The Very Best Sunscreen That Won’t Ruin Your Makeup

When finding sunscreen that works in tandem with makeup, it’s important to note how it finishes. You don’t want a super oily formula that will make foundation slide over your skin and never set, and you want to avoid sunscreens that pill as you rub it in. Supergoop’s Unseen sunscreen is so lightweight, it suspiciously feels like you’re not wearing SPF at all! It dries matte for those who have oily skin, so you won’t feel like you’re caking on products as you move forward into your makeup routine.

Dermatologists love Elta MD products because they don’t irritate sensitive skin and they offer supreme protection from harsh UVA and UVB rays. While you can get tinted formulas, too, we’re fans of this clear version of the brand’s cult-favorite sunscreen because it won’t add any color to your face. This formula is also made with skin-loving ingredients that can actually help reduce redness and calm rosacea, and it won’t ever clog your pores. 

Mineral sunscreens have a bad reputation for being way too thick and leaving an unfortunate white cast that has you resembling Casper the Friendly Ghost. But for those with sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen may be preferred. Don’t worry, because we personally tested Kosas’ new formula, which leaves a silky finish that doubles as makeup primer and skincare thanks to its inclusion of moisturizing ceramides and peptides, which help plump and smooth fine lines. The brand recently launched the same SPF with a glowy tint, too, in case you’re searching for a sun-kissed look.

In the U.S., most sunscreens only list SPF value, which indicates UVB protection. Korea uses a P.A. system, which monitors both UVB and UVA protection. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns, whereas UVA rays have a longer wavelength that causes skin damage and, ultimately, skin aging. Not only do Korean sunscreens tend to boast better protection, but their formulas are surprisingly lightweight and easy to layer. This product in particular went viral on TikTok for its barely-there finish, giving you a smooth base for makeup. But perhaps the best part about Korean skincare products is that prices are wildly lower than most U.S. brands — but don’t let the pricetag fool you: This formula feels expensive.

Because mineral sunscreens are made with zinc, they have a tendency to give your face a harsh white cast. And for those with deeper complexions, it’s extra challenging to find a formula that blends well. That’s the kind of inclusivity Unsun set out to create. The brand’s tinted mineral sunscreen was made with people who identify as BIPOC in mind. It gives you light coverage to either wear alone as a natural finish or build on with makeup depending.

Thick, oily sunscreens can completely remove makeup (and look ridiculous thanks to their impossible-to-rub-in texture), but a mineral formula like this one from Kinfield will give you a nice glow without stripping away face products. Not only is it safe for sensitive skin, waterproof, and reef-friendly, but reviewers say it stays in place and doesn’t streak when you sweat or make your eyes burn when you do get a little dewy. The finish is a bit glowy, so it won’t mattify makeup, but it’ll add a little bit of that “glow from within” look that everyone loves. 

If you do want to remove a step from your makeup routine altogether, go for a tinted sunscreen like this one from Ilia, which is backed by our own staff. It gives a slight tint without completely hiding your natural coloring. It might honestly be better than the bronzer or highlighter you were already using. It’ll smooth out your complexion and cover up an uneven skin tone without looking or feeling cakey, and you can reapply when needed for extra coverage.

For days you’re feeling that extra glow (and not in a good way), you probably don’t leave home without powder. Powder sunscreen is a step up we should all be taking. This one from Supergoop! has a brush attached to it, so application is extremely easy and mess-free. You’ll want to use it all over to reap the SPF benefits, but you can add a little extra to areas where your skin naturally produces more oil, like your nose and forehead. This comes in four shades (including a translucent one), so it won’t leave behind a white cast on darker skin tones. 

We were skeptical when reviewers said that they could apply this sunscreen straight from the tube over makeup without any issues, but the reviews don’t lie. Multiple reviewers said that they were shocked this stick didn’t pick up any of their makeup when applying and reapplying. They also mentioned it feels hydrating yet weightless on the skin, even after multiple coats. 

Perhaps the easiest way to apply any kind of sunscreen is to spray it on — especially if it means you can skip blending it in with your hands (yes, please!). This luxurious mist goes on evenly to ensure your entire face is protected, but because the mist is so fine, you don’t have to touch your face at all to pat it in. It has a light fruity scent that’s heavenly, and reviewers say it feels more like a refreshing facial mist than a heavy sunscreen.

It’s worth repeating that most mineral sunscreens look unnatural on deeper skin tones — but mineral spray leaves the worst results. Thankfully, this mist leaves behind zero white cast, so you can easily use it without having to blend for what feels like hours on end to look like yourself. Simply spray it on, let it set for a couple of minutes, and you’re ready to go. It’s also waterproof for 80 minutes, reef-safe, and has no scent, making it a good pick for those with sensitive skin.

Everyone sweats, but if sweltering temperatures tend to melt away your makeup, this two-in-one sunscreen will be your savior. Not only will it give you an extra dose of SPF, but it’ll help set your makeup, too. The fine spray will lock in all kinds of makeup products for hours of wear, so you won’t see any smudges or fading, especially if you reapply more than once.