ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

That is exactly what it is designed for. ZO describes it as a dual-action sunscreen that doubles as a make-up primer: the silicone base gives a smooth matte finish that diminishes the appearance of skin imperfections, and the brand says it can be worn under make-up for a more even, long-lasting application. Let it set for a minute, then apply foundation as usual.

ZO dropped the Oclipse name from its sunscreen range some years ago, and Sunscreen + Primer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 is the brand's current name for its sunscreen-primer. If you were looking for Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer, this is the product ZO now sells in its place; ZO does not publish formula histories, so we cannot confirm whether the formula is unchanged.

Mineral. The only UV filters are 20% zinc oxide and 1% titanium dioxide, which sit on the surface of the skin, so there are no chemical filters in the formula. ZO adds natural melanin for HEV blue light and the ZOX12 antioxidant complex for IR-A and free radical defence.

With 20% zinc oxide it is not invisible in the way a chemical fluid is, but a hint of iron oxide pigment and the silky silicone base help it blend into most skin tones rather than sitting white. Apply in a thin, even layer and pat it in; if you have a deep skin tone and want a sheerer mineral option, ZO Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 is formulated to blend on all skin tones.

No. ZO's directions say to use a water-resistant sunscreen if you are swimming or sweating, so think of it as a daily, make-up-friendly SPF rather than a sports sunscreen. Reapply at least every 2 hours when you are outdoors.

ZOX12 is ZO's exclusive 12-hour, time-release antioxidant complex of encapsulated vitamins A, C and E. The encapsulation releases the antioxidants gradually through the day, helping to guard against free radical damage and the appearance of photodamage, including the effects of infrared (IR-A) rays that UV filters alone do not address.

ZO formulates it with natural melanin, which the brand describes as providing photoprotective compounds and free radical quenchers against high-energy visible (HEV) blue light from the sun and from electronic devices. Sunscreen is still a sun product first, so keep reapplying when you are outdoors.

Reapplying a cream primer over foundation is messy, so ZO designed Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 for exactly this job: a brush-on mineral powder you can sweep over make-up every 2 hours. Use the primer in the morning and the powder for top-ups.

Mineral sunscreens such as this one are generally considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but check with your midwife or GP. ZO states that it does not test its products on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and asks you to review the ingredient list with your medical professional first; note that the ZOX12 antioxidant complex includes a small amount of retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative, so mention it if you are keeping vitamin A out of your routine for now.