10 Best Sunscreens To Wear Under Makeup

Sunscreen is infamous for being greasy and sticky – the reason many hate wearing it under makeup. It leads to patchy makeup, leaving behind a pile of shiny mess. But you also cannot cut out SPF from your life. That’s why we are here to help. Below is a list of best sunscreens to wear under makeup. Take a look.
Top 10 Sunscreens To Wear Under Makeup
1. EltaMD UV Clear
If your skin is prone to acne or conditions like rosacea and discoloration, you can use this sunscreen under your makeup. It contains zinc oxide that guards your skin against the UV rays without irritating it. The zinc oxide is 9.0% transparent, so you can bid farewell to the ghostly white cast. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using this sunscreen.
Pros
- No residue
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Antioxidant protection
- Untinted formula
- Sensitivity-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Expensive
- May cause breakouts
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
The Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer SPF defends your skin from UV rays and all potential damages caused by sun exposure. It is so light that you do not feel it on your face at all. It is non-greasy and gives a matte finish. This sunscreen is formulated with Helioplex that provides superior sun protection. This lightweight sunscreen is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- 100+ SPF
- PABA-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight formula
- Dry-touch technology
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- Might cause a burning sensation in the eye.
3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen Spray
The Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Face Mist keeps your face refreshingly sun-safe. You can just spritz it on your face, under or over the makeup, and get water-resistant sun protection for hours. This SPF 55 face mist is formulated with Helioplex sunscreen technology and provides broad-spectrum protection against sun rays without making your skin feel heavy and ruining your makeup.
Pros
- SPF 55
- Oxybenzone-free
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Quickly absorbed
- Easy application
- Sheer and invisible coverage
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Might cause a burning sensation
- Expensive
4. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
If you have forgotten what it feels like being out in the sun, this soothing sunscreen is going to bring the fun back! This product is formulated with 5,500 ppm of aloe vera leaf extracts and is extremely hydrating. It protects you from both UVA and UVB rays as it is an SPF 50+ and PA+++ sunscreen.
Pros
- SPF 50 and PA+++ (UVA and UVB protection)
- Contains botanical ingredients
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Suitable for prolonged sun exposure
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May sting the eyes.
5. CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen
This mineral sunscreen by CeraVe is a happy relief if chemical sunscreen makes your skin feel uncomfortable. The sunscreen has a universal tint that goes well with or without makeup. It is enriched with three essential ceramides and niacinamide that restore the natural barrier of your skin and keep it looking healthy. It is non-greasy and lightweight and blends exceptionally well with the skin. This tinted sun protection is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Pros
- SPF 30 with a sheer tint
- Developed with dermatologists
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- 100% mineral sunscreen
- No white cast
- Oxybenzone-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- No chemical filter
Cons
- The tint may seem dark on very fair skin.
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Daily Tone Correcting Primer
This tone correcting primer by La Roche-Posay doubles as a sunscreen. This primer and sunscreen has SPF 50 and is 100% mineral-based. It has a slight tint, so you can either wear it alone or under makeup. It is formulated with Cell-Ox technology that provides antioxidant protection and broad-spectrum sun protection to your skin.
Pros
- Titanium dioxide sunscreen primer
- Covers discoloration
- 100% mineral-based sunscreen
- Lightweight
- Oil-absorbing formula
- Matte finish
- Tested for skin tolerance
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oxybenzone-free
- Octinoxate-free
Cons
- Thick consistency
7. Make p:rem UV Defense Me
The Make p:rem (Making a Pragmatic Remedy) is a light UV defense cream. This sun gel claims to lower your skin temperature. It not only protects you from the harmful UV rays but also works as an anti-heat cream. It blends easily and contains SPF 50 and PA++++, which makes this product extremely effective. If you are in love with K-beauty, try this Korean brand.
Pros
- SPF 50 and PA++++
- Moisturizes the skin
- Non-sticky
- Oil-free
- No white cast
- Quickly absorbed
- Non-greasy
- No harmful chemicals
- Imparts a dewy glow after application
Cons
- May not suit oily skin.
8. COOLA Sun Silk Drops
This lightweight and gel-based sunscreen uses a plant-derived Full Spectrum 360° technology. These drops protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, blue light, infrared rays emitted by the sun, and pollution. It has sheer coverage, so you will not find a white cast. It contains hyaluronic acid that keeps the skin moisturized for long.
Pros
- SPF 30 (broad-spectrum)
- 70% certified organic ingredients
- Reef-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Breathable formula
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Expensive
9. Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport
If you are someone who has to spend a lot of time outside under the sun, and your skin needs heavy-duty protection, this sunscreen is what you need. The Dermatologica Protection 50 Sport is designed to protect your skin from prolonged exposure. It contains oleosome microspheres that enhance the performance of the SPF, prevent moisture loss, and protect your skin from damage. It does not make the skin greasy after application.
Pros
- SPF 50
- Water-resistant (40 minutes)
- Perfect for sport enthusiasts
- Lightweight formula
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- No artificial fragrance
- No artificial color
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
10. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen
How about a sunscreen that has anti-aging benefits and also takes care of your enlarged pores? The Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen does both. It contains silk and Japanese wild rose extracts that minimize the appearance of pores, keeps the skin smooth, and improves its texture. It also contains loquat leaf extract, which is loaded with antioxidants to keep your skin youthful. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection without a white cast and imparts a matte finish to your face.
Pros
- SPF 35
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Urea-free
- Sulfate-free
- DEA/TEA-free
- Free of aminobenzoic acid, homosalate, and oxybenzone
- No synthetic fragrance
- Non-sensitizing
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
You no longer need to dread using a sunscreen. The sunscreens listed above will not only protect your skin from the harmful UV rays but also enhance your makeup. Go ahead and pick your new favorite from the list.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
Can you wear sunscreen under makeup?
Yes, you can, and you should wear sunscreen under makeup. You can also wear sunscreen over your makeup – use a spray SPF.
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- 26 Best Sunscreens In India
- 10 Best Sunscreen Powders Available In India
- 21 Best Organic, Mineral, And Natural Sunscreens Of 2020
- Top 11 Sunscreens For Dry Skin

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