the Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex showcases why. The formula features the brand’s proprietary EnviroScreen technology, a cutting-edge mineral barrier powered by zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that protects against not only UVA and UVB rays, but also blue light, infrared radiation, pollution and free radicals.

Its tinting mechanism is also as innovative as it gets. Available in six shades, the sunscreen uses iron oxide pigments designed to adapt to your skin tone. Rather than starting out with a tint, the creamy formula actually goes on white and blooms to release color as you rub it in. Yes, it’s science—but watching the color transform feels like magic. 

As I mentioned, I’m averse to any formulas that feel heavy on my skin. Since so many fans claim the Colorescience Face Shield Flex can replace their foundation in the summer months, I worried it would feel more like makeup than skincare—and leave me without the dewy, natural finish I prefer. 

My first application didn’t exactly ease those concerns. The formula felt thick, and although I was awe-struck by the real-time transformation from a bright white to a golden beige as I rubbed it in, I thought it looked a bit powdery–especially in the corners of my nose and on my forehead, where my skin tends to get dry. On the plus side, it immediately evened out and mattified my complexion, hiding my dark circles and the redness that developed since my move (see: stress, lack of sleep, dry air and hard water). In shade Light, it also matched my skin tone while adding a touch of warmth.

A few minutes later, though, everything changed. The formula absorbed completely, and while it maintained a soft, slightly powdery finish, it started to look like my skin—only better. I stepped outside and took some selfies in the sunlight. Whoa! My face appeared even-toned, my pores were blurred and light reflected off my cheekbones for a radiant sheen. There was zero white cast, and everything looked seamlessly blended. Maybe there was something to this tinted sunscreen thing after all.

Admittedly, I let my regular skincare routine lapse since landing in L.A., so the next day I applied the sunscreen after a full reset: exfoliator, toner pads, vitamin C serum, moisturizer. This time, the cream formula glided on more smoothly and absorbed much faster. The result? My face looked glowy and fresh, not cakey. Better yet, it continued to look good throughout the day.

Since then, I’ve worn the Colorescience Face Shield Flex for at least a dozen long walks in peak sunshine, accompanied only by a pair of sunglasses. I’ve tried swiping on some powder blush and cream highlighter over top—both of which went on smoothly with no pilling. I even wore it to a HIIT workout class to see how the formula would fare against heavy sweat and an extra-hot environment. I’m happy to report that my skin looked just as good afterward, with no sweaty streaks detected.

Two weeks later, my formerly vampiric skin shows no redness, no burning, no signs that the California sun—or anything else for that matter—had infiltrated my sunscreen. In fact, my complexion has finally started to calm down after the chaos of a cross-country move. Since the formula touts antioxidant ingredients that combat environmental stressors beyond just UV rays, I don’t doubt that it’s contributed to the overall improvement of my skin.

Having now incorporated the Colorescience Face Shield Flex into my daily routine, I definitely agree with the hype surrounding it. It single-handedly changed my mind about tinted sunscreen—even if it’s the only one I’d wear. Between its remarkable tone-adapting pigment (which is buildable if you are looking for more foundation-like coverage), complexion-perfecting finish and, most importantly, robust full-spectrum protection against the sun and other damage, it’s a product that punches above its weight and actually succeeds. 

The one downside to such an innovative, effective and routine-transforming suncare? It doesn’t come cheap. Typically priced at $58 for a considerably small 1.8-fluid-ounce bottle (though you can currently find it for 30 percent off at DermStreet), it’s a splurge, especially as a repeat buy. The good news: A little goes a long way. Bottom line? It’s worth a try if you’re in the market for a lightweight foundation alternative, a new daily SPF or, like me, a tinted sunscreen you actually won’t hate. If this lifelong tinted-sunscreen skeptic became a convert, there’s a good chance you might, too.