15 Of The Best SPF’s For Over & Under Your Makeup
The sun may be shining (well, it’s meant to be) but this is no reason to forgo your suncare for your makeup. Here are the face SPFs designed to be worn on top or beneath your makeup while protecting your skin from the sun.
1.
A sunscreen developed specifically for your eyes. We’re in! Ward off fine lines and wrinkles developing from too much squinting in the sun with this dinky cream. Brimming with skin-loving ingredients which doesn’t interfere with your eye makeup.
2.
It’s impossible to find fault with A-list facialist Sarah Chapman’s products – and this is no exception. This gives a second-skin finish that works with all skin tones, it reverses damage while protecting too and contains optical diffusers to blur blemishes so you can skip your base. You will struggle to find a sun care product that ticks as many boxes as this.
3.
A moisturiser, high-level SPF and primer all rolled into one, this is what streamlined routines dream of. Heaven sent for busy mums.
4.
A generous swoop of this powder sets your makeup, mattifies your skin and offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without greasing up your hands. Plus, it doesn’t settle into fine lines, nor does it feel drying or tight.
5.
This 360˚ cream is primarily a moisturiser but works harder to protect and replenish skin from the sun with it’s high SPF. Great under make up, consider this your ultimate ‘skinsurance’ policy.
6.
This skincare/suncare hybrid is formulated with a blend of tranexamic acid and niacinamide, which help to even and balance the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, while also protecting skin from the sun. A brilliant choice for mature skin.
7.
This mini sunscreen has fast become a cult favourite because of its unique sun filter ‘Mexoryl 400’ that protects from long UVA rays for the ultimate protection. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, great for sensitive skins and comes in a tinted version too. We’re buying this in bulk.
8.
A genius invention for those you want sun protection but want to avoid their makeup melting in the heat. This invisible mist is packed with botanicals to hydrate and fortify skin while preventing UV-induced damage. Simply spritz over face and voila. No makeup meltdown here.
"Most base products now include an SPF. Do not rely on these. Yes, they have an SPF, but they also have a lot of other ingredients in them that won’t protect you from the sun. You tend to have to apply 14 times more makeup to get the effects of an actual SPF. That’s one heavy foundation!" - Lisa Potter-Dixon, top makeup artist and beauty influencer.
9.
If you associate sunscreen with super-greasy faces and slippery hands, this is your new best friend. Perfect for oily, breakout-prone skin that leaves a matte finish, makeup in place and solid sun protection all-day.
10.
A superb multi-tasker that sets makeup, blurs blemishes, mattifies your look while also providing high sun protection. What more do you need?
11.
Summer days calls for extra skin protection and often too many products can mess with the skin’s microbiome. However, these drops calm inflammation, reduce redness, and strengthens your skin barrier. Plus, they work just as well underneath makeup as they do on top.
12.
This lightweight serum formula can be worn alone or mixed with your favourite day cream. Described by top aesthetics Dr Barbara Sturm as your liquid sun umbrella.
13.
Based around Shiseido’s proprietary SynchoShield Technology, this innovative, lightweight, broad-spectrum cream reacts with water, sweat and heat to create even stronger protection as the day wears on. Genius!
14.
Created by Dr. Marko Lens — a leading plastic surgeon and expert in skin cancer. This pocket-friendly daily moisturiser and protector makes a great base for make-up – delivering super-charged skin benefits minus any chalkiness or slip.
15.
Hydrate and protect peeling sun-parched lips and dreaded cold sores with this fragrance, flavour, and colour-free, all-round pleaser. A summer beauty essential that works alone or under your lippie.
Want more SPF content? See our Beauty Editor’s round-up of the best sunscreens for every skin type.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
