When it comes to finding the best sunscreens on the market, beauty editors don't mess around. After all, there are a lot of factors that determine whether a sunscreen will become a permanent part of your routine. The formulation of it is absolutely key. Does it leave a white cast? Will it irritate acne-prone or sensitive skin? Does it pair well with makeup? Luckily, beauty editors are here to answer all of the above burning questions. Rest assured we test-drive a lot of sunscreens every month, so we can confidently recommend a few options that work for everyone.
Like I said above, a key thing I know many makeup wearers consider when buying an SPF is if it will mix well with other products like primer, foundation, or a skin tint. It's the second thing I test for after seeing if it irritates my skin at all (a necessary step when you have sensitive, acne-prone skin). If you're in a similar spot and need some recs, you've come to the right place. I asked beauty editors to share the best sunscreens to wear under makeup that suit every skin type. Keep reading below for all our favorites.
The Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup, Listed
- Best Overall: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50 +
- Best Radiant Finish: Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
- Best for Oily Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen
- Best for Dry Skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
- Best Stick: Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
- Best for Combination Skin: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
The Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup
Best Overall: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50+
This formula from Naked Sundays is literally made to be worn under makeup. It's an SPF-primer hybrid that has a pretty minimal ingredient list for a sunscreen and creates such a smooth, glowing base for foundation. I have really sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it has never made me break out or caused any irritation. It's truly great for all skin types, as it hydrates, protects, and provides mineral-only protection if you don't like chemical filters in your sunscreen.
Type of protection: Mineral
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Water resistant: Yes
Pro: Creates a blurring affect that works well with makeup
Con: Consistency is thick
Promising review: "This product is game changer for oily girls who want natural glowy looking skin without looking greasy and having to blot or powder all day! It makes my skin look so healthy and protects it at the same time. Also, it doesn’t clog pores for me like some mineral sunscreens. This with a little concealer or stick foundation is chefs kiss!"
Best Radiant Finish: Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40
Basically the entire WWW beauty team can vouch for this cult-loved formula from Supergoop! You'll love this one if you prefer a radiant, pearly finish to mix with your foundation. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, sea lavender, and cocoa peptides also help keep skin nourished and hydrated throughout the day.
Type of protection: Chemical
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, sea lavender, cocoa peptides
Water resistant: No
Pro: Gives skin a subtle glow
Con: May be too heavy for oily skin
Promising review: "I’ve been using this one for two years straight, and I still love it. It’s not sticky at all, and it doesn’t even feel like a sunscreen. To me it feels like a moisturizer. I love it so much!"
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Because my skin is so sensitive, I have to be careful about which sunscreens I use daily. This formula is my second favorite to use under makeup besides the Naked Sundays one mentioned above. It has such a creamy texture and feels more like a moisturizer than an SPF. It calms the skin, and it leaves absolutely no white cast. My skin always feels so soft after I use it, and my makeup glides on just that much easier after application.
Type of protection: Chemical
Active ingredients: Niacinamide, rice extract
Water resistant: No
Pros: White cast disappears quickly
Cons: Needs to be reapplied post sweat or water exposure
Promising review: "This sunscreen has a silky, moisturizing finish without being shiny or greasy. It feels very comfortable on the skin and is free of alcohol and fragrance. It doesn't sting the eyes and works well beneath makeup"
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
If you have acne-prone skin, EltaMD offers a great SPF to wear under makeup. It never irritated my skin or caused breakouts, and it leaves no white cast. I love that it's so creamy and blendable. Sometimes, I would just use this as a primer during the day because it sits that nicely under foundation.
Type of protection: Hybrid (chemical and mineral)
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate
Water resistant: Yes
Pros: Clears pores and reduces shine
Cons: Can be drying for some
Promising review: "EltaMD UV Clear has become my go-to daily sunscreen. I have combination skin that’s prone to breakouts, and this is one of the few sunscreens that doesn’t feel heavy or clog my pores. It goes on super smooth and absorbs quickly with no white cast, which is a huge plus — especially under makeup."
Best for Oily Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen
WWW assistant beauty editor Maya Thomas loves this formula from Black Girl Sunscreen. It's a matte formula, so it acts as a great base for those with oilier skin and is infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter.
Type of protection: Chemical
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Water resistant: Yes
Pros: Doesn't clog pores
Cons: Can be too strong for sensitive skin
Promising review: "I cannot say this enough: I absolutely love this sunscreen. I have purchased three of these so far and have loved every single bottle. It doesn’t leave a white cast on my face, and it's not too heavy of a product. Definitely recommend and will be wearing all summer long!!"
