The Best SPF Makeup of 2023
When your makeup has SPF in it, it’s the cherry on top of a wonderful routine. If you’re already applying foundation anyway, there’s no reason not to go ahead and use it as an excuse to take your sun protection to the next level. Considering that 90 percent of visible signs of skin aging are caused by UV damage, more is definitely more when it comes to SPF. And really, who doesn’t love a two-for-one product?
It’s worth noting: Foundation isn’t the only way you can work SPF makeup into your routine. These days, there are so many options to choose from. We’re talking lip gloss, setting spray, primer, skin tints—the list goes on. What’s more, you can choose from formulas with varying tints, textures, formats, and skin benefits, which means that anyone and everyone can find their best option.
To boost your sun protection with makeup that’s got baked-in SPF, browse our 15 favorites below.
How to use SPF makeup
When wearing SPF makeup, you’ll want to be sure you apply it alongside another sun-protective products. That’s because in order to get the amount of SPF a foundation (or any other complexion product) promises, you need to apply enough product to cover two fingers. And that’s a lot of product, especially if you’re going for a no-makeup makeup look.
“According to a recent survey, the majority of the 2,000 people who responded missed applying sunscreen to their ears, lips, and scalp/hairline, which aren’t areas a foundation or tinted moisturizer would likely be applied to,” Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and spokesperson for the Sun Regrets Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Awareness campaign, previously told Well+Good. “Additionally, the issue with foundations and tinted moisturizers is not necessarily that the SPF is not high enough, but that people do not apply enough to achieve the recommended [amount required] to actually obtain the SPF stated on the bottle.”
It may sound redundant to layer your SPF products, but it’s necessary. Think of it as an excuse to stock up on multiple formulas that will keep your skin safe all summer (and year) long.
Shop award-winning SPF Makeup
Coola, Refreshing Water Cream Sunscreen – $48
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Best SPF moisturizer for dry skin
Drench your skin with hydration while adding a veil of protection with this water-cream foundation from Coola. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and coconut water to boost your skin’s water content while protecting your skin from the effects of UV light, blue light, visible light, infrared light, and pollution.
What dermatologists say
“Containing hyaluronic acid and coconut water, this sunscreen boosts moisture making it a great option for those with dry skin. I especially love that it absorbs easily and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy.” —Dr. Garshick
What testers say
“I usually have super dry skin, but didn’t at all while using this. I was hydrated and glowing.”—Alexis Reliford, director of social media
Active Ingredients
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Hyaluronic acid, Coconut water
Size — 1.5 ounces
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 50
- Gel-cream texture
Cons
- Not water resistant
Indie Lee, Daily SPF Primer—$46
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Best SPF primer for dry skin
Get a smooth and velvety canvas for makeup with this super-moisturizing primer. It will leave behind a golden veil to make your skin glow under your foundation, and contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like niacinamide, allantoin, and vitamin E to nourish your complexion while protecting against environmental damage.
What dermatologists say
“Containing niacinamide to soothe the skin, as well as vitamin E oil and allantoin, this primer helps to nourish the skin, leaving it looking soft and smooth, while offering SPF 50 protection.” —Dr. Garshick
What testers say
“This primer has a creamy consistency, offers SPF 50 protection, and has a hydrating and nourishing formula. It’s packaged in a drip bottle so application is easy. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized.” — Kayla Hui, commerce writer
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Vitamin E
Size — 1.3 ounces
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 50
- Creamy and smooth texture
Cons
- Not water resistant
Ilia, Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40—$48
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Best SPF skin tint for dry skin
This ultra-hydrating skin tint reigns supreme for dry skin. It’s enriched with hydrators like shea butter and squalane to seal in the hydration and plump skin. Beyond its hydrating benefits, the formula is lightweight and leaves your skin looking and feeling its best. With SPF 40, the tint protects against the sun’s rays. What’s more, the non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula isn’t likely to clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. That’s a winner in our books!
What dermatologists say
“Combining hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide, this skin tint hydrates the skin while also using zinc oxide to protect the skin against UV rays. The tint leaves behind a natural finish, and it is a great option for all skin types—especially those with dry or sensitive skin.” —Dr. Garshick
What testers say
“As someone who battles eczema-prone, dry, and sensitive skin, it’s a battle finding products that don’t cause irritation. When I tried Ilia’s Skin Tint, I was floored. The non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog my pores, and the tint is formulated without irritants like fragrances. Plus, I also love how this tint evens out my complexion.” —Hui
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide
Size: 1 ounce
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 40
- Watery texture
- 30 shades
Cons
- Not water resistant
Estée Lauder, Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45—$50
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Best SPF foundation for dry skin
Thanks to the hydrating ingredients in this foundation, you’ll get the type of complexion benefits that make it feel more like skin care than makeup. It promises 12 hours of wear without caking or flaking, and it feels like a slurp of hydration for skin.
