Sally Foran: How to find your perfect shade and coverage in a tinted SPF

In years past, tinted SPFs had one 'universal' shade. Today's formulas have had a serious glow-up

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025 - 15:06

Sally Foran

The tinted SPF has entered a new era.

I’m a longtime lover of tinted SPFs, but as most only had one ‘universal’ shade, I never quite achieved my desired coverage or shade – until now.

Tinted sunscreens have had a serious glow up, with a whole new generation of formulas that offer broad-spectrum protection and the kind of coverage you’d expect from a proper foundation.

These aren’t just moisturisers with a tint, they’re sunscreens that come in multiple shades (shade inclusivity is finally here!) with skin-loving ingredients that wear beautifully on the skin.

This shift is called the “skincareification” of suncare, where SPF is no longer just about UV protection but also about nurturing the skin.

Think ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and ceramides blended into your sunscreen. You’re not just protecting your skin from the sun, you’re improving it too.

Tinted SPFs, especially mineral ones, also offer a unique benefit – blue light protection.

The iron oxides that give them their tint also protect against visible light (including blue light) which is especially important for preventing pigmentation as well as darkening of existing pigmentation and acne scars.

Ensure adequate SPF application

Did you know the ideal amount of sunscreen is about two fingers’ worth for the face and neck? Most people don’t use this much.

And if they did, especially with a tinted formula, it could look heavy.

The solution? Apply your favourite untinted sunscreen first, and then layer your tinted SPF over it for extra coverage and protection.

That way, you get the best of both worlds, adequate sun protection and a beautiful, even complexion.

And remember, the same rule applies with SPF in foundation and moisturiser.

Plus, did you know, unless a product is labelled and regulated as a sunscreen, there’s no guarantee it offers broad-spectrum protection (ie protection from both UVA and UVB rays).

In the EU, sunscreen products are required to have UVA protection equal to at least a third of the SPF, but this rule doesn’t apply to tinted moisturisers or makeup with added SPF.

So while these might prevent burning, they might not protect you from UVA rays that cause premature ageing and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Our top recommendations

Colorescience Sunforgettable Flex SPF 50

This viral hybrid, offers lightweight, antioxidant-rich protection with colour correcting coverage in six flexible shades. €49, pharestore.ie

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Huez Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30

A sheer, glow boosting mineral SPF with skincare benefits, available in 10 flexible shades that suit a wide range of skin tones without white cast. It hydrates, protects, and gives a natural skin like finish. €37.45, Boots.

Beauty of Joseon SPF 40

Comes in 12 adaptable tones with botanical boosters like mugwort and fermented rice extract. Lightweight and glowy, it blends beautifully with no white cast. €20, Look Fantastic.