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(Beauty Report Card)

These Tinted Sunscreens Are My Secret To Skipping Foundation All Summer

No-makeup makeup at its finest.

by Alison Syrett

Aug. 5, 2023

Alison Syrett

tinted sunscreens alison syrett

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Summer in NYC is a bit of a sweaty, sticky mess, but after 18 years of living here I have it down to a science. Step one? Invest in a high-powered air conditioner (two if you can swing it!). Next up? Stock up on soft, stretchy bike shorts to layer under all your mini dresses (because you definitely don’t want, ahem, certain parts of your body making contact with the subway seats). And finally? Switch all your heavy foundations for tinted sunscreens that pull double duty.

I’ve found these 2-in-1 formulas to be essential on days when my regular makeup is starting to melt off my face the second I put it on. After all, I’m going to wear SPF daily anyways, so why not pick one that sneakily evens out my skin tone? And in some cases, if I’m opting for a BB or CC creme (FYI, the difference is they focus on coverage and color correction, respectively), it’ll also do the work of a moisturizer and primer without inundating my face with too many tacky layers. IMO, a minimal, low-maintenance beauty routine is essential in hot, humid weather.

On days when going all but bare faced won’t do, tinted sunscreens also serve as the ultimate blank canvas for a few final touches. I usually go for a few spots of concealer, cream blush, and mascara — maybe pressed powder if I have a long day ahead — before running out the door. Keep scrolling below for the formulas I’ve been reaching for in 80+ degree temperatures, and the products I team with them.

5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizing Face Sunscreen

5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizing Face Sunscreen

Hydration, sun protection, and soothing properties? OK, overachiever. This one is a favorite to slather on before going for a long run with an indeterminate amount of shade.

EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

Founded as a wound care line, EltaMD has deep ties to the medical community and takes its formulations very seriously. I have a few of their SPFs in my arsenal, but I love this one for beach days when I need something powerful — but still want to look cute for pictures.

CCC Cream

I’m so obsessed with this creamy, blemish-erasing option that I use it year round in lieu of primer. In the winter, when I want heavier coverage, I’ll layer Westman Atelier complexion drops on top.

Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+

Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+

Some of the very best SPF selections out there are from French pharmacy brands, as they tend to be both extremely potent and gentle on sensitive skin. Both properties apply to this mineral sunscreen, which I’ve picked up more than a few times in Paris.

Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40

Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40

The name says it all: This little tube of magic provides super-changed sun protection and a subtle, lightly-tinted glow.

CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+

CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+

As someone who really struggled with hormonal acne in her 20s, I know the struggle of wanting to do a full beat when you really need to let your skin breathe. This stretchy, all-in-one cream is a nice compromise: It’s not too heavy, but still covers all your blemished in one go.

Revealer Concealer

Revealer Concealer

On days when my dark circles need a little extra TLC, I’ll dab on a few dots of this buildable concealer as well.

Cream Blush

Nutrient-Infused Cream Blush

In case you haven’t caught on, I just can’t resist a purchase that serves more than one purpose. In the case of this super-pigmented balm, that’s giving both my lips and cheeks a flushed, just-in-from-the-sun color.

Sport Waterproof Mascara

Sport Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara is a must in the depths of July and August — especially if you, like me, are constantly chasing after a manic preschooler and toddler in the depths of “water play.”

Boy Brow

If you really want to look “done” but only have a few minutes, a well-kept brow goes a long way. I am always dabbling in different gels, but find myself returning to this Glossier tube time and again.