Finding the perfect tinted moisturizer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something that protects your skin, evens out your tone, and doesn’t clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin.
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer has been making waves in the clean beauty community, and for good reason. This product promises to deliver buildable coverage, sun protection, and skin-loving ingredients all in one tube.
But does it actually live up to the hype? I spent weeks testing this product, and I’m here to share everything you need to know before you hit that buy button.
Key Takeaways:
- Clean formula with mineral SPF 30 that works for sensitive skin types, including those dealing with eczema and rosacea
- Available in 9 shade ranges that accommodate light to deep skin tones with both neutral and warm undertones
- Lightweight texture that feels like skincare rather than makeup, making it perfect for daily wear
- Reef-safe and non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores or harm marine ecosystems
- Contains beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and green tea extract for added skincare benefits
- Buildable coverage that can go from sheer to light-medium depending on your application method
What Makes Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Stand Out
Tower 28 has built its reputation on creating products that work for sensitive skin. The SunnyDays Tinted Moisturizer continues this tradition with a formula that puts skin health first. This product uses 100% mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide as the active ingredient, which sits on top of your skin rather than absorbing into it. This makes it gentler for reactive skin types.
The brand is National Eczema Association certified, which means their products go through rigorous testing. You won’t find any harsh chemicals, fragrances, or irritants in this formula.
The texture is creamy and blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving a white cast, which is often a problem with mineral sunscreens. The finish is natural and dewy without being greasy, giving you that healthy glow everyone wants.
What really sets this product apart is how it feels on your skin. Many tinted moisturizers with SPF feel heavy or leave a thick film, but SunnyDays feels breathable and comfortable all day long. You can wear it alone for a fresh, minimal makeup look, or layer it under foundation for added sun protection.
Coverage and Finish: What to Expect
The coverage of Tower 28 SunnyDays falls into the sheer to light-medium category. If you’re looking for full coverage, this isn’t your product.
However, if you want to even out your skin tone while still letting your natural skin show through, this is perfect. The formula is buildable, so you can apply one layer for a barely-there look or add another layer to cover minor redness and discoloration.
The finish is what I would call a natural satin glow. It’s not matte, but it’s not overly dewy either. Your skin looks healthy and fresh, like you just finished a great skincare routine.
Throughout the day, the product settles nicely into the skin without emphasizing texture or dry patches. If you have oily skin, you might notice a bit more shine by midday, but it never looks greasy or separated.
One thing I love is how well this plays with other products. You can apply powder on top if you prefer a more matte finish, or add cream blush and highlighter for extra dimension. The formula doesn’t pill or ball up when you layer products, which is a huge plus.
Top 3 Alternatives for Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30
Ingredients Breakdown: What’s Inside the Bottle
The ingredient list for SunnyDays is refreshingly short and clean. The active ingredient is 20% non-nano zinc oxide, which provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Non-nano means the zinc particles are too large to be absorbed by your skin, making it safer for sensitive skin and better for the environment.
Beyond sun protection, the formula includes hyaluronic acid for hydration. This ingredient holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, keeping your skin plump and moisturized throughout the day. Green tea extract provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors, while bisabolol (derived from chamomile) soothes and calms the skin.
The formula is free from chemical sunscreens, silicones, fragrances, and essential oils. This makes it suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities. Tower 28 also skips iron oxides in favor of mineral pigments, which contributes to the natural, skin-like finish. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe, checking all the boxes for conscious consumers.
Shade Range and Finding Your Perfect Match
Tower 28 offers 9 shades in the SunnyDays range, which is decent but not the most extensive. The shades are divided into two undertone families: neutral-to-cool and warm. The range accommodates fair to deep skin tones, though people with very deep skin might find the darkest shades still too light.
The shade names are straightforward: Fairway, Birdie, Par, Eagle, Caddie, Bogey, Mulligan, Albatross, and Ace. Fair skin tones typically fall into Fairway or Birdie, while medium skin tones might choose Par, Eagle, or Caddie. Deeper skin tones can look at Bogey, Mulligan, Albatross, or Ace. The formula is forgiving and blends well, so if you’re between shades, you can usually make either work.
One tip for finding your shade: the product oxidizes slightly after application, meaning it can look a touch darker after a few minutes on your skin. Consider this when testing shades. Many retailers offer sample programs or generous return policies, which helps take the guesswork out of online shopping.
Application Tips for Best Results
Getting the most out of your Tower 28 SunnyDays requires proper application. Start with clean, moisturized skin. While this product contains hydrating ingredients, applying it over your regular moisturizer gives better results, especially if you have dry skin.
You can apply SunnyDays with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge. Fingers work best for most people because the warmth helps the product blend seamlessly. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the back of your hand, then dot it across your face: forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Blend outward using gentle patting motions.
