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The cardinal rule of skincare is to always wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine. If you like to keep your routine streamlined and minimal (or just wake up really late and need to be office-ready in five minutes), you might want to switch to a multi-functional product like a foundation or skin tint that contains SPF. But, let’s make one thing clear: Foundations with SPF don't count as your only sun protection—board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD recommends wearing a base layer of sunscreen underneath.
Foundations and skin tints with SPF, and even tinted sunscreens , have a secret ingredient called iron oxide, a cousin of mineral UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “Iron oxide is often used for tint in foundations, and that protects against visible light. This visible light protection can be really important for pigmentary conditions like melasma,” says Dr. Mian.
What is the difference between a tinted sunscreen and a foundation with SPF?
“Tinted SPF is sunscreen with added pigment, usually iron oxide, to provide transparent coverage while providing UV protection,” says Dr. Mian. “The product will absorb into the skin, allowing the user to use an adequate amount for the amount of protection written on the bottle,” she says.
On the other hand, foundation with SPF is treated more like makeup, “offering fuller coverage and SPF just serves as a plus,” says celebrity makeup artist Kanwal Batool . Dr. Mian adds that wearing a base SPF can help avoid over-applying foundation and ending up with a heavy and cakey look.
1) Ciele Tint & Protection SPF 50+ Serum Foundation
2) Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
3) Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
4) Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
5) Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
6) IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+
7) PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Skin Tint Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
8) Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45
9) Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation SPF 30
10) MDSolarSciences Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50 Tinted Matte BB Crème
11) Do I need to wear sunscreen if my foundation has SPF?
Yes, you absolutely need to wear sunscreen underneath your foundation even if your foundation has SPF in it, according to Dr. Mian. While foundation with SPF does provide some level of protection, it’s not sufficient on its own for sun protection. “You need about a quarter teaspoon, or two finger-lengths worth of sunscreen to obtain adequate protection. Most people do not wear that much foundation, so I would recommend wearing sunscreen first even if your foundation has SPF.”
12) How much should you apply to balance both coverage needs and sun protection needs?
An SPF of at least 30is a non-negotiable, says Dr. Mian. This guide includes both foundations with SPF and tinted sunscreens that provide foundation-like coverage when the adequate amount is applied for sun protection. “For foundation, it really depends on how much coverage you want, but I would start with a pea-sized amount for a natural look to dime-sized if you want more of a medium coverage. Just remember to always start small, you can always add more,” says Batool.
But, if you prefer a more streamlined routine, opt for transparent or lighter coverage formulas like SPF skin tints or tinted sunscreens that are buildable. Just be sure to wear your base layer of sunscreen underneath.
13) What are the benefits of a foundation with SPF?
Most SPF foundations include iron oxides, which provide protection from UV light and “visible light,” including light from screens and devices, says Dr. Mian. “Many conditions are highly sensitive to not only UV exposure, but visible light as well. Iron oxide provides an added layer of protection from exacerbation of pigment disorders like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”
While you shouldn’t rely on foundation with SPF as your sole sun protection method, it can help by adding a smidge of extra coverage, “especially in areas where sunscreen may not have been as evenly applied, like along the jawline or around the hairline,” she says.
Additionally, it’s an easy way to reapply SPF if you’re using foundation with SPF to touch up your makeup in the afternoon. “SPF foundation combines the benefits of both makeup and sunscreen in one product, which is really convenient for people who prefer to streamline their routine and reapply later in the day,” says Aharon. “An SPF compact is great for touch-ups throughout the day if you're stepping out or leaving work during the summer when the sun is still out,” adds Dr. Mian.
14) Is it okay to mix foundation with an SPF to “DIY” it?
Because of differing formulations, risking uneven application, and the possibility of diluting the SPF level or the efficacy of either product, it’s best not to mix your favorite foundation with an SPF, warn Dr. Mian and Batool. In short, no, this isn’t something you should DIY.
Again, the golden rule for adequate SPF protection and coverage is to layer one on top of the other. “Sunscreen should be your base layer, and foundation with SPF can be applied on top to complement it,” says Dr. Mian. “This will ensure that your SPF protection is intact and also give you the coverage you want,” adds Batool.
15) How to choose the best foundation with SPF for you:
Always look for foundations or skin tints with an SPF of at least 30, according to Dr. Mian. Batool suggests opting for an even higher SPF level of around 50, “especially if you are outside a lot and have hyperpigmentation.”
Next step, consider your skin type: If you’re oily, you might want a matte finish or oil-free formula that won't leave you feeling shiny midday. For dry skin, however, opt for a moisturizing foundation that's loaded with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and squalane, and has a dewy finish that won't cling to dry patches. You’ll also want to think about formulation if you've got sensitive skin, and stick to mineral-based UV filters. Aharon recommends avoiding any potential irritants like fragrance, essential oils, silicones, or preservatives.
16) Will foundations with SPF cause a white cast in photos?
Depending on the UV filters used in the formula, foundations with SPF can cause a white cast in photos. “Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both mineral sunscreens, can cause light reflection from the flash, leading to a white cast in photos. The amount of sunscreen applied causes more of a white cast,” says Dr. Mian. Luckily, she says that iron oxides help mitigate the effects of mineral sunscreens, and the pigment in the foundation can help conceal the dreaded white cast.
Batool also notes that proper lighting can also help avoid a white cast, but when in doubt, she recommends using foundations with chemical-based UV filters to avoid it altogether.
17) Meet the experts:
Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, NY, and the Director of Clinical Innovation and Dermatologist of Reale Actives by Alix Earle .
Kanwal Batool is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients like Jessel Taank .
Lisa Aharon is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Gwyneth Paltrow , and Camila Mendes .
18) Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Anvita Reddyis a commerce editor with over five years of experience writing about beauty, including Korean skincare , makeup trends , and more. As someone with acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation, she has first hand experience and expertise in skincare, including rigorous sunscreen testing.
Iman Balagamis a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with nearly four years of experience writing beauty stories that range from sunscreen sticks to chin acne . She’s an authority in all categories, but is an expert when it comes to foundations, thanks to years of personally researching and testing different base products for the perfect makeup look.
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