What Does Tinted SPF Moisturizer Do and Which One Is Best for You?

Raise your hand if you spend an overwhelming part of your day in front of a screen ✋ Given the average American spends over seven hours in front of the screen each day, we’re guessing you also raised your hand (or at least mentally you did). While we know that excessive screen time can impact our physical and mental health, it might also negatively affect our skin. That’s where tinted skincare comes in; it helps block blue light emitted from electronic devices.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from what exactly tinted moisturizers are, their benefits, how to use them, and the best products on the market today. So, if you’re new to tinted skincare and interested in adding to your skincare routine, read on.

WHAT IS SPF TINTED MOISTURIZER AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

A tinted moisturizer is a hybrid skincare-makeup product that relies on iron oxide to add pigment and reflect visible light (aka blue light), which is beneficial for those with melasma or hyperpigmentation, says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, Samer Jaber, MD. As we’ve previously covered on The AEDITION, iron oxides are compounds that are derived from naturally-occurring mineral deposits. They come in various colors—red, yellow, brown, and black—and can be used in makeup and skincare products to add color, protect against visible light, and even out skin tone.

When using a tinted moisturizer with SPF, it offers protection against both visible light and ultraviolet (UV) rays; it has iron oxide to block visible light and ideally should have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to offer broad-spectrum protection and protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

HOW ARE TINTED MOISTURIZERS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER TINTED PRODUCTS?

Often used interchangeably with tinted foundations, tinted moisturizers are slightly different. While they both even out skin tone, tinted moisturizers lay a canvas for the application of additional makeup products, says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD.

Unlike traditional foundations, tinted moisturizers offer much more lightweight and sheer coverage; they’re a great option for those who want a natural look and work well for most skin types. However, those who want to look more done-up or need fuller coverage will want to stick with a traditional foundation. Since standard foundations are much thicker, they’re better at concealing and hiding imperfections. They’re both great options, but it ultimately boils down to the individual’s skin needs and the usage occasion.

HOW DO YOU APPLY SPF TINTED MOISTURIZER FOR THE BEST RESULTS?

When it comes to applying a tinted moisturizer, you’ll want to apply it like a regular foundation, using a sponge and/or brush for seamless coverage. From there, you can continue to layer your makeup products as you normally would.

While we had originally thought SPF tinted moisturizers were do-it-all products, the experts burst our bubble a bit: you still need to apply sunscreen despite it having SPF formulated in it. According to Dr. Camp, you shouldn’t rely on the SPF in your makeup alone to protect your skin from the sun. Instead, he says that you should apply sunscreen in the morning prior to applying makeup.

“People are often very good about applying sunscreen at the beginning of the day or upon arriving at a beach or pool, but often slip when it comes to reapplication,” Dr. Camp says. “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying SPF about every two hours when outdoors or after swimming or sweating.”

If you’re like us, you’re probably wondering: but, won’t the sunscreen mess up my makeup? Both experts recommend SPF setting sprays (their favorites in the paragraphs below), which can extend the life of your makeup and protect your skin from the sun.

WHAT ARE THE BEST TINTED SPF MOISTURIZERS ON THE MARKET?

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 A long-time favorite of the AEDIT team, this product is marketed as a tinted moisturizer but offers buildable coverage like a foundation. Available in 19 shades and is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and olive-derived squalane to help hydrate and moisturize the skin. $39, bareminerals.com

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Recommended by Dr. Jaber, the NARS tinted moisturizer hydrates and evens out skin tone with sheer, buildable coverage. It’s also non-acnegenic, so it won’t clog pores. Available in 16 different shades and formulated with vitamin C to help brighten complexion. $49, narscosmetics.com

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30 Another favorite of Dr. Jaber’s, this Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is best suited for those with dry, combo, or normal skin. Available in 20 different shades and in a standard or mini size. Its product description boasts 24 hour hydration and up to 16 hours of wear. $50, lauramercier.com

Neutrogena Purescreen+ Moisturizer SPF 30 If you're looking for a budget conscious option, AEDIT Founder and board- certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. William Kennedy, MD, recommends Neutrogena Purescreen+ Moisturizer. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, this drugstore gem is formulated with 21.6% zinc oxide and 3.2% titanium dioxide, providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays while nourishing skin to promote a healthy complexion. $15, amazon.com

Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 32 For people with blemish prone or sensitive skin, Dr. Kennedy is a fan of Kinships’ Self Reflect Mineral Sunscreen. Utilizing 22.4% non-nano zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, this dynamic product also provides skin barrier support and is enriched with turmeric, a powerful antioxidant that helps soothe and improve the appearance of damaged skin. $32, lovekinship.com

THREE EXPERT-RECOMMENDED SPF SETTING SPRAYS

To prolong your makeup’s lifespan, these are three of Dr. Camp’s favorite SPF setting sprays. For optimal sun protection, you’ll want to reapply every two hours.

Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray Formulated with watermelon extract, kakadu plum, and hyaluronic acid, the Naked Sundays setting spray offers SPF 50+ protection with invisible coverage. It comes in three different sizes, making it easy to pop in your bag when on-the-go. $35, us.nakedsundays.com

Coola Makeup Setting Spray Coola’s setting spray protects the skin with SPF 30 protection that’s lightweight, water-resistant, and absorbs excess oil for a matte finish. $36, coola.com

Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Set + Protect Makeup Setting Spray The soleil Toujours water-resistant makeup setting mist has hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin, vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, and SPF 30 for sun protection. $42, soleiltoujours.com