SheFinds emphasizes that this review is not monetized, compensated, or sponsored in any way. This evaluation of the product is strictly based on the expertise of a beauty industry expert.
The fewer skincare products you can use in your regimen, the less money you’ll spend and the less skin irritation you may experience. Mixing ingredients can be a recipe for disaster for many skin types, not to mention: layering products like serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen can cause pilling. For all of these reasons, it makes sense to choose a foundation that contains built-in sunscreen so that you get protection against UV rays that can cause skin damage while providing your skin with the coverage you’re looking for to create a flawless base.
One thing to note though: most skin experts recommend wearing SPF of 30 or higher each day, and re-applying it every two hours or sooner if you are exposed to water. Depending on the foundation you choose, you may not be able to get enough protection from foundation alone (and many experts will still recommend applying a separate SPF under makeup, even if your makeup contains sunscreen). Here are seven favorites when it comes to foundation with sunscreen.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Rather than being a full-coverage foundation, this is a lightweight tinted mineral sunscreen that comes in a choice of four tinted shades. It offers an impressive SPF 50 protection and is water resistant up to 40 minutes. Its active ingredient is zinc oxide and it is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, oil, dyes, and fragrance. This one is best for you if you want lighter coverage with just a hint of color.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation
With a choice of 30 shades and a serum-like application and feel, this foundation is hydrating and goes on smooth. It offers SPF 40 protection and its ingredients include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalene. It provides light coverage with a radiant finish and is fragrance free.
IT Cosmetics Mini CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation with SPF 50+
This is a full-coverage CC cream with multiple benefits: it provides SPF 50+ and can color correct and moisturize with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E. It is a cream formulation with a natural finish and full coverage (layer on more for more coverage). It comes in 12 shades.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup
The SPF factor in this liquid foundation is a little low at SPF 20, but the popular brand is lightweight, contains antioxidants vitamin E and feverfew, and comes in 14 shades. It offers full coverage with more application layers and one reviewer raved about how it worked well on her sensitive skin.
PÜR Beauty 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15
The downside to this pressed mineral foundation powder is that it only offers SPF 15, which means you’ll likely need to wear a higher sunscreen underneath it. But the upside is that, as a powder, it’s so easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day. It also serves as a concealer and setting powder, saving you a few steps in your routine. The vegan formula provides medium to heavy coverage and comes in 21 shades.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Liquid Foundation
With broad-spectrum SPF 30 and an oil-free liquid formulation, this foundation offers medium coverage and is • free free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, salicylic acid, and talc. Reviewers who love it say it never cakes and looks flawless, but doesn’t offer heavy coverage.
Tower 28 SunnyDays™ Tinted SPF 30
This mineral sunscreen foundation offers SPF 30 protection. It is specially designed to not clog pores and provide coverage for sensitive and “problem-prone” skin and has buildable coverage, so you can decide how light or heavy you want to take it. Its ingredients include zinc oxide, prickly pear, and aloe vera and it comes in 17 shades.
