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Finding the formulas that wont grease up, cake up, or make yourfoundationorconcealerslip and slide.
Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Photos: Courtesy of Brand andGlamourtesters
Here, were sharing the very best sunscreens to wear under makeup, approved by dermatologists and tested byGlamoureditors.
We also tested for longevity and paid attention to the sunscreens that didnt pill when we layered foundation.
Finally, we looked for sunscreens that proved to be sweat-proof and helped protect us all day long.
Still, this one doesnt leave any sticky residue behind.
It also has a higher SPF than most, plus is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Prefer a tinted version?
The brand makes that too:Elta MD tinted sunscreen.
We found the formula to be lightweight and fast-absorbing, with zero sticky residuekey when layering makeup on top.
As a nice bonus, youll reap anti-aging benefits during wear.
The formula boasts an ingredient list packed with antioxidants.
Its also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
I have olive skin thats combination and prone to breakouts, saysGlamourcontributorDeanna Pai.
Most sunscreens feel cloying or prove hard to blend out invisibly.
This lightweight SPF is different, though, she says.
Youll find yourself second-guessing whether you even put anything on, saysAnna Moeslein,Glamourdeputy editor.
We love that its reef-safe and cruelty-free too.
Its also easy to apply, she tells us.
Testers love it because of the fresh, dewy finish.
I use this regularly, because it works well on my dry, flaky skin, saysGlamourcontributorShanna Shipin.
The formula is also fragrance-free and alcohol-freeperfectly suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The tinted sunscreen is super thin but not as runny as other options, one says.
It absorbed so fast and made my skin feel like pure silk, but wasnt at all oily.
If your skin skews oily, you know how necessary that is in the depths of the summer.
Its lightweight, noncomedogenic, and a favorite ofGlamoursenior commerce editorJenifer Calle.
Its also available in atinted sunscreen.
This pick is the fastest-absorbing face sunscreen that Ive ever used, saysGlamourcontributorCharlotte Twine.
So Im picky about products with SPF, as they tend to be sticky and dont absorb very quickly.
The price is steep at $55, but its worth it, in my opinion.
It also has a blend of hyaluronic acid and allantoin to moisturize and soothe, plus SPF 40.
Im kind of obsessed with the texture of this sunscreen, saysGlamourcommerce writerAlanna Martine Kilkeary.
It has a super silky, velvety texture that doesnt leave behind a film or residue.
I also find that my skin stays super hydrated after wearing this all day and my makeup never flakes.
Its nongreasy, plays well with my acne-prone skin (has never broken me out!
), and doesnt make my makeup slip, slide, or pill, says Kilkeary.
Your sunscreen-under-makeup questions, answered
What punch in of sunscreen is best for under makeup?
How do you double-check your sunscreen doesnt pill under makeup?
Apply sunscreen last, she says.
Be mindful of skin care products and makeup formulas to ensure that that will play well with one another.
Look at the base ingredients of your makeup and sunscreen to ensure they are compatible.
Most oil-based foundations will not sit well with water-based sunscreens, and can cause pilling, says Dr. Rambhia.
She also suggests letting each layer dry fully before applying another product.
This will allow each layer to absorb into the skin and promote longer-lasting wear, she says.
Do you recommend applying sunscreen before or after applying makeup?
According to the dermatologists we spoke with, its important to apply sunscreen beforeandafter applying makeup.
Is sunscreen less effective when wearing it under makeup?
The appropriate amount of sunscreen for the face is 14 teaspoon, or two-finger lengths of product.
