13 Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup And Stay Protected

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on May 02, 2024
Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup And Stay Protected
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Skincare and makeup without sunscreen are always incomplete as the latter play a vital role in shielding your skin against free radicals, sun damage, and skin cancer. Hence, today, we’ve got you the best sunscreens to wear under makeup. These sunscreens promise to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays, pollution, as well, environmental stressors. Furthermore, they help in creating a flawless base for your makeup to glide on. That’s all because of their blendable, breathable, smooth, and lightweight texture. Additionally, sunscreens hydrate and nourish your skin and visually reduce the appearance of your pores. After you are done with your C-T-M routine, seal your skin with sunscreen and prep your face and neck for makeup in the easiest way possible.

Let us tell you that sunscreens come in a variety. Right from gels, and creams to lotions, you can incorporate them according to your needs into your everyday routine. Plus, you can splurge on tinted sunscreens to fulfill your minimalistic makeup needs or else rely on an invisible sunscreen to ace a flawless no-makeup makeup look. Without further ado, scroll down and check out our fanciful list of the best sunscreen for under-makeup usage.

13 Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup

You can skip a moisturizer but not a sunscreen in your AM routine. This daily moisturizer by DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB is creamy, airy, and extremely lightweight. With SPF 50, this sunscreen aids in sebum reduction, keeps the skin hydration, and gives your skin an airy finish. It shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays without making the skin sticky. The hydrating texture works wonderfully on all skin types. Moreover, it can be doubled as a moisturizer for very oily skin.

Pros
  • Blendable
  • SPF 50
  • Hydrating formula
  • Doesn’t burn/sting active acne
Cons
  • Might react to sensitive skin
  • Best for Outdoor Activity

    COOLA Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion

    COOLA Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion
  • Those with very busy lifestyles can opt for this sunscreen. Why, you wonder? Apart from defending your skin from the rays of the sun, COOLA’s sunscreen moisturizes your skin and can be used as a primer too. With SPF 30, this formula is vegan and gluten-free. The soft cucumber fragrance instantly transports you to the beach. Use this daily and see the change in your skin tone and skin texture. Apply luxuriously at least 15 minutes before stepping out of your home to redeem maximum benefits.

    Pros
    • Value for money
    • Hydrating
    • Organic ingredients
    • Suitable for water sports
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • Editor’s Choice

    CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

    CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
  • Our very first recommendation is Cerve’s hydrating mineral sunscreen that comes with a broad spectrum of SPF 30. What makes it stand out from the rest of the sunscreens available on the market is the fact that it is tinted and extremely light in weight for everyday use. In addition, it blends seamlessly and works as a flawless base under your makeup. With three essential ceramides and niacinamide, this cream offsets white cast and paves the way for a healthy glow.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Can also be worn alone
    • Unscented
    • Ideal for attaining a dewy glow
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Greasy
  • Amazon’s Best-seller

    EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

    EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
  • The next on our list is Elta MD’s SPF 46 facial sunscreen for under-makeup usage. This sunscreen is enriched with niacinamide and zinc oxide that help to calm and protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Moreover, it is lightweight and much-suited for those dealing with hyperpigmentation, sensitive, discolored, acne, and rosacea-prone skin. What we like the most is its oil-free formulation and silky texture that goes invisible under makeup.

    Pros
    • Dermatologically-recommended
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Not water-resistant
  • Best for Instant Glow

    Supergoop! Glowscreen

    Supergoop! Glowscreen
  • While researching for the best sunscreen to wear under makeup, we came across this glowscreen from Supergoop. It is a SPF 40 sun protection cream that acts like a primer for your makeup needs. Secondly, it boosts your skin’s moisture levels and instantly elevates your glow. All credit goes to its impeccable dewy finish and skin-perfecting formula that makes it the perfect sunscreen to wear under makeup. Let us also tell you that it is made with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide, all of which offer long-lasting hydration and reduce the appearance of your pores.

    Pros
    • Blendable
    • Evens out skin tone
    • Filters blue light
    • Tinted formula
    Cons
    • Little pricey
  • Most Cost-effective

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen
  • For all those patrolling the internet for the best SPF to wear under makeup, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost gel sunscreen has to be your pick. Firstly, it is hydrating, super light in weight, unscented, and oil-free. Secondly, it protects your skin against environmental aggregators and pollution and leaves your skin soft, supple, and replenished. What made it earn more than 6 thousand ratings on Amazon is its hyaluronic acid-rich formula making it a skincare and makeup prep essential. Topping it all off, it quenches the thirst of your dry skin and fights against all the signs of aging.

