Top 10 Sunscreens Under Makeup for Flawless Skin in 2025
Discover the top 10 sunscreens under makeup for a smooth, non-greasy finish. Find lightweight SPF that doubles as a primer!
Struggling to find a sunscreen that doesn’t ruin your makeup? You’re not alone. The right sunscreens under makeup can protect your skin from UV rays without leaving a greasy mess or white cast that messes up your foundation. In this guide, we’ve handpicked 10 top sunscreens that blend seamlessly, keeping your makeup flawless and your skin safe.
From oily to sensitive skin, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want a matte finish, a tinted glow, or a primer-like feel, these SPFs have you covered. Let’s explore the best options to elevate your daily routine!
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Why You Need Sunscreen Under Makeup
Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days—it’s a daily must to prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. But finding a makeup-friendly sunscreen is key. The best ones feel light, absorb fast, and create a smooth base for your foundation. Think of it like prepping a canvas before painting a masterpiece.
I once used a heavy sunscreen that left my makeup sliding off by noon. After some trial and error, I found lightweight SPFs that work like a charm. Below, we’ll share 10 options that won’t clog pores or look chalky.
Features of Great Sunscreens for Makeup
- Lightweight and quick-absorbing
- No white cast for a natural finish
- Broad-spectrum SPF for everyday use
- Non-greasy to keep makeup intact
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Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin Under Makeup
If your skin gets red or irritated, you need a gentle best sunscreen for sensitive skin under makeup. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to sting. I once tried a chemical SPF that made my eyes water—not ideal before mascara!
Here are three top picks for sensitive skin:
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: Fragrance-free, calms redness, and sits beautifully under foundation.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50: Feels weightless and won’t irritate sensitive skin.
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: Gentle, non-comedogenic, and blends smoothly for makeup prep.
These sunscreens are perfect for protecting sensitive skin without irritation.
Why Mineral Sunscreens Shine
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Less likely to cause breakouts
- Provide a smooth makeup base
Matte Sunscreens for Oily Skin
For oily skin, a daily SPF for oily skin is a must to avoid a shiny face. Matte sunscreens control oil and often double as primers, keeping your makeup fresh all day.
Try these three matte options:
- Supergoop! Matte Screen SPF 40: An oil-free sunscreen for face that blurs pores with a soft-focus finish.
- Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 55: Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and perfect for oily skin.
- Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35: Mattifies skin and acts as a sunscreen primer for makeup.
Pair these with tips from our common skincare mistakes for a shine-free routine.
Benefits of Matte Sunscreens
- Control shine for a matte look
- Double as a makeup primer
- Keep makeup from slipping
Image Credit: ChatGpt
Tinted Sunscreens for a Flawless Base
Want a sunscreen that evens your skin tone? Tinted sunscreen for smooth finish offers SPF, light coverage, and a perfect makeup base. It’s like a BB cream and sunscreen in one.
Here are three tinted favorites:
- Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face SPF 50: Comes in multiple shades, blends seamlessly, no white cast.
- IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow SPF 40: Hydrates and gives a dewy glow as an SPF moisturizer under makeup.
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50: Tinted, lightweight, and perfect for a natural look.
Why Choose Tinted Sunscreens
- Even out skin tone lightly
- Double as a sunscreen that doubles as a primer
- Blend well with all skin tones
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Lightweight and Invisible Sunscreens
A heavy or chalky sunscreen can ruin your makeup game. Invisible sunscreen SPF options sink into your skin without a trace, making them ideal for all skin tones, especially darker ones where white cast is a concern.
Check out these four lightweight picks:
- Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30: A sunscreen with no white cast, hydrating and non-greasy.
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30: Feels like a moisturizer, pairs well with foundation.
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: Invisible, primer-like, and perfect for all skin types.
- Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30: Lightweight, sheer, and makeup-friendly.
For more sun safety tips, visit the CDC’s guide.