What dermatologists say
“This lightweight foundation works to hydrate and protect the skin while helping to conceal blemishes. It uses chia seed extract and probiotic technology to nourish and soothe the skin.” —Dr. Garshick
What testers say
“This has long been a tried-and-true in my complexion collection, and is one of my favorites to use on my dry skin on days I know I need a product that will look just as good after 10 hours as it did fresh after application.” —Zoë Weiner, senior beauty editor
Active ingredients
Octinoxate, Octisalate, Zinc Oxide
Size—1.18 ounces
Pros
- Hybrid formula
- SPF 45
- Creamy texture
- 28 shades
- Buildable coverage
- Dewy finish
Cons
- Formula may be too watery for some
- Not water resistant
BareMinerals, Prime Time Daily Protecting Primer Mineral SPF 30—$28
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Best SPF primer for oily skin
A primer that protects and keeps your makeup exactly where it needs to be without leaving you oily? Yes, please. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Bare Minerals’ SPF 30 Primer: a smooth, matte finish that stays in place with a burst of sun protection. While it is a little thick, it provides a nice canvas for foundation, blush, and other makeup. Meanwhile zinc oxide goes to work protecting your face from UV rays, blue light, and other stressors.
What dermatologists say
“I just love this product. It’s a mineral sunblock that’s perfectly transparent. Even on the darkest skin types, it protects against both UV and blue light. You can use it as is without applying a foundation. It says it’s for oily skin, but I think you can use it on dry skin just as easily. It had a more dewy finish than a matte finish on my skin, which I actually prefer.” — Hadley King, MD
What testers say
“This feels like a nice serum that also has SPF. It goes on smoothly and leaves my skin soft.” —Susan Turner, public relations director
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Titanium Dioxide.
Size—1 ounces
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 30
- Lightweight, lotion-y texture
- Glowy, not greasy finish
Cons
- Drying on certain skin types
- Not water resistant
True Botanicals, Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30—$54
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Best SPF skin tint for oily skin
This one-and-done skin tint leaves you with a natural glow and dewy finish that covers up any blemishes or dark spots, while working to smooth out wirnkles and fine lines. It’s lightweight, never awkwardly sinks into pores or creases, and never, ever leaves a white cast. While it offers light coverage, it’s fairly buildable without feeling cakey. Also notable are its 18 shades.
What dermatologists say
“Great product. Oily skin types will love the matte finish. I love that it contains zinc as the active ingredient, that it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. I also love the broad range of shades, it matched my skin tone perfectly.” — Sumayah Jamal, MD
What testers say
“This is a really nice, light skin tint that blends in with my skin tone pretty seamlessly, and feels near-weightless. For light coverage that’s buildable, I appreciated this one-and-done formula that blurs fine lines, zits, and acne scarring while making sure my face is protected during the day.” —Gina Vaynstheyn, commerce director
Active ingredients
Zinc Oxide
Size — 1 ounce
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 30
- Liquid-y
- 18 flexible shades
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Expensive
Tula, Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30—$40
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Best SPF foundation for oily skin
Tula’s Brightening Serum Skin Tint gets all the gold stars for being a lightweight foundation that won’t clog your pores or leave you looking like an oil slick. That’s thanks to its non-comedogenic formula that’s infused with all sorts of skin-brightening goodness, like “rainbow seabright elixir,” a blend of rainbow seaweed and niacinamide that gives skin a “lit from within” look. True to Tula’s brand, it’s also infused with prebiotics and probitiocs to balance out the skin’s microbiome while it’s on. This helps oily skin stay dry, and dry skin stay hydrated. A win-win for everyone.
What dermatologists say
“This is a lightweight formulation but is still able to provide significant coverage. The prebiotics and probiotics are helpful inclusions to maintain the skin microbiome health, which plays a critical role in skin-barrier maintenance.” —Carmen Castilla, MD
What testers say
“I love this foundation for my dry skin, and was shocked when I passed a few tubes along to my oily-skinned friends and they loved it, too! That literally never, ever happens. It’s got *just* the right amount of dewiness to make every complexion happy.”—Weiner
Active ingredients
Avobenzone, Octisalate, Niacinamide, Prebiotics, Probiotics
Size—1 ounce
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 30
- Creamy texture
- 30 shades
- Hydrates and brightens skin
- Semi-dewy finish
Cons
- Not water resistant
Thrive Causemetics, Filtered Effects Protecting Primer—$36
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Best SPF primer for sensitive skin
Protect, prepare, and plump your skin with this primer from Thrive Causmetics. It has a velvet-matte finish, creating a smooth base for easy and long-lasting makeup application.