Best for Dry Skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
WWW associate beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock swears by this formula from Isntree. Its gel-like texture and the eight types of hyaluronic acid in the formula make it a great soothing, hydrating option to pair with your tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or foundation.
Type of protection: Chemical
Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides
Water resistant: No
Pros: Doesn't leave skin oily
Cons: Packaging leaks easily
Promising review: "Every sunscreen I've ever used has made me break out. This worked so perfectly for me—no breakouts and I can put it on before my moisturizer without a heavy feel. I wish I found this sooner. It's my go-to."
Best Stick: Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
WWW branded content editor of fashion and beauty Aniyah Morinia also uses a Supergoop! formula but prefers the Glow Stick because it also acts as a great primer. As a bonus, it offers enough dewy radiance to be used as a highlight, too.
Type of protection: Chemical
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, buriti oil, pracaxi oil, tamanu oil
Water resistant: Yes
Pro: Can be used with makeup to create a dewy look, easy to apply
Con: Hard to reapply over makeup
Promising review: "Its not greasy and very glowy. It doesn't break me out and the stick is very convenient and leaves the skin feeling silky."
Best for Combination Skin: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
WWW Branded Content Director Caitie Schlisserman and I both love the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF. You definitely have to shake it up a little before applying because the formula is a tad watery. It does, however, really help even out your skin tone and blurs out imperfections, creating a great base for foundation.
Type of protection: Mineral
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Artemia Salina, Translucent Color Spheres
Water resistant: Yes
Pro: Enhances natural skin tone and boost radiance
Con: May start to feel heavy on skin throughout the day
Promising review: "The physical fusion UV defense tinted sunscreen is the best I’ve ever used. The sunscreen is very effective and the tinting evens out my skin tone. Love it!"
More Formulas We Love Under Makeup
I love wearing this SPF from Kosas under makeup because it provides such a radiant finish. It's silicone-free and never irritates my acne-prone skin or causes new breakouts. It's a great option that smooths your skin and hydrates it with peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. It leaves your skin plump, dewy, and perfectly primed for any makeup to follow. My only complaint is that the formula is super orange and can stain your clothes if you're not careful.
Elle beauty editor Katie Berohn mentioned Tatcha's Silk Sunscreen as a favorite to wear under makeup because it has smoothing silk extracts, is really hydrating, and provides a radiant finish.
With licorice root and marshmallow extract, this sunscreen from Strivectin helps restore your skin's radiance while argan oil provides hydration. Berohn also loves this option because it gives your skin a healthy glow and mixes well with makeup.
This gentle chemical and mineral SPF from Glow Recipe hydrates and boosts your skin's glow with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe. It acts as the perfect primer if you like a dewier makeup look.
This lightweight daily moisturizer contains nourishing ingredients like niacinamide for added moisture, vitamin C for brightening, and paracress flower extract to firm and lift. This chemical formula is oil-free and hydrates skin for up to 36 hours.
FAQs
What should someone look for in a good sunscreen?
Before grabbing any sunscreen, there are a few things worth keeping in mind. Board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University Jeanne Mraz, MD, suggests looking for sunscreens that have broad-spectrum protection (that protect you from UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or more, water resistance, and FDA-approved formulas. Board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer of Musely Marie Jhin, MD, adds that you'll want green-lit ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, and octinoxate. If you have acne-prone skin, look for oil-free products that won't clog pores.
What's the best way to wear sunscreen under makeup?
Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine before outting on your makeup. Once the sunscreen has absorbed, you can apply your foundation or concealer. "If you’re reapplying throughout the day, consider a powder or spray sunscreen that can be applied on top of makeup," says Jhin. Alternatively, you can opt for skin tints with SPF or other multi-tasking makeup products that contain sunscreen, adds Mraz.
How can I prevent sunscreen from pilling under makeup?
If you've ever experienced pilling, it's most likely because you either didn't layer your products properly or the formulas you're wearing are clashing (for example, mixing silicone and water-based products). To avoid this, Jhin recommends applying lighter layers of product, letting each one absorb before applying the next. She also suggests gently pressing sunscreen into your skin rather than rubbing it on. Additionally, you can try cutting back on the amount of layers of skincare you're wearing and exfoliate regularly to promote better absorption.
Is chemical or mineral sunscreen better?
Both types of sunscreens have their perks, but it's ultimately your needs that determine which is "better." If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may handle a mineral sunscreen better since it sits on the skin’s surface and physically blocks UV rays. Still, some people prefer not to use a mineral sunscreen because many of them leave a white cast.
Meanwhile, a chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, says Jhin. These formulas tend to be more lightweight and may be better to wear under makeup. However, Jhin warns that chemical sunscreen is more likely to cause irritation.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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