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I bet you’ve come across several SPF-infused cosmetic formulas before; think moisturisers, skin tints, lip balms, the works. These hybrid beauty products deliver on their promise while guaranteeing broad-spectrum protection from sun exposure. One other such makeup multitasker is the ever-so-versatile SPF foundation, available for different skin types and complexions. This study supports the protection SPF cosmetics offer and how some cosmetic formulations with SPF can be beneficial.
While it’s great that your foundation boasts sun-protecting elements, it’s not enough – you still need to load up on sunscreen every couple of hours to ensure your skin stays well-protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But if you want to double down on sun protection, consider these budget-friendly and luxe foundations that’ll do the job.
Things to Consider Before Buying Foundation With SPF
Before you explore our list of the best SPF foundations, let’s clear up the things you should consider before making the final choice to ensure it is the best option for you.
- SPF level: When it comes to sunscreens, an SPF 30 level is considered the ideal choice for proper protection as per a study. Similarly, foundations with SPF 30 or above can be considered to be worn solo with reapplications throughout the day. If you’re using a makeup product with an SPF below 30, consider layering it over sunscreen.
- Formulation: The formulation of the product is also key when it comes to sun protection. Look for physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect the heat, instead of chemical blockers that absorb the heat.
- Skin Type: Ensure you’re picking a product that suits your skin type to avoid unwanted reactions and acne. Here are things to consider:
- Oily: Non-comedogenic is the magic word when it comes to oily skin. This means that the SPF foundation will not clog the pores and help control excess sebum protection. Powder formulas are the ideal choice as they will absorb excess oil.
- Dry: Hydrating and moisturising foundations are a must-have for those with dry skin. Opt for mousse or liquid formulations – you don’t want powder products to take away the little moisture you have.
- Combination: Balancing hydration levels is the best way forward for natural and combination skin. Opt for lightweight moisturising formulas that are non-comedogenic to get the best of both worlds.
- Texture: Consider the occasion and frequency of wear to pick the right texture. You can do away with BB creams that add a dewy touch and lightweight SPF foundations for daily wear. Full-coverage foundations are better suited for special occasions and long wear times.
- Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin that is prone to acne or often witness allergies reactions, consider conducting a patch test before using a new foundation. Simply apply the foundation on a small, hidden area and leave it for a few minutes to check for reactions.
14 Best SPF Foundations
Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup
This lightweight, breathable, and blendable foundation offers light to medium coverage while delivering SPF 20 broad-spectrum protection. Enriched with jojoba, green tea, black tea, and oatmeal, the formula also ensures even skin tone and texture.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation
Meet this silky-smooth serum foundation that boasts SPF 40 and combines an Active Skin Energizing Complex with tone-perfecting pigments to give you a flawless, refreshed complexion. Meanwhile, the UV filters shield against sun exposure, prevent free radical damage and stall premature ageing.
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation
Find your perfect match among 18 shades for every Indian skin tone! Maybelline’s Matte offering doesn’t solely promise SPF 22 protection but also lends up to 16 hours of oil control. This dermatologically tested offering is also non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
Clinique’s high-performance serum foundation boasts a harmonious blend of vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid while delivering SPF 20 broad-spectrum protection. An 86% skincare formula, it promises 24-hour full coverage and a satin matte finish, available in over 40 shades!
Biotique Magicare All Day Foundation
If you’re on a tight budget but want to invest in a formula that ticks all your boxes, opt for Biotique’s Magicare All Day Foundation. This offering gives you buildable coverage, blurs imperfections, lasts eight hours or more, and guarantees SPF 15 PA++ protection.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
I’ve been wearing this foundation for years now and can attest that it doesn’t budge easily. Featuring over 50 shades for every skin tone, it’s super-mattifying yet lightweight, providing SPF 10 protection against sun exposure. If you have oily skin and enlarged pores, pick this formula.
Insight Cosmetics BB Foundation
Lightweight and long-wearing that lends a luminous finish, Insight Cosmetics SPF 15-infused BB Foundation glides onto your skin to deliver a smooth, even-toned canvas. Providing light to medium coverage for four to six hours, this formulation conceals blemishes while offering sun protection.
M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid
As per consumer testing, 98% of users agreed that the M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid Foundation didn’t appear cakey. Sweat and humidity-resistant, this bestselling offering is super-blendable and breathable, amping up skin hydration and delivering SPF 15 protection.
The Derma Co. 2% Niacinamide High Coverage Foundation
As the name suggests, The Derma Co. foundation guarantees full coverage, while niacinamide fades dark spots and hyaluronic acid optimally hydrates the skin. Boasting 12-hour staying power, it also lends SPF 40 PA+++ protection and balances sebum production.
Chacott Fit Foundation
Invite this SPF 50 PA+++-infused formula into your makeup arsenal. Chacott’s waterproof foundation is best suited for pale complexions, featuring a whipped cream-like texture that sits comfortably on your skin throughout the day.
Plum Superpower BB Serum With SPF 50 PA ++++
Effortless coverage, radiant glow, natural ingredients, and SPF 50 PA ++++ – you couldn’t ask for more! This BB serum from Plum is made with 3% niacinamide to protect your skin’s barrier, 1% kakadu plum extract for a luminous look, and Papaya Fruit extract that helps fight the signs of ageing.
Lakme Xtraordin - Airy Mattreal Mousse
Get 16-hour protection with SPF8 while moisturising and hydrating the skin with this creamy mousse foundation from Lakme. Fret not! The mousse formulation does not lead to a thick and heavy feeling. It is airy and feather-light, providing even skin tone and covering spots and pores seamlessly.
Dermacol Makeup Cover Foundation SPF 30
Available in 17 shades, the Dermacool Foundation found social media approval after several viral videos showed how it can even cover up tattoos and is used by actors and professional makeup artists. The foundation is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones, and provides SPF 30 protection against harmful UV rays.
Earth Rhythm Hydrating Matte Set Go Face Fluid Foundation SPF 30 & PA++++
This non-comedogenic foundation from Earth Rhythm is ideal for those with oily skin, as it does not clog the pores and lends a matte finish for that flawless look. With SPF 30 and PA++++, it protects you from the sun while boasting a long-lasting and nourishing formula.
FAQs On Foundations With SPF
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Is makeup with SPF as good as sunscreen?
As per a study, SPF in makeup is not enough to limit the harmful effects of the sun. It recommends the application of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 with makeup products for ultimate protection. (Check out our SPF cheat sheet to learn all about sunscreens).
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Which makeup products have SPF?
You can find several makeup products with SPF that help you achieve a full glam look with SPF protection. We recommend SPF primers, foundation, concealer, and blush as they cover large areas of the face. Using SPF balms and lipsticks is also ideal to get coverage for an often ignored area of the face when it comes to sun protection.
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Can you layer makeup with sunscreen?
Yes! A study in fact suggests that layering makeup with sunscreen enhances the sun protection factor. Simply begin with sunscreen and wait for it to dry before going about your makeup routine. You can also reapply sunscreen over makeup throughout the day to protect your skin.