10 Best Primers With SPF You Can Always Rely On – 2024
Use these primers meant for your skin type and flaunt your sunkissed makeup look.
Margret Avery is a celebrity makeup artist with over three decades of experience. Her calm demeanor, extensive skin care knowledge, and complete discretion have earned her an esteemed clientele, including Carolyn Rhea, Margaret Russell, and... more
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Makeup primers are smooth gel, cream, or liquid formulae that cover your large pores, bump textures, and tiny creases, creating a smooth surface for easy makeup application. Those cosmetic formulas with SPF protect your face from sun rays. You can use the best primer with SPF beneath your foundation and minimize imperfections and aging signs. It will also help to even out skin tone by providing sun protection.
Margret Avery, a celebrity makeup artist, says, “Primers have become a necessity for most women. Why? Because it helps to hide imperfections and can offer more protection. There are a variety of choices; either more matte, tinted or glowing, and always giving your skin the smoothness it craves. The key is to not apply it heavily, you don’t want it to cake on the skin.”
In this article, we have curated a list of the 10 best makeup primers with SPF for prepping your skin. Keep scrolling to learn all about them
In This Article
Are Primers With SPF Effective?
A primer prepares your face for makeup application by concealing lines, patches, blemishes, and other skin imperfections. Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun and UV ray damage. Both protection and preparation are vital for your skin to remain youthful and well-rested. Hence, investing in a primer with SPF is a wise choice. Plus, it is effective on most skin types.
If you have decided to add this versatile beauty product to your vanity, browse the next section to pick a suitable option.
Top 10 Makeup Primers With SPF You Will Love
1. Best For Color-Correcting:Almay CC Luminous Primer
The Almay CC Luminous Primer contains a complexion-correcting formula to brighten and smoothen dull and tanned skin. This all-natural primer offers broad spectrum protection with SPF 15 to prevent photodamage and cover signs of photoaging. Its oil-free formula has hydrators that nourish your skin and hold your makeup in place all day. This tinted primer comes with tones of pink and pearl that neutralize and conceal uneven pigmentation to prepare all skin types for any makeup look for a flawlessly even complexion. According to reviews, this color-correcting primer is highly blendable and people experience even color that sets without caking.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May feel oily
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,288 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Dermatologica Skinperfect Primer SPF30
The Dermatologica Skinperfect Primer SPF30 works as a priming formula, sunscreen, and anti-aging treatment. This 3-in-1 primer conceals skin imperfections like fine lines, preps your skin for makeup application, and leaves a soft-focus finish. Its silky formula contains soy protein, pearl powder, and natural earth minerals that polish your skin to add subtle radiance. It is lab-tested to be gluten-free and complies with the FDA standards. They help even out the skin tone and texture, support skin firmness, and protect against sun damage. You can wear this illuminating SPF primer alone, over your moisturizer, or under foundation to hold your makeup better and for longer. This video helps you know more about this primer for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Goes on smooth
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- Mildly scented
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,052 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Anti-Aging:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Blurring Face Primer
The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Blurring Face Primer is formulated with pore-minimizing silica to blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, creating a smooth, even, and flawless base for makeup application. It is also formulated with SPF 30 to provide sun protection and help prevent sun damage and premature aging of the skin. The vitamin E, shea butter, cucumber, green tea, and linseed in the formula help to nourish and protect the skin. The formula is so lightweight and blends so seamlessly that it feels like naked skin, even with the primer on. It gives a demi-matte finish – ideal for wearing alone or under makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Contains ingredients that conceal skin imperfections
- Demi-matte finish
- No white cast
- Minimizes pores and fine lines
- Blurs the skin
Cons
- None
4. Best For Mature Skin:La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer With Sunscreen
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer has a lightweight mousse texture that suits oily skin. Its broad-spectrum SPF 50 prevents photodamage and provides daily UVA/UVB protection to your skin. The allergen-free formula visibly blur signs of aging, blemishes, and uneven pigmentation to give a poreless, matte finish skin with enhanced beauty. This oil-absorbing primer suits all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is suitable for everyday wear with or without makeup. Its moisturizing ingredients will leave your skin soft and silky under makeup, without feeling sticky or greasy. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
5. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Colorscience Bronzing Primer SPF 20
The all-day wear Colorscience Bronzing Primer SPF 20 has a water- and sweat-resistant formula that improves your skin’s tone, texture, and firmness, delivering exceptional results. It contains rice proteins and oat peptides that even out the skin tone, extend makeup wear, and provide a healthy sun-kissed look. Other all-natural and nourishing ingredients in the primer like aloe leaf juice, jojoba seed oil, and green tea leaf extract brighten your skin from within. This tinted primer doesn’t clog the skin pores and preps your face for a long-lasting makeup look with its light coverage.
