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There’s no doubt about it: Tinted moisturizers with SPF in them are extremely popular these days. Part makeup, part skincare, you get the best of both worlds without cluttering up your makeup bag. But how much do we actually know about their benefits?

A tinted moisturizer with SPF offers light coverage, while providing protection against UBA/UVB rays and blue light. “They are often lightweight, so they layer easily without clogging pores. They also help seal in moisture to keep skin hydrated, while protecting your skin from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as sunburn and sun damage,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. While you can use a tinted moisturizer all year round, it’s especially nice during the warmer months.

Not all tinted moisturizers with SPF are created equal. The amount of protection offered in these products can range anywhere between SPF 10 to 30+. And even if a tinted moisturizer has 30+ written on the product, that doesn’t give you a pass to skip on your traditional face sunscreen. “I personally do not rely on the sunscreen in a tinted moisturizer alone because the most common mistake we make with sunscreen is that we aren’t applying enough of it,” explains Dr. Fatima Fahs , a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan and founder of Dermy Doc Box.

Fahs also mentioned that just because a tinted moisturizer has SPF in it doesn’t mean it protects against everything. “Lots of products will list an SPF number, which is an indicator of UVB protection but no mention of being "broad spectrum,” which means the product has both UVA and UVB protection,” Fahs tells us.

Bottom line: If you’re spending more than two hours in the sun, you need to apply more sunscreen. Dr. Fahs recommends applying a layer before your tinted moisturizer for adequate coverage. (And yes, you should also reapply your sunscreen later in the day as well. Luckily, there are powders and sprays that you can top things off with that won’t disrupt your makeup.)

Since tinted moisturizers are so emollient, you can apply them using your fingertips. First, use the dot method (aka applying dots of the product all over your face) before massaging the tinted moisturizer into your skin. If you want a more airbrushed finish, you can pat it in using a sponge or a fluffy makeup brush.

What Should I Look for In a Tinted Moisturizer?

There are a ton of tinted moisturizers on the market. However, take into consideration these five features when shopping to avoid mindlessly browsing the beauty aisles.

Now that you’re caught up on all things tinted moisturizers, here are the 20 best tinted moisturizers with SPF to show now.

RELATED: You Only Need 3 Products to Get the Glowiest Skin of Your Life This Summer

1. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint Best Shade Ranges

Pros: SPF 40, 30 shades, dewy finish

Cons: Scent, not great for acne-prone skin

This tinted serum offers a dewy coverage, sun protection and a hydrating boost. The clean formula (which features hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide) plumps the skin, while the broad-spectrum based SPF 40 protects against UVA/UVB rays, blue light and pollution. With over 7,000+ raving reviews (and an overwhelming approval from PureWow editors), it’s a crowd favorite for all skin tones and types.

2. Chantecaille Just Skin Best Splurge

Pros: SPF 15, vegan, sheer finish Cons: Limited shade range, thicker consistency

This 3-in-1 tinted moisturizer evens your natural complexion, smooths fine lines and protects against harsh rays. It’s formulated with botanical extracts like edelweiss, honeysuckle and green tea, as well as sodium hyaluronate to soothe and shield your skin.

3. Maybelline New York Dream BB Fresh Cream Best Drugstore

Pros: SPF 30, oil-free, sheer finish

This BB cream blends like a dream and is only $9. Whether you have dull, dry or sensitive skin, the SPF 30 and oil-free formula will give you even coverage without clogging your pores.

4. Erborian CC Red Correct Best for Redness

Pros: SPF 25, color-adapting coverage, radiant finish

Cons: Super light coverage, pricey

If you’re prone to redness, look no further than this CC cream. The lightweight formula evens out your complexion and protects against UV rays that cause redness, dark spots and wrinkles in the first place. Use a pea-sized amount on its own or add it to your moisturizer for a radiant glow.

5. Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Best for Sensitive Skin

Pros: SPF 30, 14 shades, natural finish

Cons: Not great for very dry skin

This 2-in-1 was created with sensitive and acne-prone skin in mind. The sunscreen-foundation hybrid offers buildable coverage without feeling cakey or heavy on the skin. Its lightweight formula features zinc oxide, prickly pear extract and white sage extract to protect against sun damage, even redness and soothe stressed skin. PureWow’s beauty director, Jenny Jin, gives this one her stamp of approval for leaving a natural finish.

6. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer Best Coverage

Pros: SPF 50, 12 shades, satin finish

Cons: Thick consistency, too dry for some

This tinted moisturizer might make you break up with your foundation once and for all. In just one to two pumps, you’ll get the full coverage you’re looking for while still getting that “no-makeup” makeup look. Thanks to the 3D Skin Flex technology used, it allows the product to adjust to your skin tone and texture, so you’re left with a comfortable and natural finish. The key seven ingredients (including fermented sugarcane, coconut water and black tea) improve elasticity and prevent moisture loss in the skin.

7. Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Best for Dull Skin

Pros: SPF 30, vegan, matte finish

Cons: Limited shade range, some shades may oxidize

This tinted primer offers medium coverage and sun protection (which is our top priority), as well as a few other benefits. The formula contains a triple B-complex that brightens, smoothes and softens, which is a plus for dull, dry and/or combo skin. Fans also love that it goes the extra mile, lasting up to a whopping 12 hours while still feeling velvety smooth after a long day.