What dermatologists say
“As much as I am not a big fan of primers (the dimethicone breaks a lot of people out because it’s too occlusive), this one feels hydrating and not too occlusive. And I do think that it’s very smart to add broad spectrum sunscreen to it and have it water resistant.” —Julie Russak, MD
What testers say
“Out of all the SPF primers I’ve tried, this one had the smoothest, most velvety texture—thanks to silicones. It smooths away texture and creates the perfect base for foundation. Plus, it’s nice and hydrating, something my dry skin requires in a primer.” —Brown
Active ingredients
Titanium dioxide, Hyaluronic acid
Size — 1 ounce
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 37
- Velvety texture
- Matte finish
- Water resistant
Kosas, DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++ —$40
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Best SPF skin tint for sensitive skin
When three of our editors with varying skin tones and concerns tested out this Kosas formula ahead of its launch, all three of us dubbed it the best mineral sunscreen we’ve ever used; it could have won multiple awards on this list. It beat out the competition for sensitive skin tints, in particular, thanks to its complexion-loving ingredients and the barely-there swathe of color it delivers to a range of skin tones—and all without causing irritation. It has a subtle (but effective!) peachy-pink tint, and pairs its mineral sun blockers (which derms recommend for sensitive skin) with calming allantoin, barrier-strengthening peptides and ceramides, and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Wear it on its own for light coverage (which many Well+Good staffers do every day) or use it as a sun-protective primer underneath your other favorite complexion products.
What dermatologists say
“I love how it feels but more than I love that it is full-on mineral, non-nano zinc. It’s also reef friendly; has ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, so it is great for the skin barrier and sensitive skin. It has no fragrance, so it is great for patients with allergic contact dermatitis. It’s got a great consistency, is easy to apply, and leaves a beautiful glow. And I love that it works for all skin types!” —Dr. Russak
What testers say
“I keep finding myself going back to this formula. It really doesn’t break me out, and provides a decent amount of coverage and a lot of glow. One note: Because of oiliness in my T-zone, I typically have to set that area with some powder after I apply!” —Maki Yazawa, food writer
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Peptides, Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid
Size—1 ounce
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 40
- Serum texture
- Evens discoloration
- Dewy finish
Cons
- May leave an ashy cast
- Not water resistant
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Tower28, SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation—$32
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Best SPF foundation for sensitive skin
If you battle sensitive skin but want more coverage out of your sun products, we’d recommend Tower 28’s SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation. This two-in-one mineral foundation is formulated with glycerin and jojoba esters to deliver a radiant and hydrating glow. It also leaves behind a natural finish, has buildable coverage, and clocks in at SPF 30 to protect you from UV rays. You know this product is the real deal when it has received the seal of acceptance by the National Eczema Foundation, and it’s fragrance-free, making it the best foundation on the market for sensitive skin.
What dermatologists say
“This has great broad spectrum protection, and has iron that is good for melasma and protection from visible and blue light. It’s got a great finish and tone selection, and rubs in nicely.” —Dr. Russak
What testers say
“I’ve tried tons of foundation-sunscreen hybrids, and this one is my absolute favorite. It melts into my skin, providing pretty coverage while protecting my skin from sun damage. It goes on smooth and has a hydrating finish, so my skin feels dewy and nourished.” —Brown
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Iron oxide, Titanium dioxide
Size—1 ounce
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 30
- Lotion-y texture
- 17 shades
- Dewy finish
Cons
- May be too oily for some
- Not water resistant
Charlotte Tilbury, Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50—$32
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Best SPF primer for mature skin
We love this primer because it’s full of moisturizing oils and hyaluronic acid—ingredients that mature skin craves thanks to the fact that our complexions get drier as we age. Plus, it has a matrix of antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental agressors, like pollution, that can exacerbate premature signs of visible aging. It delivers a hydrated and smooth base to prevent your makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
What dermatologists say
“This formula has a really luxurious texture with a dewy finish, and is packed with ingredients to support mature skin.” —Dr. Jamal
What testers say
“Anytime my skin is feeling extra dry, this is the primer I reach for. My skin soaks up the formula so my makeup can rest on top instead of getting blotchy and uneven on my dry spots.” — Brown
Active ingredients
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Titanium dioxide, Aloe leaf extract, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E
Size — 1 ounce
Pros
- Hybrid formula with mineral and advanced chemical filters
- SPF 50
- Lotion-y texture
Cons
- Not water resistant
Laura Mercier, Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30—$53
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Best SPF skin tint for mature skin
This “skin perfector” is the Goldilocks of skin tints—not too creamy, not too sheer, but just right. And that’s just on the texture front; add in a boatload of skin-nourishing ingredients that tackle all the usual aging suspects, plus some SPF, and it’s a one-and-done product that’ll give you a fairy-tale ending every time you put it on. The light, melty formula blends effortlessly to blur pores, lines, and blemishes. Skin just slurps up the macadamia and kukui seed oils, while tamarind seed extract ensures long-lasting moisture, so you won’t have to reapply often. A burst of vitamin C and E get to work on signs of aging, too, while restoring the skin’s barrier to prevent further damage.
