SPF Makeup Primers Are Everywhere, But Do They Really Replace Sunscreen?

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SPF Makeup Primers Are Everywhere, But Do They Really Replace Sunscreen?
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We deep dive into the rising trend of makeup primers infused with SPF, and how to best incorporate them into your daily beauty routine.

, I believe that you can never have too much of a good thing. And while it’s nothing new for brands to sneakand foundations , it can sometimes create a false sense of security — leading people to skip a dedicated sunscreen step altogether.

With primers being something of a bridge between your routine skincare and makeup, I tapped a dermatologist for an expert's take on all thingsprimers — and how to stay properly protected while using them. — are already beloved for their makeup-gripping properties. But primers infused with SPF take that one step further, offering another layer of sun protection while prepping skin for makeup. Like face sunscreens you already know and love, SPF-infused primers can feature mineral, chemical, or hybrid UV filters. That's alongside their primary role of smoothing and prepping skin for a seamless, long-lasting base with ingredients like dimethicone and hyaluronic acid to plump and increase hydration. To avoid confusion about where SPF primers fit in, I prefer letting my day moisturizer and sunscreen of choice fully absorb , then apply primer as the final prep step before foundation. In other words, your primer should still be the first thing your foundation or concealer touches. The catch? They aren’t meant to replace your primary sunscreen. “When applying a primer, you’ll use just enough to create a smooth base — which usually isn’t enough to achieve the stated SPF on the bottle,” New York-based dermatologistWe recommend the “two-finger rule” — applying the length of two fingers’ worth of product — to ensure you’re getting adequate protection from your sunscreen.“Layering sunscreen in two steps is a great way to ensure adequate protection,” Dr. Elyse adds. But if you're only using one? “It should be a dedicated SPF — not a hybrid — because a product’s purpose dictates how much of it you’ll actually apply,” says Dr. Elyse. Put simply, you would need a generous amount of primer to reach the SPF on the label, and no one is realistically applying a cake-frosting-thick layer of primer in the name of sun safety. : “It's lightweight and oil-free, so it layers seamlessly under primer and makeup without disrupting your finish,” she says. The bottom line? As Dr. Elyse puts it: “SPF in skincare should be thought of as a bonus — not a guarantee.” In the past few weeks, I’ve tried several new SPF primers and am seriously impressed. Had they not had “SPF” on the bottle, I’d assume they were regular, sunscreen-free primers that work just as well as ones designed solely for makeup.feels hydrating and silky, thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E, and lends a subtle texture-smoothing effect that creates a level canvas for makeup. Ciele’s new Radiant version of itsWhile some makeup primers feel too sticky to apply with fingers, as I do with my sunscreen, none of these SPF-infused offerings feel tacky at all. Since I already applied sunscreen before using them, one or two pumps of primer were more than enough to prep my skin for foundation. And if you're concerned about a white cast — a common gripe with many mineral sunscreens — not to worry: Many makeup primers use chemical UV filters, which go on clear and won't leave a trace of ghostly pallor behind, nor will they interfere with makeup. In Ciele’s case, which uses mineral oxide UV filters, the added tint helps offset any unwanted effects.If you notice your makeup pulling a disappearing act by noon, a sunscreen-infused makeup primer may help stretch the wear and appearance of your foundation and concealer, all while adding a hit of SPF protection. What's more, makeup primers these days don’t just cater to oily types that want to tamp down on shine; hydrating formulas offer long wear benefits for dry skin types, and textures ranging from clear and gel-like (When it comes to SPF, I believe that you can never have too much of a good thing. And while it’s nothing new for brandAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. There’s a new serumAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. By far the most-aAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. In the year 2026, All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Spring is right around theAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. After more than 10 years&nbAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. There are some brAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Keren Bartov has magic handAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. If, like me, your skincareI can pinpoint the exact moment I knew I had to do something about my jaw pain. It was my birthday, and a friend cracked a joke so good that half theWhether you’re in a relationship, single, or figuring out wth to do with that situationship, Valentine’s Day invites us to reflect on how we’ve been

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