Is Your SPF Causing White Cast? Then You Need to Switch to a Tinted Sunscreen

Ask any dermatologist, beauty editor, or just about anyone who's into skincare and they'll preach about the benefits of using sunscreen daily. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunscreen helps to protect your skin from both painful sunburns and skin cancer.

In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that everyone use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day to protect their skin from harmful sun rays — and don't forget to reapply every 2 hours! This doesn't apply solely to your face: The AAD also suggests applying sunscreen to every part of your body not covered by clothing for as much protection as possible.

But one reason why many people skip sunscreen is simply because they don't like the look or feel of it on their complexion. Many sunscreens have, to say the least, lackluster formulas. Quite a few of them leave a sticky, tacky feel and white cast on the skin, which is especially frustrating for deeper skin tones.

Thankfully, a few brands now have tinted formulas that offer an alternative to plain white sunscreen. Though many of them aren't as universally skin tone-compatible as they claim, these tinted formulas do help to create an invisible veil that works with your complexion rather than against it. Plus, many of them come in numerous shades for everyone to enjoy!

The Best Tinted Sunscreens

• Best Overall: Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 PA++++
• Best Under Makeup: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Daily Tone Correcting Primer
• Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
• Best Compact: Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50
• Best Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
• Best for Oily Skin: Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
• Water-Resistant Formula: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
• Best Universal Tint: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
• Best Powder: Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Shield SPF 50

What to Consider

SPF

We can reiterate this enough: you need a broad-spectrum SPF! As stated earlier, make sure you grab a sunscreen with the AAD's recommended broad-spectrum SPF rating of at least 30, and reapply every two hours. You should also check if your sunscreen's formula is waterproof and/or sweat-resistant, and if so, check for how long their effects last. If your sunscreen isn't waterproof, then make sure you reapply every time you step in the pool or ocean — your skin will definitely thank you for the added protection.

Sunscreen Shade

Chances are, you're looking for a tinted sunscreen because most traditional formulas are too white and ashy. So think about your tinted options the same way you'd approach foundation; you should try to find the closest match to your skin tone. Although many tinted sunscreens are limited in their shade ranges in comparison to conventional complexion products, they're much more flexible and most can be used across 3-4 different skin tone shades because of their sheer formula. There are also tons of universally tinted shades that work across a variety of skin tones (but unfortunately, not all).

Skin Type

Tinted moisturizers have the amazing added benefit of , well, moisturizing your skin while evening your tone. Just like your usual moisturizer, you want to find one that works with your skin. That means oily skin types should opt for formulas that have mattifying benefits, and drier skin should be soothed with ultra-hydrating properties. Greasier skin types should look for oil-free formulas with balancing ingredients like vitamin C, while dry skin types should opt for sunscreens with quenching hyaluronic acid.

If you're sick of using unflattering traditional sunscreens, switch over to one of these tinted formulas for a barely-there look and feel.