Even Derms Say a Primer With SPF Is Useful—These 11 Get the Job Done
There has been a lot of debate recently about whether or not makeup products with SPF actually do anything. Most derms agree that you would have to be using an extremely generous amount of the product for it to actually provide any real sun protection, but that doesn't mean you should scrap the idea of buying makeup with SPF altogether. What these types of products can at least provide, is an extra layer of protection. Keep in mind that I'm not saying you should ditch your regular sunscreen and opt for solely a primer with SPF. But what you can do is wear your favorite sunscreen under a primer that also has SPF.
Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, agrees. "Sunscreens should typically be applied before the makeup application so that they can protect the skin more effectively and won't alter the appearance of makeup that has just been applied," he says. "Primer products that include SPF protection can [help] accomplish two tasks in one step. When searching for a primer with SPF, look for one with a minimum of SPF of 30 and broad-spectrum protection." If you're considering snagging a primer with SPF, take a look at a few below beloved by celebrity makeup artists and a few of our own favorites.
1. Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer SPF 30
"One of my favorite UV primers is Laura Mercier's Pure Canvas Primer for its SPF 30 protection and weightless feel. People often forget to protect their skin under their makeup and shield against the sun's harmful rays. The better hydrated and protected your skin is, the better your makeup will lay!"—Judi Gabbay, Celebrity Makeup Artist
2. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
"I love Charlotte Tilbury's Invisible UV Flawless primer as it bumps up the protection with SPF 50 and hydrates the skin instantly. It also shrinks pores, blurs fine lines, and has no white cast (a rarity with SPF!). A little goes a long way so don't be fooled by its smaller size. To apply, use with fingers after moisturizer and before foundation for all-day wear."—Gabbay
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
4. Paula's Choice Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30
5. NARS Radiance Primer SPF 35
6. Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30
This 3-in-one formula is one of the best primers with SPF because it helps improve the look of fine lines, pores, and uneven texture. Mushroom peptides in the formula help keep skin firm, while sunflower and cucumber extract enhance your skin's natural moisture levels.
7. Bobbi Brown Primer + Sun Protection SPF 50
8. ColorScience Calming Primer SPF 20
I love ColorScience's Sunforgettable SPF ($42), and it's great to know the brand offers a primer with sun-protecting elements. Although the sun protection comes in a bit low at SPF 20, it's still a great primer to layer over one of ColorScience's other SPFs because it's rich in antioxidants and neutralizes redness.
9. Dermalogica Age Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30
10. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Mattifying Face Primer SPF 20
11. Thrive Causemetics
SPF 37 in this formula helps shield against the sun while it also acts as a makeup-gripping primer and ultra-hydrating gel. It creates a velvet, matte-like finish and is also water-resistant.
Up Next: If You Want More Coverage, Makeup Artists Say This Is The Best Concealer
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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