*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (2024)

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (1)

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It’s no secret that sunscreen should be applied every day—even when you're indoors, and even when it's cloudy out. But remembering to reapply throughout the day does get tricky, especially when you’re out and about. That’s where powder sunscreens come in really handy.

"A powder sunscreen is pretty similar to any other liquid formula, except, of course, the fact that they are a type of mineral-based sunscreen in a powder form,” says Anthony Rossi, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Rossi Derm MD. And using them is super easy, too: Simply brush or pat it onto your skin as a quick and easy touch-up.

Here's a preview of the best powder sunscreens, per experts:

Beyond that, powder sunscreen is not only a great option for those who need to re-layer sunscreen over makeup, it's also helpful and convenient for those with oily skin, says Women's Health advisor Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. So if ease is a concern of yours, it's definitely worth considering adding a powder-based sunscreen to your daily skincare lineup. Below are the 12 best options recommended by dermatologists.

1

Best Powder Sunscreen Overall

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (8)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (9)Easy to carry on-the-go
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (10)Light coverage won't disrupt your makeup look
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (11)Pricey

If you’re looking to add a powder sunscreen to your stash, board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD, recommends Colorescience's powder SPF that has thousands of positive reviews. “It’s super portable which means no more excuses that you forgot your sunscreen," she says. "You can bring it everywhere. It's always in my purse—even in the winter.”

SPF Level50
TintedYes

2

Best Powder Sunscreen Defense Against Photoaging

Isdin Mineral Brush Powder

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (12)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (13)All mineral formula
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (14)Silky, seamlessly coverage
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (15)Auto-feed brush doesn't deposit a lot of product

Dermatologist Hadley King, MD, recommends Isdin's mineral brush because the ingredients help to protect from more than just UV rays. "It protects against free radical pollution damage, blue light, and infrared radiation.” Even though it's a powder formula, it has a fine and silky finish on the skin.

SPF Level50
TintedYes

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3

Best Tinted Powder Sunscreen

jane iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (16)

Dr. Zalka also recommends this powder formula. It's a weightless SPF that comes in four different shades and can be worn alone or with makeup. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and contains a soft brush that makes reapplying the product a breeze.

SPF Level30
TintedYes

4

Best Powder Sunscreen For Setting Makeup

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (21)Good over makeup
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (22)Reduces shine
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (23)Brush doesn't distribute as evenly as others

Powders can get messy, but the compact tube this comes in allows for mess-free application (so you won't end up with a purse filled with powder). It effortlessly glides over makeup and doubles as a setting powder to reduce shine.

SPF Level35
TintedTinted and non-tinted options

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5

Best Budget Powder Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sunscreen Powder SPF 30

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (24)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (25)Good value
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (26)Available at mass retailers
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (27)Can be slightly cakey if overapplied

While most powder SPFs are meant to have a sheer finish, this pick from Dr. Zalka has a particularly transparent look on the skin, so you'll never have to worry about it leaving a white cast behind. The formula also has a matte finish, making it ideal for touch-ups on oily skin.

SPF Level30
TintedNo

6

Most Splurge-Worthy Powder Sunscreen

iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (28)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (29)Good tinted option to even out skin tone
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (30)Absorbs oil and reduces shine
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (31)Expensive

This silky tinted powder actually has hydrating, nourishing ingredients in it like glycerin and a variety of antioxidants—so it's a great option if your skin tends to run dry. Available in four shades, reviewers also enjoy applying it to areas other than their face, like their décolleté or scalp after a workout.

SPF Level40
TintedYes

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7

Best Powder Sunscreen For Blue Light Protection

ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (32)

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (33)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (34)Protects against visible light spectrum
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (35)Gives off a glow
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (36)Must reapply to get adequate coverage

This powder sunscreen protects skin with a formula containing light-reflecting minerals that give off a radiant, glowy effect. It's also infused with fractionated melanin, an ingredient that adds a layer of protection against blue light from electronics in addition to the sun's rays.

