We all know the rule when it comes to sunscreen: Wear it all day and every day. Nevertheless, that being said, the topic of wearing sunscreen with makeup brings up a chain of questions and concerns. What level of protection do you really need? How should you reapply? Is SPF in your foundation enough? Is sunscreen to be applied under the makeup? The questions can go on forever but let us help you where we can.
When to first apply sunscreen
The first and most important time to apply sunscreen is in the morning on bare skin before lathering your face up. Many people find sunscreens to have a thick formula but the trick is to apply it generously and blend it till it disappears. Make sure it is spread evenly. Wait for at least 10 minutes before applying anything else on top to allow your sun protection to set and really penetrate the skin!
It is better to go for a BB cream or tinted lotion instead of heavy foundations especially in summers.
What if your foundation/makeup already has SPF in it?
Having makeup products with SPF is just an additional bonus. It certainly does NOT mean that you skip out on applying a generous layer of sunscreen. You NEED to wear sunscreen underneath your foundation and honestly it a provides a better base for your makeup application. Don’t be scared of sunscreens.
How to reapply throughout the day
One thing about sunscreen is that it needs to be reapplied after every few hours. If you’re doing something in the water or rain, it is important to apply it after 2 to 3 hours. If your activity does not include going in the water, the sunscreen can go up to 5 hours.
This is something that really bothers women as it means redoing ALL your makeup after washing your face. Applying sunscreen on top of the makeup results in a mess anyway so an alternative is to go for a Loose powder or a mineral veil with added sun protection. In return, just don’t forget to wear actual sunscreen lotion/cream underneath your makeup and avoid staying near windows for long periods of time.
To conclude, if you are going to spend a long period of time in the sun, be sure to reapply after every few hours. Even if you prefer using a liquid sunscreen, do not let that discourage you from reapplying it over your makeup. Just pat some on, and use it as a prospect to retouch. Protecting your skin from cancer is way more imperative than flawless foundation.
