The importance of wearing SPF is well documented. It's the non-negotiable product that all experts agree should be worn every day, rain or shine, to protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. In turn, it helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and slow down the signs of aging. "We can prevent up to 80 per cent of skin aging by using daily sunscreen correctly, all year round," says Dr. Sam Bunting. "That's a lot to play for."
But are you wearing it correctly? Many dermatologists say we are missing the mark when it comes to proper application. Even as a beauty editor, I spent many years of my life smearing just one pump of SPF onto my face, and rarely applied it beneath the jawline. That is until I learned a clever method for foolproof application.
Dr. Garshick, Lujan, and Glamour senior visual editor Lauren Brown recommend Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, making it one of only two products approved by a derm, makeup artist, and editor.
"Available in two versions, one that is oil-free, this tinted moisturizer delivers a natural finish while still helping to camouflage blemishes," says Dr. Garshick. It is also formulated with SPF 30, allowing it to provide the extra benefit of sun protection, and it's infused with tamarind seed sxtract to help retain moisture, as well as vitamin C and E for antioxidant support."
As for how it looks on? "I highly recommend Laura Mercier's oil-free tinted moisturizer as it's great for problematic skin, and the coverage is so good that you'll be glowing," says Brown. "No need for any foundation afterwards!"
$53.00, Nordstrom
Ilia's skin tint is tied for best, with Dr. Garshick, Katz, and senior west coast editor Jessica Radloff strongly suggesting the best-seller.
"This lightweight tinted moisturizer provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin," says Dr. Garshick. "This product is gluten-free and free of silicones, fragrance, chemical sunscreen filters and is oil-free so won't clog pores." Plus, Katz points out that it comes in 30 shades.
Radloff agrees. "Thanks to niacinamide , squalane, and hyaluronic acid, my skin is dewy, glowy, and protected from the sun." And, again, my mother hasn't stopped talking to me about how much she loves it for months, and she is very picky when it comes to this kind of thing.
$48.00, Sephora
$37.00, Sephora
Both Garshick and staff writer Hanna Lustig love Colorescience's Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex. "While technically not listed as a tinted moisturizer, this lightweight broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide 12%, iron oxide, antioxidants and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA and UVB, blue light, pollution and infrared radiation, while also hydrating the skin," says Garshick. "It is available in 4 different shades, making it easy to blend with your skin for natural coverage and uses iron oxide pigments to adapt to your specific tone, without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it good for all skin types."
"This trusty tint might be the only product I use everyday regardless of season or context," Lustig says. "Oily skin girlies, don't let the cushiony texture deter you! The formula is hydrating enough to glide over dry patches and problem areas, but within minutes it dries down to a semi-matte finish with surprisingly substantial coverage."
$49.00, Dermstore
$.00, Sephora
$32.00, Revolve
$32.00, Ulta
$36.00, Sephora
$11.00, Target
$18.00, Target
$55.00, AziMD Skincare
$42.00, Sephora
$90.00, Bloomingdales
$80.00, Dermstore
$46.00, Sephora
$47.00, Ulta
$41.00, Ulta
$50.00, Dermstore
$52.00, Sephora
$42.00, Sephora
$45.00, Walmart
"You need a quarter of a teaspoon (or 1.25ml) of sunscreen for the face and the same again for the neck," Dr. Bunting explains. "Or, you can use the two finger - your index and middle fingers - rule for ease. I recommend people use the 13 dot technique to ensure you cover the skin evenly, without missing bits out. Just like painting a wall, you want (and need) an even layer." This technique couldn't be easier: simply dot 13 fingerprints of SPF across the face, then rub it in.
It's a great way to feel confident that you are fully protected from the sun, and not under-doing it on the good stuff. It's also worth noting that the dose you must use to get the protection promised on the packaging is the same for all sunscreens, so even if you're wearing a higher factor, it doesn't mean you should reduce the amount you're applying - stick to the same technique.
Both Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, and Glamour staff writer Hanna Lustig love Colorescience's Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex. "This lightweight broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide 12%, iron oxide, antioxidants, and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA and UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation, while also hydrating the skin," says Dr. Garshick. "It is available in four different shades, making it easy to blend with your skin for natural coverage, and uses it iron oxide pigments to adapt to your specific tone, without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it good for all skin types."
