If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
We all know the golden rule of a great skin care routine — Always. Wear. Sunscreen. As any dermatologist will tell you, the perfect sunscreen for you is the one you’ll stay loyal to. For those of us who wear makeup on the daily, that means you need one of the best sunscreens to wear under makeup that doesn’t pill, smell, or cause your makeup to melt like Dalí painting by the time the sun goes down.
Sunscreens and makeup don’t always play nice together. Some mineral sunscreens cause a white cast that throws off the undertones of your best foundation, while others err on the greasy side, preventing your makeup from staying put all day. A new crop of face sunscreens from established brands like Lancôme to emerging ones like Eighth Day have recently released sunscreens that don’t just layer well under makeup, but work like makeup primers to lock down your glam.
Top Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup of 2025
To find the best sunscreen to wear under makeup, you’ll need to consider your skin type, how much makeup you regularly wear, and personal preferences like mineral versus chemical formulas or tinted SPFs versus translucent ones. You’ll need two finger lengths worth of sunscreen to effectively protect your skin, so you’ll want a sunscreen that’s breathable and comfortable, particularly when you’re wearing it under layers of makeup.
As a beauty editor, I’ve reported on the sunscreen market for eight years, testing hundreds of SPFs on my combination skin along the way. The below sunscreens to wear under makeup are my holy grail for any beauty beat — they wear beautifully under liquid and cream foundations, skin tints, bronzers, and blushes.
WWD Shop editor Claire Sullivan tests and reviews top sunscreens to wear under makeup.
Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Lancôme Supra Screen Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+
Many sunscreens are created to shield your skin instead of nourishing it. Lancôme’s does both with a formula full of ingredients like brightening niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid, plus a special type of vitamin C to help forage free radicals. This SPF has a watery formula that disappears onto the skin with a dewy finish, creating the ultimate base for any level of makeup you apply on top.
Editor testing and review notes: “For those who hate the feeling of heavy sunscreens on their skin, this Lancôme’s SPF is chef’s kiss. Aptly named, the formula goes on more like a face serum than a traditional lotion, lending lightweight protection from the sun that you’ll want to wear everyday. I didn’t experience any sensitivity, stinging, or white cast with it.” — Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $48
Fenty Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Invisible Moisturizer
If you prefer a sunscreen that feels like absolutely nothing on your skin, then Fenty’s Hydra Vizor SPF is the one for you. This lightweight lotion leaves no traditional sunscreen trace on your skin — you won’t feel greasy, slimy, or smelly with this one on — instead supplying the feel and light sheen of a great face moisturizer. A light pink tint rubs in smoothly with a touch of glow in its wake; and is comfortable to wear under a light complexion product or full-coverage foundation.
Editor testing and review notes: “I packed this sunscreen for a beach vacation a few months back, and I’ve had a hard time parting with it since. The lotion melts in immediately after I apply it, only leaving behind a dewy finish and soft-to-the-touch skin. Go with the unscented version if you have a sensitive nose: Even on the hottest days at the beach, I never noticed a fragrance or felt like it was preventing my skin from breathing — it’s a surprisingly gorgeous formulation to wear on its own or under makeup.” — Sullivan
Price upon publication of this article: $40
Supergoop! Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops Mineral SPF 40
Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen was one of the first SPFs to go viral for its ability to act like a primer — but we think this newest addition to the brand’s lineup does an even better at creating a glowing base for makeup. The Mineral Glow Screen, available in two shades, features a radiant tint that nixes the white cast you see with many physical sunscreens, instead replacing it with a glow-boosting sheen. Simply put, it makes your makeup look better.
Editor testing and review notes: “This sunscreen is like a shortcut for radiant skin — which is typically not the case with mineral SPFs. This one has a way of smoothing out discoloration on my cheeks like a tinted moisturizer, imparting a healthy skin look. It transfers onto white clothing quite easily, so you’ll want to be careful with application, but otherwise I have no negative notes on this top SPF to wear under makeup.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
La Roche-Posay SPF 30 Face Moisturizer Sunscreen
A great face moisturizer with a wallop of SPF is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting accurate sun protection without worrying about makeup that pills or streaks throughout the day. La Roche-Posay’s SPF 30 Face Moisturizer goes on like your favorite daytime face lotion with a creamy texture that disappears on the skin while you smooth it on. It also contains ingredients like skin barrier-strengthening ceramides and niacinamide that hydrates and brightens skin with continued use.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is a great two-in-one product for those who don’t like the feeling of sunscreen on top of a face lotion. Those with oily skin could easily forgo face serums when using this makeup-friendly sunscreen, too, thanks to its brightening and soothing ingredients. Just wash your face, apply this moisturizer, and continue with your glam routine. After testing this with liquid and cream foundations, I didn’t experience any pilling, excess shine, or sunscreen smell during hours of wear time.” — Sullivan
Price upon publication of this article: $23.99
Eighth Day SPF 30 Rejuvenating Moisturizing Primer
Developed by Dr. Antony Nakhla, a dermatologist and reconstructive skin cancer surgeon, Eighth Day offers one of the most luxurious — and effective — sunscreens to wear under makeup. His formula protects the skin with a proprietary type of non-nanoparticle zinc that applies sheer and is suitable for the most sensitive skin types. Dr. Nakhla formulated the sunscreen with a light pigment that counteracts white cast and flashback in photos, also making it a great sunscreen for dark skin types to wear under makeup. And like the brand’s cult-favorite face serum, it’s powered up with peptide-rich plasma for firmer, bouncier, and brighter skin with consistent use.
