Brooke Knappenberger
You don’t need a beauty editor to tell you to wear sunscreen every day, but consider this your friendly PSA anyway. Rain or shine, UV rays are out there, ready to sabotage your skin, and yes, they absolutely sneak through office windows. But if slathering on sunscreen feels like a chore—especially when it’s thick, chalky, or breakout-inducing—allow me to introduce the best tinted moisturizers with SPF that make daily application feel less like a task and more like a treat.
Tinted moisturizers are built to multitask. "Tinted moisturizer will provide hydration, skincare benefits, and a small amount of coverage," Los Angeles makeup artist Mia Dondero tells Marie Claire. "Whereas foundation is used purposefully for coverage, but doesn’t always offer the same hydrating benefits." Translation: A tinted moisturizer with SPF is the ultimate beauty trifecta: hydrating, complexion-perfecting, and UV-shielding all in one step.
As an editor who swipes on tinted moisturizers with SPF almost daily, I’ve developed a high standard. The best tinted moisturizers with SPF are packed with skin-loving ingredients, deliver lightweight (ideally buildable!) coverage, and actually moisturize. Ahead, I’m breaking down the 15 best tinted moisturizers with SPF that make your skin look gorgeous and help keep it protected, too. Fair warning: your favorite foundation may start collecting dust.
The Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF
- Best Overall Tinted Moisturizer With SPF: Elta MD Tinted Daily Face Moisturizer With SPF
- Best Luxury Tinted Moisturizer With SPF: Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
- Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizer With SPF: Versed Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint Foundation
This tinted moisturizer with SPF is a no-brainer pick for the best tinted moisturizer with SPF. What makes it stand out is that it's sunscreen first, makeup second. By that, I mean you can comfortably apply the dermatologist-recommended nickel-sized amount (something that isn't always doable with other formulas that can feel too heavy or look overly tinted). That, combined with the fact that this non-greasy formula delivers a touch of coverage, a healthy glow, and skin-loving ingredients, is just a small sampling of reasons why so many people are obsessed with it.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen; Octinoxate (chemical sunscreen); Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); vitamin E (antioxidant)
SPF: 40
Coverage: Sheer to light
What I Love: Non-greasy, Dermatologist-recommended; Available on Amazon Prime
What I Don't: Some shoppers have had issues with the pump dispenser
Review for MC: "EltaMD is one of those brands with unassuming packaging but next-level formulas. It’s the kind of line people often overlook until they try it and realize they’ve been missing out, having picked products for their aesthetic instead of what’s actually inside. This one checks every box of mine: skin-loving (and skin-improving!) ingredients, a hint of coverage to even out my skin tone, and enough sun protection to make a derm proud, assuming you use that nickel-sized amount, of course." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
The packaging of this tinted moisturizer alone gives luxury, but it's what's inside that really earns its spot on this list. While it might fly under the radar compared to some of the buzziest formulas out there, it's a favorite among those in the know (like Marie Clarie's senior beauty editor). It delivers exactly what most people look for in a tinted moisturizer: lightweight, buildable coverage that looks like your skin (but better!) on its best day. Plus, it's packed with hydrating and antioxidant-rich botanicals that protect and improve the appearance of your skin with consistent use.
