Yes, You Can Use Tinted Sunscreen as a Makeup Primer. Here’s How to Do

Tinted sunscreen protects your skin and enhances your complexion without feeling like a full face of foundation. But if you’ve ever held a tube of tinted SPF in one hand and your go-to makeup primer in the other, you might have wondered: Which one goes first? And do I really need both?

The right tinted sunscreen can actually double as your makeup primer, simplifying your routine without sacrificing that smooth finish. You just need a formula that’s designed to multitask.

Below, we’ll explain when and how you can use tinted sunscreen as a makeup primer, and highlight two tinted SPF options that do both jobs beautifully.

Can You Wear Tinted Sunscreen as a Makeup Primer?

Yes, you can wear tinted sunscreen as a makeup primer. But like any multitasking product, the magic is in the formula. At Supergoop!, we’ve developed tinted sunscreens that don’t just protect your skin; they’re designed to prep it for makeup. These formulas help create an even, smooth canvas for makeup while delivering broad spectrum SPF protection and skin-loving ingredients.

Whether your goal is glowy radiance or a shine-free, soft-focus finish, the right tinted SPF can hold its own as your primer. Plus, you don’t have to stress about layering. Since these formulas already combine skincare, sun protection, and priming benefits, they slot into your routine without fuss.

Apply generously, give it a few seconds to settle, and you’re ready for makeup. Or not — your skin will look great either way.

2 Tinted Sunscreens That Double as Makeup Primers

Here are two of our favorite face sunscreens that do double duty as makeup primers, so you can skip a step and still show up with skin that looks fresh, smooth, and protected.

Glowscreen SPF 40

Glowscreen SPF 40 is our cult favorite glowy sunscreen that works like a luminous primer. It’s available in four flexible shades to suit a range of skin tones and looks just as good under makeup as it does on its own. And of course, it delivers broad spectrum SPF 40 protection to help defend against visible signs of aging. Recommended for normal, combination, or dry skin, Glowscreen keeps your base glowy, not greasy.

How to Apply:

Complete your usual skincare routine
Apply Glowscreen generously and evenly across your face and neck
Wait 30 seconds before applying makeup to let it fully absorb

Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

If your skin leans oily or you’re aiming for a mattified finish, meet Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40. This mineral SPF was designed to do everything a primer does — smooth, blur, and grip makeup — while also delivering daily sun protection. It has a whipped, lightweight texture and a soft tint that blends easily and helps minimize the appearance of white cast.

How to Apply:

Complete your usual skincare routine
Apply Mineral Mattescreen generously and evenly across your face and neck
Wait 30 seconds before applying makeup to let the product set

The Primer That Protects

Using tinted sunscreen as a primer isn’t just about shaving a step off your morning routine; it’s about making your skincare work harder for you. When you choose a tinted SPF designed to double as a makeup primer, you get a smooth canvas for foundation and sun protection in one.

Whether you want a glowy finish or a mattified look, the right formula can set the tone for your makeup while giving your skin the protection it needs.