When it comes to finding the best sunscreens on the market, beauty editors don't mess around. After all, we editors know that many factors determine whether a sunscreen will become a permanent part of your skincare routine. Does it leave a white cast? Will it irritate acne-prone or sensitive skin? Does it pair well with makeup? Luckily, we 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.
As 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). Let's face it, who is going to wear their SPF every day if it doesn't layer well under their makeup routine? If you're yet to find one of the best SPFs to wear under makeup and need some recommendations, you've come to the right place. Tried and tested, these are the best options on the market, no matter what your skin type.
The Best Sunscreens for Under Makeup
- Best for Dull Skin: Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF40 (£32)
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ (£16)
- Best for a Radiant Finish: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
- Best for Dry Skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50 (£20)
- Best for Oily Skin: Mecca To Save Face Matte Sun Serum (£38)
1. Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF40
Basically the entire WWW beauty team can vouch for this cult-loved formula from Supergoop! While it's not exactly a tinted SPF, 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.
Pros
- Adds a really noticeable glow
Cons
- Some people find it too shimmery
2. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Because my skin is so sensitive, I have to be careful about which sunscreens I use daily. This formula is one of my all-time favourites to use under makeup. 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. It also dries into an invisible finish, making it a great SPF for dark skin tones, too.
Pros
- Incredibly hydrating
- Sinks in quickly into a non-greasy finish
Cons
- Often sold out
3. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
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.
Pros
- Silicone formula primes skin for makeup
Cons
- Thin texture, so you need to apply generously for effective coverage
4. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+
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.
Pros
- Stops makeup from going cakey
Cons
- Only stocked in larger Boots stores
5. Mecca To Save Face SPF50+ Matte Sun Serum
If you're in the market for a serum SPF, try this one, which is a great SPF 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.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Only sold online
6. Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50
Thanks to its hydrating formula and thin texture, the Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid acts as a great makeup primer and protects 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.
Pros
- Doesn't leave any residue
Cons
- May sting sensitive eyes
7. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection
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.
Pros
- Helps to prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown
Cons
- Expensive price point
8. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
With its milk-like texture and hydrating formula, this makes for a great soothing, gentle SPF for sensitive skin or complexions that are easily irritated and reactive. It's lightweight and viscous, so it applies smoothly and absorbs quickly for instant makeup application.
Pros
- A more affordable price point
Cons
- Small size doesn't last very long
9. Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen
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 for a dewier makeup look and can also be worn alone on no-makeup days thanks to its subtle tint.
Pros
- Adds a dewy (but not greasy) glow
Cons
- Packaging design can be fiddly to use
10. Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
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.
Pros
- Reasonable price point
Cons
- May be too creamy for oily and acne-prone skin types
11. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
As SPFs go, this is one of the best to wear underneath makeup. The lightweight formula sinks in quickly to leave skin hydrated and plumped, but it never feels greasy on the skin. The mineral sunscreen formula is one of the least chalky that I've tried—it virtually disappears on the skin and acts as a perfect primer for makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight and sinks in quickly to a non-greasy finish
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast on deep skin tones
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years— spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.