Sun’s out - gun’s out - for us, that firepower is an SPF. Tinted sunscreen delivers in spades to make your skin safe and sport a gorgeous glow. Here are the brands we have on rotation, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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What is a tinted sunscreen?
Primarily an SPF, loaded with natural pigment and skincare ingredients, to offer a light-to-medium makeup coverage. Especially with mineral-based sunblocks that can leave a white cast on the skin, the iron oxide pigments help to harmonise the physical sunblock, enhancing your skin tone at the same time.
BRUSH ON BLOCK SPF30 ORIGINAL, $59.
The name aptly describes this broad spectrum buff on translucent minerals SPF (a blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) in a handy makeup brush loaded with mineral powder. It’s sweatproof and water-resistant, and the natural minerals sit on top of the skin to reflect the sun’s rays, making it less likely to irritate or clog pores, ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. This powder is convenient and a handbag-worthy, on-the-go SPF that you can wear alone or over makeup.
Elta MD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44, $90.
Dermatologists and beauty experts love this 100 per cent physical sunscreen - whipped into a tinted hydrating base. With a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, an iron oxide tint and hyaluronic acid, it glides on the skin, ideal for sensitive skin or post-procedure treatments. Big tick from the BeautyEQ team on the virtues of this top-rated tinted screen.
Supergoop GlowScreen SPF 40, $70.
This SPF has captured the hearts of beauty editors and celebrities alike for its ability to protect and illuminate your complexion. It's also a multipurpose tinted primer and skin hydration thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and glycerin to maintain skin moisture levels while leaving the skin with an enviable glow.
Is tinted sunscreen better than ordinary sPF?
Here’s the deal: Experts swear a broad-spectrum SPF to shield the skin from all UV rays, and we agree. But in addition to defending your skin against fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, discolouration, and skin cancer caused by UVA and UVB rays, tinted sunscreen goes further than your average formula. Tinted sunscreens block visible light, says Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified, award-winning New York City dermatologist. That’s a big deal, she explains, since visible light is “A key cause of hyperpigmentation (dark spots), especially for anyone vulnerable to developing dark spots or melasma.” Also, some of the best-tinted sunscreens guard skin against blue light, says Arizona-based, double-board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist Karan Lal, DO. So when shopping for a tinted screen, look for iron oxide on the ingredient list to confirm your sunscreen can, in fact, block that blue light.
Dermalogica Porescreen SPF40, $110.
While pricy, this new multi-tasking sunscreen is more than an SPF. It minimises open pores and dullness. The screen is physical; it’s zinc oxide blended with niacinamide or vitamin B3, sunflower seed oil, lavender extracts, Damascena rose extract, olive oil squalene, and vitamin E, to name a few. Thanks to the iron oxide, adding a subtle tint, it also offers a blurring, primer-like effect. It can be worn alone or under makeup. You need to shake it before you use it.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50, $38.
This French pharmacy brand is popular with anyone who wants a tinted screen for sensitive skin. That’s thanks to its mineral titanium dioxide base. It’s a lightweight number that absorbs quickly, and with that, a cocktail of antioxidants, including vitamin E, in a base of spring water to hydrate the skin simultaneously.
What to Look for in a Tinted Sunscreen
As classic sunscreen industry standards suggest, tinted sunscreens should also be SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB. When it comes to application, the rule is to apply two finger lengths to the face and neck and reapply if you’re heading outside to swim or play sports.
Airyday Mineral Mousse Dreamscreen SPF 50+, $56.
Great value for 75mls in a travel-friendly tube, it’s a light-as-air tinted screen that our style director Louise Hilsz adores. It’s so lovely to wear; it glides on easily and feels so silky smooth on the skin,” says Hilsz. Stacked with skin-loving antioxidants, BHA’s and salicylic acid, collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide. For her, the skin glow and brilliant SPF is a win-win. One tip from Hilsz: buy a squeezer key to remove every inch of product from the aluminium tube.
Image Skincare PREVENTION+ Sun Serum SPF 30 Tinted, $109.
All-mineral zinc oxide screen with skin-caring ingredients, such as plant squalane derived from sugarcane, to hydrate and give skin a gorgeous glow. Antioxidants like ginger root extract, vitamin C and vitamin E, chamomile and orange peel extract (responsible for its citrusy scent) correct dryness and help protect the skin from radical damage. It’s gorgeously lightweight, with a sheer tint that blends seamlessly into the skin. I am hooked.
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