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The best sunscreens under makeup do more than shield your skin from UV rays—they also have to survive
foundation
,
blush
,
concealer
, and whatever skin-care routine you layered underneath. Nothing tests your patience quite like spending 15 minutes blending your makeup, only to watch it start to ball up into tiny flakes around your nose. One minute you're glowing; the next, your face looks like it’s shedding.
Before you blame (or, worse, skip) your SPF, know that the sunscreen itself often isn’t actually the issue. According to
Anetta Reszko
, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, pilling can happen when you layer “silicone-heavy products, apply sunscreen before previous skin care has fully absorbed, or use very thick or occlusive moisturizer underneath it.
Our Top Sunscreens Under Makeup
Best Mineral Sunscreen Overall:
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
, $84
Best Chemical Sunscreen Overall:
Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen
, $18
Best for Redness:
Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
, $34
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
, $38
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it important to wear sunscreen under makeup, or is SPF makeup enough?
What could be happening if your makeup is pilling over your sunscreen?
Which sunscreen ingredients can make makeup slide off?
Do mineral and chemical sunscreens wear differently under makeup?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
But a few strategic steps can prevent that from happening, like using a lightweight moisturizer and wearing a makeup-friendly SPF that absorbs quickly, dries down smoothly, and doesn’t leave behind a slick or tacky finish. Ahead, our editors gladly risked a few good makeup days in the name of finding the best ones.
Best Mineral Sunscreen Overall:
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Alastin
HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
$84
Amazon
$84
Alastin
Allure
contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it:
Since Alastin’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 has a subtle tint, you may find you don’t need makeup at all—for some, “it functions as a hybrid between sunscreen and complexion product,” says Dr. Reszko. But if you’re looking for more coverage, it still layers well under makeup.
Mineral
filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) provide broad-spectrum protection, while ectoin supports the skin barrier and binds water to the skin, so you’re less likely to deal with makeup clinging to dry patches. “The tint blends easily for most skin tones,” adds
May Hall
, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina. It comes in just one shade, so while our tester confirms it blends pretty sheer, it might not be a true shade match for extremely fair skin.
Beyond the tint and UV filters, it’s loaded with additional ingredients to help your skin cope with the stress it faces long after sun exposure.
Ectoin
supports the skin barrier and maintains hydration, while antioxidants phytoene and phytofluene protect against free-radical damage triggered by infrared exposure and environmental pollution. There’s also hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, another potent antioxidant that helps skin stay plump and calm. Translation: It’s a complexion product and an antioxidant
serum
rolled into one.
Lee immediately after applying the Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee at the end of the day after applying the Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer
Christa Joanna Lee
“As someone with sensitive and fair skin, I’m usually picky about mineral sunscreens, and I was a little hesitant that Alastin's Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 only comes in one shade—but the tint is sheer enough to cancel out any chalkiness. I definitely wouldn't personally say it’s in makeup territory, but it does add
just enough
to even out your skin. It blends in beautifully and absorbs quickly, but I usually sweep another layer of my favorite dewy
serum foundation
to even out my melasma more.”
—Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
Key ingredients:
3.4% zinc oxide, 8.9% titanium dioxide, ectoin, phytoene, phytofluene,
Thermus thermophilus
ferment
Type:
mineral
Tinted:
yes (1 shade)
Water-resistant:
40 minutes
Fragrance-free:
yes
Best Chemical Sunscreen Overall:
Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
Beauty of Joseon
Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
$20
Sephora
Allure
commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it:
If you want a
Beauty of Joseon
sunscreen that feels like you’re wearing nothing, meet Dayscreen. Similar to the original Relief Sun that went viral many times over, this chemical SPF will lend you that
glass glow
Book Your Appointment
Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.
Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.
Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.
Source: https://www.allure.com/story/best-sunscreens-under-makeup
