6 Ways to Reapply Your Sunscreen Over Your Makeup Like an Expert
Main image – Audshule/Stocksy
For those who love makeup but also love their skin enough to want to protect it from UV rays, layering sunscreen over said makeup can be a bit of a conundrum.
You’ve got the best of intentions but most of the time, slathering thick suncream over your newly applied look can ruin all of your hard work.
We would hate for you to be put off wearing sunscreen altogether though. So here are some expert tips from celebrity makeup artist Cassandra Mcclure on how to wear both, neatly and seamlessly, getting the best of both worlds. From how to apply it, to which SPF formulas work best (and worst) over makeup, consider your skin well and truly protected.
Why it’s important to wear sunscreen over your makeup
You may think that applying sunscreen before makeup or using a foundation containing SPF is enough to protect your skin, but Mcclure disagrees since any SPF you wear needs to be topped up at least every two hours and because makeup containing SPF often isn’t sufficient.
“The amount of coverage they provide is often not sufficient to fully protect your skin from harmful UV rays,” she explains.
“Makeup with SPF typically doesn’t offer the full broad-spectrum protection you need, especially since the SPF can be diluted when spread thinly over the skin.” And even if you did treat your makeup base as your SPF, you wouldn’t want to apply a second, third and fourth layer of it over the course of the day for fear of it looking too heavy.
“Layering a separate SPF over your makeup ensures that you’re getting adequate protection, especially during prolonged sun exposure.”
Now on to how to do it.
Image – Alexeykuzma/Stocksy
1. Choose a mineral formula
Mcclure suggests going down the mineral SPF route for reapplication over makeup. That’s because, “it doesn’t disrupt your makeup look,” she says.
She explains, “Powders can help absorb excess oil and set your makeup. These formulas provide a protective barrier without the risk of smudging or breaking down your foundation.”
The expert recommends choosing a compact that comes with its own brush to make on the go application easier.
2. Use a chemical SPF spray
If you prefer a chemical SPF though, go for a standard spray formula (like you might use on the beach), since these can just be spritzed straight over makeup with minimal disruption.
I love Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray (£36 from Cult Beauty UK /$36 from Sol de Janeiro US) which really does add radiance to the skin, and it works on the face too.
3. Use an SPF makeup setting spray
Even better, a makeup setting spray containing SPF will work extra hard not to ruin your makeup (and it’ll keep it in place too). Try e.l.f Skin Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 30 (£14 from Boots UK /$14 from e.l.f. US).
Image – Valbarstudio/Stocksy
4. Use the right technique
If you opt for a spray though, you’ll need the right technique to avoid disrupting your makeup though, says Mcclure.
“For mists, hold the bottle about 6-8 inches from your face and spray in a sweeping motion, ensuring even coverage,” Mcclure recommends. Don’t rub it in though. The great thing about mists is that they can cover the whole area and eventually sink in without any help.
5. Get the right tools
Equally, if you’re going down the powder SPF route, the tool you use will make a difference. While the little brush that comes with your product is great for handbags, if you want best results you’ll want to use an actual makeup brush, says Mcclure.
“For powders, use a large, fluffy brush and lightly dust the product over your face, focusing on areas that are most exposed to the sun, like the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors.”
6. Avoid creams and lotions
Ditch creams and lotions. “These sunscreens can be tricky to apply over makeup because they tend to disturb the layers underneath,” Mcclure says. “These formulas can cause your foundation to separate or become patchy, which is why they’re better suited for application before makeup or on bare skin.”
The takeaway
Wearing making containing SPF isn’t enough to protect your skin alone (although it can’t hurt to choose a base containing SPF over one that doesn’t, as well as wearing a separate SPF.)
To avoid disturbing your makeup, an SPF mist or powder is recommended to layer over the top. Avoid creams and lotions though as these are too thick to go over makeup and will only end up diluting it and making it look uneven.
Top up your SPF every few hours whether you’re wearing makeup or not and don’t forget to wear a hat for extra safety! When it comes to UV rays, you can never be too careful!
Meet the expert
Cassandra Mcclure is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Clean Beauty Collective.
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