If you hate a thick, goopy foundation but want medium-to-full coverage, you've gotta try this serum foundation. It's got a feather-light, watery formula, but somehow also completely covers pimples, dark spots, and more without settling into fine lines or clinging to texture.

FWIW, beauty editor Beth Gillette and her mom are both fans of this formula for their oily-leaning skin. “I can’t imagine anything beating this,” Gillette’s mom says, as she swatched it on the back of her hand. “It goes on so light and smooth and makes the back of my hands look like I have no wrinkles.”

Cosmo editor review: “It’s not too dewy, but it makes my skin look plump and hydrated. It blurs my pores, but doesn’t look drying or cakey. It’s lightweight, but has a shockingly buildable coverage that hides acne and dark spots. And it’s packed with SPF to protect your skin from the sun, plus niacinamide, allantoin, and bisabolol to soothe irritation—but it also doesn’t contain any heavy oils that could break out acne-prone skin.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

With a hydration-packed formula of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba, and vitamin E, Saie Slip Tint will add life back into your dry skin. Plus, it also contains licorice root extract which helps brighten the skin over time. Its flexible, lightweight formula delivers a sheer, skin-smoothing coverage with a dewy finish. It’s non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin, too.

The brand recommends applying it after your skincare has fully absorbed, and that since it’s a nourishing formula a little goes a long way—which may not provide adequate SPF.

Glowing Cosmo review: “I have acne-prone, dry, and sensitive skin, so I'm extremely particular when it comes to combining my skincare benefits into my makeup products, but Saie's tinted moisturizer is my favorite does-it-all base formula. It has the perfect amount of light coverage to wear on it's own, but I can also layer on concealer and blush without the base separating. While I don't wear it as a standalone product while roasting in the sun, it's great for office days when I want to throw on some makeup but still get some sun protection for my moments spent outside during my commute.”—Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor

Looking for glass-skin glow in a bottle? Ilia’s cult-favorite skin tint is basically a one-step routine. This serum-based foundation delivers a light but buildable coverage with a barely-there feel, leaving skin looking fresh, dewy, and naturally radiant. It’s formulated with non-nano zinc oxide for sun protection (meaning it should sit on top of the skin versus absorb), but it’s also packed with hydration heroes like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, so your skin stays plump and moisturized.

Note: on immediate application, your shade may look lighter at first, but after 60 seconds of settling and drying down, it will adjust to the true tone. For this reason, we highly recommend trying it out in-store first to find your perfect match.

Glowing Cosmo review: “I have no patience for lengthy makeup routines in the summer, so I always reach for this SPF-infused skin tint when I need some quick coverage and hydration. I love how buildable the formula is, and it has a nice slippery texture that's easy to blend with just your hands—just be sure to shake it super well before applying! It makes my combination skin feel hydrated but not greasy, and it doesn't cause breakouts even though I'm acne-prone. Bonus points for coming in olive undertones!”—Lauren Gruber, commerce editor

Although it’s not intended to be a foundation, this tinted sunscreen delivers enough coverage that it completely replaces it. Available in six flexible shades, it comes out white but once you blend it out on your skin, the iron oxide capsules burst and blend into your skin tone for a buildable, medium coverage with a demi-matte finish. The all-mineral SPF protects against UVA, UVB, blue (HEV) light, infrared radiation, pollution, and free radicals—AKA, it goes above and beyond. Plus, it’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Glowing Cosmo review: “Colorscience’s Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF has easily become one of my holy grails (I have to travel with it). As someone with dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it delivers the perfect amount of coverage to completely replace my foundation and its blurring demi-matte finish helps mitigate a streaky application. I apply two fingers worth all over my face and blend it out with my hand, providing both adequate SPF protection and coverage. I use a little bit of concealer to spot correct.

My skin is normal but when it feels dry, I like to wear a hydrating sunscreen underneath as my moisturizer, and then layer this on top for even more protection. It’s one of the few mineral sunscreens that doesn’t break me out or clog my pores. I’ve been using it nearly every morning for the past year, and it’s streamlined my routine to a point where I only need five products to get ready. I really did not want to rely on this as much as I do because nearly $60 is A LOT, but I truly cannot find anything comparable for a lower price point.”—Anvita Reddy, commerce editor

We love Tower 28 for its sensitive skin-friendly formulas, and this lightweight tinted SPF is no exception. Contributing writer Iman Balagam appreciates how it allows her skin to ~breathe~ without heavy oils and butters.

