12 Sunscreens That Will Also Give You a Glow (2024)

In beauty, there’s no greater unicorn than the best sunscreen under makeup. A layer of SPF is arguably the single most important step in a skin-care regimen, after all. But from greasy texture to chalky residues, too often applying sunscreen is a fraught to-do, especially if it precedes makeup application. Thankfully, reliable sun protection and a luminous complexion aren’t mutually exclusive. Better yet, the two can happily coexist. Now, cutting-edge formulas are the secret weapon behind glowing skin.

“The sunscreen that you will use is the one that is going to be most effective!” says New York City dermatologist Julie Karen, MD, of the power of finding a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher that you will enjoy applying (and replying!) over and over again—on its own or under makeup.

In the spirit of finding the best sunscreen under makeup for you, here are formulas that will protect you against premature aging, give your skin a celestial boost, and inevitably make you more proactive about slathering it on in the first place.

Coola Full-Spectrum 360-Degree Sun Silk Drops SPF 30

These holographic pink drops shield the skin from the sun and other environmental damage, also adding a veil of warm radiance while supercharging the skin with an infusion of plant stem cells, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid.

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer

Spiked with equal parts soothing and rejuvenating matcha green tea, this hardworking moisturizer blocks UV rays while light-activated components take skin to supernova status.

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

For those looking to ensure their makeup stays put, uncompromised, and extra luminous, this fast-absorbing primer defies the odds, gliding on smooth and invisible while hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5.

Make P:rem Blue-Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+

A cult K-Beauty favorite, this milky gel dries clear and counteracts the sun’s hot infrared rays by cooling the complexion before it helps mitigate the tell-tale signs of sun damage with antioxidant-rich chia seed and Centella Asiatica.

Tatcha Silken Pore-Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35

There’s simply no pore clogging on this sunscreen’s watch. Its Japanese wild rose helps shrink the appearance of pores while Hadasei-3, its bioactive trinity complex comprised of rice, green tea, and algae, reinvigorates the skin for a lit-from-within finish.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

This recently-launched tinted mineral SPF 40 serum is already being hailed a favorite. It supplies ample protection, a potent layer of hydration with plant-based squalane and niacinamide, and a dewy, diffused finish that's astonishingly imperceptible.

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30

Designed to ensure it won't come off ashy, Fenty Beauty's Hydra Vizor promises no piling or flashback with its lightweight texture and pale pink hue. It's made with coral-reef friendly ingredients, such as hydrating baobab and kalahari melon.

Kinship Self Reflect

A clean favorite, Kinship’s sheer mineral sunscreen features the brand’s special Kinbiome complex, a plant-based probiotic that helps strengthen the skin barrier while ensuring your complexion stays clear and bright.

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Specifically formulated for medium to deep skin tones, UnSun’s mineral SPF 30 functions as both a color corrector and a primer, sitting beautifully under makeup. It harnesses a special blend of natural extracts, including shea butter, coconut oil, and cucumber extract, that deliver hydration and leave behind zero greasy residue.

Paula’s Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+

Paula's Choice's Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ acts as a protective and hydrating veil that blurs pores and minimizes shine while plant‐derived antioxidants such as green tea, black elderberry, and goji berry keep skin looking healthy and refreshed.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

The clear iteration of Elta MD's cult-favorite sunscreen, this translucent, oil-free formula is ideal for sensitive skin types thanks to an infusion of niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50

A pitch-perfect combination of chemical and mineral sunscreen, Glow Recipe's new Watermelon Glow SPF 50 sunscreen stars calming watermelon in addition to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

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