Sunscreen is by far the most important tool in keeping your skin youthful and glowy. Applying sunscreen daily (and reapplying throughout the day) has become like a religion for many people.
SPF keeps your skin from aging, prevents wrinkles, helps prevent hyperpigmentation, and keeps you from developing any fine lines. The sun’s rays can harm the skin deeply, leaving sunspots and sunburn. If there is one beauty product you need to use, it’s sunscreen.
Finding the best sunscreen that won’t pill, irritate your skin, feel greasy, or break you out is a hard mission. Luckily, we have tried a thousand and one different sunscreens (from chemical to mineral) and know the best ones out there.
No matter your skin type, keep reading to find the best sunscreens for under makeup.
How Often Should You Apply Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is meant to be applied to the skin every day and even re-applied throughout the day. You lose nothing and gain everything by taking the time to apply SPF. It helps reduce your risk of skin cancer and elasticity loss.
You should also not forget to apply the product on your hands, neck, arms, and anywhere else that is going to face the sun. Your skin will thank you when you still look 21 at 40 years old!
Best Sunscreen for Under Makeup
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This is truly the holy grail of sunscreen. It leaves zero whitecast, is oil-free, and is perfect for anybody who suffers from rosacea, acne, or skin sensitivity.
Using this sunscreen has helped my complexion on days when my redness is flaring with irritation.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen
Aqua rich has been a K-beauty cult favorite for a long time now.
Its finish is silky and smooth, preventing any pilling and soothing the skin without changing your makeup application.
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 35
If you’re into mineral sunscreen instead of chemical, this splurge-worthy product is worth the buy.
It is formulated with caffeine and green tea extract, which both do a great job at calming irritation and inflammation.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Loaded with antioxidants, this Allure beauty winner has left its mark on the beauty world. It is a weightless and oil-free formula that dries clear on the skin.
The best thing about this sunscreen is its ability to double as a makeup primer while leaving your skin velvety and glowing. The formula works great to soothe skin in summer and protect it from any irritation in the winter!
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
This whitecast-free sunscreen keeps your skin glowing and silky throughout the day.
It’s also not greasy on your skin and won’t clog up your pores. What’s not to love?
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Sunscreen
If hydrating and lightweight sounds like a good combo for your skin, this is the sunscreen to get the job done.
Acne-prone skin and those who suffer from inflammation will benefit the most with this one. It contains vitamin E to hydrate and tropical extracts that protect the skin from free radicals.
Dennis Gross Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Deliciously lightweight and smooth? You can count on it with this oil-free sunscreen. I
t fights to stop wrinkles and bring maximum protection to the delicate skin of your face.
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Ultra-Light Daily Hydration SPF 30
This sunscreen calms your skin and leaves behind zero white cast. My skin always looks flawless, glowing, and neutral after application (rather than annoying red hot cheeks).
It is specifically catered to those who suffer from acne-prone skin.
RELATED: 12 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, According to Dermatologists
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing SPF 30
A go-to drugstore sunscreen, this moisturizer with SPF glides onto skin easily to decrease the risk of pilling!
This product combines a moisturizer with a sunscreen, keeping your skin soft and protected.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50
The brush-on effect of this sunscreen product makes it convenient for when you aren’t near a sink and need to reapply, but don’t want to touch your skin with your hands or mess up your makeup!
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint
With three essential ceramides and zinc, this sunscreen heavily protects your skin from the sun while keeping it healthy.
It is perfect for when you’re on the go and don’t have the time to do a full face of foundation! The tint also covers all skin tones.
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50
If you have rosacea or suffer from acne, this will calm and soothe your skin.
The vegan formula is also alcohol-free and synthetic-free.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
This radiantly glowing sunscreen leaves the skin matte and with a perfect tint. Your skin will love you for its new look and it won’t affect your makeup application at all!
Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50
Amazonian clay oil and a blend of fatty acids are the best concoction to brighten and hydrate the skin.
Your complexion will improve with this antioxidant rich sunscreen. I like to apply with a clean makeup brush to keep bacteria from spreading on top of the product and onto the skin.
Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Sunscreen Face Powder SPF 30
This product is easy to apply and, best of all, it won’t mess up your makeup when you need to apply throughout the day.
Plus, it eliminates the shine on your skin and evens out your skin tone!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen is formulated for the safety of the skin and is recommended by dermatologists; it’s a win-win.
The ingredients are non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
Another winner by La Roche, this sunscreen is cooling and lightweight.
Keep it in your bag to refresh the skin when you’re on the go. If you have trouble with dark spots, this sunscreen is perfect to help them fade away!
Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer with SPF 40
Save your skin’s elasticity without feeling weighed-down.
This lightweight product is the perfect sunscreen for under makeup, plus you can easily reapply without feeling like you are adding too many layers on top of your skin.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30
Packed with vitamin C and free of fragrance and parabens, this splurge-worthy sunscreen is worth the hype and money.
Your skin will feel more hydrated and look even healthier.
La Roche-Posay Daily Face Primer with SPF 50
Priming your skin is a tricky thing, but this sunscreen and primer combo takes your makeup to the next level all while fending off harmful UVB and UVA rays. Your makeup won’t move an inch throughout the day!
Bottom Line
Neglecting your skin and not applying sunscreen is the best way to get wrinkly, sun-damaged skin. It can be hard to find a good formula that does well underneath your everyday makeup, but these are the best sunscreens for under makeup that we’ve found.
If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, take our advice. One of these best sunscreens for under makeup must have caught your eye!
Don’t forget the lips! Just like the rest of your skin, your lips need sun protection as well. Try this lip repair from Aquaphor or this sunscreen lip balm from Sun Bum.