    Pros
    • Alcohol-free
    • Cost-effective
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Might irritate very sensitive skin
  • Best Mineral Sunscreen

    La Roche-Posay Mineral Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen

    La Roche-Posay Mineral Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen
  • With SPF 50, antioxidants, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, this best mineral sunscreen for under-makeup usage introduced by La Roche-Posay not only protects your skin from harmful rays of the sun but also free radicals. Moreover, this sunscreen is oil-free, water-resistant, fragrance-free, and perfect for everyday use. What is worth appreciating is its fast-absorbing formula and matte finish that helps you create an alluring base for makeup. Plus, it is non-greasy and safe for sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Oxybenzone-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Dermatologically-recommended
    • Easy to blend
    Cons
    • Might leave a white cast behind
  • Best for Blue Light Protection

    TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel

    TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel
  • Based on our team’s research, this sunscreen gel brought to you by the brand Tula is a good sunscreen to wear under makeup. That’s because it is made from pineapple, wild butterfly ginger root, papaya, and probiotic extracts that promote even skin tone and protect your skin against the harmful effects of environmental stressors, UV rays, and pollution. Furthermore, it also serves you with blue light protection and strengthens your skin’s barrier.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Clinically-proven
    • Doesn’t leave a white cast
    • Ideal for all skin types
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best Texture

    Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30

    Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30
  • We glanced through the features of this sunscreen from Murad and were surprised to see that it offers a broad spectrum coverage of SPF 30. Secondly, it is infused with vitamin C and antioxidants to moisturize your skin and protect it from UV damage. It is indeed the best face sunscreen to wear under makeup as it not only revitalizes your skin but also amps up your radiance. The best part — its formulation is backed by science and hence, you need not worry about its efficacy.

    Pros
    • Unscented
    • Cruelty-free
    • Ideal for AM use
    • Clinically proven results
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best for Minimalistic Makeup

    Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion

    Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
  • Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector lotion has gained more than a thousand ratings on Amazon for three main reasons. To start with, it is a SPF 50+ sunscreen backed with WetForce and HeatForce technology. Secondly, it features an invisible and very lightweight formula that is perfect to wear under minimalistic or dramatic makeup. Lastly, it offers uninterrupted protection from environmental stressors, pollution, UVA, and UVB rays. To note more, its formulation is completely free from oxybenzone and octinoxate.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t leave residue
    • Broad spectrum coverage
    • Silky-smooth texture
    • Little goes a long way
    Cons
    • Unpleasant scent
  • Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense 50+ Sunscreen

    Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense 50+ Sunscreen
  • Lancôme proudly introduces its best face sunscreen to wear under makeup that works like a primer as well as a moisturizer. What left us in awe was its impeccable water-like gel texture that penetrates quickly and dries invisibly. In addition, the sunscreen has a broad spectrum coverage of SPF 50 and is loaded with vitamin E, moringa extract, and edelweiss extract to shield your skin to the maximum. Additionally, it leaves your skin feeling a lot more supple, healthier, and radiant, which is much required to ace your makeup game.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Very strong fragrance
  • Best Feather-light Formula

    Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport

    Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport
  • Feather-light, water-resistant, and easy-to-blend formula are the three reasons why we urge you to pick Dermalogica’s Protection 50 Sport. It defends your skin against UV rays and also neutralizes sun damage. Plus, it can be applied on both, your face and body. What makes it the best sunscreen to wear under makeup is the fact that it is non-greasy and very hydrating. To add more, it is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free!

    Pros
    • Doesn't cause breakouts
    • Improves skin health
    • Smoothes skin texture
    • Ideal for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

    Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen
  • Another facial sunscreen to wear under makeup is Tatcha’s pore-perfecting sunscreen that comes with a broad spectrum of SPF 35. It has a matte finish and hence, is highly recommended for those dealing with oily skin types. It blends effortlessly by visually reducing the appearance of your pores and blurring dark spots. Additionally, it is a rich source of antioxidants that calm, soothe, and protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

    Pros
    • Silky texture
    • Blendable
    • Doesn’t leave white cast
    • Absorbs easily
    Cons
    • Very expensive

    That was our comprehensive list of the best sunscreens to wear under makeup. Now, let us run you through our detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Sunscreen to Wear Under Makeup?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best sunscreens for under-makeup usage - 

    Skin Type: Make sure that you invest in a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen to wear under makeup that is suitable for your skin type. Those possessing sensitive and acne-prone skin may vouch for a sunblock that has a gentle formula. The ones with oily skin may pick a sunscreen that has a matte finish. Likewise, the ones with dry skin may get their hands on a hydrating and moisturizing sunscreen. Never invest in any of the sunscreens that are not meant for your skin type. 

