Fashion

The One Face Sunscreen You Need This Summer

by Miki Hayes
Young woman wearing a sun hat laughing while sitting outside on a rooftop terrace in the summertime
Giselleflissak/E+/Getty Images

Even though we know how important it is, it can still be pretty difficult to remember to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. That's why multipurpose products, like skin primers with SPF, are a necessity. Especially for those of us who won't forgo our daily beat just because it's a sweltering 90 degrees outside, an extra step can easily be forgotten. But if the sun protection we need is already in a product we would be using anyway, we can do the whole kill two birds thing.

And maybe you already opt for foundations or BB creams with SPF in them. That's cool too. But incorporating a primer could really step up your sun protection game. For one thing, you can layer your primer and foundation for a double dose of sunscreen — a little extra SPF never hurt anyone. But if you want to maybe avoid some of the flashback that can be associated with SPF-spiked foundations, an SPF-spiked primer might be more your speed. Plus, if you do tend to get a little sweaty in the summer heat, your foundation will melt off faster than your primer. And let's not forget that a primer that's made to smooth your skin and help correct your complexion is not going to leave you with the greasy residue of simply layering a regular sunscreen under your foundation. Really, there's no reason not to switch out your traditional primer with one that has a boost of SPF. And here are 12 that will prove it.

1. Murad

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $55, Amazon

Per the name, this primer blurs imperfections and combats signs of aging all while protecting against the sun.

2. Hourglass

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $48, Amazon

Conceal redness, minimize pores, and even repel water for longer-lasting makeup with this SPF 15 primer.

3. Smashbox

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $42, N ordstrom

Achieve visibly softer skin with a primer that reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores while providing UVA and UVB protection.

4. Neutrogena

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $14, Amazon

Even and brighten your skin tone as SPF 15 works to protect your skin.

5. Coola

Coola Mineral SPF 30 Daydream Makeup Primer, $42, Amazon

SPF 30 shields your skin while Honeysuckle, White Lily, and Iris Stem Cells work to improve the quality of your skin.

6. Cane + Austin

Cane And Austin Prime & Protect Mattifying Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $56, Amazon

Oily-skinned gals will love this primer that balances oils and mattifies skin while protecting it with SPF 50.

7. Maybelline

Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $8, Target

Dull complexions will be instantly brightened and protected with an SPF 30 illuminating primer.

8. Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $29, Amazon

Makeup appears fresher and truer-to-color with this smoothing primer that protects with SPF 30.

9. NARS

NARS Multi-Protect Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $35, Nordstrom

Skin is protected not just from the sun but also from other external aggressors and pollutants with this SPF and antioxidant-packed primer.

10. MAC

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect Lotion SPF 50, $31, Nordstrom

Give your makeup a soft-focus effect with this breathable primer that has SPF 50 to guard your skin against the sun's harmful rays.

11. Shiseido

Shiseado Refining Makeup Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 21, $30, Nordstrom

Imperfections will practically be erased with this primer that fills lines, brightens dullness, corrects redness, and smooths unevenness. All while protecting with SPF 21.

12. Kate Somerville

Kate Somerville Prime Protection Dual Action Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $48, Nordstrom

Dry-skinned babes will enjoy this primer that helps seal in moisture while combating signs of aging, and of course, the sun.

Because an SPF primer will change your summer makeup game for good.

Images: Giselleflissak/E+/Getty Images; Courtesy of Brands