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (mineral sunscreen); Red algae extract and rosa damascena flower water (soothing); Green tea extract (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory); Glycerin (hydrating)
SPF: 15
Coverage: Light but buildable
What I Love: Contains protective antioxidants; Lightweight texture; Your-skin-but-better finish
What I Don't: The SPF could be higher
Review for MC: "I never have been and never will be a full-coverage foundation girl, so a tinted moisturizer (with SPF) is my go-to. I've been a huge fan of this luxe tinted moisturizer for years. Reason being: the coverage is color-correcting yet incredible light, provides a glass-like sheen that doesn't oxidize or look greasy, and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
If you're a drugstore beauty connoisseur, have sensitive skin, or just love a buildable formula, Versed’s skin tint deserves your attention. It’s loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening kakadu plum extract, and the serum-like texture melts into skin while offering customizable light-to-medium coverage. It’s the most affordable pick on our list, but you’d never guess it based on how luxe it feels going on.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen); Kakadu plum fruit extract (brightening); Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Vitamin E (soothing antioxidant)
SPF: 40
Coverage: Light to medium
What I Love: Most affordable tinted moisturizer on our list; Sensitive skin-friendly; Accepted by the National Rosacea Association
What I Don't: Some shoppers found it challenging to find their perfect color match
Review for MC: "Versed only recently expanded into makeup this past February, and I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But spoiler: I love every single product in the line, especially this hydrating and brightening skin tint. It blends like a dream, looks just like skin, and delivers the perfect light-to-medium coverage for everyday wear." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Versed Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint Foundation
Other Tinted Moisturizers I Love
My relationship with beauty products tends to fall into one of two categories: a fleeting fling or a full-blown commitment. IT Cosmetics’ CC+ Cream, however, is a forever love. It delivers the kind of full coverage that camouflages problem areas (think: acne scars, dark spots, and redness), like a magic marker, without ever feeling heavy or mask-like. The formula also doubles as skin care with hydrating and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides.
Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene (chemical sunscreens); Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Caffeine (depuffing); Peptides (firming)
SPF: 50
Coverage: Full
What I Love: A little goes a long way; Mini size available; 30 shade options
What I Don't: Might separate on oily skin throughout the day
Customer Review: "I love it, the IT CC cream is so light and at the same time its total coverage is the best, it doesn't feel heavy on the face and leaves a natural finish, it hides my age spots, the super plus is that it has sunscreen and high protection, I love having more than two benefits in a single product, it leaves your skin with a super glow." — Sephora
Laura Mercier created one of the OG tinted moisturizers, launching the first iteration back in 1996. This editor-beloved, makeup artist-approved formula delivers a sheer, glowy tint with the added bonus of SPF 30. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to soften dry patches and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (mineral sunscreen); Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); vitamin E (antioxidant)
SPF: 30
Coverage: Sheer to light
What I Love: Softens the appearance of fine lines; Subscribe and save option available on the brand's website; Longtime bestseller
What I Don't: Some longtime fans still prefer the earlier versions over the current formula
Customer Review: "This tinted moisturizer is absolutely stunning! It’s so lightweight that it feels like you’re not even wearing makeup. It provides light and buildable coverage that sits beautifully on the skin. I have dry skin, and it worked wonders, not highlighting my dry patches at all! It’s incredible!" — Sephora
Leave it to Rihanna and the rest of the Fenty Beauty team to crack the code on a zinc oxide-based tinted moisturizer—no chalky white cast in sight. Whether you wear it solo or as a base under makeup, it delivers a radiant finish and a skincare boost, thanks to brightening niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and calming aloe. And the fact that it’s refillable? Chef’s kiss.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen); Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming); Hyaluronic acid and glycerin (hydrating); Aloe (soothing); Baobab pulp extract (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)
SPF: 30
Coverage: Light
What I Love: Refillable; Shade finder available on the brand's website; Fragrance-free
What I Don't: Refillable case sold separately
Customer review: "My favorite part of this tinted SPF moisturizer is the fact that it is refillable. It gives great coverage for being a tint and I love the sun protection. Less is more and this gives me just enough coverage without being caked while also giving me SPF. It cuts down steps in my morning routine and the added convenience is a great bonus." — Sephora
If fine lines or wrinkles top your list of concerns, this Estée Lauder bestseller deserves a spot in your routine. It’s packed with hydration to visibly plump the skin, plus firming peptides and protective antioxidants that help smooth things over (literally). The medium-to-full, buildable coverage pairs beautifully with its radiant (but natural-looking) finish, making it the kind of tinted moisturizer that'll earn you compliments wherever you go.
