Sun Protection Without Clogged Pores: Makeup With SPF

July 19, 2012 - Jessica May

During the summer, it is especially important to find ways to protect your skin from harmful sun damage. However, I find that many sunscreens and cosmetics with SPF clog pores and cause breakouts. In this article you will find an array of makeup with SPF that both protect against UV rays and are gentle on your skin.

Sunscreen

For a day at the beach or other outdoor activity, it is important to use an actual sunscreen, not just makeup with SPF. However, it can be difficult to find a formula that is not oily. I love Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock because, unlike many other brands, it is not oily and doesn’t cause clogged pores. Because I have sensitive skin, most sunscreens burn when applied to my face. This formula does not irritate my skin at all and provides excellent protection against sun damage. It just feels like a normal lotion and is easy to apply all over. Although I use the formula with an SPF of 45, it can also be purchased with an SPF of 30, 55, 70, 85, and even 100+!

Lip Balm

Because I tend to have dry lips, I like to protect my pout from sun damage when I plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. I use Burt’s Bees Natural Lip Balm, which has an SPF of 8. It moisturizes my lips and doesn’t have any bad taste, unlike many other lip balms with SPF.

Tinted Moisturizer

For everyday use, I like to have a liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer with SPF to protect my skin from daily sun damage. While there are many great formulas out there, my favorite is Clinique City Block Sheer. It can be purchased in both SPF 25 and SPF 40. Because I hardly even go outside for any extended period of time, I usually opt for the 25 SPF, although they both are the same price. This is a sheer, transparent formula that is universal for almost every skin tone! Don’t count on this for major coverage for blemishes, but it subtly evens your skin tone and protects your skin from sun damage!

Concealer

I had been using Almay Line Smoothing Concealer for years before realizing that it had an SPF of 15! I use this mostly in my under eye area to conceal puffiness. I love that this product has SPF because it protects the fragile under eye area without irritating the skin or eyes.

Powder

To set my makeup, I like to use Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder, which has an SPF of 15. This is a transparent, colorless powder that simply gives your makeup a really great finish and protects your skin from sun damage. It nixes shine and evens skin tone, which makes this a great product.

Lotion

During the day, I sometimes use a light lotion if I am not wearing makeup or am planning to use makeup without SPF. Again, I love Neutrogena products for this purpose because they are really gentle for sensitive skin, but also have great SPF! Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion is a perfect way to moisturize while protecting your skin. It has an SPF of 15, which provides perfect coverage for normal exposure to sun.

Bronzer

Although you wouldn’t think of using a bronzer with SPF, it is a great way to get a little bit of coverage for daily wear. Physicians Formula Solar Powder Bronzer has an SPF of 20, which provides great protection from the sun for daily use. Don’t count on this for major outdoor events, but for walking to class or running errands, this works just fine!

Leave a comment below to share your experience with any of these products or to tell me about your favorite makeup with SPF!

About the Author
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Jessica May

Jessica May is a college student and blogger who is always looking for new ways to stand out in the crowd. She started experimenting with cosmetics at a young age and has continued to be passionate about the subject throughout the years.