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 recs, you've come to the right place. I asked beauty editors to share the best sunscreens to wear under makeup that suit every skin type. Keep reading below for all our favorites.
Best Overall: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF50+
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.
More Beauty-Editor Favorites
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.
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 moisturizer 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.
I love wearing this SPF from Kosas under makeup because it provides such a radiant finish. It's silicone-free but a great option that smooths your skin and hydrates it with peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. It leaves your skin plump, dewy, and perfectly primed for any makeup to follow.
WWW assistant beauty editor Maya Thomas loves this formula from Black Girl Sunscreen. It's a matte formula, so it acts as a great base for those with oilier skin and is infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter.
Elle beauty editor Katie Berohn mentioned Tatcha's Silk Sunscreen as a favorite to wear under makeup because it has smoothing silk extracts and provides a radiant finish.
With licorice root and marshmallow extract, this sunscreen from Strivectin helps restore your skin's radiance while argan oil provides hydration. Berohn also loves this option because it gives your skin a healthy glow and mixes well with makeup.
WWW branded content editor of fashion and beauty Aniyah Morinia also uses a Supergoop! formula but prefers the Glow Stick because it also acts as a great primer. As a bonus, it offers enough dewy radiance to be used as a highlight, too.
WWW Branded Content Director Caitie Schlisserman and I both love the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF. You definitely have to shake it up a little before applying because the formula is a tad watery. it does, however, really help even out your skin tone and blurs out imperfections, creating a great base for foundation.
If you have acne-prone skin, EltaMD offers a great SPF to wear under makeup. It never irritated my skin or caused breakouts, and it leaves no white cast. I love that it's so creamy and blendable. Sometimes, I would just use this as a primer during the day because it sits that nicely under foundation.
WWW associate beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock swears by this formula from Isntree. Its gel-like texture and the eight types of hyaluronic acid in the formula make it a great soothing, hydrating option to pair with your tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or foundation.
This gentle chemical and mineral SPF from Glow Recipe hydrates and boosts your skin's glow with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe. It acts as the perfect primer if you like a dewier makeup look.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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