10 of Our Favorite Sunscreens To Wear Under Makeup

You probably don’t need us to tell you that wearing sunscreen every day—rain or shine—is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. But we’ll be honest: not every sunscreen pairs well with makeup. Some feel sticky, others leave behind a white cast, still others pill when worn underneath foundation. So if you’re someone who wears makeup every day, you’ll need a sunscreen for under face makeup—one that protects your skin and leaves your base looking flawless.

If you haven’t found your match yet, don’t worry: We’re here to help. Ahead, we’re sharing 10 tried-and-trusted sunscreens to wear under makeup. Whether you’re looking for a drugstore buy or are willing to splurge on a luxe sunscreen for under foundation, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for a look at our favorite protective formulas.

NYX Professional Makeup Blur Screen SPF 30 Primer

The best way to ensure your sunscreen will layer under makeup is to choose a formula designed to do just that. This SPF-infused primer from NYX Professional Makeup fits the bill. It blurs the skin, grips makeup for up to 18 hours of wear, and provides SPF 30 protection against UV rays. Plus, the cactus water-infused priming sunscreen blends beautifully on a wide range of skin tones, making it a great pick for those with darker skin.

IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen For Face SPF 50

Streamline your morning skincare routine with IT Cosmetics’ multi-purpose facial sunscreen. The hyaluronic acid-infused formula hydrates, protects, and helps prime the skin for makeup, all without leaving behind a tacky or greasy feel. We suggest pairing the lightweight under-makeup sunscreen with the brand’s CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+ for added protection with natural-looking coverage.

Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide

Sunscreens can be a great tool for helping to protect against the visible signs of premature skin aging, but if you want to take things a step further, reach for this fluid sunscreen from Kiehl’s. The ultra-light formula contains collagen peptides and helps visibly correct some key signs of skin aging, including uneven skin tone and texture. The invisible-finish sunscreen for under makeup layers beautifully under foundation, and it’s suitable for all skin types—including oily and acne-prone.

Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer and Moisturizer

If you find that standard sunscreens tend to feel thick or greasy on your skin, we suggest reaching for this SPF moisturizer from Lancôme. The oil-free gel formula absorbs quickly and provides weightless hydration for a comfortable feel. Use it as the last step of your skincare routine for a radiant, healthy-looking glow (whether you’re wearing it alone or to prime your skin for makeup).

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Wearing mineral sunscreen under makeup can sometimes be challenging, as it’s more apt to leave a white cast than chemical sunscreen. Fortunately, that isn’t the case with this luxe formula from SkinCeuticals. The non-comedogenic sunscreen contains translucent color spheres that provide a sheer, luminous tint that adapts to most skin tones. Plus, it’s paraben-free, fragrance-free, and suitable for even highly sensitive skin.

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Daily UV Fluid

If you spent your youth sunbathing sans SPF, you may have dark spots or fine lines now. While you can’t reverse sun damage, this brightening sunscreen from L’Oréal Paris can help visibly diminish the look of sun spots and promote a more even-looking skin tone. The antioxidant-infused formula also helps protect your skin against damaging free radicals. That, coupled with the formula’s lightweight feel and invisible finish, make this one of our favorite drugstore sunscreens for under makeup.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

La Roche-Posay’s oil-free fluid sunscreens are a perennial editor favorite, thanks to their silky texture that feels breathable on the skin. This tinted version of the classic formula offers 100% mineral protection against UVA and UVB rays and leaves the skin with a soft matte finish that looks natural, but never flat or chalky.

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion with Sheer Tint SPF 30

Those with sensitive skin may want to try this calming mineral sunscreen from CeraVe. The gentle formula checks all of the boxes: It’s fragrance-free, oil-free, and paraben-free; made with 100% mineral UV filters; and both dermatologist-tested and allergy-tested. Plus, the sheer tint blends seamlessly across all skin tones—so whether you wear it alone or under makeup, you won’t have to worry about a white cast.

Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30

Target wrinkles, dullness, and sagging while protecting your skin with this SPF moisturizer from Vichy. The anti-aging formula stars vitamin C and phytopeptides, along with the brand’s signature 15-mineral-rich Vichy volcanic water. You’ll notice smoother, more hydrated skin in a single use, while continued use helps improve the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and other age-related concerns for firmer, brighter-looking skin.

Garnier SkinActive Green Labs Pinea-C Brightening 3 in 1 Serum Cream with Vitamin C + Pineapple

Head to your local drugstore and snag this three-in-one powerhouse. The vitamin C and pineapple extract-infused lotion pulls triple duty, combining your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen steps into one convenient package. The formula has a lightweight feel and dries down quickly before makeup application. It’s a great sunscreen for under foundation, but you can wear it on its own, too.

Next Up: A Simple Step-By-Step Guide on How To Apply Self Tanner