The 10 Best Face Sunscreens To Use If You’re Over 40 And Just Want Something That Works
It's taken (literally) decades of trial and error, but I’ve found a handful of sunscreens that both protect and look great under makeup.
by Abigail Bassett
I’m a sunscreen junkie. Not by choice. More out of necessity.
After all, most sunscreen is greasy, sticky, smelly, white-casty, stingy, and slippery all at once. You’d think that nearly 40 years of scientific development would have changed that, but the truth is, there is a lot of BAD sunscreen on the market.
Yet, in the interest of avoiding skin cancer and not looking like a leather shoe by the time I hit menopause, I have doubled down on my commitment to finding the holy grail of sunscreen, and lo-and-behold, I’ve found a few that work.
Here are 10 options that I love under makeup that don’t run, sting, burn, or pill.
1. The Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen That Doubles As Foundation
CoTZ Face Prime & Protect Sheer Matte Mineral Sunscreen: SPF 40
If you’re looking for something that does double duty as both a mineral sunscreen and a skin enhancer or foundation replacement, this is your guy. It’s got a light tint to it that dries down to a lovely, almost Armani-like (one of our favorite foundations ever) finish and blends easily with everything you might want to layer over it. It’s so good, you can skip foundation and concealer altogether. Plus, it stays matte, which is perfect for oilier skin.
Here I am with just the sunscreen and zero makeup layered over it:
Price: $27.50
2. The Luminous Mineral Sunscreen That Doesn’t Leave A Dreaded White-cast
LA Sol Clear Zinc Sunscreen: SPF 30
This one is ideal for days you plan on being sporty or in and out of the water. It dries down quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast or sting or run into my eyes after taking a swim. Plus, it’s reef-friendly for beach days. Under makeup, it looks perfectly matte but still leaves a healthy, luminous finish.
Here, you can see me (again makeup-free) but with that little bit of glow provided by LA Sol.
Price: $25
3. The Hydrating Sunscreen For Gorgeous “Glass Skin”
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel: SPF 50 PA ++++
I’ve been singing the praises of this sunscreen for a long time. Basically, if you’re pursuing glass skin, this is the sunscreen for you. It’s light, quick absorbing, non-sticky and with 8 types of hyaluronic acid, it's uber-hydrating. I use it daily under makeup and barefaced.
Here you can see me in the sunscreen. On the left, barefaced. And on the right, under full makeup.
Price: $23
4. The Light And Dewy Sunscreen For Dry/ Sensitive Skin
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen SPF 50
Another Korean sunscreen I’ve been able to get my hands on here in the U.S. This one is glowy, lovely, light, and dewy, and it looks great under makeup.
Here I am wearing it with and without makeup. It’s so light, it’s like softest glow you get from sitting in the sun.
Price: $13
5. The Magic Sunscreen That’s Also A Perfect Primer
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
I return to this sunscreen again and again under makeup, because it has a really lovely silicone-like feel on the skin, and it provides an absolutely flawless platform for applying makeup. I recently wore this for some hosting work I did on stage in Austin in 90-degree heat, and it never budged.
And, of course, here it is under makeup, so smoothing without being sticky or shiny.
Price: $48
6. The Luminous Sunscreen With Protective Superpowers
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
This one dissolves into your skin but leaves it very glowy. It activates with heat, sweat, and sun to protect you from the elements. Be warned, though, you need to let it dry down and absorb (about 15-minutes or so) before dunking your head underwater, or it will sting your eyes. I wear this when I want serious sun protection that won’t budge.
Here I am, glowing after application.
Price: $50
7. The Solution For Oily Skin
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 with Hyaluronic Acid
This is a relatively new Shiseido product on the sunscreen market, but I wanted something that was a bit more matte but just as resilient in heat, sun, and sweat. It dries down matte and provides a really nice platform for applying makeup over the top. While it’s a bit pricey, I couldn’t ask for a better finish.
A natural matte finish, both with and without makeup.
Price: $50
8. The Easy Tool For Reapplying
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
This mineral sunscreen powder does the trick to take down shine and keep your sunscreen at max power. Yes, it's also pricey, but a little goes a long way, and it’s a solid option for reapplication.
Plus, you can use our custom code at Dermstore, CANDIDLY, to get 15% off
Price: $69
9. The Quick Spritz When You’re On The Go
Coola Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 18
I usually carry this with me in my purse and just do a quick spray when I feel I need it. Just be careful if you wear mascara that isn’t waterproof, as it can give you raccoon eyes.
Price: $36
10. The Best SPF For Lips
MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30
A perfect balm that adds a pop of color, while protecting your lips from the sun. I’ve worn this lipstick for years, both indoors and out, and have gotten all kinds of compliments. It comes in 7 different colors, and it's smooth, creamy, and doesn’t leave you with that horrible sunscreen taste. Plus it’s got avocado oil, which helps keep your lips moisturized.
Use our custom code at Dermstore, CANDIDLY, to get 15% off
Price: $23
Abigail Bassett
Abigail Bassett is an award-winning journalist, writer, on-air talent, and television producer with more than two decades of diverse media experience. A winner of numerous awards, including two Emmys, she's covered everything from health and wellness, beauty, global trends, and travel to breaking news and worldwide events for top-tier outlets all over the world.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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