The 6 Best Sunscreens for Face to Wear Under Makeup

These six innovative SPF 30+ sunscreens deliver on the promise of doing double-duty: they’re sun-protection first, but each work as or under makeup.

Simply relying on lightly SPF-infused makeup or moisturizer for sun protection is usually not recommended by dermatologists, who tout the importance of applying enough and (keyword alert) reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, to reap its health and anti-aging benefits. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck carrying a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic around everywhere you go. These six innovative SPF 30+ sunscreens deliver on the promise of doing double-duty: they’re sun-protection first, but each provides a unique feature to give it a beautifying bonus. 

Skinbetter sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact

What: setting powder with SPF

Composed of 100% mineral blockers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), this compact boasts all the benefits of a physical sunscreen (effective protection, no controversial ingredients) minus the most well-known downside (a chalky residue). It’s formulated with a hint of color that adapts to the entire range of skin tones (both the lightest and deepest skin tones will find that this product blends seamlessly), to help blur blemishes and give your overall complexion a smoother look. The lightweight cream texture settles into a silky powdery finish that never leaves you looking shiny or greasy, and a genius twist-to-lock compact ensures that the product stays fresh until you hit pan. 

Obagi Clinical Vitamin C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

What: makeup primer with SPF

This dimethicone-based sunscreen shares the same base ingredient often found in primers, a silicone polymer that leaves behind a velvety, silky finish that helps to mattify and blur away skin imperfections. Suitable for use alone or under makeup, this sunscreen controls shine, protects from broad-spectrum UV rays, and even fills in fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C (in the form of highly effective 10% L-ascorbic acid) adds additional antioxidant defense and helps to treat existing spots and discoloration while protecting against new damage. 

Sol de Janerio My Sol Stick SPF 50

What: moisturizing highlighter 

A sheer SPF stick, it provides extra sun protection for your most sensitive areas (lips, cheeks, nose) while giving your complexion a boost of moisture and subtle highlight that’s never too shiny. The coconut oil and cupuaçu butter–based formula easily melts into skin, with no chalky residue, and smells like summer to boot. 

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50

What: blush and lip color with SPF

The three universally flattering shade sticks give cheeks and lips a bronzed glow or rosy flush while simultaneously hydrating and providing all-mineral SPF 50, broad-spectrum protection. The color builds easily from sheer to saturated, and pretty hues make it easy—and fun—to apply and reapply this sunscreen throughout the day. 

Coola Organic BB+ Skin Tint SPF 30

What: light foundation with SPF

With temperatures in the 80s and 90s daily, we’re turning to a foundation alternative that can help even skin tone while still letting our skin breathe. The BB+ Skin Tint combines the best of lightweight coverage with broad-spectrum, mineral-based SPF 30 coverage. It’s perfect for everyday indoor and outdoor wear, and it’s effective for up to 80 minutes of water resistance. 

Brush on Block Protective Lip Oil SPF 32

Whats: lip gloss with SPF

Being outdoors and wearing lip gloss usually don’t mix (unless you like hair in the mouth), but this oil-based lip protector is the rare exception. It’s lightweight, gives full coverage, and doesn’t have even the slightest bit of stickiness. It looks and feels so good that you forget it’s actually sunscreen formulated with minerals like zinc, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide in order to provide full-spectrum SPF protection. The easy-to-wear product comes in three your-lips-but-better shades.