You’ve probably heard the Why You Should Wear Sunscreen spiel a million times, but many of us are still guilty of foregoing putting sunscreen on every single day. Sure, you know you have to wear it when you go to the beach, but if you’re just walking around your neighborhood, you’re totally fine, right? Wrong.
If you think the SPF in your makeup products is enough to keep you covered all day, think again: you need to be wearing sunscreen under your makeup to truly protect your skin. But how do you find the right products that will take care of your skin without making your face too oily to keep your makeup in place? Lucky for you, we’ve found some of the best sunscreens out there that do the job against the sun’s rays while still making sure your foundation won’t be sliding around. Heads up, many of these are on the pricier side, but honestly? If you’re going to shell out more money for anything, shouldn’t it be the product that will save your skin from burning and peeling and make the rest of your beauty routine that much easier? We thought so, too.
1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($32 at Sephora)
We think the name Supergoop! alone is super fun, but this product has tons of other aspects that make it appealing. According to The Huffington Post, it’s perfect to wear under makeup because it goes on nice and smooth and even mattifies your face, avoiding that dreaded oily sunscreen-shine. The SPF 40 is the perfect amount because BTW, save your money on buying any SPF higher than 50—it’s not worth it. It also goes on clear, so you don’t have to worry about it being streaky. We can’t say enough good things about this sunscreen.
2. VIVE SANA Daily Protezione ($55 at VIVE SANA)
We know, $55 is quite a bit of money for a tube of goop, but hear us out: we tested this one out at Her Campus and can attest to the product’s lightweight, moisturizing feel. It’s also been recommended by Vogue and NYLON, who raved about its ingredients. And why wouldn’t they, when those ingredients include goodness like raspberry seed, licorice root and green tea?
3. Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen ($25 at Glossier)
Glossier’s philosophy is “skin first, makeup second,” and this sunscreen is no exception. In addition to the SPF 35, it uses fermented yeast and vegetal extract to protect your skin from outside pollution. What’s even better is that since it was made by a cosmetics company, you can rest easy that it’ll mesh well with the makeup you put on top of it. And if the feeling of spreading thick, goopy lotion all over your face skeeves you out, you’ll enjoy the clear watergel formula of Invisible Shield—it definitely lives up to the name. According to Elle, this sunscreen is perfect for darker-skinned ladies who have had to deal with white residue or cast left on their face after application. Plus, this is maybe one of the only sunscreens that actually smells nice. We’re adding this to our carts ASAP.
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen ($19.99 at DermStore)
What’s the best way to deal with excess oiliness when it comes to sunscreen? Easy: Try an oil-free formula! Elle and The Strategist have both pointed to this La-Roche Posay sunscreen as the ideal for acne-prone skin, so “sun protection” and “breakouts” no longer have to be synonymous. It uses advanced technology via the chemical avobenzone—The Strategist notes that chemical sunscreens are less sticky than physical ones that use ingredients like zinc oxide, so this formula applies easy and smooth, and won’t clog your pores.
5. EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 ($33 at DermStore)
Holding steady at five stars with over 1,000 reviews on the DermStore website, this acne-fighting sunscreen is a fan favorite, and for good reason. Marie Claire reports that one key ingredient in this sunscreen is lactic acid, which works to keep your pores clear, and Bustle praises its hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for treating irritated skin. It also reduces shine, so your makeup will stay in place while your skin is protected by the SPF 46.
6. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($13.49 at Target)
Dry skin gals, this one’s for you. This moisturizing sunscreen has MVE Delivery Technology, meaning you’ll be hydrated for 24 hours while wearing it. According to The Strategist, this goes on sheer, and has plenty of antioxidants that will contribute to your skin’s overall health. And as the most affordable option on our list, we think this one might be a favorite.
Sunscreen doesn’t have to be a pain; with these skin-protecting options, you can spread it on under your makeup and not have to dread your foundation sliding around afterward. No matter whether you’re indoors all day or lounging on the beach, put aside your sunscreen misconceptions and start taking better care of your skin.