With the ever-thinning hole in the ozone layer directly above Australia, a daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. We know we need to be wearing one, but finding a sunscreen that plays well with your makeup is no mean feat. Some formulas are too greasy and your foundation slides right off, while others give your face a white cast that no amount of bronzer can undo.
We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite foundation-friendly sunscreens that work a treat under makeup.
The Kind Sunscreen
Made right here in Australia, The Kind Sunscreen uses nine certified organic and sustainably sourced ingredients to effectively shield all skin types from the sun. Whether you’re allergic to synthetic chemicals, are breastfeeding or have sensitive skin, this gentle formula will keep your skin protected without triggering irritations.
$29, The Kind Sunscreen
Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser 50+
This three-in-one formula acts as a primer, moisturiser and an SPF 50+. While other sunscreens might leave behind a greasy finish or traces of white, Alpha-H’s formula brings nothing but hydration, nourishment and protection.
“This is such a great moisturiser!! The product is light weight on the skin but provides a great amount of hydration. I love the amount of SPF as I feel it really protects my skin both outside and in the office.” – Deeknight
Want to know more? Read Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser 50+ reviews here…
$50.69, Adore Beauty
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+
A favourite of skin care expert Caroline Hirons, this breathable, satin-finish SPF works seamlessly as your first post-skin care and pre-foundation step.
$49, Sephora
esmi Skin Minerals Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
If your skin is prone to dryness, irritation or is just having one of those days, try introducing the esmi skin Minerals green tea, cucumber and rosehip extract-enriched SPF. The soothing antioxidants combined with the hyaluronic acid will replenish thirsty skin, resulting in a healthy and hydrated base for makeup application.
Have you tried the esmi Skin Minerals Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30? Leave a review and let us know what you thought
$45, Sephora
Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF 50+ Face Cream
Designed with the outdoorsy type in mind, this sunscreen is perfect for the hikers, beach go-ers or anyone else who spends a lot of time in the sun.
Containing complete UVA/UVB protection, the Ultraceuticals SPF is 4 hours water resistant and suitable for all skin types.
“It’s ideal if someone is allergic to sunscreen though and offers the highest possible protection.” – kaylahoulihan
Want to know more? Read Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF 50+ Face Cream reviews here..
$55, Ultraceuticals
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Lotion SPF50+
Combining high sun protection with a hydrating formula, this silky SPF will leave your skin with a beautiful glow (and no greasy shine). Plus, the oil-free formula is fast absorbing, so you won’t have to wait around for it to dry before you can start your makeup.
“I use it all the time. Smells amazing and doesn’t leave skin feeling all clogged up and greasy after using it. I apply it first and apply make up on top if i am wearing makeup that day.” – mserin23
Want to know more? Read Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Lotion SPF50+ reviews here..
$16, Woolworths
endota spa New Age Daily Defence Cream SPF50+ Sunscreen
Not just a sunscreen, endota spa’s formula uses vitamin E to comfort and hydrate skin that has been exposed to environmental aggressors (AKA, everyones).
Have you tried the endota spa New Age Daily Defence Cream SPF50? Leave a review and let us know what you thought…
$80, Endota SpaCancer Council Anti-Pollution Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+
For a little bit more than just sun protection, Cancer Council’s SPF is formulated with unicontrozon to prevent age aggressors and hydroviton to hydrate and plump skin.
“It is easy to apply and slides across my face. Also like the fact that the ingredient list is minimal, which is good for my sensitive skin. Overall, it’s a good, affordable sunscreen and I definitely recommend it!” – Em89
Want to know more? Read Cancer Council UV-IQ Anti-Pollution Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ reviews here..
$13.49, Chemist Warehouse
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+
Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, La Roche-Posay’s SPF has a lightweight and mattifying texture. Non-greasy and non-comedogenic, the formula gives an invisible finish that works as the perfect base for foundation.
“I adore this sunscreen. It absorbs into the skin well and looks great under my foundation. It doesn’t pill or sting my eyes at all. I’d highly recommend it to anyone with oily skin looking for an everyday SPF.” – alicia_e
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ reviews here..