What dermatologists say
“Laura Mercier is aesthetically great but it feels and smells more like chemical sunscreen and has dimethicone. I felt it did peel off a little throughout the day.” —Dr. Russak
What testers say
“My mom, who’s in her seventies—don’t tell her I told you—turned me onto this tinted moisturizer years ago, and I’ve been grateful for it as my own fine lines have started to set in. It offers great coverage, doesn’t settle into wrinkles, and leaves skin looking moist (in the best possible way).” —Weiner
Active ingredients
Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Macadamia and kukui seed oils, Tamarind seed extract
Size—1 ounce
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 30
- Lotion-y texture
- Dewy finish
- 19 shades
Cons
- Contains oxybenzone
- Not water resistant
IT Cosmetics, Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50—$47
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Best SPF foundation for mature skin
A handful of W+G staffers swear by this stuff for making their skin look and feel better on a daily basis. The featherlight foundation blends seamlessly to blur pores and mask blemishes without giving you that heavy, cakey look. Its light feel is surprising, given it’s made with mineral SPF—you’d seriously never know it. No, instead, a few dabs of this stuff melts into the most natural, glowy finish, which is largely thanks to the burst of hyaluronic acid that hydrates skin while plumping it up. Add in niacinamide for brightening dark spots and smoothing out for fine lines, and it’s a winner for creating an au naturale look that features your skin, but better.
What dermatologists say
“Great coverage!” —Dr. Russak
What testers say
“This formula features skin-care superstar ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen to plump skin and smooth fine lines; niacin, for hydration; and hyaluronic acid, more hydration. It really feels like a serum or moisturizer. I have naturally oily-combo skin, and this product helps me not overproduce even more oil throughout the day. I’ll wear this stuff from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. with no touch-ups and my makeup barely budges—and my face doesn’t look shiny or slick. But if you have dry skin, it’s even more of a winner.” —Vaynshteyn
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid
Size—1.7 ounces
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 50
- Creamy texture
- Dewy finish
- 22 shades
Cons
- Not water resistant
Iris + Romeo, Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow—$50
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Best SPF makeup for dull skin
Though this stuff is technically a primer, it delivers so well on its skin-tone evening promise, you may not have to wear foundation at all. (Many of our editors consider it their “one and done” summer complexion product.) It comes in two shades, both of which have a subtle tint that blend into skin and leave it looking lit-from-within-luminous without looking ashy. The vitamin C and niacinamide in the formula may help to brighten existing discoloration over time while SPF 50 prevents future damage from occurring.
What dermatologists say
“This all-mineral sunscreen comes in two tints for sheer coverage or a glowing complexion. The formula also delivers stabilized vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone.” —Joshua Zeichner, MD
What testers say
“It goes on smoothly and not sticky, and has a nice tint that works for my fair skin tone. I’ve been wearing it in lieu of foundation, with just a little bit of concealer on top wherever I need more coverage. It looks shiny when you first apply it, and takes a while to soak in, so note that it’s better for someone who likes a dewier look.” —Jenny Heimlich, senior health and fitness editor
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Vitamin C, Niacinamide
Size — 1 ounce
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 50
- Thick, more like a foundation than a primer
- Dewy finish
- 2 flexible shades
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Expensive
Naked Sundays, SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up—$30
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Best SPF makeup for dull skin
This is the perfect product for days when you forgot to apply SPF, or simply want to top up every two hours (which is what you should be doing anyway!) without messing up your makeup. It’s got a fine mist that spritzes easily onto skin and doesn’t feel sticky post-application.
What dermatologists say
“This setting spray worked well both under and over makeup; makeup does not crease after using the spray. For sun protection, it is great to have an additional lightweight SPF 50 that can be applied throughout the day over makeup.” —Dr. Castilla
What testers say
“I love how easy this stuff makes it to stay properly protected throughout the day. Plus, the fact that it keeps my makeup from sweating off on 90°F NYC days is a fabulous added bonus.” —Weiner
Active ingredients
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Hyaluronic acid, Kakadu plum
Size—3.4 ounces
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 50
- Fine mist
- Dewy finish
- Not sticky
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Needs to be layered over another SPF for proper coverage