Sun Protection Tips: Touching up Sunscreen over Makeup
Without a doubt, one of the most important ways to keep your face looking its best is to wear a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher every day. Sunscreen application should be the last step in your morning skincare routine, but if you’re going to be outdoors for more than two hours, it needs to be reapplied to maintain protection.
Reapplication is important, but what if you’re wearing makeup? How do you maintain your SPF without ruining your look? It’s easier than you think, although you might have to get a little creative in some cases.
How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
The easiest way to apply additional SPF after you’ve applied makeup to your face is to use cosmetic products that also contain SPF. A setting powder with sunscreen is the most straightforward way to do this. Such powders carry additional benefits, too. For example, if you have oily skin, it’s a good way to blot shine; if your skin is dry or normal, it can help prevent creasing and make your foundation and concealer last longer. Talk about a win-win!
Reapplying Sunscreen over Liquid or Cream Foundation
If you use a liquid or cream foundation with SPF, you can do a spot reapplication using a sponge. Take care just to dab the foundation where you need extra sun protection. A handy tip is to not rub or blend excessively, as that will disrupt the makeup you’ve already applied.
If you don’t like applying more foundation, try reapplying your sunscreen the same way—dab it on carefully with a sponge—pressing it into the skin instead of rubbing it on. Of course, not all sunscreen formulas will lend themselves to this type of application, so experiment to see if this might be an option for you.
Spray-on Sunscreens
Spray sunscreens are another option for adding SPF to your makeup. There are a growing number of makeup setting sprays with SPF available, and there’s no shortage of regular spray-on sunscreens. If you want to go this route, select a dry-finish formula; anything too wet and your makeup will melt off in a matter of seconds.
One note: Many spray sunscreens contain SD or denatured alcohol, which is not good for the skin and face. This issue is mitigated somewhat by the fact that your foundation serves as a barrier of sorts between your skin and the alcohol, so the risk of irritation is significantly minimised compared to applying it to bare skin. But be careful: You still want to close your eyes and hold your breath when touching up with this type of spray.
All the tips above are excellent ways to maintain your sun protection during long days outdoors—without having to remove your makeup and start all over again!
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References for this information
Portilho, L., Aiello, L. M., Vasques, L. I., Bagatin, E., & Leonardi, G. R. (2022). Effectiveness of sunscreens and factors influencing sun protection: a review. Scielo. https://www.scielo.br/j/bjps/a/4kkFt39DQzrhqXW7bJSxhJQ/
Kutlu Ö, Karadağ AS, Wollina U. Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a narrative review with a focus on epidemiology to treatment. An Bras Dermatol. 2023 Jan-Feb;98(1):75-83. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.01.006. Epub 2022 Oct 14. PMID: 36253244; PMCID: PMC9837660.
Kobwanthanakun W, Silpa-Archa N, Wongpraparut C, Pruksaekanan C, Manuskiatti W. An evaluation of the course of facial sunscreen coverage and sustainability over an 8-hour workday among outdoor workers. Health Sci Rep. 2021 Aug 11;4(3):e350. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.350. PMID: 34401526; PMCID: PMC8358230.
Brand RM, Stottlemyer JM, Paglia MC, Carey CD, Falo LD Jr. Ethanol consumption synergistically increases ultraviolet radiation induced skin damage and immune dysfunction. J Dermatol Sci. 2021 Jan;101(1):40-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.11.001. Epub 2020 Nov 5. PMID: 33213984; PMCID: PMC8815307.
