-
Lightweight texture layers well over any makeup
-
Stands up well to water and sweat
-
Mattifies without causing dryness, so it’s great for all skin types
Dermatologists consistently recommend this brush-on powder to their clients — and we can see why. Don’t think of it as a full-coverage powder foundation; the lightly tinted formula serves as more of a translucent, matte setting powder for you to reapply throughout the day. The formula feels lightweight, layers seamlessly over any type of makeup, and doesn’t clog pores. In testing, it held up extremely well on both bare skin and makeup and lived up to its claims of staying water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
We also love that it instantly cuts shine without drying out skin, thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the formula. It’s great for all skin types, whether sensitive, oily, or dry. While the tint is very sheer and meant to prevent white cast across a variety of skin tones, we would still love to see an expanded shade range. The built-in brush is designed with antimicrobial bristles so you don’t need to wash and replace it, but we found that it sometimes caused a little too much powder to dispense or collect in the cap. Even so, it’s an easy favorite for keeping in your bag or taking on the go.
Size: 0.21 ounces | Star Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitachelox | SPF: 50 | Shades: 4
-
Lightweight, silky texture layers well under makeup
-
High level of sun protection
-
Hydrates without feeling greasy
If you haven’t tried this drugstore favorite, you’re missing out. This moisturizing serum sunscreen gives instant, intense hydration without feeling heavy or looking greasy on the skin. We loved the texture, which feels lightweight and silky and dries down to a soft, smooth finish that’s totally free of white cast. While the brand doesn’t bill it as a makeup primer, reviewers online love to layer this SPF serum under makeup to create a smoother canvas.
When we tested it, we found that the formula truly created the perfect base for foundation and concealer, helping them glide on smoother without pilling or looking patchy. However, since it’s not meant to be a true primer, it won’t extend the wear of your makeup. Additionally, we found that it sometimes caused slight stinging on sensitive eyes, so be careful not to apply this too close to your eye area if you’re sensitive to sunscreen. For the price, it’s an unbeatable SPF step to add to your routine.
Size: 1.7 ounces | Star Ingredients: Vitamin E | SPF: 60+
-
Blurs pores for a filtered look that can be worn with or without makeup
-
Creates a smooth, even base and helps extend makeup wear time
-
Blends in without any white cast
-
Hydrates and brightens skin
We were truly impressed by how well this primer-sunscreen hybrid hit the mark on both counts. As a sunscreen, it checks all the boxes: It created no white cast, offered water and sweat resistance, and added hydrating and brightening benefits from hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. It looks exactly like a blurring primer once it dries down, with a velvety finish that minimizes the look of pores, fine lines, and uneven texture.
Worn alone, it gives skin a filtered finish, but it’s even better layered under makeup for a seamless canvas. The silicone-free formula relies on natural microalgae to create a smoother-looking finish, making it a great option for anyone that prefers to avoid the ingredient. While we’d consider the texture to be lightweight, it does have a slightly thicker consistency to create the priming, blurring effect, so you should give it a minute to fully sink in.
Size: 1.69 ounces | Star Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, natural microalgae | SPF: 50
-
Feels hydrating and comfortable, like a serum
-
30 shades suit a wide range of skin tones
-
Great for daily wear thanks to its sheer coverage and glowy finish
If you’re in the market for something sheer to even out your skin on minimal makeup days — or just dislike the feeling of wearing heavy foundations — this skin tint with SPF reigns supreme. We love the extensive shade range, which ranks high among similar sheer-coverage skin tints. The formula is packed with heavy hitters like plant-based squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which help deeply hydrate and lessen the look of redness and fine lines.
The lightweight, moisturizing formula is ideal if you prefer your skin tint to feel more like a true serum than a makeup product. It leaves your skin looking impressively dewy and healthy. Because it’s so hydrating, it may not be the best choice for those with oily skin, which can cause it to look and feel greasy as the day goes on. If you have an oily T-zone or an oily skin type, we recommend topping this with a mattifying setting spray or powder (like the one from Colorescience) for optimal wear.
Size: 1 ounce | Star Ingredients: Plant-based squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | SPF: 40 | Shades: 30
Pro Tip
Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist practicing at MDCS Dermatology, says that makeup with SPF can also be used as an easier and more practical way to reapply protection throughout the day since glopping on sunscreen over foundation and other face makeup products can get a bit tricky.
Our top pick for the best buildable foundation with SPF is the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation, which is formulated with SPF 50. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30, so right away we were impressed by the level of sun protection. But, beyond SPF, we loved how it gives off a more natural finish that you can then build and blend for more coverage as needed. The CC cream also has an excellent shade range, making it easier to find a color that matches your skin tone, which isn’t always the case with foundations.