$31.95, Adore Beauty
Eau Thermale Avène Sunscreen Emulsion SPF 50+
A sensitive skin saviour, this non-greasy, matte formula offers high sun protection without irritation. Plus, it soaks up any unwanted oil or shine.
“If make-up needs to be worn over the top, then that isn’t a problem – I have just worn a mineral powder foundation as it works superbly over the top of this.” – clearcrystalwater
Want to know more? Read Eau Thermale Avène Sunscreen Emulsion SPF 50+ reviews here…
$28.99, Adore Beauty
Main image credit: @mandymadd
Have you found the perfect SPF for to layer under your foundation?
No such a thing as a perfect sunscreen, they are made to be annoying haha. Avene one makes skin go grey, LRP bitter if left too long on (longer than 2-3 hours), AlphaH burns eyes like nothing I’ve ever used in my life etc. Well still searching.
Love to use the sunscreen.
Olay complete defence for sensitive skin, a moisturiser with built in SPF. Would wear this out in the sun all day on holiday overseas and never get burnt. Good to use with or without foundation.
The only one of the above that I will use is the Avene Sunscreen Emulsion. I refuse to pay $50 or more for sunscreen which is why I have defected to using only South Korean or Japanese suncreens as their formulas (post purito controversy) are always superior and feel beautiful on the skin. They are also usually under $20.
Can I ask if they are approved by the Australian skin cancer society?
Apparently the kind sunscreen is really good. I need to try it. Anyways the best sunscreen is the one that you will use
My go-to is Nivea SPF. I have tried La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ which I like (except the $$$). I do have a tube of Skin O2 SPF 50+ which I use on road trips.
I use and love Neutrogena hydro boost water gel sunscreen 50+. Light and absorb well into my skin since 2017.
I use QV day cream which has spf 50. Would love to try La Roche one day
Gosh, just trying Dr Roesbuck’s reef spf50 sunscreen, Zn based, mineral only. Love! Not making me white, not oily, dry on touch, and best part: I use it over the eye area too! And it is faaab! No burn, not heavy , just superb!
I am yet to try any of these sunsceens
some of these are so over priced – sunscreen honestly
I use a a La Roche-Posay sunscreen, it’s great but it makes my skin so white afterwards so I usually add a bit of tinted BB cream to it.
recently purchased the Ultra Violette sunscreen and eager to try it! have heard good things about it! If anyone’s interested, Adore Beauty currently have Ultra Violette products for 10% off.
Skinvest the next 2 days so buy one get one free
Very informative 🙂
I used to use Clinique’s City Block religiously, every day, but it’s been discontinued :'( :'( Now I use a sunscreen by Mecca Cosmetica.
That one is still around and its in an orange tube now
Ultra Violette sunscreens are rad. Highly recommend.
I bought 4 yesterday and got 2 free for skinvest day, the serum one is my favourite and i look forward to tryig the other ones too
I’m a big fan of the La Roche Posay sunscreen. It works so well with my skin
Hawaiian Tropic & LRP are both awesome. I often like to skip foundation in hot weather, so I like to wear Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear.
Naked sundays is also divine
Ultra violette serum is nice, the forst one i got was full of grits, but my second one is awesome
It’s definitely time for sunscreen
Yes today has been really quite hot. So lovely at last it has warmed up to above 25 degrees I was beginning to get worried!!
I tried Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Lotion.It smells really good.
Ultraceuticals Have the best products ive ever tried, no doubt their sunscreen will be amazing
I use the La Roche Posay and the Cancer Council sunscreen. Both work well on my skin.
This is such a challenge every summer – thank you, I’ll try one or two of these.
Only the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Lotion SPF50+and one other are a good price. The others are way too expensive. Hopefully you get what you pay for?
I’m currently using Liberty Belle Rx SPF 50+ Superstar Facial Sunscreen, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face SPF 50 which both work really well under my makeup.
UltraViolette all the way!