Lustig adds that "this trusty tint might be the only product I use every day regardless of season or context." "Oily-skin girlies, don't let the cushiony texture deter you! The formula is hydrating enough to glide over dry patches and problem areas, but within minutes it dries down to a semi-matte finish with surprisingly substantial coverage."
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$49.00, Dermstore
If you struggle with acne and breakouts, Dr. Garshick recommends the Hailey Bieber-approved EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum sunscreen. "This is a great option for those with acne-prone skin as in addition to offering broad-spectrum coverage, it also contains niacinamide, which calms and soothes the skin, reducing inflammation and redness that may be associated with acne flares," she says. "It is also hydrating as it contains hyaluronic acid and can be used daily. It is also oil-free and non-comedogenic which is especially important when it comes to finding a good sunscreen with acne-prone skin and the tint helps to camouflage blemishes." No wonder Bieber is such a fan.
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$43.00, Dermstore
With nearly 10,000 five-star reviews, it's no wonder this budget-friendly pick is another derm-favorite. "This sunscreen not only offers broad spectrum protection but also provides a natural tint, while also nourishing the skin as it contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E," says Dr. Garshick. "It is lightweight, oil-free, absorbs easily, and is great for all skin types."
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$28.00, Amazon
Senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco loves wearing Supergoop's cult-favorite Glowscreen for brightening coverage and SPF-especially on vacation. "Beach vacations are the best vacations, which is problematic for me personally for a number of reasons: I'm on prescription retinol, which leaves my skin super vulnerable to UV rays; my skin is tan, so any white cast from sunscreen almost always shows up; and I want to look cute in all my vacation photos but don't want to melt in full makeup," she says. "SuperGoop's sunscreen addresses all these problems, with strong SPF 40 coverage, zero white cast, and the most beautiful glowy, sun-kissed tint."
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$38.00, Sephora
Tower28's foundation took home a Glamour Beauty Award last year for the best clean foundation, but since the formula is so lightweight, we consider it more of a tinted SPF than foundation. "I didn't expect to fall in love with Tower 28's tinted sunscreen foundation, mainly because most tinted sunscreens soak right into my skin and offer no real coverage," senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff first said in her review. "If I'm buying something that's tinted-whether it's sunscreen or foundation-you'd better believe I want coverage! And this does it perfectly. My skin looks airbrushed and smooth, making it easier to apply bronzer and blush, and it lasts all day. I'm obsessed." Prickly pear and white sage extract in the formula additionally help protect skin from blue light and free radicals, respectively.
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$32.00, Sephora
"Live Tinted's Hueguard has become a mainstay in my beauty routine," says Yaptangco. "This mineral SPF makes it easy to apply sunscreen without having to think about it, since it serves as both primer and moisturizer. On days when I don't feel like wearing makeup, I'll slather this on, and it gives my face a subtle, filter-like coverage. I also need to shout out the fact that this is a mineral sunscreen, which is very difficult to formulate without a white cast. It's no surprise, given the brand was built around creating beauty products for women of color."
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$32.00, Ulta
Dr. Garshick also recommends Saie's Slip Tint tinted moisturizer, which other experts have also cosigned as a great tinted moisturizer for mature skin. "Available in many different shades, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and licorice root to brighten," she says. "It uses zinc oxide to provide SPF 35 protection and is easy to apply."
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$36.00, Sephora
Got dark spots? While the SPF provides protection from the sun, brightening niacinamide and tranexamic acid work together to reduce pigmentation. This water-resistant sunscreen from the Glamour-editor-loved SkinCeuticals feels as light and comfortable as a face serum in your skin-care lineup, and the single tint offers light coverage for immediate radiance. "This splurge-worthy mineral sunscreen incorporates both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage while also improving overall skin tone and radiance," says Dr. Garshick. "It is a lightweight formulation that absorbs easily while offering a universal tint, without leaving behind a greasy or white residue. It can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin as it is paraben-free and fragrance-free."
