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. Tried and tested, these are the best sunscreens to wear under makeup, no matter what your skin type.
The best sunscreens for under makeup:
1. Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF50+
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.
2. Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF40
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.
3. 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 feels more like a moisturiser 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.
4. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
I love wearing this SPF from Thank You Farmer under makeup because it provides such a radiant finish. It utilises silicones to smooth your skin and hydrates it with peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Skin is left plump, dewy, and perfectly primed for any makeup to follow.
5. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50
Contributing beauty editor Grace Day mentioned Isntree's Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel as a favourite to wear under makeup for a glass skin finish. It's enriched with eight different types of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
6. Coco Eve Daily Water Gel SPF50
With vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen from Coco Eve helps to restore your skin's radiance and provides antioxidant hydration. What's more, it gives your skin an instant healthy glow and mixes well with makeup.
7. Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF50
Thanks to its skin-smoothing formula, the Supergoop! Glow Stick also acts as a great makeup primer. In fact, it offers enough dewy radiance to be used as a highlighter, too.
8. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection
This formula is a tad watery, but this does mean that it blends easily and feels totally weightless on skin. In addition, it really helps to even out your skin tone and blur imperfections, creating a great base for foundation.
9. Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
If you have acne-prone skin, Bondi Sands offers a great SPF to wear under makeup. It has never irritated my skin or caused breakouts, and it leaves no white cast either. I love that it's creamy and hydrating—it feels like it really preps my skin for makeup application, no primer required.
10. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
With its milk-like texture and hydrating formula, this makes for a great soothing, softening option to pair with your tinted moisturiser, BB cream, or foundation.
11. Summer Fridays Shadedrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
This gentle mineral SPF from Summer Fridays hydrates and boosts your skin's glow with a cocktail of vitamins and antioxidants. It acts as the perfect primer if you like a dewier makeup look.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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