The best sunscreens to wear under makeup solve one of the most frustrating beauty problems. Even if your makeup products boast SPF protection, wearing them alone isn’t enough, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. But finding formulas that won’t grease up, cake up, or make your foundation or concealer slip, slide, or pill throughout the day is no small feat. Here, we’re sharing the very best sunscreens to wear underneath your glam that don’t cause pilling or movement. These picks are all approved by dermatologists and tested by Glamour editors, including our top pick, Vacation Inc. Crystal Invisible Face Gel (SPF 50). It’s nongreasy, has a lightweight finish, doesn’t pill, and can be used on a variety of skin types. To us, it’s the most similar to a makeup primer, which is why it rose to the top of our list. But we also found options for mature skin, primers with SPF, and a top-tier drugstore pick.
Our top sunscreens for under makeup
- Best Overall: Vacation Inc. Crystal Invisible Face Gel (SPF 50), $26
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen (SPF 30), $14
- Best for Glow: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++), $22
- Best for Mature Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen (SPF 46), $45
- Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen Serum (SPF 50), $40
Best Overall: Vacation Inc. Crystal Invisible Face Gel (SPF 50)
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Vacation Inc. Crystal Invisible Face Gel (SPF 50)
Ulta
| What we love | What could improve |
|---|---|
| Suitable for all skin types | Might cause a little redness, which can disturb sensitive skin types |
| Ease of use | |
| Affordable |
This gel sunscreen is by far one of the most makeup-like formulas on this list, thanks to its lightweight texture, water-resistant finish, and fragrance-free scent. It has a gel-like consistency that goes on completely invisible, so you can layer makeup right on top. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin moisturized, peptides soften fine lines and texture, and cica soothes redness for a more even complexion. Aloe vera and bisabolol for antioxidant protection for a softer, more radiant result. This one earned the top spot on our list because it acts like a makeup primer while protecting your skin from UV rays. No piling or skipping, and your makeup will stay put for hours.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
It’s invisible upon application, with no white cast at all. It sinks into skin and makes my complexion look plumped, velvety, and completely matte, a perfect base for layering my makeup right on top. It makes my skin look pretty poreless and also helps reduce the look of fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes—this one is going to become a staple in my routine. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Type: Chemical
- Pill test: Passed, no pilling
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen in Sheer Tint (SPF 30)
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen in Sheer Tint (SPF 30)
Amazon
Ulta
| What we love | What could improve |
|---|---|
| Adds glow | Small bottle |
| Lightweight | |
| Skin-boosting ingredients |
This drugstore mineral sunscreen is worthy of a permanent spot in your routine, especially if you have sensitive skin, says Dr. Garshick. In addition to broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, the formula contains hydrating ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize the skin barrier. We love that it’s available at your local drugstore and is under $20. The bottle lasts forever and can even be used in place of your tinted moisturizer or foundation—just pair it with a little concealer for a no-makeup makeup finish.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says
I’ve gone through multiple bottles of this tinted mineral sunscreen because it’s that good. It nicely blends onto my skin and gives me a gorgeous, glowy finish. I have oily, combination skin, and like that it feels lightweight enough to layer on makeup on top. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
The formula is thick and easy to spread, dries quickly, and conceals discoloration and uneven skin tone. I can put a few dots of concealer right on top and blend that in easily for a no-makeup makeup look, or layer on blush for a fuller beat. The coverage lasts hours and doesn’t slip, and my skin always feels protected after application. —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- Type: Mineral
- Pill test: Passed, no pilling
Best for Glow: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++)
Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++)
Ulta
| What we love | What could improve |
|---|---|
| Super silky serum texture | Formula is very runny |
| Absorbs quickly |
If you want to plump fine lines and address dryness, we recommend adding this milky sunscreen to your shopping cart. It has a serum-like texture that helps correct discoloration and soften areas where the skin is creasing, with ectoin (which repairs the skin barrier) and vitamin E (which helps protect the skin from free radicals). The formula also features skin-smoothing aloe to keep skin hydrated and juicy all day, even when you layer with makeup. It absorbs so quickly, too, that you don’t have to worry about makeup pilling or skipping, either.