While testing, the one thing we noticed is that it isn’t a full coverage foundation like the product claims. However, you can build upon it to get close to full coverage, and it did have a lot of coverage for a CC cream formula. Additionally, we preferred the lighter coverage because it gives a more natural look and makes our skin feel like it can breathe.
Size: 1.08 ounces, 0.406 ounces | Star Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E | SPF: 50 | Shades: 35
If you want a foundation formula that provides good coverage while also appearing more natural, the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation is the best of both worlds. When testing out this foundation, we loved the medium coverage it provided while still appearing lightweight and natural — which is likely due to how well it absorbs into the complexion.
With that said, we found that it still doesn’t provide a lot of coverage on hyperpigmentation, but you can remedy this by building the foundation on any discolored areas and dabbing on a little concealer. It also has more of a matte finish — which we love for oily skin — but some might prefer to use a hydrating primer underneath for a stronger glow. One issue we found is that it transfers easily from the face to clothing, so you have to be extra careful when getting ready.
Size: 1.01 ounces | Star Ingredients: Wild thyme extract, protective polymer | SPF: 30 | Shades: 30
-
Works well without a primer, even if you have large pores
-
Matte finish is an excellent choice for oily skin types
-
Foundation doesn’t feel at all drying despite powder formulation
For a splurge-worthy foundation, we love The Soft Moisture Powder Foundation from La Mer. This foundation is definitely on the pricey side, but it’s also good for layering, and a little goes a long way which makes it worth the investment, in our opinion. During our tests, we were most impressed by how well it covered large pores; we usually need to apply a primer underneath the foundation to prevent the foundation from settling in, but we didn’t need to with this.
We also love that the formula has a powder-like texture once applied, which gives off a mattifying finish that doesn’t dry the skin. One thing to note: There aren’t as many shade options compared to the some other foundations with SPF we tested, so you may have a harder time finding a perfect match.
Size: 0.34 ounces | Star Ingredients: Miracle Broth, The Soft Sea Ferment, lime tea concentrate | SPF: 30 | Shades: 11
-
25 different shades suit most skin tones
-
Lightweight and breathable formula
-
Matte finish reduces the look of oily skin
When shopping for a foundation for oily skin, we love one that is lightweight enough to allow the skin to breathe — and we found it in the PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup. We were impressed by its light formula and found that it didn’t provoke oil production (plus the matte finish helps reduce the look of oily skin). The foundation also comes in 25 different shades and we found that they were accurate enough to blend in with our skin tone for a more natural finish.
Something we didn’t love about this foundation formula: Because it’s so lightweight, it doesn’t cover blemishes very well, so it’s not ideal for acne breakouts (we suggest dabbing a bit of concealer on those blemish spots, instead). This foundation is also SPF 15, which may not yield enough protection for some.
Size: 0.28 ounces | Star Ingredients: Waltheria extract, shea butter, vitamin E, PÜR’s proprietary Ceretin Complex, SPF | SPF: 15 | Shades: 25
-
Easy to apply and build coverage
-
Comes in four highlighting hues
-
Light, creamy finish with lots of shimmer
-
Layers well over traditional eyeshadows
With the Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow, you can get some pigment on your lids with a nice side of sun protection. This creamy eyeshadow formula features SPF 30 and zinc oxide protection, which protects the delicate skin on the eyes from the sun’s UV rays.
With its four shimmering shades, the shadow is a good mix between a highlighter and eyeshadow and provides a light sheen over the lids that stays put once applied. When testing this product, we found that it worked best when applied without a primer base, but it also adds a nice topcoat of shimmer to more traditional eyeshadow formulas, too.
Size: 0.18 ounces | Star Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octisalate | SPF: 30 | Shades: 4
If you want to up the ante on your SPF game, including products like an SPF blush in your arsenal is a must. We tested the Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm, which is a stick blush and formulated with SPF 50, and we were thoroughly impressed. The first thing we noticed is how little product you need to get a natural sun-kissed look — you just need one little swipe! — which means the 0.32-ounce stick goes a long way.
While it isn’t ideal to apply with your fingers (it works best with a brush or sponge), we loved the way it blended into the skin, especially when layered with other SPF makeup products like foundation. We are also fans of the different shades, which include a nice berry blush as well as a bronze hue and a soft blush pink. While this is technically meant for the cheeks, we also tested it on our lips and loved the natural finish it provided. With a swipe of lip balm or gloss, it looks like you have a stunning lip formula on your pout.
