Sunscreens That Perform Well Under Bridal Makeup

Sunscreen is an important part of any skincare regimen, but it's especially important in the months leading up to your wedding. Aside from the aging effects of the sun, you definitely don't want a bright red, painful sunburn in your wedding photos or to be dealing with dry, flaking skin or discoloration. While it's important to wear ahead of the big day, you don't want to forget about it on the morning of your wedding, either. Though it's most important if you're planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, anyone who plans to take photos outside or spend even a few minutes in the sunshine needs to be mindful about SPF application.

Many women say they don't want to wear sunscreen on the big day because they feel it's goopy, thick, leaves a white cast, and will make your makeup cake. Those are all misconceptions—in fact, more and more sunscreens are formulated to be used for daily application, not just when you're wearing a swimsuit on vacation at the beach. They're light and weightless, and many actually act as a primer for your skin, evening out redness and hyperpigmentation, decreasing the appearance of pores, adding a layer of much-needed hydration for smooth makeup application, infusing antioxidants and skin-glowing ingredients into your complexion, and even making your makeup last longer.

All of that is to say that wearing sunscreen can actually be an extremely beneficial first step in your makeup application. There are several different textures and thicknesses of sunscreens, so you can choose one that suits your preferences, from an ultra-thin sunscreen serum to a heavy, hydrating cream. Here, we've rounded up some of the sunscreens that work so well under bridal makeup.

Best all around, this one seems to blur imperfections, leaving skin looking even and radiant without foundation on top.

Glytone Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $38,

glytone-usa.com

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We recommend this one especially for those who have acne- or rosacea-prone skin because it has niacinamide in it, which instantly eases redness and uneven skin tone, making it the perfect primer.

Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $35,

dermstore.com

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Whether you're fatigued from the previous night's festivities, or just are looking for an added glow, this primer-slash-sunscreen will give you the most subtle, seemingly natural radiance.

NARS Radiance Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen, $36,

sephora.com

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This serum packs a punch: It's super lightweight and feels like nothing on your skin while adding much-needed SPF protection.

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30, $42,

sephora.com

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This sheer, oil-free formula is made for sensitive skin, so those who are easily reactive shouldn't have a problem using it. Even so, it's always important to try a new skincare product a few months before your wedding, so you know you don't have a reaction!

Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25, $26.50,

sephora.com

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If you have oily skin, this one is for you: It decreases the appearance of pores and leaves a matte finish, so you won't have to worry about getting oily quickly.

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, $65,

tatcha.com

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Looking to do something about fine lines? This sunscreen decreases and smoothes out the appearance of wrinkles.

Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30, $53,

nordstrom.com

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Renée Rouleau is known for her acne-fighting products, so we weren't surprised to try this one and see that it's perfect for those with acne-prone skin. We like that it doesn't clog pores or feel greasy, but simply is a great, effective sunscreen.

Renée Rouleau Weightless Protection SPF 30, $57.50,

reneerouleau.com

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We love how this makes our skin feel: hydrated and smooth—the perfect canvas for makeup. It also contains soothing botanicals to protect skin from environmental aggressors.

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Broad Spectrum Primer SPF 45 Primer, $95,

bluemercury.com

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