I'm a Skincare Expert: These Are the Only Sunscreens I'd Consider Wearing Under Makeup

Not all SPFs perform underneath makeup, so we did all the hard work and found the ones that do.

Photo of Ama Godson in golden hour sunlight

(Image credit: @amagodson_a)

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 recommendations, 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. Best all-rounder: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF50+ (£22)
  2. Best for dull skin: Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF40 (£32)
  3. Best for acne-prone skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ (£16)
  4. Best for dry skin: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ (£22)
  5. Best for dehydrated skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50 (£20)
  6. Best for oily skin: Mecca To Save Face Matte Sunscreen (£38)
  7. Best for combination skin: Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid (£15)
  8. Best for mature skin: SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection (£49)
  9. Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (£20)
  10. Best for hyperpigmentation: Ultra Violette Future Fluid Mineral Sunscreen (£38)
  11. Best affordable SPF: Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 (£10)
  12. Best lightweight SPF: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (£21)

1. Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF50+

2. Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF40

3. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+

4. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+

5. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50

6. Mecca To Save Face Matte Sun Serum

7. Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid

8. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection

9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

10. Ultra Violette Future Fluid Mineral Sunscreen

11. Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50

12. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.