SPF 45. Tinted. Mineral. Merit’s The Uniform Sunscreen Nails It for Combo Skin, My Own Included

Name: The Bottom Line: More Brands Need to Listen to Their Customers
Brand: Merit
Price: 38 USD

Oily, acne-prone and combo peeps stand up

Author image: about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

By Chelsea Candelario

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Published May 22, 2025

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merit the uniform tinted sunscreen review a photo of chelsea candelario

Chelsea Candelario/Merit

Value: 18/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality: 20/20
Aesthetic: 19/20
Coverage: 20/20
Total: 97/100

I don’t need to explain to you the importance of SPF, but can we all agree that some tinted sunscreens just aren’t…it. As someone with combination skin, many products feel heavy, irritating and greasy by the end of the day. It doesn’t give ~glow~, but more “I took the subway car with no AC in the middle of summer”. So when I heard PureWow favorite Merit was releasing their first ever sunscreen, specifically a tinted one, I was willing to give it a shot.

See, if they can change my mind about balmy makeup (see my review of their Flushed Blushes), surely they can change my stance around tinted sunscreens. I put their latest product to the test. Here’s my honest review of the Merit The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen, with original photos included.

What Is Merit The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen?

When developing this product, Merit asked their customers what they want in a sunscreen, and the overwhelming response was a mineral formula. After two years of R&D, the brand created a 100-percent zinc oxide sunscreen for UVA/UVB protection—SPF 45 to be exact. They called “The Uniform,” dubbed to imply that it will become a must in any skincare/makeup routine. They shared on their Instagram, “We found what they [our customers] really wanted was a mineral sunscreen that didn’t feel like one—so that’s what we set out to create.” Aside from zinc oxide, you’ll also find final natural powders and plant-derived emollients (an alternative to silicone) for a smooth, velvety finish.

How to Use Merit The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen

The brand recommends applying the sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine and about 15 minutes before sun exposure. Wear it alone or under your foundation/concealer for additional coverage. It comes in a tube, so it’s easy to pump out as much product as you need. Due to its sheer, buildable coverage, it can be reapplied every two hours if you’re exposed to water or if you are participating in any physical activities outdoors. (And if you’re strictly a Merit fan, they suggest using their Great Skin Priming Moisturizer before using the sunscreen and then following up with The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick.)

How I Tested Merit The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen

I’ve been using the tinted sunscreen for over a month. During this time, I assessed the texture, quality and finish. I took a closer look at how it worked with my skin type and how well it complemented my skin tone. Whether it was cloudy or the high 70s in NYC, I inspected how The Uniform held up—so keep reading to find out more.

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My Review of Merit The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen

Candelario Wearing Shade 14 (Original Photo: Chelsea Candelario)

Merit

I used about two to three pumps to cover my entire face and applied it with my fingertips or a brush. As BTS once sang, it’s “smooth like butter.” Regardless if I used my fingertips or not, the liquid formula spread seamlessly across my skin. It was hydrating, lightweight and overall comfortable. As it settled on my skin, it left a velvety finish that wasn’t too drying.

The tinted sunscreen offered sheer coverage, doing a great job at evening my skin tone and reducing my redness. Since it’s non-comedogenic, it melted nicely onto my skin without clogging my pores and creating new breakouts. I also appreciate that it didn’t enhance my acne scars, dark spots or current acne—plus, there’s no white cast involved.

It comes in 15 flexible shades, so I ended up doing three swatches before finding that ‘Shade 14’ worked best for my complexion. The medium-deep neutral shade gives a slight tan, but just the right amount to look super natural—especially since the summer tends to give me a natural sun-kissed glow.

merit the uniform tinted sunscreen review swatches

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario/Merit

The Bottom Line: More Brands Need to Listen to Their Customers

What We Like

non-comedogenic
contains clean ingredients
offers sheer coverage
buildable formula

What We Don't Like

pricey
might start piling if you don't have a strong skincare routine

Merit

I wore the tinted sunscreen for hours, and it was still lightweight on my skin. The satin finish wasn’t too drying and—surprise, surprise—no oily T-zone here. In the past, I struggled with finding an everyday sunscreen, let alone a tinted one, so this hybrid product came at the right time. After a month of testing, I can definitely see myself wearing this daily—or anytime I just want a touch of color and hello, it has SPF 45.

It gets 97 out of 100 because it exceeded my expectations. It works well for oily, acne-prone and combination skin. The oil-free formula is easy to apply, buildable and great to wear all day. I’m just beyond impressed that it’s not heavy, greasy or irritating on my skin. If you hate sunscreen (or tinted ones), I promise you The Uniform may sway your opinion. One fan said it best, “Thank you for listening to your customers!”

Fast Facts

SPF: 45
Key Ingredients: zinc oxide, final natural powders, lightweight emollients
Finish: natural
Shades: 15

$38 At Sephora

$38 At Merit

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

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