Hate Wearing SPF Under Make-Up? You Won't Now

Meet the SPFs with benefits that won't reduce your face + foundation to a slippery mess this summer...

So here’s the rub: you want to Do The Right Thing and wear an SPF under your make-up, but you also don’t want your face to look a congealed mess come 3pm or, worse, to form a series of make-uppy bobbles when applying foundation. It’s a pickle, but one that can be solved by simply choosing the right SPF. Which is where this guide comes in…

The One That’ll Give You A Glow / Emma Hardie Protect and Prime SPF 30, £45 

Glow and grease can live worlds apart, as this SPF amply proves. Offering protection from UVA and UVB damage and packed with nourishing ingredients like mongongo oil (which also provides UV activated protection while conditioning) and vitamin E, this is our go-to when our skin’s looking a little drab.

The One for Oily Skin /  Shu Uemura POREraser Underbase Mousse SPF 30, £29 

You know that sensation of having a layer of something on your face? This does the opposite of that – the mousse once smoothed on locks down all the skincare under it, leaving skin impressively shine-free and – dare we say it – it even lives up to its promise of making pores look slightly minimised.

The One for Sensitive Skin / SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50, £35 

100% mineral and in most model’s make-up bags, this one earns its place in the hall of cosmetics fame - as well as (gently) protecting skin, it also provides a touch of coverage so is ideal if your skin is prone to flushing in the heat.

The One For Top Ups / Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF 30, £40 

Ever found yourself on the receiving end of some unexpected sun and then been mighty annoyed that you’re red as a beetroot come the evening because you can’t reapply sun cream over your foundation? Yep, we’ve all been there. Fortunately, the team over at Goldfaden seem to have the answer in the form of this oil-free SPF that can just be sprayed on top of make-up when you’re already out. Put it in your handbag now and your skin will thank you come autumn.

The One That’s Anti-Ageing, Too / Perricone MD Photo Plasma SPF 30, £57 

The team here are pretty much obsessed with this pale pink, lightweight SPF that skin seems to simply love. While it may feel lightweight, it – like all Perricone products – is a skincare heavyweight, containing antioxidants to mop up free radicals and alpha lipoic acid to brighten and diminish lines and age spots.

The One That’ll Help To Reverse Damage / Chanel Sublimage La Protection UV SPF 50, £80 

If the damage has already been done to your skin, the challenge is rather more complex – protecting it with a high (think 50+) SPF will prevent further pigmentation and premature wrinkles, but you’ll have to opt for a formula containing skincare to help undo existing sun-related issues. This one contains Vanilla Planifolia and liquorice extract to do just that.