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$42.00, Dermstore
If you're looking for makeup coverage as much as sun protection, this tinted moisturizer is a must. Available in 20 shades to accommodate a variety of skin tones, the velvety formula delivers of boost of moisture too: "Available in two versions, one that is oil-free, this tinted moisturizer delivers a natural finish while still helping to camouflage blemishes," says Dr. Garshick. "It is also formulated with SPF 30, allowing it to provide the extra benefit of sun protection, and it's infused with tamarind seed extract to help retain moisture, as well as vitamin C and E for antioxidant support." As for how it looks on? "I highly recommend Laura Mercier's oil-free tinted moisturizer, as it's great for problematic skin, and the coverage is so good that you'll be glowing," says senior visuals editor Lauren Brown. "No need for any foundation afterward!" Oh, and Meghan Markle has vouched for it too.
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$49.00, Sephora
If you want a budget-friendly drugstore option, "this oil-free tint leaves the skin with a natural glow as it also incorporates vitamins A, C and E," says Dr. Garshick. "It can be applied and reapplied throughout the day."
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$20.00, Target
As affordable as it is beloved, CeraVe's tinted mineral sunscreen delivers a glow while the mineral formula (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Meanwhile, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help maintain moisture alongside ceramides, which are lipids naturally found in (and key for replenishing) the skin barrier. Though the non-greasy formula is slightly thicker than others on our list, it still blends into the skin for comfortable wear. "This Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint used mineral blockers to provide coverage against UVA and UVB. Great for all skin types, it uses a tint to blend with all skin tones," says Dr. Garshick. "Containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it supports the skin barrier and boosts moisture."
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$17.00, Ulta
"Providing SPF 36 protection, this lightweight all mineral sunscreen offers tinted coverage to leave the skin glowing," say Dr. Garshick. "It is fragrance-free and also contains antioxidants to protect the skin from pollution, radiation, and blue light."
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$64.00, Alastin
Thanks to the brand's proprietary antioxidant complex, this sunscreen acts like three skin-care products in one: an antioxidant serum, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer. The result? Smooth, firm skin that stays that way over time. It also has blue-light protecting iron oxide as well as super-sheer coverage, allowing it to disappear beneath makeup. "I am on my third order and will continue using it," says one reviewer on Dermstore who spends most of her day outside. "It gives very light coverage and the protection is great. I am 68 and work outside mowing and trying to take care of 4 acres. I have not had any problems with sunburn etc. I would recommend this product!"
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$63.00, SkinStore
"This all-in-one mineral sunscreen and moisturizer is a great option for daily use," Dr. Garshick says of Revision Skincare's Intellishade Matte Age-Defying Tinted Moisturizer. "It contains antioxidants to help fight free radical damage and protect the skin from other environmental stressors. It simultaneously brightens and hydrated and also contains iron oxides which can help to provide added protection against blue light."
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$48.00, Dermstore
Part SPF, part skin-care product, this daily moisturizing tint promotes healthy, hydrated skin with a blend of squalane (to support skin's all-important moisture barrier) and bisabolol and chamomile, which work in tandem to nourish and calm irritation. Plus, it's available in 10 shades for light to medium coverage.
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$50.00, Dermstore
Both senior commerce Talia Abbas and I are fans of Tatcha's silk sunscreen. "What stood out to me when I first applied the product was the color-it has a beige shade to it, almost as if it were a tinted moisturizer-and a supremely lightweight texture," Abbas says in her review. "The product goes on sheer, though, absorbs quickly, and leaves zero white cast on skin, making it blendable for even deeper skin tones. In addition to the smooth application, you get this kind of lit-from-within glow that's unlike any other SPF product I've tried, which normally just sits on top of skin because of a thicker, creamier texture. My skin also feels super hydrated with the Tatcha Silk Sunscreen, thanks to the addition of calming niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which is what gives skin that dewy look."
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$62.00, Sephora
With the most extensive shade range (30 tints, for those keeping track), this liquid serum goes on smoothly and blends flawlessly, delivering an even complexion that appears dewy and refreshed. Free of oil and fragrance, this formula also delivers a boost of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid-making it an ideal swap for foundation in the summer. "This lightweight tinted moisturizer provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin," says Dr. Garshick. "This product is gluten-free and free of silicones, fragrance, and chemical sunscreen filters, and is oil-free so won't clog pores."