8. Supergoop! CC Screen CC Cream Best Clean Formula

Pros: SPF 50+, 13 shades, natural finish

Cons: Thick consistency, not great for acne-prone skin

This Supergoop! pick is a favorite in the clean beauty space. The oil-free formula (featuring apple, Irish moss and red seaweed extract) gives medium coverage, while protecting the skin with zinc oxide.

9. Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Best Newcomer

Pros: SPF 20, 24 shades, radiant finish

Cons: Little to no coverage for hyperpigmentation

Yes, we’re obsessed with Rare Beauty’s blushes, but the tinted moisturizer is slowly becoming another favorite from the line. The liquid formula offers light coverage, a boost of hydration and an all-around radiant finish. Its weightless consistency leaves room to blend and blur any imperfections without ever feeling oily or greasy.

10. Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer Most Longwearing

Pros: SPF 25, 20 shades, dewy finish

Cons: Not great for oily skin

This tinted moisturizer promises dewy coverage for up to 24 hours and they weren’t kidding. The key ingredient—hyaluronic acid—continues to keep your skin moisturized well after you apply it. The lightweight formula also prevents creasing or caking from occurring.

11. Undefined RR Sun Serum Best Serum

Pros: SPF 50+, Black-owned, radiant finish

Cons: Strong scent, runny texture

The clean formula (it includes ingredients like tremella mushroom, jojoba oil, vitamin E and niacinamide) makes this a winner in our books. The combo absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving behind a radiant glow and the SPF 50 ensures that your face is protected against UVA/UVB, pollution and blue light. Plus, the universal shade works well on all skin tones.

12. Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream Best for Hyperpigmentation

Pros: SPF 35, 18 shades, natural finish

Cons: Can be drying for some

Whether you have dark spots, rosacea or redness, this color-correcting cream will give you flawless coverage (like a photo filter). The tinted moisturizer has vitamin C to brighten discoloration and flaxseed extract to soften and smooth the overall texture of your skin. All you need is two pumps to for full coverage.

13. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Best Radiant Finish

Pros: SPF 30, 16 shades, radiant finish

With “pure radiant” in the name, you can expect the glow of your dreams. The vitamin C and French Polynesian kopara combo evens out and refines your skin for a brighter, smoother complexion.

14. Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Sunscreen Best for Dry Skin

Pros: SPF 30, 14 shades, sheer finish

Cons: The applicator can be tricky to apply product

When it comes to dry skin, hydrating ingredients are key. Thankfully, this skin tint is formulated with squalene and an oil blend (i.e. grapeseed, avocado, jojoba, olive and mandarin oil) to moisturize and plump the skin. Use the applicator to pinpoint the areas you want coverage and use your fingertips to blend it in.

15. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Moisturizer Best for Oily Skin

Pros: SPF 30, 16 shades, natural finish, expert-approved

Cons: Not great for super dry or acne-prone skin

This gel-cream moisturizer is packed with hyaluronic acid, squalene and a mineral-based sunscreen. It hydrates and protects the skin, while evening your complexion. A dime-size amount is all you’ll need for adequate coverage—minus the shiny T-zone and excess oil. “I love that this comes in multiple shades. It has medium coverage and is good for creating that effortless, no-makeup look,” shares Fahs.

16. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Most Hydrating

Pros: SPF 30, 20 shades, natural finish

Cons: Thin consistency, may cause pilling

This tinted moisturizer hydrates with a capital H. The formula features macadamia seed oil, kukui seed oil and tamarind seed extract to lock in moisture while reducing any signs of dry skin. And don’t forget the SPF 30 that makes sure your dewy look is protected and effortless.

17. Lancôme Skin Feels Good Hydrating Skin Tint Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Pros: SPF 23, 15 shades, radiant finish

Cons: Lightest shades might skew a bit orange

This hydrating tint has moringa seed and hyaluronic acid in it to ensure that it feels comfortable on your skin. Rest assured, it’s also oil-free, so it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. Instead, the 2-in-1 leaves a velvety finish and protects your skin for a sunny day out.

18. L’Oréal Paris Skin Paradise Tinted Moisturizer Best Budget

Pros: SPF 19, 12 shades, natural finish

Cons: Can be greasy to oily/combo skin

The hydrating pick has a blend of aloe vera and witch hazel to give you natural-looking coverage that lasts for up to 24 hours (though we recommend you wash your face before then). Since it’s completely oil-free, the formula won’t clog pores, which is a plus for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin.

19. Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer Best for Combination Skin

Pros: SPF 35, 14 shades, sheer finish

This slip tint tips toes between sheer and dewy finish which is great for people with combination skin. The hydrating blend (aka hyaluronic acid, pansy flower and licorice root extract) retains moisture, boosts hydration and brightens the complexion. One PureWow editor couldn’t rave enough about the moisturizer, stating they've become "a devout convert" of the brand.

20. The Lip Bar Just A Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner Best for Dark Skin Tones

Pros: SPF 11, Black-owned, radiant finish

When it comes to foundations and tinted moisturizers, some brands miss the mark on catering to darker skin tones. For The Lip Bar, they put a heavy focus on creating eight shades that are specifically for darker skin and undertones. The 3-in-1 formula also hydrates, protects against sun damage and blends seamlessly (so much so that you forget you have it on).

RELATED: A No-Nonsense Guide to the Best Face Sunscreen

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