One of the decisive factors for all the sunscreens I test is always how well they sit under makeup, especially under foundation, be that powder or liquid. I like to wear a full face of makeup, and usually look for sunscreens that provide a good base. This is actually one of the parameters a great sunscreen must have for me (your mileage may vary, of course). Here’re three that both Astrid and I found that fit that bill: our fave foundation friendly sunscreens!
Ultra Violette Clean Screen
- Physical & chemical filters, tinted
- Available at: Available at Ultra Violette, Sephora, SpaceNK and Cult Beauty. 50ml is €36.80.
- Initial review
I still stand by my first review: UV’s Clean Screen is massively overpriced, with a sub-par UVA protection, not-as-leightweight-as-advertised and a shade that’s slightly too light for my own uncooked chicken skintone.
But. It actually works well under powder foundations that I’ve been fond of, namely Fenty’s Soft Matte Powder Foundation (review) and Kiko’s Powder Foundation SPF50 (review) that has additional SPF protection. I mainly use Kiko’s one to boost the measly protection of Clean Screen. Generally, this isn’t my combo for the height of summer, but a nice option for Spring days when you’re running errands or staying inside but wanting to look polished.
(For a similar feel – untinted – but better protection look to Evy’s Face Mousse SPF30.)
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk
- Chemical Filters
- Available at: Various sites like Ebay, Amazon, Stylevana and YesStyle (if you don’t live in Asia). 40ml are generally around $12.
- Initial review
An awesome base, always and ever, and this is the UVP of Skin Aqua’s sunscreen for me. The only drawback is that it needs time to dry down and completely sinks in. If you can spare those 20mins in the morning, it’s well worth the waiting time: it doesn’t pill, or flake, or ball up. Use powder, liquid foundation, creamy foundation, or cushions with it – it’ll look flawless.
Keep in mind, though, that Skin Aqua is a sunscreen that’s not designed for being outside for a prolonged amount of time in the height of summer.
Anessa Skincare Milk Perfect UV
- Physical & chemical filters
- Available at: At the usual reselling sites for A-Beauty: for example, Stylevana, YesStyle and Amazon if you don’t live in Asia. 60ml are around $30.
- Initial review
Astrid’s ultimate favourite leaves a velvety, skin-like finish and always works, no matter what skincare applied under it, or makeup applied over it. Though creamier than Skin Aqua’s UV Milk, it works great as a base, especially on mornings when you don’t have a lot of time. There’re setbacks, because we don’t live in a perfect world: the alcohol content is high and my skin couldn’t tolerate it (*sadface*), it’s expensive and it’s sold only online if you live in Europe. Also, it might get you a white cast that’s even more pronounced at reapplication.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
