Skincare professionals, including dermatologists and makeup artists, engage in an ongoing debate over the best makeup primers with SPF. While there’s general agreement on the importance of priming for flawless makeup application, some argue that a good moisturizer and facial sunscreen combo suffices. However, hope remains for those seeking a multitasking product to streamline their routine. Despite the preference for double SPF layers, primers excel in hydration and UV defense, curated through thorough research. Below, discover the SPF-infused primers recommended by dermatologists and our expert editorial team.
Best Makeup Base Tips: 10 Expert-Approved Primers with SPF
Lancôme UV Expert Defense Primer & Moisturizer (SPF 50+)
The Lancôme UV Expert Defense Primer & Moisturizer (SPF 50+) claims the spotlight as the ultimate choice for an SPF-infused primer, as affirmed by its manufacturer and dermatological experts. Blending the benefits of facial sunscreen, moisturizer, and makeup primer, this product earns accolades for its versatility. Dermatologists commend its broad-spectrum UV protection and antioxidant-rich composition, featuring vitamin E, moringa seed extract, and edelweiss extract, which collectively shield against oxidative stress and free radical damage. Users praise its lightweight texture, quick absorption, and non-greasy finish, noting its capacity to hydrate dry skin while facilitating a smooth makeup application.
Featuring SPF 50+ protection predominantly from chemical filters, Lancôme’s UV Expert Primer & Face Moisturizer garners acclaim for its robust sun defense and skin-nourishing properties. Its formulation, comprising key ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, ensures comprehensive safeguarding against harmful UV rays. Despite its premium price tag, consumers appreciate its hydrating attributes and high SPF concentration, making it a worthwhile investment for individuals prioritizing skincare and makeup preparation.
NYX Professional Makeup Primer (SPF 30)
The NYX Professional Makeup Blur Screen Blurring Makeup Primer (SPF 30) has quickly become a standout option for drugstore primers with sun protection. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, it boasts performance comparable to higher-end alternatives and has garnered attention on platforms like TikTok since its recent launch. This versatile primer hydrates the skin, blurs imperfections, and ensures makeup stays put while offering SPF 30 protection, aligning with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommendations. Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley praises its “Goldilocks consistency,” noting its effortless application and matte finish with just the right amount of tackiness for enhanced makeup longevity.
What sets the NYX Blur Screen Primer apart is its delightful tropical scent, infused with coconut juice and cactus flower extract, which elevates the application experience. Despite its affordable price point, users appreciate its ability to deliver both functional benefits and sensory enjoyment, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing quality skincare and makeup products without breaking the bank. Overall, the NYX Blur Screen Primer stands out as a prime example of effective, accessible beauty products that offer performance and pleasure in equal measure.
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
For those with sensitive skin searching for robust sun protection and makeup-like coverage, Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50) emerges as the top choice, endorsed by celebrity esthetician Vee Mistry for its viral popularity and efficacy. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, Colorescience’s mineral SPF physically deflects them, offering a safer, chemical-free alternative. Enriched with antioxidants like lipochroman, bisabolol, and infraguard, this sunscreen neutralizes free radicals, promoting healthier and more unified skin. Additionally, its color-adapting formula provides a flawless, dewy finish, serving as an ideal makeup base. Mistry notes that many users no longer require additional makeup after application.
This mineral-based SPF, formulated with key ingredients such as zinc oxide and silver ear mushroom extract, caters to sensitive skin while offering comprehensive sun protection. Praised for its non-comedogenic properties, it ensures pores remain clear, and skin stays healthy. While some users may notice a slight white cast upon application, the overall consensus underscores its suitability for sensitive skin types, making it a dependable choice for those prioritizing skincare and makeup needs.
BeautyBio Perfecting Blendrops Broad Spectrum SPF 40
The BeautyBio Perfecting Blendrops Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Oil Control Invisible Finish Priming Drops shine as the go-to choice for those grappling with dry skin concerns, offering lightweight, oil-free, mineral-based priming with SPF. Ideal for addressing redness, hyperpigmentation, and dryness, this primer boasts a formula enriched with tranexamic acid
to achieve a more even skin tone and diminish redness. In contrast, polyglutamic acid provides a plumping effect, leaving the skin smooth and supple—a perfect canvas for makeup application. Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley attests to its efficacy, noting its ability to leave her dry skin dewy and primed for makeup without any caking or creasing, particularly favoring the original formula for everyday wear and opting for the bronzing drops for an added sun-kissed glow on makeup-free days.
Featuring SPF 40 and mineral-based protection, these priming drops cater to various skin types while offering enhanced hydration and addressing specific skin concerns. However, the dewy finish might not fit people with oily or acne-prone skin, as it may exacerbate shine or contribute to breakouts. Despite this, its ability to provide effective hydration, combat redness and hyperpigmentation, and offer higher SPF protection makes it a standout choice for individuals seeking skincare benefits and makeup prep in one product.
e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen (SPF 35)
The e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen (SPF 35) earns praise as the top lightweight primer with SPF, favored by Glamour’s senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle, for its quick absorption and suitability for combination skin. Despite its compact size, users find that a small amount of the tinted formula goes a long way, offering excellent value for money. Testers, including Calle, highlight its consistency as a key feature for seamless makeup application—the gel-like texture initially resembles a dry oil but dries to a perfectly matte finish, providing an ideal canvas for makeup.
