If you’re like who’s watched a hundred skincare routine videos on YouTube, you’ve probably heard how beauty vloggers emphasize over and over again how vital applying sunscreen or SPF is onto your skin, whether it is day or night.
Sunscreen can be tricky to apply depending on the consistency of the sunscreen you are using, and applying them over makeup can be quite a hassle. Before we delve into putting sunscreen over makeup, let’s first talk about sunscreen and SPF.
What is Sunscreen, And What Does It Do?
You’ve probably heard of SPF or Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreens are labeled into different SPF values. These SPF values indicate how much your sunscreen will protect your skin from sunburn.
In this case, according to the Food and Drug Administration, all sunscreens are tested to find out how much UV radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when and when not using sunscreen.
Sunscreen with higher SPF values like SPF 50 provides better sunburn protection and protection from harmful UV rays from the sun. It is recommended to get sunscreen with an SPF value of at least 15 up to 50 if you have fairer skin.
What are the Benefits of Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen day in and day out should be a daily habit, not just when you’re going out in the sun or going to the beach. The sun’s UV rays are present whenever and wherever, not just when exposed to extreme heat.
What are the benefits you get from using sunscreen, you say?
Protection from UV Rays
The sun emits a broad spectrum of harmful UV rays all year round, significantly when greenhouse gas emissions have depleted the ozone layer.
Applying sunscreen during the day helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation on the human skin, like premature aging, wrinkles, cataracts, eye disorders, and even immune system damage.
Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer
UV rays also protect us from developing skin cancer. Did you know that more than 9,500 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer daily in January 2021? Yes, daily.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is also the most common cancer in the United States.
The amount, level, activity, and kind of sunscreen you need to apply daily depends mainly on your skin type.
Even Complexion
Who doesn’t like an even and fair complexion? By applying sunscreen daily, you can prevent sun damage on the skin and avoid uneven skin tones brought about by too much UV ray exposure.
How Often Do You Need to Reapply Sunscreen?
Before we go into applying sunscreen over makeup, the big question is, how often do we need to reapply sunscreen?
We established that we need to apply sunscreen every day. The best time to do it is thirty minutes before going out to make sure that the sunscreen has fully seeped into your skin, and don’t be shy to apply it liberally!
But how often do we need to do it? Is it enough to do it once every morning?
The quick answer is no. While sunscreen application, as mentioned, depends on your activity and skin type, sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours in general. When doing tasks under the sun or extreme heat, be mindful of reapplying sunscreen more often.
This poses the question:
What about my makeup?
Should You Wear Sunscreen Over Makeup? If Yes, How?
The answer is yes. But how do you apply sunscreen over makeup without ruining it? The worst thing that can happen for a woman (and a man) is to destroy their hard-worked makeup by reapplying sunscreen.
We know that some sunscreens can have thick or watery consistencies, and reapplying them sounds like a difficult challenge.
But we have ways to reapply liquid sunscreen over makeup, and we’re here to share.
Initial protection
Before anything else, make sure the foundation of your UV ray protection is well-established, which means the sunscreen you apply before your makeup.
Be thorough in applying your initial sunscreen all over your face, especially on the parts most exposed to the sun, like the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
Ending your skincare routine with sunscreen before makeup application is a non-negotiable part of your entire skincare process.
Applying sunscreen after your makeup routine doesn’t give you the same protection as when there’s an inner layer of security already established by your skin.
Use SPF Setting Sprays
The best SPF refresh that we can give our face after makeup is through an SPF setting spray. SPF setting sprays are easy to carry around and reapply when you have a busy day.
Reapply the setting spray over your face every 30 minutes while under the sun or every two hours when indoors. You can control setting sprays better than the usual sunscreen formulas when reapplying.
That’s why they’re the go-to choices for people looking for SPF reapplication alternatives.
Use Lightweight Sunscreens
Using lightweight sunscreens means products with lighter textures compared to heavier formulated sunscreens. Look for non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and lightweight sunscreens on the label that do not sacrifice SPF values.
Lightweight sunscreens are easier to apply over makeup because of their lighter formula, meaning they can be spread and patted onto the skin easily compared to heavier formulated sunscreens that need intense rubbing for the formula to blend with the skin. Using these kinds of sunscreen will erase and cake your makeup in no time.
Use A Sponge to Blot Your Sunscreen
If you want to use your regular sunscreen, applying them carefully over your makeup with the help of a sponge is the way to go.
Don’t use just any sponge! Grab a dry, unused sponge, or you can slightly damp your beauty blender. Put a bit of your sunscreen onto the sponge and apply it carefully onto your face.
To ensure that your makeup doesn’t get removed, remember to use carefully by blotting or applying soft, careful dots over your face. Apply a little at a time to ensure your makeup is safe until all areas of your face are reapplied with liquid sunscreen.
Do not drag or wipe the sponge with liquid sunscreen all over your face. That is a recipe for disaster.
Compact Powder SPFs
If you’re having a hard time dealing with liquid sunscreens, then we have the solution for you.
Powder sunscreens function as powders but also as sun protectors. Many compact powders in the market contain SPF to help you reapply powder, remove excess oil in the face, and boost protection from UV rays without that sticky, gooey feeling of traditional sunscreens.
They are most useful during hot and humid weather and for those who hate reapplying liquid sunscreens.
Does Sunscreen Over Makeup Block Your Pores?
The easy answer is that it most likely does. The layering of too much product can cause breakout and clogged pores, which is why products with embedded SPF are popular, like moisturizers and compact powders, to lessen the chances of blocked pores.
Do remember, however, that powder sunscreens are additional defenders against the sun rays. They should not be your only SPF source.
It is still essential to apply sunscreen before applying makeup as your initial sun barrier.
