Focused Guide · Under makeup, sunscreen fails in two ways: it pills when foundation is blended over it, or it stays so slick that base slides off by noon. These four were picked for set down behaviour, grip and a finish that plays well with base products.

Face Sunscreens Under Makeup

The sunscreens in this set that layer cleanly under foundation, judged on pilling, grip and finish through the day.

No. 1

The Selection

4 listings that answer this brief.

No. 1

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Primer Behaviour

A completely clear gel that doubles as a makeup gripping primer.

The clear gel is published as a makeup gripping primer as well as an SPF 50 sunscreen, with a blurring, natural finish and no cast to fight with foundation shades.

Suits

Makeup wearers of any skin tone who want SPF with zero cast and a primer like grip.

Skip if

You want mineral filters only, or you dislike silicone smooth gel textures.

SPF: 50, broad spectrum
Filter type: Avobenzone 3 percent, homosalate 7 percent, octisalate 5 percent, octocrylene 9 percent
Finish: Clear, invisible gel with a natural finish
Size: 1.7 fl oz tube
Water resistance: 40 minutes

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official Supergoop storefront listing (From Supergoop) on Amazon; manufacturer Supergoop and part number BP33196779 as printed in product details

No. 2

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Best Lotion Under Base

The oil free pump lotion built for sensitive, blemish prone faces.

The lightweight, oil free lotion sets to a sheer finish that owners repeatedly pair with makeup, and the transparent zinc finish avoids changing foundation colour.

Suits

Sensitive and blemish prone skin that wants a sheer, untinted daily lotion with no greasy residue.

Skip if

You need water resistance for swimming or sport, or you prefer a fully mineral filter list.

SPF: 46, broad spectrum
Filter type: Zinc oxide 9.0 percent with octinoxate 7.5 percent
Finish: Sheer, transparent, untinted lotion
Size: 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) pump
Water resistance: Not water resistant

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official EltaMD storefront listing (From EltaMD) on Amazon; manufacturer EltaMD and part number 02500 as printed in product details; CP Skin Health Group brand content on the listing

No. 3

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Best for Dry Skin Bases

The moisturizing sibling, with hyaluronic acid for normal to dry skin.

The moisturizing base stops foundation clinging to dry patches, and its sheer finish keeps dewy and satin bases looking as intended.

Suits

Normal, dry and combination skin that wants sunscreen and light moisture in one pump step.

Skip if

Your skin is oily and shine prone, or you need water resistance.

SPF: 40, broad spectrum
Filter type: Zinc oxide 9.0 percent with octinoxate 7.5 percent
Finish: Sheer, moisturizing, untinted lotion
Size: 1.7 fl oz pump
Water resistance: Not water resistant

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official EltaMD storefront listing (From EltaMD) on Amazon; manufacturer EltaMD and model number 02289 as printed in product details

No. 4

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer

Best Hydrating Base Layer

A cream to water moisturizer with a 30 percent hyaluronic acid complex and SPF 45.

The cream to water texture leaves an invisible, cushioned surface that suits dry skin makeup routines, provided you let it set for a few minutes before blending base over it.

Suits

Dry and dehydrated skin that wants one cloud light step for moisture plus SPF.

Skip if

You want a matte finish, or a mineral only filter list.

SPF: 45, broad spectrum
Filter type: Chemical filters: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Finish: Invisible, cream to water, weightless finish
Size: 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) tube
Key ingredients: 30 percent hyaluronic acid complex, Pentavitin, ceramides

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official Peter Thomas Roth storefront listing on Amazon; manufacturer Peter Thomas Roth and part number 19-01-008 as printed for the product line

No. 2

Questions, Answered

Why does my sunscreen pill under foundation?

Pilling usually comes from layering too much product, applying base before the sunscreen has set, or mixing silicone heavy formulas with water based ones. Apply a measured amount, wait several minutes until the surface feels dry to a light touch, then press or stipple foundation on rather than dragging it.

Should sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?

Sunscreen is the last skincare step, after moisturizer and before primer or foundation. With the moisturizer style formulas in this guide, many people skip the separate moisturizer entirely, which also reduces the layer count that causes pilling.

Widen the lens in the full Best Face Sunscreens 2027 ranking, or return to the Face Sunscreens hub.

No. ·

Keep Researching

Every page in the Face Sunscreens edit.

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