SPF Level45
TintedYes

8

Best Powder Sunscreen On Amazon

Derma-E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (37)

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (38)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (39)Highly-rated on Amazon
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (40)Good with or without makeup
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (41)Can get clumpy

Derma-E's SPF has garnered thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. Not only is it affordable at under $20, reviewers love that the tint on it leaves skin with a healthy glow. The compact tube packaging also makes it easy to stick in your bag for easy access throughout the day.

SPF Level30
TintedNo

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9

Best Lightweight Powder Sunscreen

Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense SPF 30

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (42)

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (43)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (44)Great on all skin tones
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (45)Silky lightweight powder
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (46)Sometimes powder gets clogging in brush

This super-sheer powder glides onto skin, offering UVA and UVB protection with easy application. The matte finish makes it great for humid weather touch-ups. Reviewers across a wide range of skin tones love that it doesn't leave a white cast on skin.

SPF Level30
TintedNo

10

Best Powder Sunscreen For Kids

Brush On Block Kids Mineral Powder Sunscreen

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (47)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (48)Water resistant up to 60 minutes
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (49)Soft brush good for sensitive skin
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (50)Not as ideal for adults

See that super-fluffy purple brush head? It's not just pretty—it's also super gentle on kids' delicate skin, meaning they actually won't hate putting on and reapplying sunscreen over and over and over again. It's water-resistant, too.

SPF Level30
TintedNo

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11

Best Powder Sunscreen For Protecting Against Free-Radicals

Eminence Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (51)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (52)All natural formula
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (53)Highly rated
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (54)Applicator brush can be tricky to use

Eminence’s mineral SPF is infused with vitamins A and E—ingredients that combat free radicals and sun damage. The water-resistant formula is available in either translucent or tinted shades, too.

SPF Level30
TintedTinted and untinted options

12

Best Cream-to-Powder Sunscreen

Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Sun Care Tinted Compact

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (55)

Pros
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (56)High SPF
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (57)Blends well
Cons
  • *These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (58)Can pill if other products are applied on top

If you're not ready to do a full powder or have more dry skin, Dr. Gohara suggests checking out a cream-to-powder formula. "Eau Thermale Avène's compact is perfect for a midday touch-up to absorb some sheen and add protection," she says. Plus, she loves that the tint makes it protective against blue light/visible light from your cell phone or computer.

SPF Level50
TintedYes

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What are the benefits of powder sunscreen?

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (59)

Dr. King explains that powder sunscreens have a fine, light texture and don’t leave any white cast behind. “They can be worn over makeup without messing it up, and they’re also great for the part line in the scalp,” she says.

She adds that powder sunscreens also absorb excess oil, so they can serve a dual purpose as a finishing powder that can extend the life of your makeup with added sun protection.

How do you wear powder sunscreen?

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (60)

“Apply it as the last step over makeup, a tinted moisturizer, or another SPF,” Dr. Zalka explains. “Brush it all over the face, neck, top of the chest, and backs of hands.” Always apply a generous amount to ensure you don’t miss any spots.

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Can I wear powder sunscreen alone?

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Even though powder sunscreens are great for adding protection to your skin, Dr. Rossi still recommends layering them with another sunscreen. ”As a dermatologist, I still like to encourage patients to use a mineral-based cream or physical sunscreens like titanium and zinc dioxide as a base under a powder,” he says.

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Taylor Lane

Taylor Lane is a former New Yorker, now based out of Baltimore, where she writes about beauty and wellness. When she’s not writing about the newest product launches and time-saving tips, Taylor teaches barre at her local studio. Follow her on Instagram

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (63)

Addison Aloian

Assistant Love & Life Editor

Addison Aloian is the assistant love & life editor at Women’s Health and a NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT). She covers all things lifestyle, astrology, relationships, and fitness. In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City, and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.

*These* Are The Best Powder Sunscreens To Reapply Over Makeup (2024)
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