For a damp beauty sponge application, bounce the sponge over your skin rather than dragging it. This prevents streaking and gives a more natural finish. If you prefer brushes, use a dense, flat-topped kabuki brush for even distribution. Work in circular motions, blending from the center of your face outward.
Remember that you need about 1/4 teaspoon for your face to get the full SPF 30 protection. Most people under-apply sunscreen, which reduces the actual protection. Don’t be shy with the amount. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors, or at least once during the day if you’re indoors.
Performance Throughout the Day
Longevity is where tinted moisturizers often struggle, but SunnyDays holds up surprisingly well. On normal to dry skin, the product stays put for about 6-8 hours without significant fading. You might need a quick blotting or powder touch-up around your t-zone if you have combination skin.
For oily skin types, expect to see some shine developing after 4-5 hours. The good news is the product doesn’t separate or look patchy as it wears. A light dusting of translucent powder helps control oil without making the finish look heavy. The formula is water-resistant for 40 minutes, making it suitable for light workouts or humid weather.
The product doesn’t emphasize texture or cling to dry patches as the day goes on. Your skin continues to look smooth and natural, not cakey or mask-like. At the end of the day, the tinted moisturizer removes easily with a gentle cleanser or micellar water. No special makeup remover required.
Who Should Use Tower 28 SunnyDays
This tinted moisturizer is perfect for several groups of people. If you have sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin, the clean, minimal formula makes it a safe choice. The National Eczema Association seal gives extra peace of mind.
Minimalists who prefer a simple makeup routine will love how this product combines sun protection, light coverage, and hydration in one step. It’s ideal for daily wear, running errands, or casual outings when you want to look polished without spending much time on makeup.
People who prioritize clean beauty and reef-safe products will appreciate the thoughtful formulation. The mineral sunscreen won’t harm coral reefs or marine life, making it perfect for beach vacations and water activities.
Those with mature skin often find this product flattering because it doesn’t settle into fine lines or emphasize wrinkles. The dewy finish gives a youthful glow without looking too shiny or oily.
Comparing Tower 28 to Other Tinted Moisturizers
In the crowded tinted moisturizer market, how does SunnyDays stack up? Compared to Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, Tower 28 offers better sun protection (SPF 30 vs SPF 40) but a similar lightweight feel. Ilia has more shades but comes at a higher price point.
Against Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, SunnyDays is much cleaner and better for sensitive skin. Laura Mercier offers more coverage and a wider shade range, but contains chemical sunscreens and silicones that some people prefer to avoid.
Saie Slip Tint is Tower 28’s closest competitor in the clean beauty space. Both offer mineral SPF and clean ingredients. Saie has a slightly more matte finish, while Tower 28 leans dewier. Saie also includes more skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
The price point of Tower 28 SunnyDays sits in the mid-range category for tinted moisturizers. It’s not the cheapest option, but the quality and clean formulation justify the cost for most users. You’re getting a product that functions as both skincare and makeup, which provides good value.
Pros and Cons: The Complete Picture
Every product has strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what works and what doesn’t with Tower 28 SunnyDays.
The Pros: The formula is incredibly gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. It provides legitimate sun protection with mineral SPF 30. The texture is lightweight and comfortable, never feeling heavy or suffocating. The finish is natural and flattering on most skin types. It layers well with other products and doesn’t pill or ball up. The clean ingredient list avoids common irritants and allergens. The product is reef-safe and environmentally conscious.
The Cons: The shade range could be more extensive, particularly for very deep skin tones. The coverage is quite sheer, which won’t work for everyone. Oily skin types might need additional oil control throughout the day. The price is higher than drugstore alternatives. The packaging isn’t the most luxurious or travel-friendly. Some people find the dewy finish too glowy for their preference.
Price and Where to Buy in 2026
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer retails for approximately $28-32 depending on the retailer. You can find it at Sephora, Amazon, and Tower28beauty.com. The brand’s website sometimes offers exclusive promotions or sets that provide better value.
Amazon often has competitive pricing and faster shipping options for Prime members. Sephora allows you to accumulate points and access their generous return policy if the product doesn’t work for you. Some retailers offer sample sizes or discovery sets that let you test the formula before committing to a full-size product.
Watch for sales during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Sephora’s seasonal sales. You can often save 15-20% during these periods. Tower 28 occasionally releases limited-edition bundles that pair SunnyDays with other bestsellers at a discounted price.
Real User Experiences and Feedback
Looking at customer reviews across multiple platforms, Tower 28 SunnyDays maintains an average rating of 4.3 to 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most users praise the gentle formula and natural finish. People with sensitive skin consistently report that the product doesn’t cause irritation or breakouts.