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$48.00, Sephora
If you're prone to grease, you can't go wrong with a matte finish. This reef-safe mineral SPF comes in two shades so you can match it to your skin tone for an even complexion. It's also noncomedogenic and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a winner for beach days or outdoor workouts. "The [fair to light] color is great for my fair skin. Other brands are too yellow or muddy looking on me. Or they are greasy feeling, making it come off every time you touch your face or blow your nose," explains one Amazon reviewer. "This one has a creamy texture with more coverage than others-which is exactly what I want to even out my rosacea areas-without being heavy-looking at all. And I love that it is reef-friendly since I'll be scuba diving next week!"
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$18.00, Amazon
This tinted lotion uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to deliver protection, and comes in two shades for a closer color match without a white cast. It imparts a sheer tint, making it ideal for that no-makeup makeup look.
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$22.00, Target
As someone with super sensitive and oily skin, I'm openly obsessed with Kosas' SPF-spiked foundation, so I was obviously thrilled when the brand released a dedicated sunscreen. I'm happy to report that it does not disappoint. Formulated with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, this lightweight mineral SPF plumps, hydrates, and smooths skin. A subtle peachy-pink hue color corrects redness and leaves your complexion even and glowing. Oh, and it manages to pull all this off without clogging pores or causing excess oil production. I sported this all day long in the Miami heat and humidity and my usually finicky skin just loved it; DreamBeam is definitely one of my top spring and summertime skin care staples.
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$40.00, Sephora
"Right out of the pot, this looks like a tinted moisturizer that would work for the Wicked Witch of the West and the green M&M and no one else. (It's green.) On my face, however, it somehow melts from green to the exact color of my skin, neutralizing the ever-present redness under my nose and softening some residual post-pregnancy melasma on my cheek," says Kimberly Fusaro, executive director of brand marketing and branding content at Condé Nast. "The tint is subtle but buildable, but the color doesn't settle into my pores the way foundation tends to. And because it's made with mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), the cream has a matte finish that's just right for my on-the-oiler-side skin."
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$21.00, Sephora
Matte finish? Check. Light tint? Check. Safe for sensitive skin? Check, check check. Not only is this mineral-based moisturizer SPF enjoyable (and easy) to blend into your face, but the formula is also both paraben- and fragrance-free, allergy tested, and powered by iron oxide for that extra blue-light bonus. "I really love this sunscreen," one Ulta reviewer wrote. "It blends well, doesn't sting my sensitive skin or eyes, and gives nice light coverage. There is a little bit of transfer but if you're worried about that, just lock it in with a light dusting of your favorite translucent powder."
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$39.00, Ulta
Though SPF has built-in antiaging benefits, Paula's Choice sunscreen takes it a step further. Its mineral-based formula is packed with antioxidants, including grape-derived resveratrol, to repair and defend against damage, while a soothing combo of willow bark extract and bisabolol nixes irritation. Perfect for pre-makeup application, the silky texture leaves a soft matte finish.
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$37.00, Sephora
According to Dr. Bunting, another common mistake is missing key areas, such as the hairline, eyelid, and ears. Not to mention neglecting to reapply. "No sunscreen provides reliable protection after two hours so you do need to reapply regularly-I recommend using tinted sunscreen in summer, which does double duty as your base, making it easier to reapply throughout the day since you won't disturb a layer of foundation."
As someone with super sensitive and oily skin, I'm openly obsessed with Kosas' SPF-spiked foundation, so I was obviously thrilled when the brand released a dedicated sunscreen. I'm happy to report that it does not disappoint. Formulated with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, this lightweight mineral SPF plumps, hydrates, and smooths skin. A subtle peachy-pink hue color corrects redness and leaves your complexion even and glowing. Oh, and it manages to pull all this off without clogging pores or causing excess oil production. I sported this all day long in the Miami heat and humidity and my usually finicky skin just loved it; DreamBeam is definitely one of my top spring and summertime skin care staples.
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$40.00, Sephora
$40.00, Dr. Sam Bunting
$32.00, Walmart
$26.00, Target
$30.00, LookFantastic
This story originally appeared on British Vogue.