Everybody’s foundation checklist is different. Some may prefer a powder formula, while others seek out products that are available in the supermarket, or strictly use foundations for dry skin. With no shortage of variations from the coverage to the finish, there’s a foundation formula for everyone.
But the one feature that’s always a bonus no matter your skin type? The inclusion of sun protection.
Now, you certainly still need to be applying sunscreen under your makeup. As we’ve learnt before, the SPF in your foundation isn’t enough unless you apply as much of it as you would a sunscreen (AKA too much makeup-wise). But there’s also no harm in layering your SPF, and when you find a foundation that looks good and protects your skin, it’s nothing but a win-win.
Here are some of our top picks for foundations with SPF to consider.
Ella Baché Suncover SPF50 Foundation
Ella Baché’s Suncover SPF50 Foundation has been enriched with skin-comforting green tea, antioxidants and jojoba to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it helps to moisturise and soften the appearance of fine lines while diffusing uneven skin tones.
“Love this product… I have used for many years. Its great for mature conversation aging skins types and for ladies that are sun conscious!! give great coverage with a Hydrated finish, helps softens lines and wrinkles.” – Wwoodward
$50 at Ella Bache
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation provides a semi-matte finish on the surface, while infusing hydration into the skin with rose water and aloe vera. The SPF 15 formula comes in 16 natural shades for light, everyday protection.
$32 at The Body Shop
Max Factor Radiant Lift Foundation
As far as sheer coverage, hydrating and sun-protecting formulas go, the Max Factor Radiant Lift Foundation ticks every box. With hyaluronic acid, SPF 30 and skin-smoothing micro-pearls, you can cover existing dark spots while protecting your skin from developing new ones.
“It gives medium coverage and it does give you a hydrated luminous finish wich is great for dry skin. The packaging is very attractive and has a pump which is great. you can actually see the luminosity through the bottle.” – Mariesa22
$39.95 at Priceline
M.A.C Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation
Glide your morning face on with ease using M.A.C Studio’s Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation. The sheer formula offers buildable coverage to blur imperfections, while the addition of SPF helps to prevent sun damage and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
“It really does blur imperfections and give a nice dewy finish to the skin too. It has a pleasant sort of green scent but is also gentle. I like the flawless finish it provides and it’s impressive staying power.” – Princess Perfume
$58 at Myer
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 25
Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 25 comes with a lengthy list of supercharged ingredients along with a sun-shielding formula. This foundation-serum hybrid leaves the skin re-energised, silky and smooth, thanks to an innovative pigment that floats on the skin’s surface rather than settling in.
$103 at Adore Beauty
Main image credit: @whitneymadueke
Have you tried any of the above products? Do you use a foundation with SPF?
You’re right – I don’t reapply
YES its vital, even if you do go outside everyday
Ah, I’ve forgotten! I have to take iron supplements as well.
I take vitamin D and I think they have helped me. Give them a try
Do they work? I should try them as i do get so tired with long working hours
Well, I was deficient in many things during my second pregnancy, the baby sucked it from me so I had to do a blood test every other week.
It does work, I was on the highest dosage but I recommend taking the liquid one called Maltofer as the tablets causes constipation.
I was less tired and not foggy.
oh yes constipation is a known problem , codeine can do that too, I am glad it worked for you, good to be less tired and foggy
Yep!
i don’t sleep well either which contributes to day time tiredness
Do you know why?
OMG – is KK actually smiling in that photo??? That’a a rarity!
BB skin serum one looks great! Atm not wearing foundation as have discovered when using spf50 and powdering it with translucent powder, this makes my skin look perfect that I feel better without foundation on. Though thin touch of it for blurring effect is great too, but then does nothing in terms of spf protection. I like my foundations sheerest possible.
I’d like to try Mac next.
I love it if I can get a foundation that does what I want it to that also has SPF.
I dont usually wear foundation, but these look pretty good. They are quite expensive but I suppose you get what you pay for.
I haven’t tried any of these. I like the one from Clinique called Even Better. It has only 15 SPF, but doesn’t irritate my skin and eyes like a lot of foundation with SPF (this is the only one with a chemical sunscreen that doesn’t.) I usually wear a sunscreen under it unless I’m not leaving the house during the day.
I use that one too, I like Clinique products.
I have used the Bobby Brown but found that it came off too easily.
Yes, I am one to put sunscreen under makeup. If I am going out later in the day, I reapply both.
I have not heard of a few of these.
SPF in foundation is nice also but I prefer full SPF protection, not just an alleged smidge in my foundation.
The Max Factor Radiant Lift foundations looks fabulous
Love the Waterweight but I can’t find it on their website to rebuy it – at the bottom of my bottle.
The Body Shop foundation looks good! I should check the reviews
Made a comment. It disappeared! Just said haven’t tried any of these and love Clinique Even Better SPF 15 Foundation!
I’d really like to try the Ella Bache one, I haven’t tried any of those apart from the Max Factor one.
I agree that “… the SPF in your foundation isn’t enough unless you apply as much of it as you would a sunscreen …”
Layering is a great idea. I like NbN mineral powder over sunscreen.
Hmmm, I don’t like the idea of replying on foundation with minimal spf for coverage.
Yes! This! No to minimal coverage!
These foundations all sound great
As long as they are SPF30 and above!
I haven’t tried these but I do use a foundation with SPF. I always wear a dedicated sunscreen under it though.
Do you reapply your sunscreen?
The Ella Baché is the only one worth considering if you use foundation in this country!
I love my Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Sunscreen!