9 Best Makeup With Sunscreen for Women Over 50 That Ward Off Sun Damage, Prevent Wrinkles and More
It’s the golden rule of skincare: Thou shall wear sunscreen every single day. If you’ve nailed that step and have a dedicated SPF that’s a non-negotiable part of your routine, we applaud you. But did you know that you can up your sun protection game even more by incorporating makeup with sunscreen into the mix? Different than tinted sunscreens, there’s a whole new crop of makeup products — everything from foundation to lip balm — that come with the added benefit of containing built-in SPF. While these aren’t direct replacements for straight-up sunscreen (more on that caveat to come), they are an easy way to boost your overall protection, which is always a good thing. Plus, who doesn’t love a good multitasker?! Ahead, experts explain how exactly to work these skincare-makeup hybrids into your routine, plus a roundup of the best makeup with sunscreen products.
The benefits of sunscreen makeup products
The big caveat: Makeup with sunscreen, while great, is not a one-to-one swap for traditional sunscreen. For starters, many formulas contain less than SPF 30, which is the recommended protection level per the American Academy of Dermatology. Not to mention that it’s highly unlikely that you’re going to be using as much makeup (even if it’s something like a foundation that goes on your entire face) as needed to get that labeled amount of protection, says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas.
That being said, using makeup products with SPF can be a great way to reapply your sunscreen through the day, she notes — particularly when you’re talking about things such as powders, compacts or other complexion-based products. And any makeup with sunscreen, color cosmetics included, is also an easy option for layering on some extra protection, says Jamie Greenberg celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup.
Related: 9 Skincare-Infused Makeup Products to Give You an Immediate Glow + Lasting Benefits
How to choose sunscreen makeup options
You can either go with something that you’ll apply on your entire face — tinted moisturizer, foundation, BB cream, CC cream — and/or something that is meant only for certain areas, think things like a blush or lip balm, says Teresa Song, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
In the case of the former, consider your skin type: “Those with dry skin should opt for hydrating skin tints or BB creams, while those with oily skin may want to consider mattifying primers and powders,” suggests Dr. Song. In either instance, you’ll of course also want to make sure that you’re picking a shade that matches your skin tone, just like you would if you were buying a complexion product without SPF.
And just to circle back to what was mentioned previously, you'll still need to use your traditional sunscreen. If you’re using a product meant for the full-face, a la foundation or powder, apply moisturizer, then sunscreen and then reach for your SPF-containing makeup, says Dr. Collins. Alternately, since you already have a good base level of protection from your sunscreen, you can also save the makeup to pull out later and use it when it’s time to reapply protection, she notes.
Color cosmetics — like bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, lip products — can be used just like their non-SPF-containing counterparts, although its arguably even more imperative to make sure you have sunscreen on underneath given that you’re only using them in certain spots. The one exception? Lip products with SPF. So long as you’re applying a thick, even coat all over your lips, there’s no need to utilize additional sunscreen underneath.
The best sunscreen makeup products
These expert-loved and prime picks combine the best of both worlds.
Best primer with sunscreen
This is a top pick for Dr. Song, who notes that it’s actually a mineral-based sunscreen with a matte finish that doubles as a primer, helping to increase the longevity of your makeup. Given that this is a true sunscreen (and contains SPF 40), this can fill the role of your all-over, base sunscreen. Just make sure you’re using enough; according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, about a nickel-size amount is sufficient for the face.
Best foundation with sunscreen
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation with SPF 50+
There are plenty of tinted moisturizers and foundations with sunscreen out there, but this is a cult classic for a reason. It’s one of Dr. Collin’s recommendations; she praises it for containing an impressive level of SPF 50. Dr. Song is also a fan, calling out the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide and antioxidant-rich vitamin E as added bonuses.
Related: The Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin for Under $20 That Will Make You Glow
Best powder with sunscreen
PüR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Greenberg says this is a great final step, helping to lock makeup in place, though it can also be used as a foundation. She adds that it’s perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, too. And since it’s a mineral-based formula, it’s a good choice for sensitive or easily-irritated skin. (As a general rule of thumb, mineral sunscreen ingredients tend to be less likely to elicit reactions or allergies than chemical sunscreen ingredients.)
Best lip balm with sunscreen
MD Solar Sciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30
“Lips are very susceptible to sunburn,” cautions Dr. Collins, meaning it’s imperative to have a lip product with SPF handy. This one, which she says is gentle and non-irritating, fits the bill. Per the makeup side of things, it comes in five flattering shades, as well as a clear version and one that adjusts to a custom color based on the pH of your lips.
Best blush with sunscreen
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50
“This is a great product if you’re in a rush and need to quickly put some makeup on,” says Greenberg of another one of her favorites. “The SPF 50 is great to layer over a sunscreen base,” she adds, noting that it comes in a variety of pretty shades (six to be exact) that work well on cheeks, but also lips and eyelids, too.
Best bronzer with sunscreen
Ciele Sculpt & Protect SPF 30+ Bronzing Contour Stick
Bronzers offer a way to look sun-kissed without the sun — and this one does even more than that, actually protecting your skin with a mineral-based SPF 30. The stick format makes it easy to use as a bronzer or for contouring. Bonus points for the addition of antioxidant-rich vitamin E and soothing bisabolol.
Best eyeshadow with sunscreen
Supergoop! Shimmershade SPF 30
The thin, delicate skin around your eyes is especially susceptible to sun damage. Sunglasses can help, as can this protective eyeshadow. The first of its kind, it transforms from a whipped cream to a velvety powder and delivers beautifully shimmery color, all while safeguarding your lids.
Best sunscreen compact
Skinbetter Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
Dr. Collins recommends tucking this into your purse, beach bag or even pocket. She lauds it as a top choice for reapplication purposes, especially its combination of subtle coverage and an impressive SPF level.
Best setting spray with sunscreen
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up
A quick spritz of this does it all: Sets your makeup, adds a touch of hydration and re-ups your sun protection. It doesn’t look (or feel) greasy or sticky, and there’s no need to worry about an unwanted white cast, either.
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