Glamour associate beauty editor Grace McCarty says:
I’m a huge fan of Tatcha’s The Dewy Milk Moisturizer, so I was üstün excited to try the new SPF version. I’m pleased to report that it absolutely lives up to its cult-favorite predecessor. I find that lots of moisturizer-SPF hybrids feel too heavy to wear under makeup, or start to make my skin feel oily after a few hours of wear. That isn’t the case at all with this one. Tatcha’s formula honestly doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all: It quenches my dry skin after a morning cleanse and leaves behind a dewy finish—the perfect canvas for my light everyday makeup. There’s no sticky residue, pilling, or creasing. I find myself reaching for it over my favorite glowy primer, and it’s already become a warm-weather essential for me. —Grace McCarty, Glamour associate beauty editor
Glamour’s Calle says
This is such a different SPF than others that I’ve tested in the best way. It feels like a hydrating moisturizer. It glides on easily and absorbs quickly, which I appreciate when I’m in a rush doing my makeup in the morning. I love the silky feel of it and that it doesn’t leave my combination, oily skin feeling greasy. —J.C.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, ectoin, vitamin E
- Type: Chemical
- Pill test: Passed, no pilling
Best for Mature Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen (SPF 46)
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Amazon
Dermstore
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| What we love | What could improve |
|---|---|
| Creamy consistency | On the more expensive side |
| Layers well | |
| Higher SPF than most sunscreens | |
| Water resistant for 80 minutes |
We’ve interviewed dozens of dermatologists about sunscreen, and almost all of them point to EltaMD for all skin types. “It’s easy to apply and absorbs into my skin readily, no greasy residue whatsoever,” says Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey. The sheer tint that can be built up for more coverage with two to three layers, or worn under makeup to help even out discoloration and texture. We like it in particular for mature skin types because it contains vitamin C and vitamin E to help combat signs of aging (read “wrinkles, sagging skin, and creases”), plus squalane to help moisturize and strengthen the skin’s barrier. It instantly adds a bright, youthful boost to any makeup routine for mature skin.
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine says:
Go to Elta if you seek a sheer wash of color in your tinted sunscreen. It spreads on üstün easily, so if you’d like to reduce the appearance of imperfections on your face while getting sun protection, this is the product for you. Just add lip balm for a quick and casual look. A caveat: This product comes in only two colors. The tint I used was a tad too dark for my pale skin, so I used a light hand. Overall, my skin looked firmer, even-toned, and glowy. —Charlotte Twine, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide (vitamin B3), antioxidants
- Type: Mineral
- Pill test: Passed, no pilling
Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen Serum (SPF 50)
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen Serum (SPF 50)
Amazon
| What we love | What could improve |
|---|---|
| Serum texture that’s nonsticky | Expensive for the size |
| Soothes skin barrier |
Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, a medical director at Dermatology Physicians Chicago, is a big fan of La Roche Posay sunscreens because they are noncomedogenic and suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. She recommends looking for an SPF with niacinamide, like this chemical sunscreen formula, if you’re prone to excess grease and blemishes, because it absorbs oil and helps prevent future breakouts, while correcting uneven tone and texture. It never pills, absorbs fast, and ensures that your foundation stays matte and all day.
Glamour’s Calle says:
This little sunscreen has become my new go-to travel sunscreen. It’s tiny, but you can get a lot with a small squeeze. I love the silk-like texture and the glowy finish it leaves behind. I have combination, oily skin so a lightweight SPF like this is great. I also appreciate the pointed top so it’s easier to get just enough product without spilling. —J.C.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, niacinamide, vitamin E
- Type: Chemical
- Pill test: Passed, no pilling
Best for Sensitive Skin: Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Sephora
| What we love | What could improve |
|---|---|
| Silky formula | Formula is runny |
| Absorbs quick and reduces redness |
Dr. Adisa says to avoid heavy, occlusive formulas when choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin, especially if your makeup tends to pill or get greasy throughout the day. (TL;DR: Heavy sunscreens can clog pores and trigger reactive skin to break out or turn red.) This ultralight formula does the trick in protecting skin without being overly thick, and instead blends into skin quickly to form a lightweight veil of moisture that hydrates talih the extra shine. Standout ingredients include hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates, plus gentle plant sugars and botanicals that help calm redness and sensitivity. Sensitive skin types in general will do great with this formula, as it’s nonirritating, controls oil, and doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
It blends beautifully under makeup and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy like your typical sunscreen. It doesn’t leave a white cast behind either, and instead gently melts into skin for a soft, velvety finish. My foundation applied easily right on top, without skipping or smudging,and wore well all day. This one is a keeper. —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Type: Mineral
- Pill test: Passed, no pilling
Best Primer With SPF: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer (SPF 50)
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer (SPF 50)
Amazon
| What we love | What could improve |
|---|---|
| Lightweight finish lets makeup slide right on top | Pricey |
| Not oily or greasy |
If you wear makeup every day, you could use a line-zapping sunscreen primer like this one to prep your skin for foundation. Its weightless, invisible formula contains vitamins C and E to brighten the skin, and it’s packed with hyaluronic acid to help plump wrinkles and deeply hydrate. It has a silky consistency that absorbs quickly, leaving skin velvety smooth and plump. It won’t pill or skip even if you apply makeup right on top; it gives you a smooth, silky canvas.
