The best sunscreens to wear under your makeup

Scared your SPF is going to mess with your makeup? This sunscreen’s invisible matte finish should put your mind at ease. The silky smooth texture glides onto skin and absorbs quickly, while aloe vera, goji berry extract, chamomile and vitamin E soothe and hydrate the skin too. 

$25 at MECCA

This vitamin E and glycerin-infused moisturiser is designed to do more than just hydrate your skin. It’s also backed with 50+ SPF and crafted by the people who know problem skin, meaning that the oil-free formula is suitable for breakout-prone skin types. Always make sure you’re reading the instructions for use, covering up and staying out of the sun where possible. 

$39.95 at tbh Skincare

When it comes to makeup and SPF, usually the two don’t get along all that well. But this new sun serum from Naked Sundays has been specially formulated to mend their relationship. The unique, completely clear gel serum is a triple threat, working as an SPF, antioxidant-rich serum and makeup primer too. The matte-finish formula has been infused with squalane, watermelon extract, tomato extract, and jojoba to help hydrate skin, boost collagen production, and protect against free radicals and blue light pollution. 

$49.95 at Naked Sundays

If an ultra-light, non-shiny, non-greasy sunscreen with an invisible finish AND very high UVA/UVB protection sounds too good to be true, you just haven’t met La Roche Posay’s superstar fluid SPF yet. Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin (and eyes) this little guy layers perfectly under makeup without the risk of irritation.

$35.99 at Priceline

Delivering high broad-spectrum sun protection but at an affordable price, this facial sunscreen for oily skin helps mattify and control oil while also hydrating skin. The lightweight texture and non-greasy and non-sticky feel makes this sunscreen a winner under makeup.

$13.45 at Healthy Life

This mineral sunscreen is vegan, cruelty-free and sensitive skin-approved. It has a fragrance-free formula that contains zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier from UV rays, and its texture is lightweight and easily absorbed. This formula also comes in a tinted version (available in Light and Medium), if you’re after natural coverage on top of excellent sun protection.

$20.39 at Priceline

Another sunscreen that sensitive skin will love, besides the fact that every purchase of one of these sunscreens goes towards cancer research and services (approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, so this is a BIG deal), the formula contains skin-nourishing aloe vera and vitamin E which dry skin types will appreciate. Also good to know is it’s water-resistant for up to four hours, so it’s also a winner for BB cream beach days.

$13.99 at Chemist Warehouse

This Australian sunscreen delivers a high level of protection from sun exposure, and it also cares for your skin in the process. It ticks all the boxes that you look for in an under-makeup sunscreen: zero white cast, no greasy residue and absorbs well – plus, it’s suitable for all skin types and has a hydrating formula.

$12.95 at Natio

You don’t just get great protection from sun damage with this physical sunscreen; it also shields skin from daily pollution, infrared damage and signs of ageing. The hydrating layer it leaves on skin creates a smooth surface for makeup to adhere to, and the lightweight formula is non-chalky, too.

$74 at Adore Beauty

The SPF 30 version of this chemical sunscreen has been a best-seller at MECCA pretty much since it first launched. This iteration has a higher SPF, but the same lightweight, hydrating and non-greasy formula that earned the OG its cult following. The formula is non-oily, blends seamlessly on all skin tones, and has a hydrating matte finish.

$42 at MECCA

This oil-free sunscreen is a long-time pharmacy fave; it provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum sun protection, but feels (and looks) invisible on the skin. It's also shine-free and great in humid climates, and it creates a smooth layer over skin that actually makes your makeup easier to apply.

$15.49 at Chemist Warehouse

We're big fans of this silky sunscreen under makeup. It’s ultra-hydrating and promises to do the job of your moisturiser, primer and sunscreen in one, which we are all for. We're also here for the UVA, UVB and blue light protection it provides, along with the velvety texture that glides over skin and creates a beautiful base for whatever actual base you're going in with.

$49 at Adore Beauty