We all know how important wearing SPF year round is for skin health, but it can feel like solving a riddle trying to figure out which one will work under your makeup routine. Luckily, as more makeup brands focus on the makeup/skincare hybrid product trend, we’ve been given some great drugstore sunscreen primer options– two of my favorites being from e.l.f… but what’s the difference between the e.l.f. Suntouchable Woah Glow Sunscreen Primer vs e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen?
These products can be easy to mix up, but they actually offer very different benefits and apperances. Let’s compare and contrast the two so you can decide which SPF will work best for your daily routine.
e.l.f. Suntouchable Woah Glow Sunscreen Primer
e.l.f. Suntouchable Woah Glow Sunscreen Primer in Sunbeam
The e.l.f. Suntouchable Woah Glow Sunscreen Primer ($14 at Ulta Beauty) is a hybrid between makeup and sun protection. Offering broad-spectrum SPF 30, this formula is hydrating with aloe, glycerin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane in the formula to help prep your skin. It does a good job at prolonging the wear time of your makeup, as well, though isn’t as heavy duty as the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer.
Available in three different sheer shimmery shades, this sunscreen primer creates a glowy base for your makeup. It adds a natural-looking radiance to your finished look, though does not look or feel greasy on the skin. The texture is more creamy, though sinks in quickly and stays feeling lightweight layered in with your other face products. However, you don’t necessarily have to wear this under makeup. Alone, it will still offer the sun protection and add a brightened appearance to your face.
This glowy sunscreen primer is also fragrance free, cruelty free and vegan.
e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen
The e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen ($14 at Target) is the brand’s second drugstore primer sunscreen that outperforms the price tag. Offering broad-spectrum SPF 35, this formula is incredibly different. The texture is more of a soft, whipped gel texture. As you rub it in, it becomes completely invisible on the skin (no white cast!) and actually adds a blurred finish– but not matte. Fine lines, pores and texture look minimized and smoothed over under this product whether you wear it alone or as a makeup primer with SPF. Key ingredients include meadowfoam seed and aloe for a boost of moisture and overall comfort.
I’d say the finish of this primer looks incredibly natural both alone and under makeup. As mentioned, it isn’t particularly matte, but it doesn’t add significant glow either. And it certainly doesn’t look or feel greasy.
Unlike the Woah Glow Sunscreen Primer, the Invisible Sunscreen is water resistant up to 80 minutes, making it a better choice for summer activities like the beach or pool.
While this is also fragrance free, cruelty free and vegan, I do find it has a scent to it similar to licorice that the Woah Glow doesn’t have.
e.l.f. Suntouchable Woah Glow vs Invisible Sunscreen Side by Side Comparison
Above you can see what the e.l.f. Suntouchable Woah Glow Sunscreen Primer vs. Invisible Sunscreen looks like under makeup. On the left, the Woah Glow Sunscreen Primer adds noticeable radiance that shows through my foundation (the e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation), but it does tend to highlight a bit of my skin texture as well. On the right, you can see that the Invisible Sunscreen blurs the pores around my nose and cheeks a lot more, while also minimizing the texture on my chin. While my skin doesn’t look dry or dull, there is less glow overall for a more balanced look.
Which sunscreen primer should you choose?
If you like a glowy makeup, or are just looking for a glowy sunscreen to boost your complexion, then the Suntouchable Woah Glow will be the best pick.
If you’re looking for something less visible to wear both by itself and under makeup, want a more natural appearance, and water resistance is important, then the Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen is for you.
Don’t Forget… SPF needs to be re-applied!
Even if you use an SPF primer– or makeup with SPF– you have to reapply sunscreen every two hours to stay effective. If you’re wearing either of these primers under makeup, you can try out a sunscreen setting spray that will also help fortify your makeup, like the e.l.f. Suntouchable All Set for Sun Sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 45. Or, try out an SPF powder like the Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30, which will also help reduce shine..
– Miranda
