I don't wear foundation. Is that because I have clear skin? Or do I have clear skin because I don't wear foundation? This is one of the great skin-care-versus-makeup, chicken-or-the-egg questions. Or perhaps they have nothing to do with each other? The world may never know.
But this does not mean I completely forgo a little extra boost of cover-up confidence. I've just found a workaround: tinted sunscreen. Every morning after I moisturize, I slather on a layer of SPF with a matte tint on my face to even out my skin tone and protect me from the sun on the regular. Bonus: Some experts believe SPF with a tint can actually protect your skin better than its clear counterpart. That is what I call a win-win.
I opt for a tinted sunscreen over a BB cream for its higher sun-protection power, since I'm already getting the skin-care benefits from my cream (and, hey, SPF is anti-aging, too). And for those who could never give up their base makeup, the light coverage of a tinted sunscreen is a great option if you don't want to go bare-faced at the beach or pool.
Ahead, tinted sunscreens for your perusing pleasure.
The Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector not only guards your skin against the sun with broad-spectrum SPF 43, but also protects against environmental pollution (city girls, looking at you). It also doubles as a makeup primer and has some skin-care benefits, too. Bonus: Unlike some of its counterparts with limited color options, this formula comes in three shades!
Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 43, $32, available at Nordstrom.
If you’re looking for a worthwhile splurge, this smooth-as-silk tinted sunscreen is packed with anti-aging benefits and will make your skin glow as you recline poolside, mojito in hand. No moisturizer needed.
Sisley Paris Tinted Sunscreen Cream SPF 30, $170, available at Nordstrom.
From one of our favorite French pharmacy brands, this is a great option for those with darker skin tones. Bonus: Its powerful, antioxidant-rich, SPF 50 mineral formula is great for those with sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid, $33.50, available at Ulta Beauty.
This is the sunscreen I use every day in place of foundation or BB cream. It gives full, yet light, coverage and also protects against free-radical damage and the supposed stuff we may (or may not be) getting from our computer screens. It's a little pricey, but wearing it makes me feel like I am doing my part in the skin-care struggle.
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Tinted, $68, available at SkinMedica.
From another derm-favorite brand comes a more affordable UVA/UVB broad-spectrum, tinted face sunscreen. This formula works on most skin tones and packs SPF 50!
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $34, available at Dermstore.
This ultra-light sunscreen has less of a tint and more of a shimmer. It works on most skin tones and is a great base for makeup. But it stands on its own, providing a perfect day-at-the-beach glow.
ZO Skin Health Oclipse® Smart Tone SPF 50, $70, available at ZO Skin Health.
This unique SPF 50 formula comes in compact form, perfect for easy beach or poolside touch-ups for those who swear by foundation on the regular. It's also great for sensitive skin.
Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50, $36, available at Drugstore.com.
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