Top 5 Best Sunscreens Under Makeup in 2024

Sunscreen is an essential element to any skincare regimen, yet selecting the correct one can seem overwhelming. Given the wide variety of choices available, it can be tough to identify the sunscreen that best suits your skin type and way of life. For those who often use makeup, discovering a sunscreen that does not disrupt your makeup routine can be particularly difficult.

That’s where the best sunscreen under makeup comes in. This type of sunscreen is specially formulated to be lightweight and non-greasy, making it easy to apply under makeup without causing any pilling or caking. It’s an essential part of any makeup routine, as it not only protects your skin from harmful UV rays but also helps to keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.

When searching for the best sunscreen under makeup, it’s essential to pay attention to the product’s texture and finish. Look for a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. You’ll also want to consider the SPF level and whether the sunscreen is broad-spectrum to ensure that you’re getting adequate protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

We spent hours researching and testing various sunscreens to identify the best options for wearing under makeup. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide a detailed breakdown of each product’s features and benefits.

Best Sunscreens for Under Makeup

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. However, finding the right sunscreen that works well under makeup can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best sunscreens that not only provide excellent sun protection but also work seamlessly under makeup. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed these products to ensure that they are effective, easy to use, and won’t interfere with your makeup application. So whether you’re running errands, going to work, or attending a special event, you can be sure that your skin is protected and your makeup looks flawless.

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

We highly recommend the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen for anyone looking for a lightweight and effective sunscreen to wear under makeup.

Pros

• Blends in effortlessly and leaves no white cast
• Protects against breakouts and is an essential acne sunscreen for those with acne-prone skin care concerns
• Can easily be worn alone or under makeup and is an ideal face sunscreen for oily skin

Cons

• May not be moisturizing enough for those with dry skin
• Has a slightly medicinal scent
• May be too expensive for some users

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen is an oil-free sunscreen with Zinc Oxide that is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It helps soothe sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. The sunscreen pump bottle is the perfect companion for bringing on the go as your daily face sunscreen.

This facial sunscreen easily blends in and leaves no white cast, which is perfect for wearing under makeup. It is also lightweight and silky, making it comfortable to wear all day long.

Overall, we believe that the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sunscreen to wear under makeup. Its lightweight formula and acne-fighting properties make it a must-have for anyone with acne-prone skin.

EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that can be worn under makeup, EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer is a great option. This tinted mineral sunscreen is made with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to provide strong sun protection and enhance most skin tones. It is also water-resistant up to 40 minutes to withstand humidity and sweat.

Pros

• The tint provides a natural-looking coverage that can replace foundation.
• It is lightweight and non-greasy, making it comfortable to wear all day.
• It is suitable for sensitive skin and does not cause breakouts.

Cons

• The tint may not match all skin tones perfectly.
• It is slightly more expensive than other sunscreens.
• It may leave a white cast on darker skin tones.

We’ve been using EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer for a while now and we love how it feels on our skin. The tint is perfect for days when we don’t want to wear foundation, and it provides a natural-looking coverage that evens out our skin tone. It is also non-greasy and does not leave a sticky feeling on our skin.

One thing to note is that the tint may not match all skin tones perfectly. It works well for most people, but it may leave a white cast on darker skin tones. Additionally, it is slightly more expensive than other sunscreens, but we believe it is worth the investment.

Overall, we highly recommend EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer for anyone looking for a high-quality, lightweight sunscreen that can be worn under makeup. It provides excellent sun protection and enhances most skin tones, making it a great addition to your skincare routine.

YOURS Invisible Sunscreen Sunny Side Up SPF 30

If you are looking for a sunscreen that can be applied over makeup, the YOURS Invisible Sunscreen Sunny Side Up SPF 30 is a great option. It is lightweight, moisturizing, and packed with high protection filters, Soliberine, Vitamin E, and Swiss Buddleja flower extract which has anti-aging and antioxidant properties.

Pros

• The mist spray design makes it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day.
• The formula is lightweight and sits well with makeup.
• It does not leave a white cast, shine, or cause breakouts.

Cons

• The product may run out quickly, especially if used frequently.
• The spray nozzle may not be the best design and can cause overspray.
• Some users may find the price to be a bit high for the amount of product.

Overall, the YOURS Invisible Sunscreen Sunny Side Up SPF 30 is a great option for those looking for a sunscreen that can be applied over makeup. It provides UV protection and anti-aging benefits, while also being moisturizing and non-greasy.

