Do Foundations With SPF Provide Enough Protection? Experts Weigh In

This is Libby's top pick for a foundation with SPF. "This is a fan favorite and has a cult following for a reason," she says. "There are excellent shade ranges, and the foundation leaves a natural, breathable finish."

Pros: Breathable finish, contains SPF 50+, great shade range

Cons: Expensive

Key Specs: SPF 50+, 1.08 oz, full coverage, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E

If you prefer a powder SPF that can be touched up throughout the day, try Jane Iredale's mineral formula with SPF 15 or 20 (depending on your shade). It provides buildable coverage and a second-skin finish. As a note, you have to buy the refillable compact separately.

Pros: Buildable coverage, semi-matte finish, provides SPF 15 or 20 sun protection, refillable compact

Cons: Powder formula may be too drying for some skin types

Key Specs: SPF 15 or 20, pomegranate extract, and pine bark extract

Ilia's Super Serum is labeled as both a skin tint and foundation because the coverage is that buildable. It's formulated with SPF 40 and provides a radiant finish, but it's also oil-free and less likely to cause breakouts for anyone who's acne-prone.

Pros: Oil-free, provides dewy coverage, mineral SPF 40

Cons: Expensive

Key Specs: SPF 40, 1 oz, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

This light- to medium-coverage foundation from Chanel gives the skin such a natural glow. You can thank the mineral powders and light-reflecting particles in it, which even out the complexion and leave it extra luminous.

Pros: Creates a natural-looking glow, light-to-medium coverage, SPF 15 sun protection

Cons: Expensive

Key Specs: SPF 15, 1 oz, medium coverage, hyaluronic acid

This drugstore formula is budget-friendly, provides SPF 25 sun protection, and can stay fresh for up to 24 hours.

Pros: Formulated to suit most skin types, noncomedogenic, lightweight, breathable coverage, SPF 25 sun protection, budget-friendly

Cons: Contains oil-absorbers that may not suit dry skin types

Key Specs: SPF 25, medium-to-full coverage, 1 oz

Soothing, plumping hydration makes this a great option for dry and mature skin types. It's also breathable, provides medium-to-full coverage, and to top it off, has SPF 45.

Pros: Medium-to-full coverage, radiant finish, extra hydrating, smooths and plumps the skin, provides SPF 45 sun protection

Cons: Expensive

Key Specs: SPF 45, medium-to-full coverage, 1.2 oz, chia seed extract, ion-charged water

Radiation oncologist Madhu Shetti, MD, recommends BareMinerals products with SPF. This foundation contains a mineral SPF 20, is oil-free and noncomedogenic, and provides a matte finish, making it a great option for oily skin.

Pros: Contains mineral SPF 20, noncomedogenic, oil-free, matte finish

Cons: Expensive

Key Specs: SPF 20, full coverage, 1.0 oz, pomegranate peel extract

This foundation is a makeup-skincare hybrid at its finest. It contains superstar ingredients like niacinamide and caffeine to brighten the skin and even out tone while squalane, arnica, and provitamin B5 balance the skin's oil and moisture levels.

Pros: Brightens, smooths, and evens skin tone; medium coverage; squalane and provitamin B5 balance skin's oil levels

Cons: May not be suitable for highly sensitive skin

Key Specs: SPF 25, medium coverage, 1 oz, niacinamide, caffeine, squalane, peptides, hyaluronic acid

Clinique's full-coverage formula dries down to a matte finish and contains SPF 25. It also contains a bit of salicylic acid to help with breakouts and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate.

Pros: Full-coverage formula, dries matte, contains SPF 25, salicylic acid helps with breakouts

Cons: Expensive

Key Specs: SPF 25, full coverage, 1 oz, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C