Key Ingredients: Octinoxate and ensulizole (chemical sunscreens); Zinc oxide (mineral sunsreen); Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Peptides (firming); Acai fruit oil (protective antioxidant)
SPF: 45
Coverage: Medium to full
What I Love: Convenient pump dispenser; Doesn't settle in fine lines or wrinkles; Leaves a glowy finish
What I Don't: Contains fragrance, which may be irritating to some
Customer review: "I have dry/combo skin and decided to sample this foundation after I heard it was a good choice for mature skin with claims that it wouldn't settle in fine lines/wrinkles. I'm absolutely blown away! This is definitely closer to full coverage however it feels light and isn't too heavy, and it does NOT settle into or accentuate my fine lines." — Sephora
We all have our preferences when it comes to texture and application, which is just one of the reasons we had to include ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint. Unlike a traditional tinted moisturizer, it has a liquidy texture that you’re meant to apply with your hands, just like skin care. As you work it in, it initially applies lighter than its true shade to help guide where you’ve covered for full sun protection, but give it about a minute, and it’ll dry down to its actual color. It’s also a win for sensitive skin types: the formula is free of fragrance, silicones, and oils, making it a smart choice for anyone prone to redness, breakouts, or irritation.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen); Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming); Squalane and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Shea butter (softening); Allantoin and aloe leaf juice powder (soothing)
SPF: 40
Coverage: Light
What I Love: Clean at Sephora-approved; Vegan; Dewy finish
What I Don't: Needs to be shaken before application for best results
Customer review: "I’ve been using this tinted serum for a year now, and I absolutely love it! It’s incredibly long-lasting, even after a sweaty gym session. It quickly became my daily go-to, and I’ve completely stopped using any traditional foundation." — Sephora
If you're the kind of shopper who deep-dives into Reddit before hitting "add to cart," you're not alone. Beauty lovers on the platform dissect product formulas with near-scientific precision, and Tower 28’s tinted moisturizer gets regular praise. It’s often recommended in subreddits for its buildable coverage (perfect if you want something a little more substantial than a sheer-to-light tint), sensitive-skin-friendly formula, and natural-looking finish that makes skin look like skin—just better.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen); Glycerin and jojoba esters (hydrating); Aloe leaf water (soothing); Prickly pear extract (antioxidant)
SPF: 30
Coverage: Light to medium, buildable
What I Love: Reef-safe; Uses non-nano zinc oxide (preferred for sensitive skin); Also protects against blue light
What I Don't: Some reviewers dislike its texture, deeming it too thick
Customer review: "I was hesitant to purchase this product, as I normally go for more full-coverage foundations. However, after falling in love with the Tower 28 concealer, I figured I’d give it a go. Unlike some other tinted sunscreens I’ve tried, this one allows for super buildable coverage." — Sephora
Finding a matte-tinted moisturizer with SPF for oily skin isn’t exactly easy since most formulas lean glowy (and thus only add to the shine you’re already trying to manage). That’s where this DRMTLGY formula comes in. It’s the matte counterpart to the brand’s cult-favorite OG tinted moisturizer (which, fun fact, holds the top spot among all of Amazon’s tinted moisturizer offerings). This version uses ingredients that help absorb oil and blur the skin for a soft-focus finish, plus niacinamide, a multitasking MVP that not only brightens and firms skin but also helps regulate oil production over time.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen); Octinoxate (chemical sunscreen); Niacinamide (oil-regulating); Hyaluronic acid and glycerin (hydrating); Vitamin E (antioxidant)
SPF: 30
Coverage: Sheer
What I Love: Matte finish; oil-absorbing ingredients; Uses both mineral and chemical sunscreen for comprehensive protection
What I Don't: Only comes in one “universal” shade, which, according to some reviewers, doesn’t adapt to every skin tone
Customer review: "At 63 years, and many high end products under my belt, I was not expecting major change in my skin with this product. I am pleasantly surprised. My skin is softer, less oily, and the texture has improved. I will continue with a subscription, and will consider trying other DRMTLGY products in the future." — DRMTLGY
This NARS tinted moisturizer is another must-mention on this list, purely based on its popularity alone. Just ask Los Angeles-based makeup artist Mia Dondero, who calls it a "must-have." She says that "it gives a beautiful skin-like finish and feels light on the skin." And she's anything but alone: the brightening, vitamin C-infused formula has thousands of five-star ratings across the board.
