"With Rodan + Fields, [its] mission is to give people the best skin of their lives with dermatology-inspired skin care that delivers visible results and really works," Dalia Stoddard, the brand's vice president of product development, tells Allure. "[Radiant Defense] combines the power of dermatology-inspired skin care with immediate perfecting results in one multi-tasking step."
The formula, which features peptides and antioxidants (in the form of blueberry extract and red algae), is intended as a last step of your skin-care routine, right before applying makeup. "[Doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields] know that almost every woman uses some sort of finishing product after their skin-care routine to even out the skin tone and create a flawless look," Stoddard explains. "But they also know that many women don't necessarily consider these products as 'good for your skin.'"
In addition to offering a slew of skin-care benefits, Radiant Defense was also dermatologist-tested to be non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. Sure enough, after two weeks of testing, I had yet to get a pimple as a result of wearing the product — an impressive feat considering that my sensitive, acne-prone skin has the unfortunate tendency to break out if you do so much as look at it.
As far as finish goes, Radiant Defense offers a buildable, light-to-medium coverage in an array of six versatile shades — a range that was intentional for the brand, who envisioned a product that would offer a sheer glow, not a full-coverage finish.

Karina Hoshikawa wearing the Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa

"We're a skin-care company — not a makeup company," said Stoddard. However, you can always apply your favorite foundation over Radiant Defense if additional coverage is desired. As for how the brand determined the shade range? A Rodan + Fields spokesperson tells Allure that the product was tested "among an inclusive group of consumers" with "a diverse range of skin tones."
When it came to road-testing the product, I began during the dog days of summer — as good a time as any, right? — and while the texture was heavier than I had expected, the neutral undertones seamlessly blended into my warm, light-medium complexion with an even, soft-matte finish. (Think of it less as a tinted sunscreen and more as a supercharged, moisturizing skin-care powerhouse.)
I should note that before applying Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, I slathered on my go-to sunscreen for added protection. (Most dermatologists recommend this route when it comes to tinted products with built-in SPF, too.) "In order to achieve the SPF labeled on a product, you need to apply enough," Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, tells Allure. "We usually don't use that much when applying a cosmetic product, which is why they shouldn't be used by themselves."
The Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 launches today for $66, and will be stocked exclusively at rodanandfields.com.