Some days, full-on foundation just feels like too much—especially when it’s hot, humid, and all you really want is to let your skin breathe. That’s when you reach for SPF that doubles as makeup. These multitasking formulas are either lightly tinted or give you a sheer, dewy finish that makes you look awake, fresh, and pulled together without having to layer on actual makeup. You can wear them to the beach, out for a walk, running errands, or just hanging out when you want your skin to look a little brighter but don’t feel like doing the whole routine.
They’re not all traditional tinted sunscreens, either. Some of them just leave a subtle glow behind, like you’ve had a full night of sleep and a green juice; others have just enough pigment to even things out and replace your usual base. If you're skipping foundation, these sunscreens pick up the slack. And because they’re formulas you’ll actually want to put on, you’re more likely to wear SPF every day without thinking twice about it. Which, let’s be honest, is always the goal.
1. e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
This one gives you that glowy, glazed-donut skin in seconds. It’s lightweight, slightly shimmery, and works as both a primer and SPF, so you can wear it under makeup or on its own when you want a little tint and a lot of hydration.
2. Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 50+ Drops
Bethenny has been obsessed with bronzing drops all summer, and this gives a similar warm, glowy finish with the added bonus of SPF 50. The texture feels more like a skincare serum than sunscreen, which makes it easy to smooth on without any stickiness or residue. It has a subtle universal tint that helps even out your skin tone and adds a soft radiance without looking sparkly or fake. Plus, it's made with non-nano zinc oxide and ectoin, so it hydrates while protecting your skin from sun damage.
3. Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 Instant Glow Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Think of this as your weekend shortcut. It gives you a soft wash of tint, a little glow, and solid mineral SPF 50 without needing to layer a bunch of different products. The vitamin C and niacinamide work in the background to even out tone and texture, but the real appeal is how quickly it makes your skin look brighter and more awake. It melts in easily and doesn’t leave anything behind—no cast or residue, just better-looking skin.
4. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
This is the one that basically started it all. Glowscreen’s been a go-to for years because it adds lit-from-within finish without making you feel like you’re wearing anything. It has hyaluronic acid to keep your skin feeling hydrated, plus niacinamide and cocoa peptides, which help with brightness and blue light protection. You can wear it as a primer or on its own, and if you want more warmth, try a deeper shade for a bronzy finish—or mix two together to get the glow just right.
5. Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40
This one gives light and creamy coverage that goes a step further than your average glowy SPF. It helps tone down redness and smooth over uneven spots without looking like foundation, and the formula blends in easily and feels soothing, especially if your skin leans sensitive or reactive. If you’ve tried other BB creams and felt like they didn’t do enough, this one’s worth a shot.
6. IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination With SPF 50+
This is full-on makeup that happens to have SPF 50 baked in. It’s a true full-coverage formula, but still gives you a luminous finish instead of looking flat or heavy. If you’re dealing with redness, hyperpigmentation, or just want something that really covers without layering SPF underneath, this gets it done in one step. The texture is rich but blendable, and the added skincare ingredients like peptides and niacinamide make it feel less like foundation and more like something your skin might actually benefit from.
7. INNBEAUTY PROJECT Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43
This one has the glow of Glowscreen but in a mineral formula, which is harder to find. It comes in two sheer, flexible shades that melt in easily and leave your skin looking radiant without any shimmer. The texture is more gel-cream than lotion—super light, never pasty—and it layers well whether you're wearing makeup or not. Bonus: it’s packed with peptides and vitamin C, so you’re getting a hit of brightness and moisture every time you use it.
8. Saie Sunvisor Radiant Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 35
Here’s another good option if you prefer mineral sunscreen. It uses non-nano zinc for SPF 35, goes on sheer, and has a subtle golden finish that makes your skin look a little more awake. The texture is creamy and hydrating, almost like a moisturizer, with ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and aloe built in. It’s an easy one to reach for when your skin’s feeling dry or you want a glow that’s not over the top.
9. Glow Recipe Dew Shield SPF 30 Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen
This one’s a great pick if you’re planning to wear makeup—it doesn’t add coverage or tint, but it layers like a dream. The texture is light and fluid, with no white cast or greasiness, and it leaves a fresh, dewy finish that grips well under foundation. It’s more of a skincare-style SPF, with niacinamide and watermelon seed oil to boost hydration and help even tone over time. If you already have a base you like but want SPF that won’t mess with it, this does the job.