Size: 0.32 ounces | Star Ingredients: Jojoba esters, zinc oxide, squalane | SPF: 50 | Colors: 3
-
Super hydrating with long-lasting moisture
-
Smooth and somewhat tacky texture doesn’t bleed easily
-
Can be purchased in a pack of three or individually
Since we don’t usually apply sunblock to our lips, a high-quality lip balm with SPF is super important for those sunny days. After testing several balms, we found that the best reparative option is the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, which is formulated with healing and nourishing vitamin E, along with antioxidant-rich green tea for added protection.
We love that this lip balm can be also purchased in a pack of three, so you can ensure you’re never without protection when you need it (we’re stashing one in each of our work bags and purses ASAP). Additionally, the moisturizing formula provided long-lasting hydration that left our lips feeling deeply conditioned. We also love it in replace of a lip gloss since it has such a smooth and somewhat tacky texture (though, we wish it did have a little bit of a color tint).
Size: 0.25 ounces | Star Ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea | SPF: 25
-
Cream-based formula is super smooth and silky on the lips
-
Hydromanil helps prevent dehydration.
-
Hydration lasts all day (though we recommend reapplying for SPF benefits)
For a lip balm with long-lasting hydration, we were most impressed by the EltaMD UV Lip Balm, which includes SPF 36 for sun protection and is formulated with Hydromanil to protect against dehydration. After testing this out we were very impressed by how nourishing it felt on the lips and how that nourishment lasted all day (though, we do recommend reapplying like you would any sunscreen).
The formula feels silky and smooth to the touch and does a fabulous job of softening the lips, which provides lots of relief on a hot summer day (especially for those in dry summer climates). Although we found the price tag a little high for a lip balm, the quality formula and included SPF makes it well worth the money. We just wish that there were tinted options available, too.
Size: 0.28 ounces | Star Ingredients: Hydromanil, zinc oxide, glycerin | SPF: 36
-
Feels like a lip oil, so it’s not sticky or tacky
-
Super hydrating compared to other lip-plumping formulas
-
Plumping lasts around one hour
The Sunnie Skin Plump It Lips is both a lip plumper and an SPF for your pout, which makes for a fun summer beauty product. Compared to other lip plumpers we’ve tried, we found this one to be the most hydrating, thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid. It also includes peptides and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, which support collagen production on the lips.
After testing this out, we found that the plumping effect lasts for a decent amount of time — around one hour — before needing to be reapplied, but we actually prefer it that way because it helps us remember to apply SPF to our lips in tandem with the rest of our skin. Since this is a plumping formula, we found that the lips turned a little pink when applying (which we loved), but if you accidentally over-line your lips, the skin around the mouth can also get a little pink.
Star Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 | SPF: 30
-
Perfect combination of a lip oil and a lip gloss
-
Texture feels tacky without being too sticky
-
Comes in several pink shades, plus a clear gloss
The best lip gloss with sun protection is the Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm, which is formulated with SPF 30 and tons of amazing skincare ingredients such as aloe stem cells, sea moss, and vitamin E for deep nourishment. We love this formula because it’s like the perfect mix between a nourishing lip oil and a tacky lip gloss with the added benefits of SPF, and it never feels too sticky.
Although the tackiness wears off after three hours of wear, the lips still feel super hydrated and soft, so it has long-lasting effects, too. We also love that the gloss is available in a few pinky hues, plus a classic clear gloss that layers well over other lip products.
Size: 0.35 ounces | Star Ingredients: Aloe stem cells, sea moss, vitamin E | SPF: 30 | Colors: 3
-
Squeeze applicator makes it super easy to apply
-
Stays put on the lips and absorbs well
-
Formulated with deeply nourishing shea butter
The best hydrating lip balm with SPF is the Supergoop! Play Lip Balm, which is formulated with broad spectrum SPF 30, shea butter, and acai. While testing this formula, we were most impressed by how well it absorbs into the lips to provide deep nourishment and, although we had to reapply it frequently to keep that buttery lip balm texture on our pout, it works really well at softening the lips.
The squeeze applicator also made it really easy to apply, which is ideal for on-the-go moments but also while at the beach or pool. With regular use, we also noticed that our lips didn’t peel or crack at all, which they normally do without a high-quality lip care product. Our only other complaint? More tint options other than the clear formula that’s currently offered.
Size: 0.5 ounces | Star Ingredients: Shea butter, acai | SPF: 30
What to Know About Makeup With SPF
SPF Level
Regardless of your makeup’s SPF level, it is important — and necessary, according to dermatologists — to first use an actual sunscreen formula to provide proper protection from the sun’s rays. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen recommends using a facial sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and says that makeup with SPF should also have at least this level of sun protection, especially if being used for touch-ups throughout the day.
If spending time in the sun, Dr. Shokeen also says not to rely solely on your sunscreen and makeup with SPF. “It is essential to keep in mind that no sunscreen can provide complete protection from UV rays, therefore, it is recommended to pair makeup with SPF with other sun protection measures such as protective clothing, avoiding midday sun, and seeking shade,” she explains.