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

If you’re looking for a convenient and effective sun protection solution that you can wear under and over makeup, the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is a great choice.

Pros

• Goes on clear, without any residue
• Provides protection against UVA/UVB rays, pollutants, and dryness
• Lightweight formula that doesn’t feel greasy

Cons

• May not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin
• Can leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones
• Some users may find the stick application less convenient than a spray or lotion

We recently tried the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ and were impressed with its performance. The stick glides on smoothly and doesn’t leave any residue or greasiness behind. We also appreciate that it provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays, as well as pollutants and dryness.

One thing to keep in mind is that the stick may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin, as it does contain some fragrance. Additionally, some users may find that it leaves a slight white cast on darker skin tones, although we didn’t experience this issue ourselves.

Overall, we think the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is a great option for anyone looking for a convenient and effective sunscreen that can be worn under and over makeup. Its lightweight formula and clear application make it a standout choice.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – SPF 40-0.5 fl oz

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that provides comprehensive protection and doubles as a primer, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a great option. It’s a weightless, scentless formula that provides oil-free sunscreen protection for all skin types, tones, & lifestyles.

Pros

• The unique oil-free formula glides onto skin, providing shine control & leaving a velvety, makeup-gripping finish.
• Includes clean, powerful ingredients like soothing frankincense & hydrating meadowfoam seed that nourish & protect your skin.
• This beard-friendly, broad spectrum sunscreen’s clear texture truly feels like nothing.

Cons

• It’s a bit pricey compared to other sunscreens.
• The small size may not last as long as you’d like.
• It may leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a game-changing sunscreen that provides comprehensive protection against blue light, UVA, UVB & IRA rays. It’s also a super-powered primer that helps refine the appearance of pores and leaves a velvety, makeup-gripping finish.

We love that this sunscreen is oxybenzone- & octinoxate-free and includes nourishing ingredients like soothing frankincense & hydrating meadowfoam seed. It’s perfect for all skin types and tones, and it’s especially great for guys thanks to its beard-friendly, clear texture.

The only downsides are that it’s a bit pricey compared to other sunscreens, and the small size may not last as long as you’d like. Additionally, it may leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones.

Overall, if you’re looking for a sunscreen that doubles as a primer and provides comprehensive protection, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is definitely worth trying.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen for under your makeup, there are a few key features to look out for. Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:

SPF Level

The SPF level of your sunscreen is crucial in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Formulation

When choosing a sunscreen to wear under your makeup, it’s important to consider the formulation. A lightweight, non-greasy formula is ideal as it will not interfere with your makeup application. Look for products that are labeled as “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogging your pores.

Texture

The texture of your sunscreen can also affect how well it works under makeup. A lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is best as it won’t leave a greasy or sticky residue on your skin. This will ensure that your makeup goes on smoothly and stays in place throughout the day.

Application

Consider the application method of your sunscreen. A spray or mist can be a convenient option, but it can be difficult to control the amount of product you apply. A lotion or cream can be easier to apply evenly and ensure that you are getting adequate coverage.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best sunscreen to wear under your makeup and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top sunscreens for sensitive skin that work well under makeup?

When it comes to sensitive skin, it’s essential to choose a sunscreen that is gentle and non-irritating. Our top picks for sunscreens that work well under makeup and are suitable for sensitive skin include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, and Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Which Korean sunscreens are recommended for use beneath makeup?

Korean sunscreens have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their lightweight, non-greasy formulas that work well under makeup. Some of the most recommended Korean sunscreens for use beneath makeup include Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+, Missha All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+, and COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+.

What sunblocks do dermatologists suggest for facial use under makeup?

Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for facial use under makeup. Some of the top sunblocks recommended by dermatologists include Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55, EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, and Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.

What are the leading mineral sunscreens suitable for application under makeup?

Mineral sunscreens are a great option for those with sensitive skin, as they typically contain fewer chemicals and are less likely to cause irritation. Some of the leading mineral sunscreens that work well under makeup include Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, and Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Tint.

How do I choose a sunscreen that won’t pill when applied with makeup?

To prevent pilling, it’s important to choose a sunscreen with a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin. Look for sunscreens that are labeled as “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these are less likely to cause pilling. You may also want to consider using a primer before applying makeup to create a smooth surface for your makeup to adhere to.

What are the best drugstore sunscreens to use under makeup?

If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of great drugstore sunscreens that work well under makeup. Some of our top picks include CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55, and Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30.

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