Key Ingredients: Octinoxate (chemical sunscreen); Titanium Dioxide (Mineral sunscreen); Glycerin (hydrating); Ascorbyl glucoside (antioxidant and brightening); Vitamin E (antioxidant); Turmeric root extract (anti-inflammatory)
SPF: 30
Coverage: Light
What I Love: Brightens and defends against free radicals with a stable form of vitamin C; Oil-free; Backed by a four-week clinical study where most testers saw a more even skin tone and visibly reduced dark spots
What I Don't: For more dramatic brightening, you’ll probably still want to supplement your routine with a vitamin C serum
Customer review: "This is the best tinted moisturizer on the market, no doubt. That’s saying a lot considering the amount of money and time I have spent purchasing and testing out countless tinted moisturizers. This one makes my skin look better, brighter and overall healthier. The glow is real." — Sephora
Saie's Slip Tint comes pro-approved by celebrity makeup artist Cat Mignano. "It offers very light coverage but makes your skin look so radiant and I love that it has hyaluronic acid in it to boost your skin's moisture," she told Marie Claire.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen); Grape seed oil (antioxidant and moisturizing); Argan oil and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); vitamin E (antioxidant); Licorice root extract (brightening and anti-inflammatory); Bisabolol (soothing)
SPF: 35
Coverage: Light
What I Love: Uses solely mineral sunscreen, which is ideal for sensitive skin; Clean ingredients; Easy to blend
What I Don't: Some shoppers experienced challenges with the pump applicator
Customer review: "Perfect for normal/dry skin. It has lightweight coverage that manages to negate my redness but still shows my freckles. The formula is hydrating and lasts through my workout in the gym." — Sephora
This OG oil-free tinted gel cream has a texture that feels instantly soothing (and even a little cooling!) when it hits the skin. It’s beloved across the board, whether you lean dry, oily, or somewhere in between, thanks to its fusion of hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane with oil-absorbing kaolin clay and silica. The internet especially loves it for combination skin that deals with both concerns at once. It’s been a cult favorite since it launched in 2015, so if you haven’t tried it yet, consider this your sign.
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (mineral sunscreen); Squalane and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Kaolin (oil-absorbing)
SPF: 30
Coverage: Light
What I Love: Contains both hydrating and mattifying ingredients; Ranked the number-one tinted moisturizer in the States; Smooth and buttery texture
What I Don't: Some shoppers experienced pilling
Customer review: "I have extremely acne prone combination skin and I live in a dry environment. Between hormonal and environmental cycles, chemical sensitivities, and health problems my skin is super high maintenance, and I LOVE this product. I have used it for almost 2 years." — Sephora
From its easy-to-use dropper bottle to the fact that it’s founded (and adored!) by Selena Gomez, this liquid-y tinted moisturizer is pretty impossible not to fall for. What I personally love most (and reviewers agree) is the blurring finish. It softens the look of pores, fine lines, and texture while evening out skin tone in one easy-peasy step.
Key Ingredients: Homosalate (chemical sunscreen); Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (mineral sunscreens); vitamin E (antioxidant)
SPF: 20
Coverage: Light to medium
What I Love: Blurring; Created (and used) by Selena Gomez, Can be applied with hands or a makeup brush;
What I Don't: Some reviewers experienced packaging leakage during travel
Customer review: "This is my most used complexion product of the year! I love it so much. It gives this gorgeous blurring effect to my acne-prone skin that makes me able to wear it confidently even without full coverage." — Sephora
If you run hot (same), and want a tinted moisturizer with SPF that won’t melt off your face by midday (also same), this sweatproof formula from Bobbi Brown has your back. It’s infused with skin-loving vitamins that hydrate, protect, and strengthen your barrier, while the sheer coverage melts in for that oh-so-coveted no-makeup-makeup finish.