It acts like both a tinted moisturizer and a foundation, with a true buildable formula. For a more sheer application apply it with your fingers and blend it out. But, if you want enough coverage that it replaces your foundation, use a beauty sponge or foundation brush and layer it on to cover redness, dark spots, and even out your skin tone. Lisa Aharon, a celebrity makeup artist, points out that it has “a fantastic shade range that covers cool, warm, and neutral skin tones—those can be tricky to find when dealing with an SPF complexion product.”

Glowing Cosmo review: “My sensitive, acne-prone skin loves this foundation SPF. It protects from UV rays and seamlessly hides bumps and discoloration, all without clogging my pores or feeling mask-like.”—Lauren Balsamo, beauty director

IT Cosmetics’s line of Your Skin But Better CC+ Creams are one of the most popular foundations with SPF on the market, thanks to its skin-like finish and full coverage results. It’s hydrating enough to skip moisturizer, and evens out the skin tone, covering everything from breakouts and redness and dark spots. The shades also take into consideration your color-correcting needs, so it’s one less step in your makeup routine. Compared to others on this list, this applies and acts like a true foundation, so it’s best to apply it with a foundation brush, especially if you prefer more coverage.

Note: Shades raging from fair (01N) to rich honey (23W) contain a mineral-based UV filters, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, whereas shades neutral rich (24N) to deep cool (30C) contain chemical UV filters (homosalate, osctisalate, and octocrylene) to prevent white or grey-cast on darker skin tones.

Glowing Cosmo review: “I’m typically a low-to-medium coverage gal, but when I want a heavier glam look before a night out or special event, I reach for this CC cream. The texture is super rich and hydrating, and it blends like a dream—I work this one into a dense brush before buffing it onto my face, and it covers all of my redness and acne spots with ease. I will warn that it runs deep compared to other foundations, so I recommend buying a shade lighter than usual for your best match.”—LG

If you’re looking for something that’s giving “my-skin-but-better,” PUR’s 4-in-1 Skin Tint delivers a light-to-medium coverage with natural, skin-like finish. The formula is non-comedogenic with a lightweight, breathable feel, but packed with hydrating ingredients like allantoin and ceramides. It also has retinol and niacinamide to help even out the skin tone and refine texture over time. It comes in travel-friendly packaging that doesn’t leak.

Glowing Cosmo Review: “The level of coverage is just right; sheer enough that I can apply and blend with fingers but substantial enough that I can skip concealer.”—LB

With an expansive shade range and an SPF of 45, this hydrating foundation delivers a natural radiant look that’s perfect for more full coverage needs. Although it has a long-lasting buildable coverage wear, it feels breathable and lightweight on the skin, thanks to its skincare-infused formula. It uses both chemical and mineral filters for total UVA/UVB protection without compromising the shade of the foundation itself.

Glowing Cosmo review: “It gives my skin a glowy sheen, and glides over my skin with ease, all the while offering up a solid medium coverage to hide zits, dark spots, and more.”—Iman Balagam, contributing writer

Despite being a matte foundation, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and achieve a weightless feel. But, the true star of this foundation is the dimethicone and neo-skin powder that delivers that airbrushed matte smooth finish. It even lasts a full 12+ hours on skin the skin without wearing off, with its transfer-proof, waterproof, and heat-resistant formula—perfect for summer.

Glowing Cosmo review: “The "24-hour wear" claim of this YSL foundation is actually pretty accurate (however, pls do not wear foundation for 24 hours). I can blend this on my skin in the morning before work and get through an entire day, plus happy hour, dinner, and a quick stint at the clurb—and check my makeup in the mirror before washing it off to see that my foundation still didn't budge. The formula is practically waterproof, too, so it will get you through anything a long day has ahead of you.”—Iman Balagam, contributing writer

It can be tough to find a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave behind a chalky, white finish, but this tinted BB cream from MDSolarSciences is actually the GOAT. Packed with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, this weightless formula acts like a primer under makeup or can be worn alone as a light coverage tinted cream. It has a whipped texture that blurs the skin for a smoother-looking appearance, especially with its natural matte finish. Aharon also approves. “This is such a great one for sensitive skin, and I love the velvety finish—it works beautifully as a semi-matte primer too," she says.

