This Pore-Perfecting Sunscreen Is Better Than Any Primer I've Used

It's the age-old warm-weather beauty dilemma that no one should have to contemplate: Do I skip sun protection in the name of lasting makeup, or do I slather on SPF only to have my face slide off by 1 p.m.?

The real answer: neither. With such a vast array of makeup-friendly SPF formulas (or better yet, makeup with protection built right in), saving face in the dead heat of summer has never been easier—and you officially have zero excuses to skimp on sunscreen. But which products outperform the rest?

Primer

To ensure that a full face of makeup stays put—even when exposed to July heat and humidity—it's all about that base. Swipe on one of these SPF formulas before anything else.

Foundation

Make your foundation work overtime by choosing a product with built-in protection—oh, and since it's summer, let's make sure it's lightweight and shine-proof, too.

Finishing Touches

Setting powders with an extra dose of protection? An SPF balm that doubles as a highlighter? This is where things take a turn for the innovative.

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 $65

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Thanks to its lightweight, silky texture and broad-spectrum coverage, this formula is an unequivocal favorite at Byrdie HQ. (Fact: I actually prefer it to traditional, non-SPF primer.)

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream $35

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What doesn't this cream do? Aside from moisturizing all day and offering ample sun protection, it was specifically formulated to provide a barrier against grime and air pollution, too. All that, and it leaves behind a luminescent (but never greasy!) finish that's perfectly on-trend.

Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer $45

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True story: This chemical-free sunscreen kept things on lock during an entire day of Miami heat and humidity, even with tennis and beach time on the agenda.

Kyrpis Pot of Shade Heliotropic Primer $75

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This complexion-perfecting primer constantly sells out, for good reason: Fortified with moisturizing botanicals and SPF 30, it's one of the few sunscreen formulas that actually improves your skin as you wear it.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Tone Correcting Primer $40

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Thanks to a glowing seal of approval from Consumer Reports, we know that we can't do much better in the way of protection than La Roche-Posay's Anthelios line. Superficially, it delivers too: This primer is ultra-lightweight and offers a slight tint for bonus coverage. Which brings us to our next category…

Laneige BB Cushion SPF 50 $35

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Mark our words: Even if you're just trying out this formula with summer in mind, it's bound to become a year-round staple—the gorgeously dewy, airbrushed texture is that good.

Clarins UV Plus HP Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint $43

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We were immediately smitten with this foundation's satiny texture and seamless coverage.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Instant Radiance Sun Defense $42

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Those who prefer more coverage from their foundation will love Dr. Dennis Gross's offering, which corrects and illuminates the skin without ever feeling cakey.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray $36

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This SPF 30 face mist was specifically designed to keep your makeup looking fly. (Bonus points for being 70% organic.) Store it in your purse for easy spritzing all day long.

No-Ad Sun Care Baby Sunscreen Stick $7

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Summer beauty hack alert! SPF balm sticks for your nose and face happen to make great highlighters, too. Swipe it along your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose for a luminescent look.

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 $30

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We love this mist both as a pre-sun setting spray and to soothe skin after heading indoors, thanks to a cooling infusion of rosemary and mint.

This post was originally published on June 9, 2016.