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 or not. The formulation of it is absolutely key. Does it leave a whitecast? 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 give a lot of sunscreens a test drive 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.
This formula form 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 breakout 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.
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 leaves absolutely no whitecast. My skin always feels so soft after I use it and my makeup glides on just that much easier after application.
WWW beauty editor Katie Berohn and I love wearing this new SPF from Kosas under makeup. It’s silicone-free, but is 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 acts as a great base for those with oilier skin and is infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter.
Berohn also 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.
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.
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 whitecast. 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 different types of hyaluronic acid in the formula make it a great soothing, hydrating option to pair with your tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or foundation.
Up Next: But Seriously, Some of the Best Face Sunscreens Can Be Found at the Drugstore.