Glowing Cosmo review: “It spreads easily and gives you that your-skin-but-better look. Not only does it offer a solid medium coverage, but it's also formulated with de-puffing caffeine and brightening niacinamide to address other skincare concerns.”—IB

Yes, you absolutely need to wear sunscreen underneath your foundation even if your foundation has SPF in it, according to Dr. Mian. While foundation with SPF does provide some level of protection, it’s not sufficient on its own for sun protection. “You need about a quarter teaspoon, or two finger-lengths worth of sunscreen to obtain adequate protection. Most people do not wear that much foundation, so I would recommend wearing sunscreen first even if your foundation has SPF.”

An SPF of at least 30 is a non-negotiable, says Dr. Mian. This guide includes both foundations with SPF and tinted sunscreens that provide foundation-like coverage when the adequate amount is applied for sun protection. “For foundation, it really depends on how much coverage you want, but I would start with a pea-sized amount for a natural look to dime-sized if you want more of a medium coverage. Just remember to always start small, you can always add more,” says Batool.

But, if you prefer a more streamlined routine, opt for sheer or lighter coverage formulas like SPF skin tints or tinted sunscreens that are buildable. Just be sure to wear your base layer of sunscreen underneath.

Most SPF foundations include iron oxides, which provide protection from UV light and “visible light,” including light from screens and devices, says Dr. Mian. “Many conditions are highly sensitive to not only UV exposure, but visible light as well. Iron oxide provides an added layer of protection from exacerbation of pigment disorders like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”

While you shouldn’t rely on foundation with SPF as your sole sun protection method, it can help by adding a smidge of extra coverage, “especially in areas where sunscreen may not have been as evenly applied, like along the jawline or around the hairline,” she says.

Additionally, it’s an easy way to reapply SPF if you’re using foundation with SPF to touch up your makeup in the afternoon. “SPF foundation combines the benefits of both makeup and sunscreen in one product, which is really convenient for people who prefer to streamline their routine and reapply later in the day,” says Aharon. “An SPF compact is great for touch-ups throughout the day if you're stepping out or leaving work during the summer when the sun is still out,” adds Dr. Mian.

Because of differing formulations, risking uneven application, and the possibility of diluting the SPF level or the efficacy of either product, it’s best not to mix your favorite foundation with an SPF, warn Dr. Mian and Batool. In short, no, this isn’t something you should DIY.

Again, the golden rule for adequate SPF protection and coverage is to layer one on top of the other. “Sunscreen should be your base layer, and foundation with SPF can be applied on top to complement it,” says Dr. Mian. “This will ensure that your SPF protection is intact and also give you the coverage you want,” adds Batool.

Always look for foundations or skin tints with an SPF of at least 30, according to Dr. Mian. Batool suggests opting for an even higher SPF level of around 50, “especially if you are outside a lot and have hyperpigmentation.”

Next step, consider your skin type: If you’re oily, you might want a matte finish or oil-free formula that won't leave you feeling shiny midday. For dry skin, however, opt for a moisturizing foundation that's loaded with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and squalane, and has a dewy finish that won't cling to dry patches. You’ll also want to think about formulation if you've got sensitive skin, and stick to mineral-based UV filters. Aharon recommends avoiding any potential irritants like fragrance, essential oils, silicones, or preservatives.

Depending on the UV filters used in the formula, foundations with SPF can cause a white cast in photos. “Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both mineral sunscreens, can cause light reflection from the flash, leading to a white cast in photos. The amount of sunscreen applied causes more of a white cast,” says Dr. Mian. Luckily, she says that iron oxides help mitigate the effects of mineral sunscreens, and the pigment in the foundation can help conceal the dreaded white cast.

Batool also notes that proper lighting can also help avoid a white cast, but when in doubt, she recommends using foundations with chemical-based UV filters to avoid it altogether.

Anvita Reddy is a commerce editor with over five years of experience writing about beauty, including Korean skincare, makeup trends, and more. As someone with acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation, she has first hand experience and expertise in skincare, including rigorous sunscreen testing.

Iman Balagam is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with nearly four years of experience writing beauty stories that range from sunscreen sticks to chin acne. She’s an authority in all categories, but is an expert when it comes to foundations, thanks to years of personally researching and testing different base products for the perfect makeup look.