    Ingredients: Always pay heed to the list of ingredients mentioned on the sunscreen that you are buying. It is advisable to invest in a plant-based sunscreen to wear under makeup or the one that is infused with vitamins, niacinamide, zinc oxide, and active ingredients. Avoid splurging on creams that contain sulfates, parabens, gluten, or any harsh chemicals. 

    Texture: The next important aspect to consider is the texture of sunscreen. You will find them in a variety like gel, lotion, cream, etc. All of them are effective but make sure they possess a blendable, silky-smooth, and light-in-weight texture. Secondly, they should absorb into your skin quickly without leaving a white residue behind. 

    Formula: Ensure that you check the formula of the sunscreen. It is wise to invest in a vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologically-tested, non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and water-resistant sunscreen to avoid any skin damage or reaction. 

    Coverage And SPF: Lastly, check the coverage and amount of sun protection factor (SPF) the sunscreen has to offer. Always pick a lightweight sunscreen that comes with SPF ranging between 35 to 50 and antioxidant protection. Such sunscreens lend you broad-spectrum coverage and maximum protection from harmful UV rays and environmental stressors.

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, allow us to help you with the proper steps for using one.

    How to Apply Sunscreen Under Makeup?

    Following are a few steps to apply the best sunscreen to wear under makeup effectively -  

    Step 1: Cleanse your face with a cleanser or face wash. Damp it with a microfiber towel.

    Step 2: Apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer.

    Step 3: Pour a coin-size amount of sunscreen and begin applying it on your face and neck. 

    Step 4: Massage your skin with gentle hands and let the sunscreen penetrate your skin.

    Step 5: Let it set for 5 minutes and then you may begin with your makeup session by applying a primer.

    Tada, you are done! Now, roll your eyes to know the benefits of using the best sunscreen under makeup.

     

    Benefits of Using Sunscreen Under Makeup

    Below are a few benefits of wearing the best SPF under makeup - 

    1. When you wear sunscreen under makeup, it shields your skin against harmful UV rays and pollution. 
    2. It keeps environmental aggregators and stressors at bay. 
    3. It fights against free radicals and signs of aging. 
    4. It reduces hyperpigmentation and blurs the appearance of your pores. 
    5. It promotes healthy, smooth, supple, and soft skin. 
    6. It keeps your skin moisturized and hydrated.

    That was all about the best sunscreens to wear under makeup that you should think of snagging right away. These sunscreens are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients to keep skin cancer and sun damage at bay. Furthermore, these sunscreens are a much-have skincare product to protect your skin from pollution and environmental aggregators. What makes them so unique is their texture that allows you to blend your makeup with utmost ease. So, without further ado, get your hands on the best of the best sunscreen and stay protected all day long!

    FAQ's

    Is it OK to apply makeup on sunscreen?
    Yes, you should apply makeup on sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV damage.
    Is SPF 50 good with makeup?
    Yes, applying SPF 50 with makeup is good for maximum sun protection and coverage.
    Can I skip sunscreen if my makeup has SPF?
    No, there is no harm in applying sunscreen before applying your makeup with SPF.
    Should I use sunscreen as a makeup primer?
    Yes, you can use sunscreen as a makeup primer as it helps in creating a better and blendable base for your foundation and the rest of the makeup products.
    Is chemical sunscreen better for makeup?
    Chemical and mineral sunscreens both are better for makeup. Chemical sunscreens do not leave a white case behind unlike a few of the mineral sunscreens.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare coach, Anoushka, is always looking out for good and effective skincare products to apply under makeup. This time, she invested her time and energy in researching the best sunscreens to wear under makeup. Personally, she is drooling over CeraVe’s Tinted sunscreen with SPF 30 all because of its blendable and lightweight formula. You can also snatch a glimpse of the rest of her top picks and incorporate the best one into your skincare and makeup routine.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More