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If you’re anything like me, the idea of finding the best foundation with SPF is very interesting! I look for something that gives my skin a flawless finish and adds a bit of protection from the sun. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of foundations, and this roundup is your go-to guide for the real standouts.
Whether you want a skin-loving glow, fuller coverage, or something super breathable, these foundations do it all with SPF built in.
Why You Need the Best Foundation with SPF
Choosing the best foundation with SPF is a brilliant way to combine makeup and skincare in one easy step. While I believe it’s still essential to use a dedicated sunscreen as your base layer, SPF in foundation provides that extra layer of protection and is especially helpful for days when you’re out and about.
Best Foundation with SPF – My Tried & Tested Favourites
Although I always use a separate sunscreen, I love a foundation that also includes SPF. These are some of the best ones I have tested and love to use.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF 50
See swatches and read the full review.
This is such a lovely option. It combines SPF 50 with skincare actives like Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid and it give the skin a really lovely healthy, juicy looking radiance that looks super hydrated. I really like it and it’s my kind of dewy.
It’s my top pick for high SPF lovers who still want that skin-first, lightweight feel.
Why it’s one of the best foundations with SPF: High protection, serum benefits, and an easy-to-wear, skin flattering finish.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 is £39 and available via the links below. Shop at Sephora and use my REALLYREESPH code for 15% off.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+
See swatches and read the full review.
A classic for good reason: serious coverage, dewy glow, and SPF 50+ mineral protection. Ideal for sensitive skin, and a real confidence-booster on days when you need more coverage. If you prefer sheerer coverage but still want high protection, go for the Clinique above, or the Estee Lauder below.
Why it’s one of the best foundations with SPF: Full coverage, hydrating, and very high sun protection.
It Cosmetics CC is £39 and available now via the links below:
Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue SPF 45
See swatches and read the full review.
This one’s a glow-giver with real skincare benefits. Think a hydrating, breathable formula with SPF 45 and antioxidant protection and a soft velvety radiance. It’s beautiful on all skin types and particularly on dry or dehydrated skin and wears well all day. Plus it’s waterproof.
Why it’s one of the best foundations with SPF: High SPF, glowy hydration, suits all skin types, buildable and waterproof.
The Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Makeup SPF 45 is £42 and available now via the links below:
Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30
See swatches and read the full review.
This is the dewiest and juiciest pick on the list and I absolutely love it. I think it is one of my favourite foundations ever! Shiseido’s expertise in sun protection is unmatched, and this one delivers a SPF 30 plus probiotics and niacinamide for long-term skin benefits.
The finish is radiant and gorgeously dewy without being greasy and I genuinely feel like my skin looks healthier every time I wear it.
Why it’s one of the best foundations with SPF: Glowy finish, skincare-first formula, and advanced SPF technology.
The Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30 is £49 and available via the following links:
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30
See swatches and read the full review.
Another brilliant Shiseido formula and this is one I choose for a really reliable fuller coverage and long wear finish. It has SPF 30 and uses light-reflecting pearls for subtle luminosity. I think it is especially flattering on more mature skin. It is medium to full buildable, offers 24 hour hydration and wear, and it also water and transfer resistant. Genuinely one of the best ever foundations I’ve tried and it’s one I use when I want coverage I can count on all day.
Why it’s one of the best foundations with SPF: Naturally radiant, very long-lasting, and brilliant for smoothing out texture.
The new formula of the Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation is £47 and available via the links below now:
Jane Iredale Skintuition Liquid Foundation SPF 30
See swatches and read full review.
This is a lovely skincare–makeup hybrid that offers a naturally radiant finish with buildable medium coverage. It contains mineral SPF 30 protection with zinc oxide, plus hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and an apple superfood complex. The texture is silky and lightweight, and you don’t need very much at achieve a “your-skin-but-better” look. It wears well all day without creasing or clinging to dry patches, making it especially great for dry, mature, or textured skin.
Why it’s one of the best foundations with SPF: good coverage, lasts well on the skin, easy to layer with lots of added skincare.
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
Read full review.
Kosas nailed the hybrid makeup–skincare brief with this beautifully formulated foundation. It delivers dewy, skin-loving coverage and is packed with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, squalane, and caffeine to visibly brighten and smooth the complexion over time. With SPF 25 mineral protection, it offers light to medium coverage that melts into the skin for a natural, radiant finish. It feels lightweight and breathable, never heavy or cakey, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Why it’s one of the best foundations with SPF: Lovely daily base for glowy skin with real skincare benefits. Perfect for dry, normal, or combination skin types wanting effortless radiance and long-term skin support.
The KOSAS foundation is is £35 and available via the links below:
FAQs – Foundation and SPF
Should you rely on the SPF in foundation for sun protection?
No. It’s best to use a separate broad-spectrum SPF underneath your makeup. Most people don’t apply enough foundation to reach the advertised protection level. Use your foundation to top up protection, not replace it.
Is foundation with SPF enough for daily wear?
If you are indoors, or only exposed for short periods, it can be enough but only low-exposure days as you are unlikely to apply enough product to achieve the correct dose. For longer sun exposure, layer a proper SPF underneath.
Does SPF in foundation cause flashback?
Some formulas with high SPF can cause flashback in photos due to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. However, all the foundations I’ve featured here do not cause noticeable flashback in my testing.
Final Thoughts on the Best Foundation with SPF
Finding the best foundation with SPF is such a smart beauty move. Not only do these formulas offer beautiful coverage and finish, but they also help support your skin against sun damage.
From Clinique’s high-protection powerhouse to the dewy perfection of Shiseido and Kosas, each pick on this list has earned its place through real-life wear and results.
Top Tip: Always apply a standalone SPF underneath, then layer your SPF foundation on top for max protection and glow.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these, or if you’ve found your own best foundation with SPF. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you’re more of a skin tint kind of complexion person, and still want to get SPF into you makeup, I have a whole blog post dedicated to that too. Check it out via the link below.