Editor testing and review notes: “This sunscreen is a great option for those who want to streamline their beauty routine with high-quality, multitasking goods. Rather than plain-old sunscreen ingredients, Eighth Day’s sunscreen features actives you’d find in luxury anti-aging serums for healthier-looking skin in the long run. I love that this was formulated with makeup in mind — rather than pilling when you apply product on top, it grips it in place to extend your glam’s wear time.” — Sullivan
Price upon publication of this article: $119
Saie Sunvisor SPF 35 Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
For glowy glam, start with Saie’s Sunvisor SPF Face Sunscreen. This top-rated face sunscreen to wear under makeup has a golden, glistening tint that creates a filter on your skin with major radiance. This makes it a great sunscreen for mature skin as well as dry skin types that tend to read dull (those with oily skin will want to opt for a sunscreen with a less emollient texture and a matte finish). What’s most surprising about this sunscreen is that it’s an all-mineral formula; it has the weightless feel of chemical sunscreens, no flashback, and zero scent.
Editor testing review notes: “I’m a radiant makeup girl through and through — my dry skin can never have enough moisture and highlighter is a desert island beauty product in my book. One thing I’ve learned is that the wrong sunscreen can ruin a dewy makeup look, rendering it matte or melty depending on which end of the moisture spectrum the sunscreen falls. Saie’s sunscreen has become my favorite to wear under makeup for everyday beauty looks; with its subtle sheen and hydrating properties, I only need a touch of concealer and a pinch of blush to perfect my no-makeup makeup look.” — Sullivan
Price upon publication of this article: $38
Cerave SPF 30 Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Those who need a sunscreen for acne-prone skin know that the wrong SPF formula can wreak havoc on your skin. This one is a surefire way to avoid breakouts, redness, or irritation — over 60,000 five-star reviews on Amazon attest to just that. It’s formulated with a lightweight texture, plus ceramides to support irritated skin. Because of its featherweight texture and breathability, acne-prone types will have no concerns over their skin feeling suffocated when layering it under breakout-friendly foundation.
Editor testing and review notes: “Few sunscreens feel like nothing on my skin — many err on the greasy side, some are scented, and others impart a subtle white cast that makes me hesitate before I reapply. Cerave’s face sunscreen, on the other hand, goes on featherweight without fragrance. I love that it never breaks me out but also doesn’t leave my skin feeling thirsty: It’s a true two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen. Because it’s so lightweight and breathable, it’s easy for me to massage on another coat if I’m at the beach; it doesn’t pill, sting, or feel slick.” — Sullivan
Price upon publication of this article: $14.97
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Moisturizer and Primer
Australian SPF brand Ultra Violette recently entered the US market with a slew of lightweight sunscreens. The Supreme Screen SPF 50 formula was created to wear well under makeup, and it does just that with a hydrating formula that can double as a moisturizer for most skin types. The lotion is subtly tinted with just a hint of shine, creating a smooth and glow-boosting base for foundation and concealer.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is one of those SPFs I’ll reach for when I’m rushing through my routine — I love that it functions as a moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup primer in one comfortable formula. For the price, I was pretty amazed by how luxurious it feels on my skin: It has a cushiony texture and feels slightly cooling when I apply it. Plus, it has yet to pill with other products.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $36
Clinique Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Facial Moisturizer
Clinique’s Moisture Surge with SPF is one of the best sunscreens to wear under makeup for combination and oily skin types. While many sunscreens are formulated in lotions, this one has a jelly texture that feels cooling on contact, delivering lightweight hydrators like aloe and hyaluronic acid. Most importantly, it absorbs quickly, meaning you don’t have to worry about product pilling or your foundation sliding off when you dab it on top.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is one of my favorite face sunscreens to wear under makeup when I’m in a rush. I’ll scoop out a dollop, massage it on, and bam — I’m moisturized and primed for my five-minute makeup routine. A little goes a long way and because it’s so sheer, I’m able to pat on a little extra product where I need it on my combination skin. It always gives me just the right amount of moisture, never making my skin feel overly shiny or wet.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $31
Tower 28 Sunny Days SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
One of the best ways to wear sunscreen under makeup is by going with an SPF that provides skin tint-level coverage that camouflages dark spots, breakouts, and redness. That’s what you get with Tower 28’s Sunny Days Tinted Sunscreen — this formula is on par with top tinted moisturizers with SPF courtesy of its medley of skin-loving ingredients like soothing white sage and 17 shades. No-makeup makeup folks won’t need foundation with this sunscreen; however if you’d like to build coverage, it’ll lock down any liquid or cream foundation you apply on top. It earned a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, proving its safe to use on the most sensitive skin types.
Editor testing and review notes: “Redness is my number one skin woe — and summer only makes that unwanted flush more pigmented. Tower 28’s sunscreen is a one-step way for me to tamp down that discoloration; I love that it masks any visible redness while the formula’s ingredients get to the root of the issue. This sunscreen to wear under makeup is my go-to when I need a quick tone-evening base layer. All I have to do is dab on some bronzer and blush, and I know I’m set for a 10-hour day in the city.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
How We Tested and Selected the Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
One beauty editor compiled this list of the best sunscreens under makeup after fielding testing of 57 sunscreen formulas for dry, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. We considered testing input from different skin types and skin tones for each selection on our list, ensuring that we offer a range of sunscreens to wear under makeup for all shoppers. Our list includes both mineral and chemical formulations, and tinted and non-tinted sunscreens.
During three rounds of product testing, we applied each sunscreen on clean skin, waited two minutes, then followed up with a full face of makeup. Our testers wore these sunscreens under both liquid, cream, and powder makeup formulas, including foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and highlighter. The picks on our list stood out for their ability to both extend the wear time of makeup and in some cases, make glam looks appear more radiant. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan wrote the original version of this article and updated it in April 2025 with additional product picks after an additional round of product testing.