Common compliments include how well it blends, the skin-like finish, and the clean ingredient list. Users love that it doesn’t feel like wearing sunscreen or makeup. Many reviewers mention receiving compliments on their skin when wearing this product.
The most frequent complaints center around the limited shade range and sheer coverage. Some users wish it covered more imperfections. Oily skin types sometimes mention needing to powder throughout the day. A few people find the zinc oxide smell noticeable, though it fades after application.
Beauty influencers and dermatologists often recommend this product for rosacea-prone skin and post-procedure skin because of its gentle, non-irritating formula. The consensus is that while it’s not perfect for everyone, it excels at what it promises to do.
My Final Verdict on Tower 28 SunnyDays
After extensive testing, I genuinely enjoy using Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer. It delivers on its promise of providing lightweight, comfortable coverage with reliable sun protection. The clean formula gives me confidence that I’m not putting anything harmful on my skin.
This product shines when you want a natural, barely-there makeup look. It’s perfect for those days when you want to look put-together without spending time on a full makeup routine. The way it makes your skin look healthy and glowing is genuinely impressive.
Is it worth the price? I think so, especially if you value clean beauty and have sensitive skin. You’re getting a multi-functional product that replaces your moisturizer, sunscreen, and light foundation in one step. That streamlines your routine and potentially saves money in the long run.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, with the caveat that you need realistic expectations about coverage. If you’re looking for a clean, gentle tinted moisturizer that makes your skin look naturally beautiful, this is an excellent choice. If you need to cover significant imperfections or want full coverage, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 good for acne-prone skin?
Yes, Tower 28 SunnyDays works well for acne-prone skin. The formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. It contains zinc oxide, which actually has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm active breakouts. The lightweight texture doesn’t feel heavy or suffocating on oily, acne-prone skin. Many users with acne report that this product doesn’t cause new breakouts and actually helps their skin look better over time.
How does Tower 28 SunnyDays compare to expensive department store tinted moisturizers?
Tower 28 SunnyDays offers comparable or better quality than many luxury tinted moisturizers at a lower price point. The clean ingredient list rivals high-end brands, and the performance is excellent. While department store versions might offer more shades or slightly more coverage, Tower 28 provides better value for people prioritizing clean beauty and sensitive skin compatibility. The main differences come down to packaging luxury and shade selection rather than actual formula quality.
Can I wear Tower 28 SunnyDays if I have dry skin?
Absolutely. Tower 28 SunnyDays works beautifully on dry skin. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, which provides hydration throughout the day. However, you should still apply your regular moisturizer underneath for best results. The dewy finish looks particularly flattering on dry skin, giving you a healthy, glowing appearance. The product doesn’t cling to dry patches or emphasize flakiness, which is a common problem with other tinted moisturizers.
Does Tower 28 SunnyDays leave a white cast on deeper skin tones?
The formula is designed to minimize white cast, and for light to medium-deep skin tones, it performs well. However, people with very deep skin tones might notice a slight white cast immediately after application that fades somewhat as the product settles. The key is choosing the right shade and blending thoroughly. The darkest shades in the range (Albatross and Ace) work for medium-deep to deep skin tones without significant white cast issues.
How often should I reapply Tower 28 SunnyDays for sun protection?
For proper sun protection, you should reapply any sunscreen, including Tower 28 SunnyDays, every two hours when spending time outdoors. If you’re indoors most of the day, reapplying once around midday provides adequate protection. The product is water-resistant for 40 minutes, so reapply after swimming or heavy sweating. Keep in mind that layering powder or other makeup on top doesn’t provide additional SPF protection.
Can I use Tower 28 SunnyDays under foundation?
Yes, you can use Tower 28 SunnyDays under foundation as a sun-protecting base. The formula layers well and doesn’t pill or ball up when you apply makeup on top. This gives you extra sun protection and helps your foundation apply more smoothly. Just make sure to use enough product to get the full SPF 30 protection (about 1/4 teaspoon for your face). Allow the tinted moisturizer to set for a minute or two before applying foundation.
Is Tower 28 SunnyDays pregnancy and breastfeeding safe?
Tower 28 SunnyDays is generally considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula uses mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide) rather than chemical sunscreens, which many doctors prefer for pregnant women. The clean ingredient list avoids potentially problematic ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and essential oils. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before trying new skincare or makeup products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How long does one tube of Tower 28 SunnyDays last?
The longevity of Tower 28 SunnyDays depends on how much you use daily. If you’re applying the recommended amount for proper sun protection (about 1/4 teaspoon per application) and using it once daily, a tube typically lasts about 6-8 weeks. If you use less product or only apply it a few times per week, it can last 2-3 months. The tube contains enough product to make it good value, especially considering it replaces multiple products in your routine.
