The 9 Best Tinted SPFs for a Fresh, Glowy Base
When the mercury rises, the urge to swap out our full-coverage foundation for something lighter becomes impossible to ignore...
Whether you're jetting off to the Amalfi Coast or simply braving the Central Line in July, wearing a thick layer of foundation just feels wrong. But while some are blessed with naturally glowy, blemish-free skin that can brave the elements bare-faced, most of us need a little help to feel confident without our usual coverage. That’s where tinted SPF swoops in.
These multitasking marvels are the ultimate summer skin saviours. They offer crucial sun protection (no, you’re not off the hook), a hint of skin-evening pigment, and often, a dose of hydration or glow—all without that greasy, heavy feeling. Think of them as the ideal skin base for long, hot days: breathable, blendable, and buildable, with a little skincare magic thrown in.
And with TikTok's skincare girlies and beauty editors in perfect alignment on their love for tinted sunscreens, it’s safe to say they’re not just a seasonal fling- they’re here to stay. Whether you’re after a dewy finish, shine control, or barely-there radiance, there’s a formula that will slot seamlessly into your morning routine.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up nine of the best tinted SPFs to help you glow responsibly this summer. These are the cult icons, the new viral heroes, and the dermatologist-approved staples you’ll be reaching for on repeat.
Cult Beauty
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint - Shade 01
£42.00
The cool-girl skin tint of the season. With a breathable, barely-there texture and buildable pigment, this ticks every box: clean formula, skincare benefits, and that effortless Hailey Bieber glow.
Boots
Avene Ultra Fluid Tinted SPF50+ for Normal to Combination Skin 50ml
£17.20
This is my daily go-to on bright days when only a factor 50 will do. The coverage is fluid and light, taking the edge off blemishes and providing a soft focus finish. Perfection.
Boots
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30 Dawn 50ml
£36.50
Beloved by beauty editors and TikTok creators alike, this luminous sunscreen doubles as a glowy primer. It gives just a hint of tint while leaving skin impossibly radiant - perfect for those no-makeup makeup days.
Selfridges
Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 sunscreen 16ml
£39.00
Nature inspired brand Milk Makeup brings buildable coverage to your sun protection regime with its Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 sunscreen. Infused with moisturising powerhouse ingredients such as jojoba, avocado and grapeseed oils to hydrate your skin, the hardworking tinted formula also protects from UV damage (we've got the coral reef safe broad spectrum SPF 30, to thank for that).
Superdrug
Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Tinted Cream SPF 50 For Sensitive Skin
£21.99
Recommended by dermatologist worldwideLa Roche-Posayskincare formulated with high efficacy and safety standards to address a wide range of skin needs.
Rare Beauty
Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser
£29.00
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty isn’t just makeup - this hydrating tint gives light, breathable coverage and a subtle skincare glow. Bonus: the diverse shade range is excellent.
Beauty Pie
Luminous Mineral Skin Tint Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen (Light)
£16.50
Lightweight, non-greasy and rich in antioxidants, this sheer tint gives a healthy wash of colour and hydration, perfect for dull, tired complexions needing a quick boost.
Boots
Lancaster Infinite Bronze Tinted Protection Sunlight Cream SPF30 Light/Medium 50ml
£26.00
You've got skincare go-to Emma Hoareau to thank for this particular tip off. A European holiday in a tube, this glow-giving cream blends sun protection and bronzed pigment in one dreamy formula. Lightweight and subtly tinted, it leaves skin looking golden, smooth, and even-toned.
Saie
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
£29.00
Think your skin but dewier. This influencer-approved formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients and gives a soft-focus finish that’s practically made for selfies in golden hour.