Best Under Makeup Sunscreens To Protect Your Beautiful Skin

Are you an adventurous traveler who loves to explore new destinations while looking flawless? We understand the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, even when wearing makeup. It’s one of several precautions we take, like using hand sanitizer, to stay healthy while traveling.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to curate a list of the best sunscreens that work under makeup to provide you with the ultimate sun protection without compromising your beauty routine. Many come in TSA-compliant sizes so you can pack them in your carry-on.

Our expertly compiled selection will help you find the ideal under makeup sunscreen that suits your skin type and beauty needs. All of our recommendations are available from Amazon.

Say goodbye to the worries of sunburn that will mar your trip and hello to a radiant complexion wherever your travels take you!

1. Supergoop! Glowscreen

• Broad spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen with blue-light protection
• Acts as a primer, creating a dewy base for makeup
• Hydrates and nourishes the skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and niacinamide
• Features sea lavender for antioxidant protection and long-lasting hydration
• Lightweight and non-greasy formula
• Ideal for travelers, providing sun protection and an instant glow in one step

Supergoop! Glowscreen is a multitasking sunscreen that doubles as a primer, providing SPF 40 protection and adding an instant glow to the skin. Its lightweight and hydrating formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and niacinamide, glides on easily and keeps the skin nourished and dewy. Perfect for travelers, it helps filter blue light, boosts hydration and creates a smooth base for makeup application.

2. La Roche-Posay

• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a barrier against UVA and UVB rays
• Antioxidant-rich formula shields skin from free radicals
• Unscented formulation minimizes skin irritation
• SPF 30-50 ensures reliable sun protection for your daily skincare routine

This is a 100% mineral face sunscreen, not a chemical sunscreen. Specially formulated for sensitive skin, it offers broad-spectrum protection with quick absorption and no greasy residue that can lead to oily skin. Say goodbye to white cast and hello to worry-free adventures with this oxybenzone-free sunscreen. Your skin and the environment will thank you!

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with SPF 25

• Lightweight facial sunscreen with SPF 25 and hyaluronic acid for sun protection and replenished skin
• Antioxidant-rich gel fights signs of tired skin
• Versatile and travel-friendly water gel suitable for all skin types, can be worn alone or under makeup
• Oil-free, alcohol-free and non-comedogenic formula keeps skin healthy and balanced

This lightweight water gel formula is packed with goodness to keep your skin hydrated and protected on your adventures. Whether you wear it alone or under makeup, it fights the signs of tired skin and shields you from environmental stressors. Because it’s a moisturizer and sunscreen in one, this 1.7-ounce TSA-friendly product is perfect for travel.

4. EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

• Trusted by dermatologists, it is specifically formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin 
• Offers SPF 46 to safeguard your skin against UVB and UVA rays
• The non-greasy, lightweight formula won’t clog pores or weigh down your skin, ensuring comfortable wear and glowy skin
• The sunscreen not only protects but also calms and soothes sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation
• Its unscented formula ensures a fragrance-free experience, suitable for those with fragrance sensitivity
• Comes in a travel-friendly 1.7 oz pump size

This game-changing oil-free zinc oxide and broad spectrum SPF 46 sunscreen protects and calms your sensitive and acne-prone skin. Get ready for a silky-smooth and lightweight formula that feels like a dream on your face, making it an absolute must-have for travelers who crave reliable sun protection without sacrificing comfort. Plus, it comes in a handy 1.7 oz pump, so you can easily take it on all your adventures.

5. TULA Daily Glow Sunscreen

• Broad spectrum SPF 30 protection from sun, pollution and blue light
• Packed with probiotics and skin superfoods for healthy and glowing skin
• Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types
• Lightweight and non-greasy formula, wears well under makeup
• Leaves a gorgeous dewy glow without white cast
• Reef-safe

Your skin’s travel BFF, this non-greasy, non-comedogenic and reef-safe sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection against UV rays, pollution and blue light. Packed with probiotics, it promotes even skin tone, strengthens and protects the skin and leaves a perfect dewy glow. With its lightweight and non-greasy formula, it wears well under makeup and is perfect for all skin types.

6. ILIA Skin Tint SPF 40

• Award-winning tinted serum with light, dewy coverage and mineral SPF 40
• Niacinamide helps smooth skin texture and refine uneven tone
• Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin, improving moisture levels
• Non-nano zinc oxide shields against UVA/UVB/UVC rays, blue light and pollution
• Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, oil-free and dermatologist-tested

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a multi-purpose beauty product that combines lightweight coverage, skincare benefits and sun protection in one step. With its dewy, natural finish and non-comedogenic properties, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Travelers will appreciate the convenience of this product, which comes in a 1-ounce travel-friendly size, as it saves space in your carry-on and time in the morning, getting you off on your adventures faster.

7. Avene Eau Thermale Avene Solarie UV

• Clean formula sunscreen lotion for sensitive skin with a natural tint
• Lightweight texture for comfortable and non-greasy application
• Multi-defense shield against pollution and blue light, improves skin tone and reduces visible redness
• Reef-friendly formulation for eco-conscious travelers
• Packed with antioxidants for added protection against environmental stressors

Eau Thermale Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 50 is specially designed for sensitive skin. With its lightweight texture and natural tint, it provides effective sun protection while improving skin tone and reducing visible redness. Reef-friendly and packed with antioxidants, this sunscreen is a travel essential for a healthy and radiant complexion.

8. Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C

• Vitamin C moisturizer with SPF 30 for daily sun protection and skin brightening
• Potent antioxidants defend against environmental aggressors and pollution
• Lightweight cream formula for easy application and absorption also helps reveal a healthy skin
• Essential travel companion that moisturizes and protects in a handy 1.7-ounce size

Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 is a vitamin C moisturizer that not only protects the skin from UV damage but also brightens and reveals a radiant complexion. With its potent antioxidants, it helps shield the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution, making it a must-have for travelers who want to maintain a healthy and glowing skin while on the go.

9. Fenty Hydra Vizor Sunscreen Set

• Rihanna’s recommended starter routine for all skin tones in a travel-friendly set
• Includes Total Cleanser, Fat Water Toner Serum and Hydra Vizor Sunscreen
• Three simple steps: cleanse, tone and hydrate with sun protection
• Compact and portable for easy travel, perfect way to try or continue your Fenty Skin routine while on the go

Get Rihanna’s starter routine for your best skin in a convenient travel-size set with the Fenty Skin Starter Set. This set includes Total Cleanser, Fat Water Toner Serum and Hydra Vizor Sunscreen, providing a complete skincare regimen in three simple steps. Perfect for travelers, it offers cleansing, toning and hydration with sun protection, catering to all skin types and ensuring your skin stays healthy and radiant while on the go.

10. Bissport BlackGirlSunscreen SPF 30

• Sunscreen made by women of color for people of color, catering to darker skin tones
• Provides SPF 30 sun protection while moisturizing the skin
• Doubles as a hydrating lotion, offering daily care and sun defense in one product
• Dries completely clear, making it suitable for outdoor activities and for use under makeup
• Oxybenzone and octinoxate-free formula ensures it is safe for your skin and environmentally friendly
• Infused with natural ingredients, showing care for your skin’s health and well-being

Bissport BlackGirlSunscreen SPF 30 addresses the specific needs of darker skin tones. This moisturizing sunscreen is formulated with natural ingredients and provides essential sun protection while doubling as a hydrating lotion. With its clear, non-greasy finish, it is perfect for daily use, outdoor activities and even under makeup. Plus, it is oxybenzone and octinoxate-free, making it safe for both your skin and the environment.

11. Lancombe UV Expert Sunscreen

• 3-in-1 primer, moisturizer and SPF 50 sunscreen in a single product
• Provides hydration, sun protection and makeup primer in one easy step
• Lightweight cream formula for effortless application
• Instantly moisturizes and softens the skin
• Improves skin texture and evens out complexion over time
• Perfect for travelers seeking a multi-functional skincare product

Lancôme UV Expert Primer & Moisturizer is a versatile 3-in-1 product that serves as a primer, moisturizer and SPF 50 sunscreen, making it ideal for travelers. With its lightweight cream formula, it provides hydration and sun protection in one easy step. Instantly, your skin feels hydrated and softer, and with regular use, it becomes smoother and more even, ensuring your complexion stays flawless throughout your travels.

12. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion

• High SPF 50+ protection for peak sun protection during outdoor activities
• Innovative WetForce & HeatForce technology enhances effectiveness in water and heat
• Shields against UVA/UVB rays, pollutants and dryness
• Invisible formula that goes on clear and leaves no residue
• Lightweight and travel-friendly for easy application on the go
• Free of oxybenzone & octinoxate for peace of mind

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion is your go-to sunscreen for active travelers. With its high SPF 50+ protection and innovative WetForce & HeatForce technology, this invisible formula becomes even more effective when exposed to water and heat. It provides a reliable defense against UVA/UVB rays, pollutants and dryness, ensuring your skin stays protected during outdoor activities. Travel worry-free with this lightweight sunscreen that goes on clear and leaves no residue, perfect for on-the-go application.

13. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

• Lightweight sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 35 for effective sun protection
• Blends effortlessly into the skin, giving a matte, silky-smooth finish
• Helps minimize the look of pores, creating a refined and flawless complexion
• Ideal for travelers due to its weightless formula and easy application
• Provides protection against UVA and UVB rays, keeping your skin shielded from sun damage
• Contains pure, skin-loving ingredients for a nourishing and protective sunscreen experience.

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen is a must-have for travelers seeking lightweight sun protection. With its broad spectrum SPF 35, it effortlessly blends into the skin, minimizing the appearance of pores while providing a matte, silky-smooth finish. This weightless sunscreen is perfect for on-the-go application, ensuring your skin stays protected from UVA and UVB rays during your travels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it better to put sunscreen under or over makeup?

It is generally recommended to apply sunscreen under makeup. This allows the sunscreen to create a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from harmful UV rays. By applying sunscreen as the first layer, it ensures proper coverage and effectiveness.

However, most sunscreens recommend reapplying several times throughout the day to get optimal protection against sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. In that case, applying sunscreen over your makeup – rather than forgoing reapplying – is the right thing to do.

How do you keep sunscreen from pilling under makeup?

To prevent sunscreen from piling under makeup, apply a thin and even layer of sunscreen, allow it to fully absorb into the skin before applying makeup, and consider using lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen formulations.

Can I wear primer over sunscreen?

Yes, you can wear primer over sunscreen. Applying primer after sunscreen helps create a smooth base for makeup application and can enhance the longevity of your makeup.