18 Sunscreen-Spiked Makeup Products Beauty Experts Swear By
A properly dosed application of sunscreen is, as we all know, skin's best defense against harmful UV rays — but protection doesn't need to end there. Sun-protective makeup offers the glam of color cosmetics, with an added bonus of age-, pigment- and cancer-preventing power. As the great Hannah Montana might put it: It's the best of both worlds.
"I find SPF makeup products have excellent benefits for a daily beauty routine," says New York City-based makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. "Something like a mineral foundation powder with SPF is perfect, and I love to recommend it to clients because, as they touch up their powder, they're also adding protection on their skin."
Sunscreen-enhanced makeup spans foundations, eye shadows, blushes and lip balms, though it's crucial to note that it doesn't (and shouldn't) substitute actual sunscreen within a beauty routine. Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in New York City, notes that a product's advertised SPF may not be fully achieved by the average wearer's application.
"Even if the SPF label on a makeup product seems appropriate, most of the time, you would need to apply much more of that product than what would be considered a 'standard' amount in order to actually reach that level of sun protection," says Dr. Engelman. "That's why it's so important to always wear sunscreen every day; regular sunscreen gives you a foundation of protection, and any additional SPF-infused makeup products you choose to wear are a bonus."
On that note, many of us aren't wearing enough sunscreen to begin with. Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains that most people are only applying 25% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. "The guidelines are to apply approximately two milligrams of product per square centimeter of skin," Dr. King continues. "This means one ounce, that's enough to fill a shot glass, to the exposed areas of the face and body, a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone."
As for the SPF makeup products that have stamps of approval from makeup artists, Oquendo's go-to recommendation is Supergoop's 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder SPF 35. Daniel Martin, a makeup artist and Tatcha's global director of artistry and education, often reaches for the brand's Kissu Lip Tints: "I love these because not only are you getting sun protection to the lips, the color photographs like a sheer lipstick rather than the look of a balm."
After noticing a gap within the beauty industry, celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRoest launched SPF makeup brand Ciele last summer and soon released the first blush with an SPF 50. "This product was my inspiration behind the entire line," DeRoest tells Fashionista. "I've started accumulating more sun spots on my cheeks in my 30s, and wanted to be able to layer on added protection through my makeup."
Just as it's important to reapply sunscreen for continued protection, SPF makeup needs a refresh throughout the day. Don't worry about disrupting your makeup by slathering sunscreen overtop a locked-in look — instead, reach for a SPF-infused setting spray or powder for easy reapplication.
"Using a spray is the most efficient and effective especially when you have a full face of makeup done," Martin says. "Powder sunscreens work well too, especially for those with more oily skin that needs mattifying and protection."
For a quick SPF touch-up, Dr. King recommends Brush on Block's Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30, Colorescience's Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush and Naked Sundays' SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up.
Ahead, we've rounded up the best SPF-enhanced makeup products for an extra dose of sun protection.
Elf Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, $14, available here
Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30, $15, available here
Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30, $24, available here
Nudestix Nudescreen Blush Tint SPF 30, $30, available here
Tower28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, $32, available here
Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25 Hydrating Tinted Lip Sunscreen, $34, available here
Ciele Blush & Protect SPF 50+ Liquid Blush, $34, available here
UnSun Cosmetics Face + Body Highlighter SPF 15, $34, available here
Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist, $24, available here
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Pop Sun Gloss SPF 50, $11, available here
Soleil Toujours Set + Protect Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 with Hyaluronic Acid, $42, available here
Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up, $35, available here
Brush on Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30, $34, available here
Laura Geller Better Than Bare Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 50+, $34 $22, available here
Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder SPF 35, $35, available here
Paula's Choice Anti-Aging Lip Gloss SPF 40, $22, available here
Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+, $54, available here
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush, $59, available here
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