Top 10 Sunscreens Under Makeup for Flawless Skin in 2025
Hello beauty! Today I am going to tell you all about top 10 sunscreens that you can wear under makeup for a smooth and non-greasy finish. Lets find lightweight SPF together that also works as a primer!
If you are struggling to find a sunscreen that doesn’t ruin your makeup, then You are not alone. In this blog I am going to help you to find out right sunscreens under makeup that will protect your skin from UV rays without leaving a greasy mess or white cast that messes up your foundation. In this guide I have shortlisted 10 top sunscreens that blend seamlessly by keeping your makeup flawless and your skin safe.
No matter what your skin type is oily or sensitive skin, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want a matte finish or a tinted glow or a primer like finish, these SPFs are perfectly made for you. Let us explore the best options to enhance your daily routine!
Image Credit: Anthony Shkraba via Pexels
Why You Need Sunscreen Under Makeup
Sunscreen is not just for beach days, it is a daily requirement for your skin and also prevent wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer. But finding a makeup friendly sunscreen is important. The best ones will be light, it will absorb fast and create a smooth base for your foundation. Just imagine like you are preparing a canvas before painting a masterpiece.
Once I used a heavy sunscreen that made my makeup greasy by noon. Later after trying 2 to 3 sunscreen, I found lightweight SPFs that worked perfectly on my skin under makeup. I shared 10 options below that you are gonna love and it won’t clog pores or look chalky. lets dive in!
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 becomes red or irritated then you must be dealing with sensitive skin, and for that you need a gentle best sunscreen that works well under makeup. Mineral sunscreens which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to sting. Once I tried a Chemical SPF, and that made my eyes watery also not at all ideal before mascara!
Here are three top picks for sensitive skin:
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: It is fragrance free, calms redness and works beautifully under foundation.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50: It feels weightless and do not irritate sensitive skin.
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: It is 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
- Do not cause breakouts
- Provide a smooth makeup base
Matte Sunscreens for Oily Skin
If dealing with oily skin, you need a daily SPF that must avoid a shiny face. For oily skin matte sunscreens control oil and works as a primer and keep your makeup fresh all day.
Try these three matte options:
- Supergoop! Matte Screen SPF 40: An oil free sunscreen for face that blurs out pores and gives soft finish.
- Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 55: It is lightweight and non comedogenic that works perfectly on oily skin.
- Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35: It mattifies your skin and works as 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
- Also works as a makeup primer
- Keep makeup from slipping
Image Credit: ChatGpt
Tinted Sunscreens for a Flawless Base
If you want a sunscreen that evens your skin tone then tinted sunscreen will give smooth finish that also offer sun protection, light coverage and a perfect makeup base. It is like a BB cream and sunscreen in one.
Here are three tinted favorites:
- Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face SPF 50: It comes in multiple shades and blends seamlessly without leaving white cast.
- IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow SPF 40: It hydrates and gives a dewy glow with SPF moisturizer under makeup.
- Colorescience sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50:This tinted lightweight sunscreen gives a perfect natural look.
Why Choose Tinted Sunscreens
- Even out skin tone lightly
- Works as a sunscreen and primer together
- Blend well with all skin tones
Image Credit: Olha Ruskykh via Pexels
Lightweight and Invisible Sunscreens
Heavy sunscreen can ruin your makeup and make it sticky, but invisible sunscreen SPF sinks into your skin without a trace and make it 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: It feels like a moisturizer and goes well with foundation.
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: this invisible primer like sunscreen is perfect for all skin types.
- Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30: It is 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. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons for each of our top 10 picks that will help you to find out different skin needs and makeup routines.
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Pros: It is lightweight and non comedogenic which contain niacinamide that helps in reducing redness. It is perfect for acne prone or sensitive skin as it works as a sunscreen primer for makeup.
Cons: Slightly pricey and Some users report a subtle shine on oily skin.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50
Pros: It is fast absorbing mineral formula with no irritation and ideal for sensitive skin. Also gives a matte finish and layers well under foundation. And it is also Water resistant for 40 minutes.
Cons: It can feel slightly thick if you over apply. Minimal white cast on darker skin tones.
3. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros: This sunscreen is gentle, fragrance free and non-comedogenic. It works perfectly for sensitive skin and blends smoothly under makeup with no pilling. And Budget friendly too.
Cons: Not water resistant and that is why not ideal for sweaty days. Also slightly chalky if you do not rub it properly.
4. Supergoop! Matte Screen SPF 40
Pros: It helps in mattifying oily skin and blurs out pores and yes it works like primer and sunscreen both. It is lightweight and non greasy formula that is perfect for makeup wearers.
Cons: Little pricey and Some users find it drying on normal or dry skin.
5. Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 50
Pros: Quite affordable and non comedogenic and oil free formula. It gives a high SPF protection to oily skin without clogging pores and goes well under makeup.
Cons: Chemical formula may irritate sensitive skin and can feel sticky if over applied.
6. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros: A silky texture with silk extract that makes your skin smooth and works as a sunscreen primer for makeup. Also helps in control shine for oily skin and blends invisibly.
Cons: Expensive and slightly lower SPF than others.
7. Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face SPF 50
Pros: This tinted formula in multiple shades leaves no white cast and great for all skin tones. And offers a tinted sunscreen for smooth finish and matte coverage.
Cons: Tint may not match all skin tones perfectly and can feel heavy if layered with thick foundation.
8. IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow SPF 40
Pros: Hydrating with a dewy glow that also works as a light CC cream that contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It is perfect for dry skin under makeup.
Cons: Limited shade range and not ideal for very oily skin due to dewy finish.
9. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50
Pros: This tinted mineral formula is easy to apply and does not sting sensitive skin. It works great under makeup with no residue and also water resistant for 80 minutes.
Cons: Little pricey and tint may transfer to light clothing if not set properly.
10. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Pros: Sheer mineral formula that is antioxidants which hydrates without greasiness and no white cast. It is ideal for darker skin tones under makeup.
Cons: Lower SPF (30) and may not suit high UV exposure. It can pill if layered with heavy skincare.
FAQs About Sunscreens Under Makeup
Q1: What is the best SPF for under foundation?
The best SPF for under foundation should be lightweight and non greasy and at least have SPF 30. Supergoop is an unseen Sunscreen with SPF 40 that is a top choice for its invisible and 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 ,then wait for 1 to 2 minutes so that it can be absorb and later use a makeup sponge to apply foundation smoothly.
Q3: Can sunscreen replace my primer?
Yes! There are many sunscreen primers for makeup are available like EltaMD UV Clear or Tatcha Silken as it have a silky texture that holds makeup very well.
Conclusion
Finding the best sunscreens under makeup can transform your daily routine. Wheather you want matte SPFs for oily skin or tinted options for a glowing base, these Top10 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. No matter you need a non-greasy sunscreen for makeup wearers or one for sensitive skin, there is something here for all. Check the pros and cons above to find your perfect match and then share your favorite.
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