How to Wear a Full Face of Makeup This Summer While Still Getting the Sun Protection You Need

There are those of us who don’t, in fact, prefer a natural makeup look for summer. And even among those who do, the season’s festivities — weddings, dinner parties, Hamptons hopping — at times inevitably call for a return to glamour. While the typical full-face makeup wearer’s relationship with SPF can verge on adversarial — certain sunscreens interfere with a seamless makeup base, or lead to pilling, and then there’s the arduous matter of reapplication — a new class of SPF-infused and SPF-compatible makeup products aims to simultaneously maximize both sun protection and glam.

To be sure, most of these products are best used in tandem with traditional sunscreen: “Most of us are under-applying sunscreen in the first place — [SPF-infused makeup] is great and offers some added protection from UV and visible light, but the SPF in makeup alone is generally not enough,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Neera Nathan, who suggests applying three full-finger lengths of sunscreen to the face and neck, and layering SPF-infused makeup on top.

Here, a step-by-step product guide to doing just that.

The Base

NYX Professional Makeup Blur Screen SPF 30 Blurring Makeup Primer, $15

This three-in-one product delivers SPF 30, a pore-blurring effect and added grip to keep makeup in place for a purported 18 hours.

The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30, $15

A hydrating trio of polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane serves up a dewy makeup base, though this SPF can also be reapplied atop makeup using a makeup sponge, lightly dabbed across the face.

The Face

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation SPF 40, $47

A matte counterpart to the brand’s full coverage cream foundation — which Circana reports was the top-selling SPF foundation in the U.S. in 2023 — this is designed for combination and oily skin types, aiming to keep shine under control while balancing the complexion.

Bareminerals BarePro Skin-Perfecting Matte Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20, $44

This noncomedogenic offering taps upcycled pomegranate peel extract to gradually boost skin brightness, while its mineral formula works to absorb excess oils during wear.

Face 2.0

Nudestix Nudescreen Blush Tint SPF 30, $30

Coming in six pink, red and peachy shades, this mineral SPF blush is — in signature Nudestix fashion — finger-application friendly.

Ciele Sculpt & Protect SPF 30+, $34

This satin-finish contour stick is one of many SPF-makeup hybrids comprising makeup artist Nikki DeRoest’s fledgling beauty brand, Ciele, offering a wash of pigment and protection with a single swipe.

The Lip

Supergoop Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30, $24

Supergoop’s Lipshade brings the brand’s signature UV protection prowess to color cosmetics with this buildable formula that harnesses peptides and murumuru butter.

Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25, $34

Silk proteins and plant-based lanolin join to combat dryness — which can be exacerbated by sun exposure.

Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30, $16

It’s giving shine, hydration, plumping and protection all in one. Plus, for all the vanilla lovers out there — this features the scent profile of Vacation’s Grand Cru ’86 fragrance.

The Top Off

E.l.f. Skin Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45, $14

SPF sprays are the most realistic route for reapplication, and this one from E.l.f. offers a clear, quick-dry coat as well as a moisturizing infusion of prickly pear seed oil.

Coola SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray, $36

This shine-reducing spray doubles as a primer step, and features water-resistant SPF.