Sun protection products tinted with color are widely available; if you're curious about their advantages, let's delve into it.
Curious about what a tinted sunscreen is? You're not alone - it seems like every skincare brand has jumped on the bandwagon this year.
These days, the best facial sunscreens are getting better and better each year. In the past, we had to deal with sticky, heavy creams that left a ghost-like white cast. But now, we've got feather-light serums that are a pleasure to apply. Let's face it, there are plenty of benefits to wearing sunscreen daily, so it's great that they're improving!
The latest trend in suncare is tinted sunscreen - a blend of skincare and makeup. But just what is tinted sunscreen, and how do they work? We spoke to an expert to get the lowdown and help decide if they're worth adding to your skincare routine.
The Scoop on Tinted Sunscreens - Expert Opinions
So, what exactly is a tinted sunscreen? Skincare expert and MD of Ultrasun UK, Abi Cleeve, explains, "A tinted sunscreen delivers high UVA and UVB protection with an added tint for a glow and a little coverage. They're similar to a BB cream or tinted moisturiser, but with added protection. It's a terrific way to simplify your skincare routine without sacrificing daily UV protection."
What Makes Them Different?
In essence, these formulas have a slight tint of color, contrasting with traditional formulas that look more like a white cream or clear gel. They're essentially a happy medium between your favorite tinted moisturizer and your preferred sunscreen - the coverage is usually very sheer.
They're quite similar to a tinted moisturizer with SPF, but there's one crucial difference. A tinted sunscreen is skincare first, makeup second, whereas with the former, it's more about makeup first, skin protection second. In Cleeve's words, "Think of it as protection first, and the tint as a wonderful bonus."
Effectiveness and Application
"Yes, as long as they are formulated to offer high UVA and UVB protection levels," assures Cleeve. Check that the formula you choose is broad-spectrum (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB), and opt for a minimum of SPF30.
The application process is the same as for your regular facial sunscreen, says Cleeve. "A good quality tinted sunscreen will be designed to apply the recommended amount with an even tint distribution across the face." It's also easy to see where you've applied, ensuring good coverage and protection.
The Proper Amount to Apply
"The same amount should be applied as with your regular facial sunscreen," explains Cleeve. That's about a teaspoon's worth - or two finger lengths of the formula.
Don't forget to reapply your sunscreen on days with high levels of UV. Dermatologists recommend reapplying every three hours, or immediately after sweating or being in water.
Three Fantastic Tinted Sunscreens - Our Recommendations
12 shades available
RRP: £17
This tinted sunscreen from a popular Korean brand has a devoted fanbase, and it's now available at Boots. The 12 shades adapt well to all skin tones, and we adore the finish, which is just the right balance between matte and radiant - neither too shiny nor flat.
High Protection LevelRRP: £32
Although it's only available in one shade, it adapts impressively to suit all skin tones. Lighter skin tones will be left with a warm wash of coverage (but crucially, not orange), while darker complexions will enjoy an evened-out appearance with zero white cast. It's also a highly protective formulation, specifically designed to combat and reduce the appearance of pigmentation.
Radiant FinishRRP: £40.80
This formula gives you an immediate luminous appearance. Wear it under your base for a subtle glow, or wear it alone for a naturally radiant complexion. This brand offers numerous SPF-in infused makeup products, from foundations to bronzers and blushers, to keep your entire makeup regimen stocked with protection.
- Tinted sunscreens, a blend of skincare and makeup, have become the latest trend in health-and-wellness, making it easier to simplify one's skincare routine without sacrificing daily UV protection.
- In the realm of facial sunscreens, the best ones are now offering feather-light serums that provide high UVA and UVB protection, replacing the past heavy and sticky creams.
- A skincare expert, Abi Cleeve, MD of Ultrasun UK, asserts that tinted sunscreens deliver protection with a glow and a slight coverage, akin to a BB cream or tinted moisturizer but with added sun protection.
- Tinted sunscreens are different from traditional sunscreens as they have a slight tint of color, functioning as a happy medium between favorite tinted moisturizers and preferred sunscreens, offering very sheer coverage.
- Home-and-garden retailer Boots now stocks a popular Korean brand's tinted sunscreen, delivering wellness and beauty benefits while providing daily UV protection for skin.
- When selecting a tinted sunscreen, ensure it is broad-spectrum, offering both UVA and UVB protection, and has a minimum of SPF30 for maximum effectiveness, making it a vital component in one's health-and-wellness and fashion-and-beauty lifestyle.
