We all know the importance of protecting your face from harmful UV rays, but is your foundation enough? Even though modern-day foundations and facial creams have started coming with SPF, sunscreen is your best bet when it comes to sun protection.
In fact, dermatologists suggest that you should replenish your face with a dollop of sunscreen every 2-3 hours. But how would you do that with all that makeup on your face without making your skin look cakey? What about breakouts?
By the end of this article, you will know:
- How to reapply sunscreen over makeup
- The importance of SPF
- Exclusive tips for using sunscreen with makeup
Using Sunscreen With Makeup: Step-by-Step
Before you start with the get-go, setting the right base is highly crucial. Thus, before you wear any makeup, use an SPF cream. Take a pea-sized amount on both your fingers and gently massage it all over your face and neck.
Ideally, you should apply some extra sunscreen to areas that get higher sun exposure. These include the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. Once you have laid a strong foundation, you can begin with the steps given below:
Tip: Never start applying sunscreen from the middle of your face as this way, there won’t be much of it left by the time you reach your cheeks and jawline.
Apply Primer
Using a primer will transform your skin into an imaginary canvas with an enhanced ability to hold the makeup for long hours. Using this will also help you get a controlled matte finish.
In case the primer feels too heavy, or you are going to be in an air-conditioned environment, you can even skip it.
Use A Tinted Moisturizer (SPF-based)
This type of moisturizer will work as an all-rounder in all types of situations. Whether you have oily skin or you are prone to breakouts, this one is a must-use. That said, make sure you are using enough to really reap the benefits of SPF that it contains.
Many individuals also use a tinted moisturizer in place of a BB cream due to the identical effect and look.
Foundation Time
A foundation will help level all the unevenly toned areas of your face along with enhancing your skin complexion slightly. Make sure to pick the right color in accordance with your skin tone. Blend it well and also apply it to your upper neck.
After this, you can put on other potions and makeup essentials that you like.
Top It All Up with A Setting Spray
Given that SPF now lies at the lowest position, re-applying it would be a good idea. But we do not want to hamper the makeup in any way. Thus, we use an SPF setting spray that adds a layer of sun protection while also keeping the makeup intact.
As for reapplication, after 2-3 hours, you can use your hands/a sponge and put on some cream.
But there are chances that this might ruin your makeup. Thus, we will now be sharing some non-conventional SPF lotion alternatives that are worth a shot. Read on.
Insider Tips to Make the Most Out of Sunscreen
Using your hands or a sponge might make your face look smudgy, plus the sponge also soaks up some of the cream. The only case where we would recommend using your hands is when you are wearing some light makeup.
Cream Makeup Compact
This is a small and portable option that lets you apply sunscreen without any mess. Furthermore, most makeup compacts contain a substance called titanium dioxide, which has been proven to filter UV rays, thus effectively blocking light absorption.
The only pitfall of using a compact is that reusing the same sponge again and again could introduce bacteria to your skin.
Note: Avoid using a compact if you want to have a light look, as it adds the illusion of heavy makeup.
Tinted Powder
Quick and mess-free, this method is a personal favorite of all makeup enthusiasts. These mineral-based powders come loaded with SPF’s goodness and can be reapplied every two hours.
Doing this is fairly simple. All you need to do is distribute it in a circular motion all over your face until it’s evenly distributed. The only downside to this method is that it doesn’t look good on people with a dark complexion.
SPF Sprays
Adding a final layer of sun protection to your skin has never been easy. Since spray particles are quite good at sticking to your skin, you can use a spray without ruining your makeup. Furthermore, a mist spray will give you a dewy look giving your skin a fresh appearance all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reapplying sunscreen is a tricky process. There isn’t a process that is suited for everyone. The method that you end up using depends on your skin type and the kind of look that you want to achieve. Here are a few more common questions answered:
Can the SPF in Foundations Double as Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is irreplaceable, and that’s the bottom line. Even so, many foundations have now started to come with SPF 30.
According to dermatologists, 1-1.5 teaspoons of the foundation is the least amount which is required to give adequate sun protection. Needless to say, this amount is not only a bit much but also not so healthy for your skin in the long run.
Hence, investing in an SPF compact/spray would be a wiser idea.
How Do SPF Creams Work?
SPF creams get their UV blocking characteristic due to two main compounds: Zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They work in cohesion to create an impenetrable layer on our skin, thus guarding it against dirt, oil, and UV rays. They also keep issues like irritation and rashes at bay.
Does Sunscreen Go Over or Under Moisturizer?
Since sunscreen is designed to protect you from sun rays, it will be best if you apply it on the outermost layer post your makeup. Therefore, sunscreen should always be applied after moisturizer.
