Yes, You Can Reapply Sunscreen Without Ruining Your Makeup. Here's How.
If you’ve ever wondered how to apply sunscreen on top of a face full of makeup, you’re not alone. It can be a struggle—but it's an important one to master. The research is clear: reapplying sunscreen is a crucial step when it comes to protecting your skin against sun damage (and the current state of skin cancer rates is not encouraging). “Sunscreen breaks down throughout the day after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, sweat, and water," says New York City-based dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD. "Because of this, it's recommended that we reapply sunscreen every two hours when outside.”
Meet the experts: Pooja Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City.
Now you may be asking yourself, “But what if my makeup has sunscreen in it?” Unfortunately, SPF in your makeup is simply not an adequate substitution for a solid face moisturizer with SPF. "We typically only apply our makeup in the morning and don’t use nearly enough product to achieve adequate protection," says Dr. Rambhia.
So, whether you're lounging poolside or navigating the big city, reapplication is a must to combat the sun’s harmful rays. But, not to fret. We tapped some experts for tips on how to reapply sunscreen over makeup, so you can protect your skin without compromising your look.
Can I wear sunscreen over makeup?
The short answer: Absolutely—and you always should. As noted above, various factors like sweat, oil production, and environmental exposure contribute to the dwindling effectiveness of sunscreen over the course of the day. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to reapply your SPF every two hours—even if you’re wearing a full face of makeup.
Thankfully, sunscreen formulations have come a long way and there’s a variety of different products on the market that make it easy to apply your sun protection on top of makeup. These are the best ways to reapply your sunscreen over makeup:
Brush on a powder sunscreen
Powder sunscreens are a favourite of those who prefer a matte finish or need to reduce shine. They come in compact form, often with a built-in brush applicator, making them incredibly convenient for touch-ups. “Gently brush the powder over your face, spending at least 15 seconds per quadrant of the face to ensure adequate application,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD.
She recommends Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder. “It goes on as a lightweight powder, offers SPF 50 coverage, and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy. It’s also available in different shades.” As for Dr. Rambhia, Supergoop’s (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF35 and Isdin Mineral Brush Facial Powder SPF50 are among her top choices.
Spritz on an SPF mist
Spray sunscreens are ideal for those who want a quick and easy re-application method. You’ll want to look for a spray sunscreen specifically designed for use over makeup to avoid disrupting your carefully crafted look. “Hold the spray about 10-12 inches away, close your eyes, and mist evenly over your face. Let it dry for a few seconds before touching your skin, says Dr. Garshick.
Make sure to apply enough product for it to be effective—you're skin should feel dewy to the touch after you're done reapplying. Dr. Garshick is a fan of Coola’s Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30. “This setting spray offers broad-spectrum protection, sets makeup, and has a refreshing, lightweight feel. It also contains ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate the skin."
Swipe on a stick
Stick formulas offer precise application and are particularly handy for targeting specific areas like the bridge of your nose, tops of cheeks, and around the eyes — places that often get overlooked but are most vulnerable to sun exposure.
After properly swiping the stick across your face several times, Dr. Garshick recommends using your fingertips or a makeup sponge to gently blend it in without disturbing your makeup. Shiseido’s Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50+ is Dr. Garshick’s pick. “This clear stick is easy to apply, goes on smoothly without leaving a white cast, and is water-resistant. It’s perfect for touch-ups on the go and provides strong sun protection.”
More on SPF for summer
This is the SPF that Caroline Hirons swears by for glowing skin
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