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The Best Face Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup
September 07, 2023
If you haven’t found a sunscreen that layers well under foundation, it can be tempting to skip it altogether, but don’t. Even if your makeup has SPF, it’s probably not enough to give your skin the protection it needs. We’ve tested hundreds (maybe thousands?) of formulas to find beauty editor-approved SPFs to wear under makeup, and the ones that made our list never pill or flake and won’t leave a chalky cast, even on deep skin tones.
Keep reading for our favorite sunscreens to apply before makeup, from sheer tints to hydrating creams and clear formulas, too.
The Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid
This drugstore pick is lightweight, easy to apply and will never make your makeup pill or crack. It has a smooth and creamy texture that your skin will drink right up. Not to mention, it also contains antioxidants to help brighten your complexion.
SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
We love this sunscreen’s glowy finish; it’s almost like applying a liquid highlighter under your makeup. Infused with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it’s super hydrating and can even out your skin while protecting against sun damage with broad-spectrum SPF 30.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrate and protect your skin with this soothing mineral sunscreen. It works for all skin types, is dermatologist-tested and has hyaluronic acid, making it perfect for those with sensitive and dry skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
This lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen has a sheer tint that allows you to get away with applying less makeup on top — though it won’t crease or pill if you pile on more. It has protective ceramides to support the skin’s barrier and niacinamide to brighten and soothe.
Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30
This antioxidant-infused sunscreen wears well under makeup and has a blend of peptides, vitamin C and volcanic water to help soothe the skin and even out tone and texture.
Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum
This must-try sunscreen serum leaves behind a comfortable finish and healthy glow. It contains hyaluronic acid, spinach and green tea to help strengthen the skin and ward off outdoor pollution and environmental aggressors.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
If you have dark skin and are sick of covering up the cast mineral sunscreen leaves behind, reach for this vegan, cruelty-free option. It has SPF 30, is infused with avocado and jojoba oils and won’t leave a white residue behind.
Starface Clear As Day SPF 64
If you have acne-prone skin, you’ll obsess over this lightweight, clear sunscreen formula. It’s non-comedogenic, won’t make your makeup skip or pill and absorbs quickly into the skin, so you won’t have to worry about excess residue.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This lightweight sunscreen serum makes makeup application a breeze thanks to its soft-as-a-cloud consistency. It’s full of vitamins, too, including vitamin D, vitamin B5 and vitamin E, and provides a subtle luminous finish.
Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
This non-acnegenic sunscreen option will give your skin a silky smooth finish before makeup application. It contains allantoin plus hyaluronic acid to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and smooth under your makeup.
Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
This lightweight formula sinks right into the skin and won’t leave a greasy residue behind. It helps protect against UVA/UVB rays and sits well under makeup, whether you apply a foundation or tinted moisturizer on top.
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
For an SPF that packs a punch, opt for this lightweight mineral sunscreen formula with vitamins, antioxidants, and chamomile. It helps smooth the skin and protect it, while creating a silky base for makeup.
Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
This unique sunscreen stick has a clear finish and glides on like a lightweight gel. It contains cloudberry, dragonfruit extracts and SPF to help soothe, protect and revitalize the skin.
Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion
For lightweight sun protection, this water-based sunscreen is a must-try. It’s non-oily, has no white cast and sinks into your skin lightning-fast.
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