The 10 Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Your Foundation

1. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer-Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++

This facial primer offers superior UVA/UVB protection. It creates a smooth, even surface for flawless makeup application while helping to minimize the look of pores, fine lines, and imperfections. What’s more, the protective formula creates a flattering “buffer” for your skin with UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen and an antioxidant vitamin complex that helps protect skin against harmful, aging effects of the environment.

2. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

This facial sunscreen is totally invisible, weightless, scentless, and contains SPF 40. Its formula is antioxidant-rich and oil-free that preps skin with a velvety matte, makeup-gripping finish.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Daily Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen

This advanced 100% mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide offers superior antioxidant protection in a revolutionary ultra-light texture. This formula is non-whitening and fast-absorbing with a weightless texture and a matte finish. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and water-resistant up to 40 minutes.

4. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This oil-free sunscreen helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to breakouts, rosacea, and discoloration. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, all of which are ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin. This lightweight and silky formula can be worn with makeup or alone.

5. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This daily moisturizer is clinically proven to even tone and texture in just four weeks to reveal naturally radiant skin. With Total Soy Complex and natural light diffusers, it helps improve the look of brown spots, leaving your skin looking luminous. It’s oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.

6. LaserAway Beauty BFF SPF 50

This whipped, hydrating sunscreen provides superior, broad-spectrum protection against daily UVA and UVB sun exposure, oxidative stress, and pollution. Sheer, tinted, self-balancing color makes skin look smooth and evens out skin tone, leaving a radiant, healthy-looking glow.

7. Glossier Daily Sunscreen SPF 35

This sunscreen features a clear water gel formula filled with active microcapsules that instantly absorbs into skin with no greasy residue and zero white cast. It helps prevent sun damage and skin cancer, but also works to neutralize harmful free radicals, and keeps pollutant junk from getting on your skin.

8. Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50

This innovative sun serum for the face provides SPF 50 protection. It contains an active complex of cassia extract, vitamin E and beta-glucan that protects the skin and promotes the regeneration of damaged cell structures. A few drops of the serum can be mixed with your face cream or applied undiluted.

9. Dermalogica Oil-Free Matte SPF 30

This sunscreen is oil-free, meaning it helps prevent shine on oily and breakout-prone skin. Its lightweight, ultra-sheer formula helps regulate oil production, maintain an all-day matte finish, and defend against skin-aging UV light.

10. California Baby Super Sensitive Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen

This mineral sunscreen is free of added fragrances, common allergens, and irritants so it’s perfect for allergy-prone, sensitive skin. It blocks sun rays by creating a physical barrier and is not absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens.

Protected, perfected

Long gone are the days where you slather on generic beach sunscreen on your delicate complexion. The best sunscreens have been formulated with your beauty routine in mind, free of pilling, greasy separation, and evil white cast. With this list of makeup-friendly sunscreens, your foundation will always be sitting pretty!

References

1. “The 5 Absolute Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Your Makeup,” Marie Claire, June 14, 2018.
2. “The 10 Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Your Makeup for a Slide-Proof Face,” Bustle, June 14, 2017.
3. “The Best Sunscreen for Your Face According to ELLE Editors,” Elle, January 26, 2018.