SPF-Infused Makeup Primers to Prep and Protect Your Skin

What Is Makeup Primer?

Makeup primer helps smooth, mattify and/or hydrate your skin before makeup, depending on the formula you choose. Primer can also help your makeup last longer and make the makeup colors you apply appear more vibrant. There are different primers for different skin concerns, from pore-minimizing and mattifying to hydrating and glow-enhancing. 

Why You Should Consider a Primer With SPF

A primer with SPF will add an additional layer of UV protection on top of your regular face sunscreen. Like regular makeup primers, primers with SPF can have additional benefits such as adding hydration, blurring, mattifying and/or evening out your skin’s tone with a tint. However, even if your makeup primer contains SPF, you should still apply a regular facial sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine to ensure your skin is properly shielded from the sun. 

The Best Primers With SPF

Lancôme UV Expert Defense 50+ Primer & Moisturizer 

This three-in-one product is a moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup primer. Vitamin E, moringa seed extract and SPF 50 work to hydrate and protect the skin, while the lightweight, cooling, gel-like texture creates a smooth, even base for makeup.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Daily Anti-Aging Face Primer with SPF 50 Sunscreen

This anti-aging primer formulated with SPF 50 is a great option if you have oily skin or you’re looking to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s an oil-free blurring primer that camouflages skin texture and leaves behind a natural-looking matte finish. Plus, it contains an antioxidant complex that helps to protect the skin from free radicals caused by UV rays.

Maybelline New York FaceStudio Master Prime Blur + Defend Primer

This drugstore face primer with SPF 30 works to blur imperfections while providing a subtle luminosity to the skin. You can wear it on its own to give your skin some radiance, or under makeup to prolong your foundation.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid

While not technically a primer, this sunscreen’s silky, lightweight consistency makes it a perfect pick for layering under makeup. In addition to broad-spectrum SPF, it contains vitamin C to give your skin a boost of antioxidants. 

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

Again, this isn’t specifically designed to be a primer, but with an oil-free, weightless consistency and a matte finish, this sunscreen-moisturizer combo leaves your skin protected and prepped for makeup. This pick works best for normal to oily skin types. 

Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Replumping 3-in-1 Serum Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Watermelon

Dealing with dry skin? Get a boost of hydration and UV protection with this serum, SPF and moisturizer in one. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and watermelon to leave your skin plump and dewy under makeup. 

Wander Beauty Pack Up & Glow Priming Mineral SPF 40

This sunscreen and primer hybrid product contains mineral SPF that protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays as well as free radicals. The lightweight formula is also tinted, meaning it won’t create a white cast when you apply it.

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

Minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles with this smoothing, SPF-enhanced primer. It blurs skin and moisturizes for up to 24 hours. 

Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer

Made to be completely transparent and undetectable on every skin tone, we recommend this SPF primer for those seeking a natural-looking glow with zero white cast. It’s a mineral formula that helps defend skin against UV rays and blue light.

Glo Skin Beauty Tinted Primer SPF 30

This tinted primer will even out your skin tone whether you wear it solo or layered under makeup. Available in four sheer shades to adapt to a variety of skin tones, it blends right in without a shiny residue or white cast. It’s recommended for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects Protecting Primer SPF 37

With a transparent formula, matte finish and velvety, gel-like consistency, this primer helps to blur skin while offering a dose of hydration and UV protection. It’s ideal for smoothing the look of textured skin under makeup.