Illuminating the skin: No weapon is more powerful in the fight against free radicals and UVA & UVB rays than a good SPF. SPF 30 is recommended by skincare specialists and doctors everywhere in preventing age spots, wrinkles, melanoma, skin lesions, and rosacea. Never leave the house without an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply after excessive sweating. Studies have shown that SPFs above 30 can protect the skin just as much, but you need to apply it liberally—key word. You really want to drench yourself in it.
Here are the best SPF 30’s around. Added bonus—they’re tinted! Wave bye-bye to foundations and primers during the dry and sticky months. All available at Sephora.
LORAC ProtecTINT SPF 30 Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
Used In The Buff (the second lightest), Tahitian Tan (the darkest shade), and Beach Bronze (a sheer bronzer for any skin tone). Dare To Bare, their lightest shade, is normally the only one I could use, but there is something special about Lorac’s shades. The colors are so sheer, that when blended thoroughly, virtually any shade can look like your own. Tahitian Tan actually looked like a real tan on me! So effortless to blend, there was no tell-tale foundation line anywhere—very impressive, Lorac! Light coverage, excellent for layering, leaves skin dewy. Can get shiny a few hours after application, so pack some blot sheets. Great for sensitive skin!
5 sheer shades to match any skin tone. 1.3 oz for $32, found at Lorac Cosmetics.
Numbers 2 & 3 after the jump!
The number 2 best tinted SPF is:
Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Thick enough to replace your everyday moisturizer, this tinted SPF has a lightweight feel and a coverage that reduces the appearance of fine lines. Apply sparingly, a small dab on just one area of the face at a time. Best applied with fingers—a blending sponge can wipe it off entirely. Can layer for heavier coverage. Because of the natural ingredients, shake vigorously to prevent the oils from running or clumping. Shades appear darker on skin; try one lighter.
Maran’s signature ingredient, Argan Oil, can be used on both oily and dry skin. The antioxidant repairs skin cells damaged by free radical exposure. Organic grape seed, jojoba, pomegranate, avocado, flax, olive, and coconut oils are mixed with organic extracts from papaya, passion fruit, chamomile, ginseng root, and aloe, olive, and rosemary leaf. Cocoa and mango butters are blended in for year-round to skin conditioning. The line is paraben, sulfate, petro-chemical, phthalate, synthetic dye, and cruelty-free.
5 shades for fair, medium-light, tan, medium-brown, and deep, rich brown skin tones. $38 for 1.7 oz. Sold at Josie Maran Cosmetics.
And number 3 best tinted SPF is:
Tarte. Smooth Operator SPF 20 Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
This would have made the #1 all time best tinted SPF if it had an SPF 30 in it. Because it’s only a 20, it made #3. So, if you want to use the best tinted moisturizer around, use this, but wear a makeup primer with an SPF 30 or higher underneath, I love Make Up Forever’s UV Prime SPF 50/PA+++. It’s a moisturizing primer with an SPF of 50 all in one go-to product. Added bonus—it’s only $30, and saves you thousands on lessening wrinkles later with dermabrasion or laser surgery.
The easiest blending ability of all brands tested. The reason: the moisturizer instantly absorbs and dries into the skin, leaving an almost powdery finish. Doesn’t smear or smudge. Goes on incredibly smooth, hence the name. So lightweight, just a few dabs around my nose lessened the appearance of broken capillaries. One layer made my pores soften instantly, and it gave my skin such a radiant and healthy finish.
You need not worry about a shine attack from this product. Blot sheets should be more than adequate, and you can probably skip the powder.
For those with sensitive skin: it leaves a slight tingling sensation on the skin and you may want to wear an SPF 30 lotion underneath to really prevent the aging process brought on by the sun.
Contains apple, lemon, gingko billoba root, camellia, chamomile, ginseng root extracts and vitamins A, C, and E. Formulated without gluten, parabens, mineral oil & petrolatum, sodium laurel sulfates, phthalates, and is cruelty-free.
9 shades to flawlessly match each skin tone. Used Agent 00 for porcelain/fair complexions with pink undertones. $36 for 1.7 oz. at Tarte Cosmetics.
