Summer is right around the corner, and whether you have a European vacation, trips to the coast, or lots of pool days planned, protecting your skin with a reliable SPF is so important. I’ve never been a fan of chemical sunscreens, and not only have they been linked to cancer and some other scary issues, but they are also notorious for clogging pores and causing breakouts. Physical aka mineral sunscreens are by far the better option; with zinc oxide being the go-to ingredient to look for. Zinc oxide is pretty well-known for giving off a white cast, and no one wants to be out at the resort looking like a ghost, so I always opt for a tinted sunscreen. When looking for a good SPF, I rule out the ones with parabens, iffy-looking chemical ingredients, fragrances, and cheap and unstable oils like soybean and safflower. If you’ve been on the hunt for a tinted SPF that will keep you glowing this summer sans the white cast and clogged pores, The Glow Files tested six of the cleanest ones so that you don’t have to! 

Tower 28 Sunny Days SPF 30 – $32

This is my number one go-to sunscreen. I wear this one daily and it wears well in place of foundation since the coverage is close to medium, but goes well under makeup also. I’ve worn this for long days at the beach and in toasty Palm Springs, and I’ve never had a sunburn or any redness when wearing this one. I am also so prone to clogged pores and almost everything breaks me out eventually, but this product has kept my skin so clear. As long as this product exists, I’ll be buying it! You can get this one from Sephora or Credo Beauty. 

Pros: Good coverage, no breakouts or clogged pores, long-wearing, nice finish, solid protection. 

Cons: None! 

Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted SPF 30 – $48

Another great tinted SPF, I definitely recommend this one also. I’ve worn this one with the strong UV rays in Miami, swimming in the ocean, all day in the sun at Disneyland, and during sweaty pool days – no sunburns. This one is a little bit thicker than what I was wanting and the coverage is not enough to double as a foundation, but otherwise it is so, so good. You can find this one from Nordstrom or Dermstore. 

Pros: Smoothing, long-wearing and great protection, looks so good under makeup and acts like a primer.

Cons: Tones are a little orange-y, pretty thick to apply, light coverage. 

Ilia Skin Tint SPF 40 – $48

When I tested this SPF, I got so many compliments on how smooth and glowy my skin looked. This is another bestselling product and for good reason. It has amazing, skin-loving ingredients that offer serum-like benefits all while protecting your skin from the sun. Based on reviews and from my own experience, this skin tint can be worn without causing major breakouts, but if your skin is really sensitive and prone to clogged pores, this one has a couple of heavier ingredients that could be on the riskier side. This is one that is better for drier, less reactive skin types in my opinion (not for oily skin girls like me!) You can get this one from Sephora or Revolve.

Pros: Glowy and smooth finish, beneficial skin ingredients, high SPF content, decent coverage.

Cons: A little on the oilier side, might clog pores if skin is sensitive, on the pricier side. 

Odacite Mineral Drops SPF 50 – $48

I love the finish of this one! Super dewy and luminous, and makes skin look so smooth with a blurring effect. One downside of this one, is it doesn’t wear as well under makeup since it is so dewy, but the coverage on its own is enough to even out the skin tone. I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for a tinted SPF to wear on its own, rather than wearing under makeup. The SPF rating is also higher in this product, so it’s great for vacations and long days in the sun. Find this one at Credo Beauty or Blue Mercury.  

Pros: Stunning finish, high SPF content, glowy, makes skin looks so healthy, blends and applies so easily, moisturizing. 

Cons: Doesn’t apply well under makeup (moves/wipes off), can get a little oily as the day goes on, pricey. 

Minu Brightening Sunscreen SPF 30 – $58

This is such a high-quality sunscreen that really does brighten the skin! I saw this brand recommended from a famous esthetician, who swears by the ingredients. It has a ‘one shade fits all’ tint that blends to your skin tone once applied! Acne-safe with beneficial skin ingredients, this is a good one since it’s formulated by a skincare company. This sunscreen can be found at Credo Beauty or on the Minu Skincare website. 

Pros: Acne-safe, brightening, blurring. 

Cons: No skin-tone range, minimal coverage, pricey.

Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Sun Ritual SPF 30 – $38

This one has great reviews, the cutest packaging, and ingredients that won’t clog your pores. It is lightly tinted with a blurring effect to smooth the skin, and it has the perfect, light texture to wear as an everyday SPF. You can purchase this one from Revolve and Anthropologie. 

Pros: Great ingredients, smoothing, blurring. 

Cons: Consistency makes it harder to apply, can pill a little under makeup. 

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get my tan on this summer and enjoy some R&R all season long. I love the sun, but wearing a reliable sunscreen on my face is so important. Any of these tinted SPFs are great options and will keep your skin protected and glowing no matter what you have planned this summer! 

Xx, 

The Glow Files.