The Very Best Sunscreen That Won’t Ruin Your Makeup

sunscreens elta supergoop and kosas on background

Graphic by KCM

We found formulas to use both over and under a full glam look.

It’s no secret that using SPF can help prevent skin cancer, signs of aging, and sun spots. But it’s easy to prioritize makeup over sunscreen because a simple layer of foundation can help you feel confident when you leave the house (even though we think you look fabulous with or without makeup). Is it possible to protect your skin while also protecting your self-esteem? Absolutely!

You don’t have to endure the inconvenience of ruining your makeup with a sticky sunscreen that leaves a ghastly white cast, because we found plenty of formulas that play well under your daily makeup routine. And with dermatologists nationwide recommending that we should all be reapplying SPF every two hours, we found a few holy grail SPF products that you can stash in your purse for on-the-go touchups.

From creamy formulas that act as primers to your foundation to technologically advanced stick creams that are magically smear-proof, beloved favorites like Supergoop! and Kinfield, as well as rising K-Beauty brands, are making it easier than ever to ensure that you protect your skin and maintain a flawless face. Ahead, shop the best face sunscreen options that apply seamlessly both under and over makeup.

Best Sunscreens to Apply Under Makeup 

Best Overall: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop

When finding a 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 pills 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.

$22+ at Supergoop

Dermatologists’ Favorite: Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen

Amazon

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. 

$43 at Dermstore

Best Mineral Sunscreen: Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++

Kosas

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.

$40 at Kosas

Best K-Beauty SPF: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen (SPF50+ PA++++)

Amazon

In the U.S., most sunscreens only list SPF value, which indicates UVB protection. (UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns.) Korea uses a P.A. system, which monitors both UVB and UVA protection. (UVA rays have a longer wavelength and cause skin damage and, ultimately, skin aging.) Not only do Korean sunscreens tend to boast better protection, but formulas are surprisingly lightweight and easy to layer. This product in particular in gaining TikTok traction for its barely-there finish, giving you a smooth base for makeup.

$20 at Amazon

Best SPF for Darker Complextions: Unsun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

Amazon

Because mineral sunscreens are made with zinc, they have a tendency to give your face a 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.

$20 at Dermstore

Best Sweat-Proof SPF: Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35

Kinfield

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. 

$26 at Kinfield

Best Tinted SPF: Ilia Skin Tint SPF 40

Ilia

If you do want to remove a step from your makeup routine altogether, go for a tinted sunscreen like this one from Ilia. 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.

$48 at ilia

Best Sunscreens to Apply Over Makeup 

Best SPF Powder: Supergoop! (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF

Supergoop!

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. 

$35 at Supergoop

Best Spray SPF: Habit No. 39 SPF Face Mist

Habit

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. So, sit back in your poolside chaise and spray away.

$30 at Habit

Best Stick SPF: Shiseido SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Stick

Sephora

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. 

$32 at Sephora

Best Mineral SPF Mist: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Glow SPF 30 Spray

Ulta

All of us know the pain of applying sunscreen only to look like Casper the friendly ghost afterward, especially if you have a darker skin tone. 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.

$16 at Ulta

Best SPF Makeup Setter: Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray SPF 30

Amazon

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 up to 16 hours of wear, so you won’t be seeing any smudges or fading, especially if you reapply more than once. 

$8 at Amazon