The Best Sunscreens That Double as Makeup Primers

When it comes to skincare, sun protection is one of the most important steps in any routine. Sunscreen is crucial for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. However, sunscreen can sometimes feel heavy or greasy, which can make it difficult to layer other products like makeup. Enter sunscreens that double as makeup primers—these innovative formulas provide broad-spectrum sun protection while offering the smoothing, pore-minimizing benefits of a primer.

These dual-purpose products help streamline your skincare routine by combining two essential steps in one. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best sunscreen that also works as a makeup primer? In this article, we’ll explore some of the top sunscreens that double as primers, explaining their benefits and what makes them stand out in the crowded beauty market.

Why Sunscreen + Primer Combo Products Are Essential

Before we dive into specific product recommendations, let’s first discuss why combining sunscreen and primer into one product is so beneficial. Both sunscreen and primer have important functions in a beauty routine, and when combined, they enhance each other’s effects.

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen helps shield the skin from UV damage, which is the leading cause of premature aging, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation.
• Smoothing Effect: A primer helps to smooth the skin’s surface, minimizing pores, and creating a more even texture for makeup application.
• Hydration: Many sunscreens that act as primers are also hydrating, making them ideal for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.
• Convenience: By combining two essential steps into one product, you simplify your morning routine, saving time while ensuring your skin is both protected and prepped for makeup.

By merging sunscreen with a primer, you are essentially getting the best of both worlds—protection against the sun and a flawless makeup application.

Key Features to Look for in Sunscreens That Double as Primers

When selecting a sunscreen that doubles as a primer, there are certain key features to consider:

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Make sure the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Non-Greasy Formula: Look for formulas that are lightweight and non-greasy, so they won’t disrupt your makeup application or feel heavy on the skin.
• Hydrating Properties: Sunscreens with added moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can provide extra hydration, which is perfect for dry or combination skin.
• Mattifying Properties: If you have oily skin, look for sunscreens with mattifying ingredients that help control shine and keep your makeup in place.
• Silicone-Based: Many sunscreen primers contain silicones, which help smooth the skin and fill in fine lines, creating a flawless base for makeup.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a closer look at some of the best sunscreens that double as primers.

1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop! is known for creating innovative sun protection products, and their Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a cult favorite. This sunscreen offers full-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and its formula is designed to function as both a sunscreen and a primer.

• Why It’s Great: The Unseen Sunscreen has a lightweight, gel-like texture that feels weightless on the skin. It goes on clear, making it ideal for all skin tones, and leaves behind a velvety, matte finish, which is perfect for those looking to control shine and keep makeup in place all day.
• Key Ingredients: The formula contains ingredients like red algae, which helps protect the skin from blue light, and meadowfoam seed oil, which hydrates the skin. It’s also free of oxybenzone, which is a controversial sunscreen ingredient.
• Best For: All skin types, particularly those with oily or combination skin who need a matte finish without sacrificing protection.

2. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is another popular choice for those looking for a sunscreen that also doubles as a primer. This formula is lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and offers broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

• Why It’s Great: This sunscreen is loved by dermatologists for its gentle formula, making it suitable for sensitive skin, including those with acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin. It has a silky, almost velvety texture, which leaves a smooth surface, perfect for makeup application.
• Key Ingredients: The product includes niacinamide, a potent antioxidant known for calming the skin and improving its texture, along with lactic acid to gently exfoliate and hydrate.
• Best For: Sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin. It’s also great for anyone seeking a sunscreen that provides a smooth, matte finish without irritation.

3. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35

Tatcha is known for its luxurious skincare, and the Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 is no exception. This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum sun protection while providing a pore-minimizing effect, making it ideal for those who want a flawless base for their makeup.

• Why It’s Great: The formula has a silky, smooth texture that feels incredibly light on the skin, while also offering a soft-focus finish that blurs imperfections and pores. It’s infused with the brand’s signature Hadasei-3 complex, which includes green tea, rice, and algae, all of which help to nourish and protect the skin.
• Key Ingredients: This sunscreen contains silk proteins that help to smooth and soften the skin, giving you a glowing, polished finish.
• Best For: Those with large pores or oily skin looking for a pore-perfecting primer with the added benefit of sun protection.

4. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that offers a bit of coverage as well, BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 is a great option. This tinted moisturizer acts as both a sunscreen and a light foundation, giving you an even, natural-looking complexion while protecting your skin.

• Why It’s Great: This gel cream has a hydrating formula that leaves the skin feeling dewy and plump, but it also provides a natural tint that helps even out skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey. The SPF 30 provides ample sun protection, making it an ideal option for daily wear.
• Key Ingredients: The formula is infused with plant-derived squalane, which helps to moisturize the skin, and marine botanicals that hydrate and soothe.
• Best For: Dry to combination skin types looking for a lightweight tinted sunscreen that provides both coverage and hydration.

5. Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

Paula’s Choice is a skincare brand that’s known for its no-nonsense, effective formulas, and its Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 is one of the brand’s top picks for sun protection and primer benefits.

• Why It’s Great: This sunscreen offers very high sun protection with SPF 50, making it ideal for those who need extra sun defense. It has a non-greasy, mattifying texture that works well as a primer for those with oily skin. It also absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast, making it suitable for all skin tones.
• Key Ingredients: The formula contains antioxidants, such as green tea extract, which helps to calm the skin, and is free of fragrances and irritating ingredients.
• Best For: Oily to combination skin, particularly those looking for high SPF protection with a matte finish.

6. Dr. Dennis Gross All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Dr. Dennis Gross offers a range of high-performance skincare products, and the All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is no exception. This sunscreen is designed to be both lightweight and anti-aging, offering physical sun protection with a primer-like finish.

• Why It’s Great: This sunscreen provides mineral (physical) sun protection, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin who may not tolerate chemical sunscreens. It’s formulated with peptides, which help to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Key Ingredients: It contains a blend of antioxidants, including vitamin C and E, that help protect the skin from free radical damage, as well as anti-aging peptides that promote smoother, younger-looking skin.
• Best For: Those looking for a gentle, anti-aging sunscreen that provides both wrinkle defense and sun protection.

7. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42

Shiseido’s Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 is a sunscreen that offers advanced protection against the sun and environmental stressors while providing a lightweight, non-greasy finish that acts as an ideal base for makeup.

• Why It’s Great: This sunscreen is oil-free, making it perfect for those with oily or combination skin. It has a high SPF of 42, offering reliable protection against UV rays while keeping the skin matte and smooth.
• Key Ingredients: The formula is infused with Shiseido’s WetForce technology, which enhances the effectiveness of the sunscreen when exposed to water or sweat, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
• Best For: Oily or combination skin, especially for those looking for sun protection that can withstand sweat and water.

Conclusion: The Best Sunscreens That Double as Makeup Primers

Sunscreens that double as makeup primers offer the perfect solution for anyone looking to streamline their skincare and makeup routine. These products provide the necessary sun protection while helping to smooth and prep the skin for a flawless makeup application. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, there’s a sunscreen primer combo that can meet your needs.

When choosing the best sunscreen that also works as a primer, it’s important to consider factors like your skin type, desired finish, and any additional benefits (like anti-aging or hydration) that you may be looking for. The products listed above are some of the best on the market, offering excellent sun protection while delivering primer-like benefits for a smooth, makeup-ready complexion.

By investing in one of these sunscreen-primers, you can ensure your skin stays protected from harmful UV rays while achieving a perfect canvas for your makeup—making it a win-win for your skincare routine.