Key Ingredients: Octinoxate (chemical sunscreen); Titanium dioxide (mineral sunscreen); Shea butter (softening); Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming);
SPF: 15
Coverage: Sheer to light
What I Love: Sweat-proof; Humidity-resistant; Uses vitamins to strengthen the skin barrier, brighten, even out tone, and provide antioxidant protection
What I Don't: Some reviewers found its watery texture a little messy
Customer review: "I just wore it to a concert where I sweat for 4 hours straight and it still looked amazing. As someone who loves a clean, no-makeup makeup look this is the perfect product for me! I have extremely sensitive skin and have zero issues with this product. I believe it’s due to the fact that it’s actually skincare and makeup rolled into one product. I also love that it has SPF!" — Sephora
What to Look For in Tinted Moisturizers With SPF
If you're looking for adequate sun protection, it's best to use a traditional sunscreen (with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30 or higher), rather than relying solely on a tinted moisturizer with SPF. That being said, think of the best hybrid products as an additional means of sun protection with all of the benefits of a tinted moisturizer.
Here's what else to consider when looking for a tinted moisturizer with SPF.
- Ingredients
Tinted moisturizers tend to have several skin-loving ingredients, allowing them to do double duty as makeup and skincare. In terms of ingredients, Dondero recommends looking out for hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. "Any face tints with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are a great find, because it’s going to add extra skincare benefits like plumping the skin, smoothing texture, and extra hydration," she explains.
Additionally, both Dondero and Mignano choose tinted moisturizers that only uses clean ingredients, meaning they are formulated without any phthalates, parabens, formaldehydes, sulfates, and other elements that may be harmful to you or the environment.
- Finish
Tinted moisturizers with SPF also have a range of different finishes, providing distinct looks depending on your skin type. If you have dry or combination skin, you may want to choose a tinted moisturizer with a glowy, radiant, or dewy finish. "I love any skin tints that have a glowy finish, because the glow will blur texture on the skin," adds Dondero. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, go with a matte finish to help keep unwanted shine at bay. And if you're not a fan of the glowy or matte look, you can't go wrong with a tinted moisturizer with a natural, second-skin finish.
How to Apply Tinted Moisturizer With SPF
Some makeup products can be tricky to apply, but tinted moisturizers aren't overly complicated. In fact, you don't even need a foundation brush—just your fingers will do. "I like to apply tinted moisturizer as if it were any other moisturizer, with my hands," says Mignano. I think that the warmth of your fingers really helps the product melt into your skin, making the product look as if it's a second layer of your beautiful skin, but better."
Simply rub the tinted moisturizer between your fingers and pat onto the skin. To ensure the tinted moisturizer lasts all day, Dondero says to make sure you set it with a setting powder.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Marie Claire has long been an authority on the fusion of makeup and SPF, covering everything from whether makeup with SPF is a real substitute for sunscreen to the best lip balms that offer sun protection—and everything in between.
Beauty Writer Marisa Petrarca brings nearly a decade of expertise to this story and has tested countless tinted moisturizers with SPF. For this story, she and former Marie Claire staffers consulted two professional makeup artists for their expert insight.
How We Tested
For this story, we sourced editor favorites and tested over 15 tinted moisturizers with SPF. We evaluated each formula based on texture, ease of application, and results. We also sourced editor favorites and evaluated online reviews.
Meet the Experts
For this story, we sourced editor favorites and tested over 20 tinted moisturizers with SPF. We evaluated each formula oil based on texture, how effortlessly it applied and blended into the skin, wearability, and overall performance—both instantly and after a full day of wear.
Mia is a pro makeup artist based in both L.A. and New York City. Her work has appeared on the runways of NYFW, in campaigns for Inked by Dani, Extensible Jewelry, Navy Hair Care (and more), and in editorial spreads.
Cat is a New York City-based makeup artist who was formally trained at the Make-Up Designory (MUD) in New York City, completing the Multi-Media Program. She has extensive experience in editorial and branded beauty looks. Some of her clients include Bethenny Frankel, Ellen Pompeo, Remi Bader, and Alex Cooper.
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