In the ever-expanding world of skincare, sunscreen has graduated from seasonal staple to non-negotiable daily essential. But while most beauty lovers now know to apply their SPF year-round, one category has remained divisive: tinted sunscreens. That is, until now. Enter The Uniform by Merit—a mineral SPF that feels like skincare, acts like makeup, and may just convert even the most skeptical users. Here’s why it’s the only tinted sunscreen you’ll want to reach for this summer.
Why tinted sunscreens never convinced me—until now
By now, my friends lovingly call me their SPF evangelist. I’m that person who gasps when someone admits they skipped sunscreen and quickly follows up with recommendations for “cosmetically elegant” formulas that don’t pill, leave a cast, or feel greasy. But while I love a good clear or sheer SPF, I’ve long side-eyed tinted versions.
Why? Most tinted sunscreens I’ve tried feel heavy, thick, and makeup-adjacent—but in a bad way. They’re often too dense to apply the recommended half teaspoon to face and neck (yes, that much), and leave a finish that’s more cakey than sun-kissed. I never found one that blended effortlessly, let alone matched my skin tone without oxidizing or clinging to dry patches.
Then I tried The Uniform, Merit’s new tinted sunscreen. And it changed everything. From the name—which cleverly implies SPF should be a daily ritual—to the formula, this product feels like a completely new category. It isn’t just a sunscreen with a tint. It’s a complexion product that protects.
What makes The Uniform different?
The Uniform is a 100% zinc oxide, mineral-based SPF 45—meaning it relies solely on physical filters rather than chemical ones, making it gentler on sensitive or reactive skin. Unlike many mineral SPFs that lean chalky or thick, this formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and surprisingly elegant in texture. It applies more like a gel-cream than a paste, instantly melting into the skin with a soft, velvety finish.
Merit also tackled one of the biggest drawbacks of tinted SPFs: shade inclusivity. With 15 flexible shades that offer light-to-medium buildable coverage, the range is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of skin tones without turning orange, gray, or patchy. What sets it apart is the brand’s proprietary pigment-dispersing technology, which minimizes the amount of pigment needed and diffuses it evenly—avoiding the heaviness common to similar products.
Beauty creators like TikTok’s The Lipstick Lesbians have praised this innovation, noting how notoriously difficult it is to formulate with zinc oxide, a mineral filter that tends to be opaque and sticky. Merit’s solution? Use plant-based emollients and SPF boosters to soften the finish while still delivering serious protection.
The real test: how it performs on skin
As someone borderline obsessed with sunscreen, I approached The Uniform cautiously. I initially layered it over my usual (non-tinted) SPF—an old habit. But once I saw how beautifully it applied, I quickly realized it could stand alone. The formula glides on effortlessly, delivering a natural, luminous finish without feeling greasy or looking overly dewy.
What surprised me most was the coverage. This isn’t your barely-there tinted moisturizer. The Uniform delivers enough pigment to even out redness and minor imperfections, yet still looks like skin. I’ve worn it on office days, during sticky city commutes, and even for nights out—and never felt the need to touch up. For spots that need extra coverage, I simply tap on a second layer and blend. And unlike many SPFs that make foundation pill or slip, The Uniform plays well with everything I layer on top—blush, bronzer, highlighter, you name it.
One unexpected bonus: the formula has a slight blurring effect, almost like a soft-focus filter for your face. That’s thanks to a plant-based mineral booster that diffuses light and smooths texture—perfect for those humid summer days when less truly is more.
Why it’s my new summer essential
After a week of testing, I had to admit it: I’ve become a tinted sunscreen convert. The Uniform has firmly earned a spot in my morning routine—not just as sun protection, but as my go-to base product. It’s versatile enough for no-makeup makeup days, yet substantial enough to replace foundation when I want to pare things down.
In the thick of summer, when full glam feels suffocating and traditional sunscreen starts sliding off your face before lunch, The Uniform is the perfect middle ground. It protects with SPF 45, evens out the complexion, and keeps you looking fresh without clogging pores or feeling sticky. And with its sleek tube and travel-friendly size, it’s easy to toss in your bag for midday touch-ups.
For those wary of tinted SPFs, this one might just change your mind. For those already fans? Consider this your upgrade. The Uniform doesn’t just check the boxes—it raises the bar.
Bottom line: Whether you’re headed to the office, the beach, or a night out, this is the one product you’ll be reaching for all summer. With a formula that’s part sunscreen, part skin tint, and all-around flattering, The Uniform is proof that sun protection and makeup don’t have to live in separate worlds anymore.