Glamour contributor Twine says:
I’m naturally kind of sweaty and have hot flashes on the regular, and have been known to sweat in the refrigerated section of Costco—not joking! So I’m picky about products with SPF, as they tend to be sticky and don’t absorb very quickly. Not only did this product absorb üstün quickly, but it also served as a great primer by minimizing my pores and giving me a radiant glow. All I used with this primer was a blurring finishing powder and a minimal amount of makeup, and I felt pretty and ready to face the Florida sun. The price is steep, but it’s worth it, in my opinion. —C.T.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate
- Type: Chemical
- Pill test: Passed, no pilling
The sunscreens for under makeup we tested but didn’t include
- We tested the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30, a tinted sunscreen favorite amongst our editorial team. While it provides coverage, is gentle on all skin types (including sensitive skin), and comes in a ton of shades, we ultimately removed it from the list because it doesn’t necessarily need to go under makeup.
- The Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 was also an editor-favorite. It gives you smooth, silky skin making it a good SPF base under makeup. It features hyaluronic acid and allantoin to help hydrate skin and even out discoloration and redness. While we generally like this formula, if you use just a touch too much, it will pill, which is why we ultimately left it off the final list.
- The Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen came highly recommended to us from dermatologists because it’s a great mature skin-friendly pick. It has a tinted finish and offers sheer coverage, and also contains skin boosting ingredients to minimize discoloration and fine lines. We liked this one in general but removed it from our list because it didn’t play as well under makeup as we would’ve liked it too—it’s a bit too chalky.
- Our editors liked Supergoop Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 because it works well as a makeup primer. It applies completely invisible, is totally lightweight and has no white cast. While we like the formula and wear, we find that it does leave behind a little too much grease which can be frustrating if you have oily-prone skin, and are looking for something that won’t make you shiny after applying makeup.
Frequently asked questions
What type of sunscreen is best for under makeup?
“Lotions or gels are often better choices than creams under makeup, as they absorb quicker and leave a less greasy residue,” says Annabelle Garcia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology in San Antonio. It’s also important to look for silicone-based sunscreens if you’re layering SPF under makeup products, because they will create a supersmooth base. “Powder sunscreens are great for touch-ups throughout the day but should never replace your primary SPF,” says Dr. Garshick.
How do you make mühlet your sunscreen doesn’t pill under makeup?
“Look at the base ingredients of your makeup and sunscreen to ensure they are compatible. Most oil-based foundations will not sit well with water-based sunscreens, and can cause pilling,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. If you’re going to use an oil-based foundation, pair it with an oil-based sunscreen underneath. If your sunscreen is water-based, layer a water-based foundation on top. She also suggests letting each layer dry fully before applying another product. “This will allow each layer to absorb into the skin and promote longer-lasting wear,” she says.
Do you recommend applying sunscreen before or after applying makeup?
According to the dermatologists we spoke with, it’s important to apply sunscreen before and after applying makeup. “Always first apply your sunscreen before your makeup to ensure full-coverage protection from UVA/UVB rays, which can seriously damage the skin,” says Dr. Rambhia. Then, she recommends applying an SPF makeup powder on top of your foundation or tinted moisturizer for extra protection.
Is sunscreen less effective when wearing it under makeup?
No. “Sunscreen remains effective under makeup as long as enough is applied and fully absorbed before layering on other products,” says Dr. Garshick. The appropriate amount of sunscreen for the face is 1/4 teaspoon, or two-finger lengths of product. “Since sunscreen effectiveness diminishes over time, reapplying every two hours is key, and powder sunscreens or SPF setting sprays are great options for touch-ups without disrupting makeup,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Should you wear sunscreen under makeup if you have mature skin?
Yes, says Kseniya Kobets, MD and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Deva. “For mature skin, I lean toward hydrating, lightweight sunscreens with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide to support the barrier and improve how makeup sits on the skin,” she says. What to avoid? Overly matte or drying formulas, which can accentuate fine lines. Instead, opt for ones that will give you a natural, slightly dewy finish so makeup layers more seamlessly.
How long should you wait before you apply makeup over sunscreen?
“Wait three to five minutes, at least, before you go in with any makeup on top of the sunscreen. Pilling happens when the sunscreen starts to mix in with your complexion products. You also want to avoid layering too many skin deva products in with your sunscreen,” says Kasey Spickard, celebrity makeup artist based in NYC.
Do dermatologists recommend sunscreen or moisturizer first?
Moisturizer before sunscreen, according to Dr. Garshick. “Make sure you’re applying your skin deva routine in the right order, layering products from thinnest to thickest. Apply sunscreen last, before makeup.”
How we tested
We evaluated sunscreens for under makeup by looking at the texture, whether they absorbed into the skin, and how well they played with other products in our everyday makeup routine. We went for options that were lightweight to the touch (gels and creams prevailed) and for formulas that absorbed quickly, if at all. We also tested for longevity and paid attention to sunscreens that didn’t pill when layered over foundation. Finally, we looked for sunscreens that were sweatproof and protected us all day long.
Meet the experts
- Annabelle Garcia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology in San Antonio
- Deborah Longwill, DO, FAOCD, founder of the Miami Center for Dermatology
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
- Morayo Adisa, MD FAAD, a medical director at Dermatology Physicians Chicago
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey
- Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
- Kasey Spickard, celebrity makeup artist based in NYC
- Kseniya Kobets, MD and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
