I'm a Skincare Expert: These Are the Only Sun Creams I'd Consider Wearing Under Makeup
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:
- Best all-rounder: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF50+
- Best for dull skin: Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF40
- Best for acne-prone skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
- Best for dry skin: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
- Best for dehydrated skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50
- Best for oily skin: Mecca To Save Face Matte Sunscreen
- Best for combination skin: Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid
- Best for mature skin: SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection
- Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Best for hyperpigmentation: Ultra Violette Future Fluid Mineral Sunscreen
- Best affordable SPF: Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
1. Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF50+
Best for: All skin types
This formula from Naked Sundays is literally made to be worn under makeup. It's an SPF-primer hybrid that has a pretty minimal ingredient list for a sunscreen and creates such a smooth, glowing base for foundation. I have really sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it has never made me break out or caused any irritation. It's truly great for all skin types, as it hydrates, protects, and provides mineral-only protection if you don't like chemical filters in your sunscreen.
For
- Slight tint to reduce redness
Against
- Requires a few minutes to absorb and dry down before applying makeup
- May be too chalky for deep skin tones
2. Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF40
Best for: Dull skin
Basically the entire WWW beauty team can vouch for this cult-loved formula from Supergoop! You'll love this one if you prefer a radiant, pearly finish to mix with your foundation. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, sea lavender, and cocoa peptides also help keep skin nourished and hydrated throughout the day.
For
- Adds a really noticeable glow
Against
- Some people find it too shimmery
3. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Best for: Acne prone skin
Because my skin is so sensitive, I have to be careful about which sunscreens I use daily. This formula is my second favorite to use under makeup besides the Naked Sundays one mentioned above. It feels more like a moisturiser than an SPF, it calms the skin, and it leaves absolutely no white cast. My skin always feels so soft after I use it, and my makeup glides on just that much easier after application.
For
- Incredibly hydrating
Against
- Often sold out
4. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
Best for: All skin types
I love wearing this SPF from Thank You Farmer under makeup because it provides such a radiant finish. It utilises silicones to smooth your skin and hydrates it with peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Skin is left plump, dewy, and perfectly primed for any makeup to follow.
For
- Silicone formula primes skin for makeup
Against
- Thin texture, so you need to apply generously for effective coverage
5. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50
Best for: Dehydrated skin
Ask any makeup artist and they'll tell you that this is a favourite to wear under makeup for a glass skin finish. It's enriched with eight different types of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
For
- Stops makeup from going cakey
Against
- Only stocked in larger Boots stores
6. Mecca To Save Face Matte Sun Serum
Best for: Oily skin
With white willow bark to control shine and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, this sunscreen from Aussie-brand Mecca Cosmetica helps to prevent shine and congestion and provides impressive antioxidant and sun protection. What's more, it gives your skin a smooth, soft finish and mixes well with makeup.
For
- Lightweight formula
Against
- Only sold online
7. Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid
Best for: Combination skin
Thanks to its hydrating formula and thin texture, the Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid acts as a great makeup primer as well as protecting skin from harmful UV rays. It won't feel too rich or greasy on oilier skin types, but equally provides enough hydration (thanks to hyaluronic acid) for dry skin).
For
- Doesn't leave any residue
Against
- May sting sensitive eyes
8. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection
Best for: Mature skin
This formula is a tad watery, but this does mean that it blends easily and feels totally weightless on skin. In addition, it really helps to even out your skin tone and blur imperfections, creating a great base for foundation.
For
- Helps to prevent UV induced collagen breakdown
Against
- Expensive price point
9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Best for: Sensitive skin
With its milk-like texture and hydrating formula, this makes for a great soothing, gentle option for easily irritated and reactive skin types. It's lightweight and viscous, so applies smoothly and absorbs quickly for instant makeup application.
For
- Affordable price point
Against
- Small size doesn't last very long
10. Ultra Violette Future Fluid Mineral Sunscreen
Best for: Hyperpigmentation
This gentle mineral SPF from Ultra Violette brightens dark spots and boosts your skin's glow with a cocktail of vitamins and antioxidants. It acts as the perfect primer if you like a dewier makeup look, and can also be worn alone on no-makeup days thanks to its subtle tint.
For
- Adds a warm, dewy glow
Against
- Packaging design can be fiddly to use
11. Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
Best for: Affordable sunscreen option
If you're on a budget, Bondi Sands offers a great SPF to wear under makeup without breaking the bank. I love that it's creamy and hydrating—it feels like it really preps my skin for makeup application, no primer required.
For
- Reasonable price point
Against
- May be too creamy for oily and acne-prone skin types
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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 to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
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