This invisible sunscreen offers effective sun protection without leaving any residue, featuring SPF 35 and a chemical-based formula comprising key ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate. Its clear gel formula absorbs swiftly into the skin, leaving a subtle glow that enhances the skin’s natural radiance. However, its petite packaging may be a downside for some users, though its performance and compatibility with makeup make it a standout choice for those seeking a lightweight, transparent primer with SPF.
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + NiacinamideNiacinamideNiacinamide emerges as the ultimate choice for a tinted primer with SPF, highly acclaimed by Glamour’s associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay for its transformative effects on the skin. Sinay praises its ability to perfect skin tone while imparting a radiant, bronzed glow reminiscent of a rejuvenating wellness retreat. Enhanced with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide, this lightly tinted formula primes the skin instantly. It boosts its appearance, making it an ideal first step in any makeup routine. Whether opting for minimal concealer or full foundation coverage, Glowscreen is the perfect canvas, enhancing the final makeup look.
Featuring SPF 40 and a chemical-based formula comprising key ingredients such as avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, this tinted primer offers robust sun protection alongside its skin-brightening and hydrating properties. However, individuals with sensitive skin may want to exercise caution, as the chemical sunscreen components may potentially irritate. Despite this, the lightweight texture, luminous finish, and higher SPF make Supergoop! Glowscreen is a standout choice for those seeking a tinted primer that delivers both skincare benefits and makeup enhancement.
Black Girl Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30)
While not technically labeled as a primer, the Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30) proves to be a valuable asset for prepping the face, particularly for individuals with darker skin tones, according to Gailbreath. Designed for wear under makeup, it offers a matte finish ideal for those prone to excess oiliness or seeking a non-glowy look. Its ultra-sheer formula leaves no white residue, providing broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, meeting the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommendations. This makes it an excellent choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin and for anyone looking for effective sun protection without sacrificing aesthetics.
Featuring SPF 30 and a chemical-based formula containing key ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene, this sunscreen lotion offers lightweight, sheer coverage while effectively shielding the skin from harmful UV rays. However, individuals with sensitive skin may want to be mindful of potential irritation from the chemical sunscreen components. Nevertheless, its non-greasy texture, absence of white cast, and suitability for oily and acne-prone skin make Black Girl Sunscreen a commendable option for those prioritizing sun protection and matte finish in their skincare routine.
Maybelline New York’s Facestudio Master Prime Primer (SPF 30)
Finding a reliable drugstore primer with SPF is often a challenge. Still, Maybelline New York’s Facestudio Master Prime Primer (SPF 30) proves to be a hidden gem, according to Glamour contributor Lindsay Schallon. Ideal for those with oily skin seeking a mattifying effect, this primer stands out for its ability to rival luxury options while providing essential sun protection. Schallon emphasizes its seamless application under makeup, noting its ability to prevent shine, bumps, and greasiness, making it a worthy alternative to high-end counterparts like Smashbox’s Photo Finish Mattifying Primer, but with the added benefit of SPF.
With SPF 30 protection and a chemical-based formula primarily containing octinoxate, this primer offers lightweight coverage suitable for oily skin types. However, individuals with sensitive skin may want to exercise caution, as the chemical sunscreen components could potentially irritate. Despite this, the Maybelline Facestudio Master Prime Primer remains a standout choice for those prioritizing a mattifying effect and sun protection in their makeup routine, all at an affordable price point.
Charlotte Tilbury Primers with SPF 50
Unsurprisingly, makeup maven Charlotte Tilbury delivers one of the top primers with SPF, especially for those with dry skin concerns. Dr. Green highlights its impressive SPF 50 protection, offering maximum defense against sun damage, and its inclusion of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin deeply. Furthermore, airbrush polymers smooth skin texture, reducing the visibility of pores and fine lines. With SPF, hydration, and anti-aging benefits all in one formula, this primer is a standout choice for skincare-conscious makeup enthusiasts.
Featuring SPF 50 and a chemical-based formula containing key ingredients like octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone, this primer offers lightweight coverage with potent sun protection and hydrating properties. However, despite its impressive skincare benefits, its higher price point may deter some consumers. Nevertheless, for those seeking a luxurious primer that delivers on SPF and hydration, the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer remains a worthy investment for achieving a flawless makeup base.
Indie Lee’s Daily Primer (SPF 50)
Indie Lee’s Daily Primer (SPF 50) is endorsed by Gailbreath for its versatility and efficacy, standing out as a top-tier choice for robust sun protection and skincare benefits. Praised for its slightly tacky finish by Gailbreath, this primer ensures seamless foundation application while maintaining a lightweight feel.
A subtle tint that imparts a soft glow under makeup enhances the complexion. Enriched with Niacinamide, it’s suitable for acne-prone and oily skin, minimizing pores and providing hydration, while mineral zinc oxide offers SPF 50 protection against harmful UV rays. Despite its higher price tag, this primer remains a worthy investment for achieving a flawless makeup base and nurturing the skin.
Conclusion:
The debate among skincare professionals over makeup primers with SPF highlights the quest for the ideal makeup base. While some advocate for simplicity with moisturizer and sunscreen, others seek multitasking products. Exceptional picks like Lancôme’s UV Expert Defense Primer and NYX Professional Makeup Blur Screen cater to diverse skincare needs, offering function and sensory pleasure. These dermatologist-approved primers redefine the standard for achieving flawless, radiant skin with robust sun protection and effective makeup application.
