Tinted, Mineral, Lightweight: Which SPF Is Right for You?
08.12.2025
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When it comes to skincare non-negotiables, SPF sits firmly at the top of the list. Whether you’re commuting to work, walking the dog, or spending the weekend by the beach, daily sun protection is the single most powerful step you can take to protect skin health, prevent premature ageing, and keep pigmentation at bay.
But with so many formulas on the market—tinted, mineral, lightweight, hydrating—how do you know which one is truly right for your skin?
Let’s break down the different types so you can find your perfect match.
Mineral SPF: For sensitive, reactive or breakout-prone skin
Mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. They are gentle, soothing and far less likely to irritate, making them ideal for anyone who struggles with sensitivity or congestion.
Best for:
Sensitive or compromised skin
Post-treatment skin
Acne-prone or oily skin
Those who prefer clean, minimal formulations
Why you’ll love it:
Mineral SPF feels calming, reduces redness and provides broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores. Many modern mineral formulas also come with beautiful lightweight finishes that no longer leave a white cast.
For a more dry skin type, we love SIMKA Sheer Mineral Milk, with an oilier base this is extremely hydrating and doesn't come with the thickness alot of mineral SPFs do. For a less oily, more lotion like formula IS Clinical Eclipse all day moisturiser is an antioxidant-rich daily environmental moisturiser that hydrates and nurtures skin with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
If your redness prone, Dr Natasha Cooks True 50 Invisible Tint provides a 100% mineral formula with coverage that matches any skin tone, protecting against both UV and light (great for melasma).
SIMKA Sheer Mineral Milk SPF 50 ultra-clean formulation uses SIMKASHIELD™️ Technology and zinc filters to protect skin from damaging UVA + UVB rays. Packed with powerful antioxidants including vitamin c, squalane and age management ingredients to support, renew and protect skin from...
Protect. Prevent. Perfect. This 100% mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen offers the highest protection against UVA/UVB, blue light and pollution. More than simply sun protection, FACESHIELD TRUE 50 MINERAL SPF is also boosted with powerful anti-inflammatory Vitamin B3 and antioxidants Kakadu Plum...
Lightweight SPF: For that ‘barely-there’ feel
Lightweight sunscreens are designed to disappear into the skin—no heaviness, no greasiness, no residue. They’re perfect for those who dislike the “traditional sunscreen feel” or want something that plays well under makeup.
Best for:
Normal, oily or combination skin
Humid climates or hot summer days
Makeup wearers
Anyone who wants SPF that feels like nothing on the skin
Why you’ll love it:
It absorbs instantly, controls shine throughout the day, and leaves a smooth, invisible finish. Ideal for everyday wear—especially during Australia’s warm months.
Our go-to's are UltraFacial Defense by SkinCeuticals for that ultra lightweight feel, or SIMKAs Invisible Facial Fluid.
Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50+ sunscreen offers advanced protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause skin damage and premature aging. This high-protection sunscreen features a synergistic blend of UV filters to help prevent photodamage, a skin condition resulting from prolonged...
SIMKA™️ ultra-lightweight Invisible Facial Fluid is formulated with SIMKASHIELD™️ Technology, where sun protection meets skin correction, protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Packed with powerful antioxidants including vitamin C and age management ingredients to support, renew and protect...
Tinted SPF: For the effortless glow and sheer coverage lover
If you want sun protection and a hint of colour in one step, a tinted SPF is your new best friend.
Tinted sunscreens use iron oxides to help even tone, disguise redness, and provide additional protection against visible light—particularly helpful for those prone to pigmentation.
Best for:
Those who want a natural, glowing finish without makeup
Pigmentation-prone skin
Redness or rosacea
Anyone wanting a quick, polished morning routine
Why you’ll love it:
It blends seamlessly into the skin, softens uneven tone, and creates a radiant base for makeup—or replaces it entirely.
Full Full SPF50 protection, we are obsessed with SIMKA Tinted Facial Fluid. It provides not only tinted coverage but a gorgoes luminous glimmer for that clean no makeup dewy glow. Another favourite is Dr Natasha Cooks Concerntrated CC Cream SPF30, which comes in 5 different shades so you can find your perfect colour match.
Or if your looking for the benefits of both a Tinted SPF , plus 100% mineral - Dr Natasha Cooks Invisble Tint SPF50 matches to any skin tone with a 100% mineral based formula - great for melasma prone skin.
A dry-touch, dual-filter formula, SIMKA Tinted Facial Fluid offers sheer, tinted coverage for a luminous complexion. Formulated with SIMKASHIELD™️ Technology, it protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Packed with powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C, and age-management ingredients,...
Protect. Prevent. Perfect. This multitasking CC Cream delivers sun protection, DNA-damage prevention and skin perfection, all in one. CONCENTRATED CC+ CREAM is a 100% mineral SPF30 formulation with physical blockers Zinc and Titanium Dioxide and then boosted with anti-inflammatory Vitamin...
Hydrating SPF: For dry, dull or mature skin
Hydrating SPFs combine moisture-rich ingredients (think hyaluronic acid, ceramides, antioxidants) with UV protection to nourish while shielding the skin. They leave the complexion plump, dewy and comfortable—perfect for those who want their SPF to do more than just protect.
Best for:
Dry or dehydrated skin
Mature skin
Anyone seeking a dewy, luminous finish
Those who want to simplify their routine (moisturiser + SPF in one)
Why you’ll love it:
It prevents transepidermal water loss, supports the skin barrier and enhances radiance while providing daily sun defence.
Our top pick is Aspect Sun Hydrating Face, packed with antioxidants, nourishing ingredients for a dewy hydrated finish.
Aspect Sun Hydrating Face is a hydrating sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB SPF 50+. Australian owned and made, Aspect Sun Hydrating Face SPF50 is specially formulated to withstand our harsh climate, providing a blend of Antioxidants and UV...
