Tinted SPF Season: The Three I’ve Been Testing
In the summer, I always try to simplify my makeup routine. I get hot easily and just want to look like a better version of my own skin without all the steps. I want products that feel lightweight, easy, and quick in the morning, but I also want them to actually do something for my skin. The older I get, the less interested I am in piling on heavy makeup at 8 am just to run errands or sit at my computer. Not happening. Haha. Plus, I want a face sunscreen that doubles as some coverage!!
I tested three popular better-ingredient SPF products that kept showing up all over my feed.
1) ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
2) Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen SPF 40
3) ILIA Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This is not a dermatologist review. Not a beauty influencer review. Just my honest thoughts after actually wearing them in real life as a 48 year old who prioritizes a more natural skincare routine. 
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
30 Shades (I wear ST8)
Light coverage
Shade finder
Transparent ingredients (no fragrance)
Niacinamide + Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid
$48
Caffeinated Sunscreen by The Skinny Confidential
SPF 40
One shade (very sheer)
Transparent ingredients (no fragrance)
Caffeine lifts and tightens
$45
ILIA Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen
SPF 50
Broad Spectrum
2 shades: light/medium - medium/deep
Transparent ingredients (no fragrance)
Hyaluronic Acid
$40
Let’s get on with my honest reviews! After using all of these, I definitely think I will find a place for all three in my summer routine. But if I had to choose just one, I’d pick the ILIA skin tint. Let’s dive into it!
ILIA Skin Tint
This is one product that I can put on and leave the house without anything else! It makes my skin look even and glowy, but not greasy. Another thing I hate about SPF on my face is that it tends to irritate my eyes, but this one passes the test. I don’t even need eye concealer with this one and can get it right up near my eyes without issue. I love the shade finder, and it was spot on. I usually order from their site because they have a VIP option that lets you get other items for free, etc. They do carry this at Sephora and Ulta as well. The only thing I don’t love is the bottle. I think the applicator could be better, and I fear that I won't get it all out of the bottle when it gets to the bottom. This does not deter me from purchasing it again and again! I give it 4.8 stars.
Caffeinated Sunscreen by The Skinny Confidential
This is the sheerest of the three, and I love how easy it is to use. It gives a tiny amount of coverage and is very thin. It’s great when I just want sunscreen but don’t even care about the coverage. I am on my third bottle, and it’s my go-to for taking along to the pool for a 2nd coating during the day. My only gripe is that the last two that I purchased, the pump didn’t work. Kind of inconvenient and messy, but I still love this one for a quick sheer option. My 15-year-old daughter also uses it and loves it! I give it 4.2 stars.
ILIA Sun Serum
My newest addition to my tinted sunscreens. I got the light/medium, and it’s the perfect mix between the other two on my list. A little more coverage than the Caffeinated one and less than the Skin Tint. This one feels like more of a true sunscreen for a day at the beach or pool. The color does add a little coverage, but I’m planning to take this on vacation and keep it in my beach bag for those longer days in the sun. I love the packaging and would love for ILIA to put the Skin Tint in a bottle like this one! I give it 4.5 stars.
So, bottom line? I like all of these in their own way and will continue using them up this summer, depending on coverage and where I am for the day. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them! Let me know in the comments if you use any or have any others we can try.
XO,
Sara
PS-I linked all of my favorite Summer Skincare Favs below!