We get it: Sunscreen can be sticky, greasy, and heavy. It can also leave a ghostly white cast and make your makeup slide off by midday. So, do you really need sunscreen before makeup?
Short answer: YES.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable — even under makeup. Skip the SPF, and you’re laying your skin wide open to dark spots, acne scarring, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging… not to talk about skin cancer.
And no, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF makeup does not help protect against sun damage.
Why? Firstly, for adequate sun protection, you will need to apply a dollop about the size of a nickel on your face — that’s roughly seven times the amount of foundation than is normal, even for full coverage. Which is not going to be a good look.
Secondly, makeup isn’t always applied evenly and comes off easily, making it a notoriously ineffective ‘screen against sun exposure.
So, you absolutely do need sunscreen under your makeup — at least if you want good skin for the rest of your life.
Fortunately, a whole new crop of sunscreens for makeup gives your foundations, powders, and blushes a smooth base and staying power rather than hindering the process. Think transparent formulations, no greasiness, mattifying ingredients like silica, and lightweight textures that layer without pilling—yes, these exist!
Want to learn how to make the best choice for optimum sun protection every single day? Scroll below to understand everything you need to know about choosing the best sunscreen for the face under makeup — and how to layer it for maximum effect.
Best sunscreens for face under makeup
We have rounded up the best facial sunscreens for under makeup right here. Pick. Choose. Create the perfect face—and keep it going throughout the day.
PS: Check out this post for the best sunscreens over makeup when you need to top up throughout the day!
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
An absolutely clear gel that literally disappears into skin within seconds sans any white cast (even on darker skin tones), feels like nothing, and dries down to a blurring finish—almost like a primer. Plus, it is also highly sweat—and water-resistant.
Where to buy: Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Amazon
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen
There’s a reason Supergoop! rules the sunscreen stakes—they make sunscreen for literally every skin type. If yours tends to be on the drier side, the Glowscreen has added hyaluronic acid for hydration (so makeup doesn’t start getting cakey), along with the same blurring effect and sheer weightlessness of the Supergoop! Unseen (above).
Where to buy: Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Amazon
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
A velvety textured sunscreen that’s ultra-light, oil-free, non-shiny, non-greasy, fragrance-free, and melts into skin like a dream — quickly and without any white residue. It’s also water-resistant for 80 minutes, in case you and your (waterproof) makeup are planning any swimming activities.
DUNE The Mug Guard Sunscreen SPF 50
This premium sunscreen not only delivers broad-spectrum protection but is also infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to nourish and hydrate your skin. Its ultra-lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving no residue or white cast, making it perfect under makeup.
Designed for all skin types, including sensitive, its non-comedogenic and anti-pollution properties ensure your skin stays clear and protected. Ideal for daily use, the DUNE Mug Guard blends seamlessly into any makeup routine without pilling or feeling greasy.
Where to buy: Amazon
Fenty Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
It’s a handful of a name, but like all things that RiRi’s magic touches, this oil-free sunscreen layers perfectly under the heaviest makeup with no piling or flashback. It also won’t appear ashy even on the darkest complexions and is made from coral-reef-friendly ingredients.
Where to buy: Amazon
Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer
This broad-spectrum sunscreen is more like a makeup primer that sets the perfect base for the rest of your products with its sheer, velvety texture and a formula that mops up extra oils throughout the day. It goes on white but dries completely transparent, so don’t have a panic attack the first time you try it out!
Where to buy: Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Amazon, Ulta
Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen SPF 45 Primer
A dual-purpose marvel, Chantecaille’s sunscreen not only offers robust SPF 45 protection but also serves as a perfect primer. The botanical formula soothes and nourishes the skin, creating a flawless canvas for makeup application.
Where to buy: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom
Sisley Paris Super Soin Solaire Tinted Sun Care SPF 30
Sisley Paris combines sun protection with skincare in this luxuriously tinted face sunscreen. Offering both UVA and UVB protection, its active ingredients enhance skin tone while defending against photoaging, which is ideal for those who prefer a natural finish.