In addition to the SPF level, Dr. Shokeen says to check to make sure that sunscreen products have broad-spectrum protection (the EltaMD UV Lip Balm Sunscreen and La Mer’s The Soft Moisture Powder Foundation are a couple of examples), which means they can protect against both UVA and UVB radiation; these are the rays that can lead to skin cancer and premature signs of aging.
Formulation
“The formulation of makeup with SPF can also significantly impacts its effectiveness,” says Dr. Shokeen. She explains that the consistency, texture, and weight of the product are crucial determinants of how well it will stay on the skin, how long it will last, and how easy it is to apply.
“Look for products that contain physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they tend to be safer and more effective than chemical blockers,” Dr. Shokeen says. For reference, theColorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm, Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow, and EltaMD UV Lip Balm Sunscreen all include zinc oxide in their formulas.
Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Formulas
When shopping for makeup with SPF, Dr. Garshick says to look for products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. She notes that this is especially necessary for those with acne-prone skin since you want to avoid using products that can clog pores.
Behind the Scenes
To find the best makeup with SPF, we researched dozens of formulas across several categories including foundation, blush, and eyeshadow, as well as lip products like balms and glosses. From there, we brought these top product picks to the PEOPLE Tested lab (27 products total, if we’re counting), making sure to follow the instructions for use and application to ensure each formula met the product claims and expectations.
We then incorporated the makeup products in our regular beauty routines for a minimum of three days with over four hours of wear. To get a good idea of staying power, we noted how well the formulas held up during a full working day as well as when participating in more physical activities. We rated each product on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the best) against testing attributes specific to each category.
Our Criteria
- Foundations: We rated each product based on coverage, wear, feel, and transfer resistance.
- Eyeshadows: We evaluated each eyeshadow on pigmentation and ease of application.
- Blush Products: We rated texture, blendability, and pigmentation for each blush tested.
- Lip Balms and Glosses: We considered the feel, hydration, and overall look when evaluating lip products.
The makeup products with SPF with the highest overall ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Which SPF foundation is best?
-
Is makeup with SPF as good as sunscreen?
When using makeup with SPF, it is recommended to first apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as a base layer for adequate protection. However, some SPF makeup products can still provide good coverage — and some sunscreens moonlight as makeup (we’re looking at you, Supergoop!).
“If the SPF is at least 30 and above and it has broad spectrum coverage, then you should have adequate coverage,” says Dr. Faranak Kamangar, a board-certified dermatologist. With that being said, Dr. Kamangar says it also depends on how much makeup you apply. “If you only apply a thin layer of makeup, it may not be enough to yield the SPF 30, in which case you may want to add a layer of sunscreen in the form of a topical cream or a sunscreen powder for added protection,” she says.
The most important thing to consider when using makeup with SPF is the amount of protection it can provide based on the SPF level and how much you use, since “the amount of makeup you apply may not be enough to provide the level of protection you need and you may not be applying it evenly or frequently enough,” says Dr. Jennifer Linder, M.D., F.A.D.D, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, and is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Linder Health.
Since the sun’s UV rays aren’t something to mess with, it’s always a good idea to think of makeup with SPF as the icing on top of your sun protection routine vs. the only form of protection. Apply a layer of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before starting your makeup routine and you can rest assured knowing your skin has good protection, plus a little extra.
-
What makeup products have SPF?
With an emphasis on skincare in makeup, SPF is a very common ingredient in a variety of daytime makeup products. You can find SPF in everything from tinted moisturizer to foundation to concealer to blush to lipstick.
And, some sunscreen companies even give their sun-protecting formulas a makeup-inspired touch. For example, Supergoop! creates a collection of makeup-inspired sunscreen products — including our top pick for the best eyeshadow with SPF, Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow — that provides good coverage by both sun protection and makeup standards.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. With over a decade of beauty writing under her belt and as someone who prefers a skin-first approach to makeup, Jessie is no stranger to makeup with SPF. When covering the best makeup with SPF, she leaned on her professional experience in the skincare industry as well as the insights from top experts to learn more about what makes makeup with SPF the best. For this piece, she interviewed four board-certified dermatologists. Sarah Y. Wu is also a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE with extensive beauty coverage in her repertoire. Together, armed with these expert insights, Quinn and Wu reviewed all of the PEOPLE Tested and real-world notes and put together this list of the best makeup products with SPF.
Our Expert Panel
- Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in California.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and a clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Dr. Faranak Kamangar is a board-certified dermatologist and chair of the San Francisco Dermatological Society.
- Dr. Jennifer Linder is a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.