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What order should you apply moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup?
- Cleanse your skin.
- Apply any prescribed medication or treatment as directed.
- Apply moisturizer if it is part of your routine.
- Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, before going outdoors.
- Apply makeup if desired, after the sunscreen.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists moisturizer and/or sunscreen after medication or treatment, followed by makeup. Its sunscreen guidance places sunscreen beneath makeup. AAD’s general skin-care routine and sunscreen guidance support this order.
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How to choose and apply sunscreen
Check the label
Choose a sunscreen labeled broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistant. Water resistance matters for swimming or sweating; check the product label for its instructions. No single texture or brand is best for everyone, so consider what suits your skin and the activities you have planned. See the AAD’s sunscreen selection advice.
Apply enough before sun exposure
AAD advises using at least one teaspoon for the face and rubbing sunscreen thoroughly into the skin. Apply it before going outdoors, and cover exposed skin. The one-teaspoon figure is AAD guidance for the face, not a total-body amount. AAD’s application guidance was updated in 2025.
#1 Best Overall
- [ BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 ] A micro-fine zinc oxide sunscreen for UVA/UVB protection. This CeraVe face moisturizer with sunscreen is a hydrating facial lotion that spreads easily, is absorbed quickly, and leaves a non-greasy finish
- [ HYALURONIC ACID & NIACINAMIDE ] Anti aging moisturizer contains Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's moisture and Niacinamide to help calm skin. MVE Technology delivers hydration throughout the day
- [ LIGHTWEIGHT & BLENDABLE ] This daily sunscreen for face has a lightweight formula that blends easily into all skin tones with no white residue
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up ~50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. CeraVe's facial moisturizer with sunscreen is formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) and help restore the skin’s natural barrier
- [ DAILY MOISTURIZER WITH SPF ] Use this daily face sunscreen as the last step in a daytime skincare routine. If layering, apply face lotion with SPF after other product applications have been fully absorbed. Reapply every two hours for protection.
Do you need a separate moisturizer?
No. If moisturizer is part of your routine, apply it before sunscreen. A combined moisturizer and sunscreen can also work, provided it meets the same protection criteria: broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistant. AAD presents moisturizer and sunscreen as options in its general routine; its guidance does not require everyone to use two separate products. AAD’s routine guidance and sunscreen selection advice explain the options.
Can SPF makeup replace sunscreen?
No. Foundation or powder with SPF may add protection, but makeup should not be your only sunscreen layer: people may apply too little makeup to get the protection stated on its label. Apply regular sunscreen—or a moisturizer that qualifies as sunscreen—first, then use makeup with SPF as an additional feature. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s 2025 article likewise recommends sunscreen before SPF makeup.
Rank #2
- Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV is formulated with a high concentration of La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin, providing up to 48hr hydration and restoring skin's natural protective barrier
- This dermatologist-tested face moisturizer with SPF has a lightweight, refreshing texture that is easily absorbed into the skin to immediately restore the feeling of skin comfort in all skin types, including sensitive ones
- Provides all-day hydration and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Produces a unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome and restores healthy-looking skin
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. Fragrance free, paraben free, oil free, alcohol free, non comedogenic
- Formulated with Ceramide-3: to help retain moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Niacinamide: helps restore skin's moisture barrier, and visibly fading skin discolorations. Glycerin: hydrates skin
Would tinted sunscreen work under makeup?
Tinted sunscreen is an option if you want complexion coverage in the sunscreen layer. AAD notes that tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide provides protection from visible light that can contribute to dark spots. Choose a tinted product that still meets the broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water-resistance criteria. AAD’s sunscreen guidance discusses these selection factors.
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AAD advises reapplying every two hours while outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating. Follow the sunscreen’s label as well. FDA’s final OTC sunscreen administrative order supports label directions to reapply at least every two hours and to use water-resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating: FDA’s final administrative order.
Rank #3
- [ MOISTURIZER WITH SUNSCREEN ] A non-greasy sunscreen without white-cast and ultra-light moisturizer for face that hydrates and leaves the skin with a matte finish.
- [ SUNSCREEN LOTION ] Use this SPF 30 moisturizer as the last step in a morning skin care routine. If layering with an eye cream, moisturizer or facial serum, apply Cerave Ultra-Light Facial Moisturizing Lotion after other products have been fully absorbed.
- [ DAILY FACE SUNSCREEN ] Broad Spectrum SPF 30 helps protect skin from UVA/UVB rays. In addition to other sun protection measures, Dermatologists recommend using daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to help decrease risk of skin cancer caused by the sun
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] Oil free, Fragrance free, paraben-free, allergy-tested and non-comedogenic sunscreen recommended for daily use by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Reapplying over makeup can be difficult, and the cited guidance does not establish one universally best makeup-compatible method. Do not let SPF makeup stand in for adequate sunscreen underneath; use the sunscreen’s directions to guide reapplication.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BROAD SPECTRUM UVA/UVB PROTECTION: This hydrating face sunscreen with transparent Zinc Oxide provides broad spectrum SPF 40 protection and helps protect dry, combination, and normal skin types from UVA/UVB rays without leaving white cast residue behind
- IDEAL FOR LIGHT SKIN TONES: Can be worn alone or under makeup and is the perfect facial sunscreen for daily commutes and year-round sun protection; use it as part of your daily morning skin care routine after cleansing and moisturizing
- HYDRATES WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, this hydrating sunscreen moisturizer helps skin retain moisture for a softer feel and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by restoring suppleness
- CONVENIENT TRAVEL SIZE SUNSCREEN: This face sunscreen is TSA approved and comes in a convenient travel-size pump bottle that easily fits in handbags, beach bags, and carry on luggage so you can protect your skin at home, work, or on the go
- SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: UV Daily comes in both tinted and untinted versions that support a wide range of skin types and complexions; it’s a dermatologist recommended sunscreen that’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and non-comedogenic
Rank #4
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35: Three-in-one facial moisturizer hydrates, nourishes and protects sensitive, combination skin
- Daily SPF Protection: Broad spectrum SPF 35 protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays
- Long Lasting Hydration: Edelweiss flower extract nourishes to repair the skin barrier
- Fast Absorbing, Lightweight Formula: Non-greasy, fragrance free and paraben free formula won't clog pores
- Designed for Sensitive Skin: All Cetaphil products are effective yet non-irritating
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