How to apply SPF over makeup

We all know that sunscreen is of paramount importance if we want that glowy, youthful skin. Dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen every few hours for the best protection against the sun’s harmful rays. As a girl who also loves makeup, however, it’s just not practical reapplying sunscreen over makeup after I go out.

You shouldn’t have to decide between ruining your makeup or getting a sunburn on your day out with the girls.

What if I told you, you don’t have to?

That’s right, I’ve covered everything in this article that you need to know about how to apply SPF over makeup so you don’t ruin your look, and can still protect your skin.

Whether your put sunscreen over makeup or under makeup, I’ll take you through the best application techniques and the little tips and tricks that can make your life easier when it comes to applying sunscreen over makeup, you’ll quickly realize how easy it is!

Word of advice- Aim to wear sunscreen every day, even if the weather is bad, harmful UV rays can still damage your skin on cloudy days. Go for an SPF 30 or higher if you have sensitive skin or problematic skin.

Ready to change your sunscreen game? Read one.

 

Why wear sunscreen

First, how important is it really to wear sunscreen?

Extremely. Experts and dermatologists recommend that you wear it daily, and not just once in the morning. If possible, every two hours you should be applying a fresh coat of sunscreen, to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

You might be wondering,

It’s not even sunny every day, should I still apply it? Yes. Even when the sun is not out, UV rays can still filter through the clouds and damage your skin without you realizing it. Sure, you won’t burn, but over the years the damage adds up to freckled, pigmented skin that is worn and with increased fine lines. That’s why the best sunscreens offer broad spectrum protection from all UVA and UVB rays.

Wearing your sunscreen, especially on sunny days, can be a powerful anti-aging tool, and can also prevent potentially life-threatening diseases such as skin cancer. So, instead of limiting sun exposure, you can enjoy the sun knowing you have sun protection on top of makeup. Plus, who doesn’t want youthful glowing skin as you age?

If you stick to sunscreen, you can find a lightweight formula that is mineral based rather than chemical to offer a light application, most have no oil and are easy to find in a shop.

Here’s a tip- When you’re on holiday, those trips to the pool or sea can remove some of your spf, so invest in water-resistant products for all-day UV protection. During the summer months, I like to up my SPF factor to SPF 50, and use SPF 30 for the rest of the year so I know my skin is fully protected.

How to wear sunscreen with makeup

When you wear makeup, it can be a challenge to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. No one wants to redo their makeup after all that either. The good news is you don’t have to.

Apply sunscreen to your skincare

The foundation to a good skincare routine is a good SPF sunscreen, which is why you need to invest in high quality, SPF sunscreen. This is going to be your first layer of protection against the sun’s rays. Your skincare morning routine should include a strong spf to stay protected even while wearing makeup.

When it comes to choosing the right one for you, go for an SPF of 30 or even 50 if you have sensitive skin. The higher the better really, as this is going to provide stronger protection for your skin. Also, select a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, meaning it covers UVA/UVB rays, which are both harmful.

Make sure you apply some generously, to your face, neck, and chest, as well as any other exposed skin. The best thing to do if you’re planning to stick to makeup over it is to go for a fast-absorbing facial sun lotion or moisturizer, rather than a heavy cream that can leave a white cast, especially for oily skin.

Use the right products

Here comes the fun part.

Once you’ve done your makeup, reapplying sunscreen doesn’t have to be complicated, its all about using the right products.

Use a Tinted Moisturizer with SPF

These are a lifesaver if you don’t like using multiple products. Swap out your foundation for a tinted moisturizer and you’ll get the coverage you want with built-in sun protection. That makes it easy to really throughout the day, simply touch up over your makeup with a blending sponge and you can dab another layer over.

It’s great for added hydration, and you can use it as part of your normal skin care routine to save time. No need for a moisturizer, SPF, or foundation with this one! Its great if you want some coverage and because it’s tinted, it won’t leave a white cast either. It’s perfect for your makeup and for sun protection.

Invest in a spray sunscreen for face over makeup

Some brands sell sunscreen in the form of a facial spray or mist, which makes it super light to carry with you and simply mist onto your face and protecting your makeup. These sprays won’t leave a white cast, and best of all they won’t budge your makeup. It will make reapplying sunscreen easy to do.

Some also come as a makeup setting spray, so if you’re really worried about ruining your makeup, why not buy one of these? Keeps your makeup in place all day and gives you that extra protection your skin needs.

Get yourself an SPF powder

This is a good one. Buy yourself an SPF loose facial powder, which works similarly to a setting powder and you can simply brush some on over your makeup. It is an amazing way to set your makeup so that it will last all day, and when you want to reapply sunscreen, you can simply brush over your makeup without affecting it.

If you have oily skin, then using an SPF powder is a must, it may not replace your facial SPF moisturizer, but it’s a good way of reapplying SPF and keeping shine at bay. Most women I know don’t wear so much powder, so I would recommend this only for topping up over your makeup

I also love SPF in the form of powder as you can use it to protect your scalp where your hairline is, and avoid sunburn on hot days. Really, it’s convenient to take with you and reapply with a fat brush or a damp beauty sponge all over your face for a boost of sun protection. It’s great for those with oily skin who don’t like creams and lotions, as it helps to keep your face matte and shine-free.

Whatever your skin type, sun damage can be a real problem, especially if you don’t reapply spf in your skincare routine. Whether you go for a powder, a tinted moisturizer, or foundation, apply it in your skincare to keep your dry skin hydrated and happy. Make sure you go for a high SPF such as SPF 50 to reapply.

 

Final Thoughts

So, the answer to the age-old question can you put sunscreen over makeup? Yes. Fifty years ago that might have seemed like an impossible task, but now with a range of products, lotions, sprays, and powders, you can find an easy way to incorporate SPF both in your skin care and after makeup application.

Gone are the white cast days and heavy lotions that leave your face sticky all day.

Nothing beats applying sunscreen to your face before your makeup, ideally a teaspoon amount with a minimum of spf 30, reapplication can decrease an early sign of aging and with a light formula, your skin will be protected and your beauty intact.

If you want to know how to apply sunscreen over makeup, follow these tips, and make sure you choose a sun cream specially made for your face, not your body. These will be better at absorbing and not clogging your skin.

My favorite product to reapply sunscreen is a sunscreen setting spray or powder over makeup, it’s a fool proof way of protecting your skin without messing or without ruining your makeup from sun exposure, I never leave the house without one!

Wearing spf has never been better!

Which tip will you try out?