The Best Face Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup

September 07, 2023
Ariel Wodarcyk
By: Ariel Wodarcyk | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
person applying sunscreen to cheek

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.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid

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.


SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen 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.


La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

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.


CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

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.

Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30

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.


Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum

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.


Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30

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.


Starface Clear As Day SPF 64

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.


Peter Thomas Roth Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50

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.


Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

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.

Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

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.

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

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.

livetinted sunscreen stick

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.

Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion
Photographer: Nelson Huang

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