Pros
- Mildly scented
- Non-comedogenic
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- None
6. Best Vegan Formula:Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer creates a poreless, smooth, and even canvas for makeup to stay on all day. This facial primer spreads effortlessly to conceal redness and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The mineral-based components – titanium and zinc oxide – provide broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection. The silky, non-greasy, and weightless primer works well with cream, liquid, and powder-based makeup and is the best primer with SPF that can be worn under any foundation.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
7. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Glo Tinted Primer SPF 30
The Glo Tinted Primer SPF 30 has an oil-free formula that offers broad-spectrum, pure mineral sun protection. Its weightless texture spreads easily on your skin to conceal areas of concern and provide sheer to medium coverage. The mineral sunscreen with titanium and zinc oxides blocks UVA and UVB rays from causing gradual photodamage. This primer preps your face with a semi-matte finish and can be worn alone or under mineral makeup for an even-toned look and radiant-looking skin. It is formulated to suit all skin types, including sensitive skin, without leaving a greasy and sticky film.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Spreads well
- Oil-free
- Natural coverage
- Absorbed quickly
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May cause breakouts
8. Best For All Skin Types:IPKN Radiant Cream Primer SPF 15
The IPKN Radiant Cream Primer SPF 15 preps your skin with natural radiance and offers an even tone. It features a blend of nourishing orange, blueberries, pomegranate extracts, and shimmery pearl powder. This weightless, creamy primer spreads uniformly over your skin to create a flawless base and minimize visible signs of stress, sun damage, and large open pores. The pearl powder and rose extract in this primer form an invisible barrier to repair and restore your skin’s pH balance. This primer is formulated to suit all skin types and can be worn alone or under a foundation.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Mildly scented
- Easy application
- Doesn’t clog pores
Cons
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones
9. Best Long-Lasting Formula:NYX Bare With Me Suscreen Daily Moisturizing Primer
The NYX Bare With Me Sunscreen Daily Moisturizing Primer has a hydrating formula infused with hemp seed oil and Asian pennywort extract. It also contains SPF 30 sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and sunburns. This moisturizing primer with SPF can be worn alone for a brightening, nourishing, sheer, and healthy glow that lasts for 24 hours. In addition to radiant-looking skin, it primes your face by concealing signs of concern and extends the life of the look.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Protects from everyday sun damage
- Quick-drying
- Non-sticky
- Weightless
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Dye-free
Cons
- Overpowering scent
10. Best Camera-Ready Primer:Smashbox Photo Finish Protect SPF 20 Primer
The Smashbox Photo Finish Protect SPF 20 Primer has sun-protecting, soothing, anti-aging benefits for your skin. It contains active natural antioxidants like vitamin E, grape seed extract, and green tea leaf extracts that soften fine lines and wrinkles, lighten hyperpigmentation, and improve your skin tone. This primer with SPF is ideal for mature skin as it is clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging and dullness. It spreads easily to create a smooth canvas for flawless and long-lasting makeup application.
Pros
- Absorbed quickly
- Ideal for daily use
- Ensures long-lasting makeup looks
- No greasy and oily feel
- Easy application
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Runny consistency
These 10 primers with SPF are designed to suit most skin types and cater to various needs. But to pick a primer that suits you best, here’s what you should look for while buying.
What To Look For In A Primer With SPF
1. Finish: A primer’s finish is how it ultimately looks on your skin. Although it is mainly worn under makeup, a primer is the first product in contact with your skin. If you have oily skin, pick a primer with SPF and a mattifying or oil-absorbing finish. It will not make your skin look and feel oily when you wear makeup. A creamy, hydrating primer with a dewy finish would best suit dry, normal, or combination skin types.
2. Active Ingredients: Whether you have sensitive skin or not, it is best to stick to SPF primers that are free of chemicals and irritants. Give preference to natural emollients, hydrants, and antioxidants over synthetic ones. Choose a primer with pure mineral-based sunscreens like titanium or zinc oxide for long-lasting and safe sun protection.
3. Value For Money: Today, you can find primers that perform more than one function in makeup lines. SPF in primers is one of the varieties. Look out for primers that can work as a foundation, color-correctors, moisturizers, anti-aging treatment, acne treatment, etc. You can make the most of a multipurpose primer’s worth by wearing it alone, under makeup, and/or for protection in specific environments.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right SPF Primer For Your Skin Type
A good SPF primer can help you deal with uneven skin texture and protect it from damaging sun rays. But you can get the best out of a product only if you pick a product that suits your skin type and concerns. Check out the infographic below to understand how to select the right SPF primer for your skin type.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
By now we all know that a good primer helps create a smooth canvas for the next layers of makeup. Using a primer with SPF will not only cover your large pores, bumpy textures, and tiny creases, it will protect your face from the harsh UV rays. The primers discussed in this article have a lightweight and non-greasy texture that is easy to apply and devoid of any harmful chemicals. While picking a makeup primer with SPF, consider the finish, and go through the ingredients list to avoid harmful ingredients. The Almay CC Luminous Primer is a great option for daily use which adds a natural glow to your skin, while the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer allows for seamless application of foundation. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer With Sunscreen has amazing anti-aging benefits and is suitable for everyday wear. If you want to downsize your makeup kit, pick a primer with SPF, and get started right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear sunscreen under primer?
Yes. Start with sun protection first and apply sunscreen. Let it dry before starting your makeup look with a face primer. You can wear any makeup product under a primer. But, since sunscreen can’t go over makeup, it is best to follow the order of moisturizer, sunblock, primer, and makeup.
Are primers with SPF good for dry skin?
Yes, hydrating primers formulated with a water-soluble base and with SPF are suitable for dry skin care. They block UV rays from penetrating the skin and nourish flaky skin.
Can I use a primer with SPF instead of sunscreen?
Yes. Use a primer with high SPF instead of sunscreen. The SPF in the primer will prevent sun damage and create flawless skin.
How often should I use a primer with SPF?
Prime your face with an SPF primer whenever you are out in the sun. There is no harm in using the primer with SPF daily.
Should you apply primer before or after sunscreen?
Apply sunscreen first on your moisturized skin to protect it from sun damage. Then, apply the primer as the first step of makeup.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author Baishali Bhattacharya is a certified makeup expert. She also has a keen interest in various products used in makeup and loves to research about them, which always brings out the best products for the readers. The list of best makeup primers with SPF has been curated carefully after extensive research and after reading many customer reviews from trusted platforms. She says that one should invest in a good primer for easy makeup, and these primers with SPF benefit you doubly as they offer sun protection and an even base.