Where to buy: Amazon
Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream SPF 50+
Elevate your beauty regimen with this sumptuous cream that offers high-level sun protection without compromising onaesthetics. Perfect under makeup, it hydrates and conditions the skin, ensuring a smooth and radiant finish.
Where to buy: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30
This mineral formula offers a sheer, weightless defense against sun damage. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it blends invisibly under makeup without any white cast.
Enriched with antioxidants, it also helps to soothe and protect the skin from environmental aggressors, making it an ideal choice for those who value both protection and a flawless makeup base.
Where to buy: Sephora, Amazon, Ulta
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD’s UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is a fan favorite, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and packed with niacinamide, which reduces redness and inflammation. It dries clear and doesn’t interfere with your makeup, making it an excellent everyday choice.
Where to buy: Amazon
COOLA Mineral Face Matte Finish Cucumber SPF 30
Perfect for those seeking a matte finish, this mineral sunscreen offers a light cucumber scent and controls shine, providing an excellent primer-like base for makeup.
Where to buy: Amazon
PS: Besides the sun’s rays, another kind of light is damaging your skin RIGHT now as you are reading this article. And it can cause even more skin damage than UVA and UVB rays. Read about blue light, why it’s wrecking your skin, and all the solutions RIGHT HERE!
FAQs: Best sunscreens under makeup
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best sunscreen under makeup.
Which sunscreen can be applied under makeup?
The best sunscreen under makeup is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a white cast. Opt for mattifying, non-comedogenic mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that won’t clog pores if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, a moisturizing sunscreen could be your best bet.
Can I apply makeup right after sunscreen?
Allow sunscreen to absorb into your skin for at least five minutes before applying makeup. This ensures that your sunscreen creates an effective shield on your skin.
Which is first, primer or sunscreen?
According to dermatology experts, sunscreen should always be applied before any makeup, including primer. Generously apply the sunscreen and allow it to sink into your skin. After 5-10 minutes for the sunscreen to absorb fully, you can use the primer and the rest of your makeup.
Can I use sunscreen as a primer?
Some sunscreens can also work like a primer, including smoothing the skin or providing a matte finish, creating a good base for makeup application while shielding your skin against harmful UV rays.
Which sunscreens are suitable for oily skin under makeup?
For those with oily skin, a mattifying or oil-free sunscreen is essential. These formulas can help control shine while providing sun protection. It’s also worth considering physical sunscreen, which is usually less likely to clog pores than chemical sunscreens.
Can I skip sunscreen if my makeup makeup products have SPF?
While makeup with SPF provides some protection, according to every board-certified dermatologist, you need to apply it with a far more heavy hand. You would need to apply a much thicker layer of makeup than is normal to get the full SPF benefits listed on the product! So, don’t skip your sunscreen—instead, layer it underneath your makeup.
Can sunscreen replace my moisturizer?
Some sunscreens have moisturizing ingredients like plant-based squalane and hyaluronic acid and can be used as moisturizers. However, if your skin is dry, it is better to use a separate moisturizer before applying sunscreen.
How to reapply sunscreen over makeup?
You can use a powder sunscreen over makeup. These are must-have products for touch-ups throughout the day to maintain effective sun protection. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, look for at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection!
Do you use a sunscreen under makeup? Which one?
Jackie A says
Love this list and I want to add one that I recently discovered that also plays well with others. Biossance SQUALANE + ZINC SHEER MINERAL SUNSCREEN. It’s a new favorite.
Liata says
Wish more of these were mineral sunscreens. The chemical type burns my eyes.
Terraria says
I also think that there is no need to put on poor sunscreen when wearing makeup, it makes the face heavy, sticky and the background is not beautiful.
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Anonna says
Sunscreen is a very essential product for our skin. It protects our screen from sunburn. We should use best sunscreen which one is suitable for our skin.