Tips for Invisible SPF
- Choose sheer formulas for no residue
- Apply thinly for easy layering
- Look for hydrating ingredients
Top 10 Sunscreens: Pros and Cons
Choosing the right sunscreens under makeup can feel overwhelming with so many options. To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons for each of our top 10 picks, tailored to different skin needs and makeup routines.
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Pros: Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and packed with niacinamide to reduce redness. Perfect for acne-prone or sensitive skin, it dries clear and works as a sunscreen primer for makeup.
Cons: Slightly pricey (~$40 for 1.7 oz). Some users report a subtle shine on oily skin.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50
Pros: Fast-absorbing mineral formula with no irritation, ideal for sensitive skin. Offers a matte finish and layers well under foundation. Water-resistant for 40 minutes.
Cons: Can feel slightly thick if over-applied. Minimal white cast on darker skin tones.
3. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros: Gentle, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. Great for sensitive skin, blends smoothly under makeup with no pilling. Budget-friendly (~$20 for 5 oz).
Cons: Not water-resistant, so not ideal for sweaty days. Slightly chalky if not rubbed in well.
4. Supergoop! Matte Screen SPF 40
Pros: Mattifies oily skin and blurs pores, acting as a sunscreen that doubles as a primer. Lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for makeup wearers.
Cons: Pricey (~$38 for 1.5 oz). Some users find it drying on normal or dry skin.
5. Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 50
Pros: Affordable (~$12 for 3 oz), non-comedogenic, and oil-free. High SPF protects oily skin without clogging pores. Sits well under makeup.
Cons: Chemical formula may irritate sensitive skin. Can feel sticky if over-applied.
6. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros: Silky texture with silk extract smooths skin, ideal as a sunscreen primer for makeup. Controls shine for oily skin and blends invisibly.
Cons: Expensive (~$65 for 2 oz). Slightly lower SPF than others.
7. Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face SPF 50
Pros: Tinted formula in multiple shades, no white cast, great for all skin tones. Offers a tinted sunscreen for smooth finish and matte coverage.
Cons: Tint may not match all skin tones perfectly. Can feel heavy if layered with thick foundation.
8. IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow SPF 40
Pros: Hydrating with a dewy glow, doubles as a light CC cream. Packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, perfect for dry skin under makeup.
Cons: Limited shade range. Not ideal for very oily skin due to dewy finish.
9. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50
Pros: Tinted mineral formula, applies easily, and doesn’t sting sensitive skin. Great under makeup with no residue. Water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Cons: Pricey (~$12.25 for 1 oz). Tint may transfer to light clothing if not set properly.
10. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Pros: Sheer mineral formula with antioxidants, hydrates without greasiness. No white cast, ideal for darker skin tones under makeup.
Cons: Lower SPF (30) may not suit high UV exposure. Can pill if layered with heavy skincare.
FAQs About Sunscreens Under Makeup
Q1: What’s the best SPF for under foundation?
A best SPF for under foundation should be lightweight and non-greasy, with at least SPF 30. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a top choice for its invisible, primer-like feel.
Q2: How do I apply sunscreen without messing up my makeup?
Apply a thin layer of sunscreen that works with makeup after moisturizer. Wait 1–2 minutes for it to absorb, then use a makeup sponge to apply foundation smoothly.
Q3: Can sunscreen replace my primer?
Yes! Many sunscreen primers for makeup, like EltaMD UV Clear or Tatcha Silken, have a silky texture that grips makeup, saving you a step.
Conclusion
Finding the best sunscreens under makeup can transform your daily routine. From matte SPFs for oily skin to tinted options for a glowing base, these 10 picks—EltaMD, La Roche-Posay, Blue Lizard, Supergoop!, Neutrogena, Tatcha, Australian Gold, IT Cosmetics, Colorescience, and Drunk Elephant—offer protection and a flawless makeup look. Whether you need a non-greasy sunscreen for makeup wearers or one for sensitive skin, there’s something here for you. Check the pros and cons above to find your perfect match, then share your favorite.
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