There has been a lot of debate recently about whether or not makeup products with SPF actually do anything. Most derms agree that you would have to be using an extremely generous amount of the product for it to actually provide any real sun protection, but that doesn’t mean you should scrap the idea of buying makeup with SPF altogether. What these types of products can at least provide, is an extra layer of protection. Keep in mind, I’m not saying you should ditch your regular sunscreen and opt for solely a primer with SPF. But what you can do is wear your favorite sunscreen under a primer that also has SPF.
Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, agrees. “Sunscreens should typically be applied before the application of makeup so that they can protect the skin more effectively and won’t alter the appearance of makeup that has just been applied,” he says. “Primer products that include SPF protection can [help] accomplish two tasks in one step. When searching for a primer with SPF, look for one with a minimum of SPF of 30 and broad spectrum protection.” If you’re considering snagging a primer with SPF, take a look at a few below beloved by celebrity makeup artists and a few of our own favorites.
“One of my favorite UV primers is Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Primer for its SPF 30 protection and weightless feel. People often forget to protect their skin under their makeup and shield against the sun’s harmful rays. The better hydrated and protected your skin is, the better your makeup will lay!” —Judi Gabbay, Celebrity Makeup Artist
“I love Charlotte Tilbury’s Invisible UV Flawless primer as it bumps up the protection with SPF 50 and hydrates the skin instantly. It also shrinks pores, blurs fine lines, and has no white cast (a rarity with SPF!). A little goes a long way so don’t be fooled by its smaller size. To apply, use with fingers after moisturizer and before foundation for an all day wear.” —Gabbay
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a fan favorite because it’s totally invisible, weightless, fragrance-free, and acts as a makeup-gripping base with SPF 40.
Paula’s Choice offers a great option got those with dry or mature skin types since it also targets fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. Additionally, it has SPF 30 and antioxidants to shield against environment damage.
Revive dull, dry skin with this gem from NARS. It’s oil-free, contains encapsulated SPF 35, and is formulated with a radiance boosting complex to instantly warm the complexion and promote better circulation.
This 3-in-one formula is one of the best primers with SPF because it helps improve the look of fine lines, pores, and uneven texture. Mushroom peptides in the formula help keep skin firm and both sunflower and cucumber extract enhance your skin’s natural moisture levels.
Bobbi Brown’s lightweight and fast-absorbing primer has SPF 50 and adds deep hydration to the skin with sodium hyaluronate—which has the ability to penetrate deeper into the pores than regular hyaluronic acid.
I personally love Colorscience’s Sunforgettable SPF ($42) and it’s great to know the brand offers a primer with sun protecting elements as well. Although the sun protection comes in a bit low at SPF 20, it’s still a great primer to layer over one of Colorscience’s other SPFs because it’s rich in antioxidants and neutralizes redness.
Containing pearl powder and natural minerals to enhance your skin’s luminosity, this primer also nourishes the skin with peptides, antioxidants, and SPF 30.
This drugstore option is great for oilier skin types because it mattifies for up to 16 hours, controls shine, and helps skin appear more even.
SPF 37 in this formula helps shield against the sun while it also acts as a makeup-gripping primer and ultra-hydrating gel. It creates a velvet, matte-like finish and is also water-resistant.
