Sunscreen vs. Makeup: Which SPF Won't Ruin Your Look

Getting ready to spend some time outdoors? If so, it’s time to explore sun protection options. There are many (too many, some might say) kinds of sunscreens available, with different levels of sun protection—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And yes, this also applies to those of you who love to wear makeup!

The unfortunate truth is that yes, you still need to wear sunscreen even with layers of foundation and concealer already on your face. But don’t worry! There are ways to protect your skin without sacrificing the artistic vision.

Let’s dive in!

Do you still need SPF and why?

Yes, you still have to wear sunscreen under your makeup! Even if your makeup products already have SPF in their formula. The truth about makeup with SPF is that most of those products only have an SPF of around 15 or 20—this is not enough for your face, which you expose to the sun every time you go outside.

“Oh, but my makeup has a higher SPF than that! Do I still need sunscreen?” you might ask. The answer to that question is a confident yes. Even if your foundation or some other product had the highest sun protection in existence, you would never put enough on your face for it to count.

Which SPF should you use?

The debate around SPF 30 vs 50 vs 70 often comes into play when selecting products. The difference in the level of protection might seem insignificant, but it still can play a role for those with sensitive skin and fairer complexions.

Keep in mind that no sunscreen offers 100% protection against sun damage!

Because sunscreen is non-negotiable, you’re now facing the issue of selecting the one that’ll work for you and your preferred makeup routine. Many find that lightweight, mineral sunscreens with an SPF of at least 50 containing zinc oxide create the most seamless base for foundation application while still protecting the skin. Such formulas tend to absorb quickly without leaving a heavy or greasy residue that might cause your makeup to crease or slide off.

Still, some may leave a slight white cast that you need to work thoroughly into the skin. If that’s a no-go for you, consider looking into tinted sunscreens for added coverage or chemical sunscreens if your skin tolerates those.

If you have sensitive skin, please patch-test any sunscreen before using it on your face and use a cosmetic scanner app to ensure all ingredients are safe for your skin type.

How do you apply makeup over SPF?

The goal is to not only make your makeup look flawless, but also to make it last. The best way to use sunscreen here is to apply it as the final step in your skincare routine and allow it to fully absorb before applying any makeup products. Waiting a few minutes before reaching for your foundation is usually enough.

When applying makeup over sunscreen, use gentle patting or pressing motions rather than rubbing the products. If you usually apply your foundation with a brush, consider switching to a beauty blender so that you can blend the products without disturbing the sunscreen layer beneath.

What about reapplication?

Ideally, you’d reapply sunscreen every two hours when exposed to sunlight, which can seem impractical at best to those wearing makeup. Fortunately, you have options.

If you get shiny easily, and you have to touch up your makeup frequently, consider powder sunscreens. You can dust them over existing makeup with a brush or a powder pad. There are also spray formulas designed for use over makeup, though you need to be heavy-handed with those if you wish to maintain the best level of sun protection.

Wouldn’t SPF make my makeup cakey?

No one wants their foundation to look cakey or cause excessive shine. While this can happen with some formulas, many modern sunscreens work well under makeup. Choose products that complement your skin type and preferred makeup routine, and you’ll find what works for you!

You should also consider the weather changes when combining sunscreen and makeup. In warmer months, when humidity is higher, you might opt for more mattifying formulas and water-resistant options. Setting sprays can also help products stay in place, even with you sweating more.

During colder months, more hydrating formulas that address winter dryness are the way to go. Remember that sun protection remains non-negotiable year-round, even on colder, cloudy days.

It’s all about experimenting

Using makeup with sunscreen effectively can be a learning curve and requires some trial and error before you find a product that works for you.

You need to consider what your skin can tolerate, how much makeup you plan to apply on top of your sunblock, your weather conditions, and personal preferences. Having a couple of different options for various situations can help you stay consistent with sun protection without sacrificing comfort. You might have one sunscreen for a lightweight day-to-day routine and a different one for outdoor activities or vacation days.

Final thoughts

With the wide variety of sunscreen and makeup products available today, there’s likely a combination that will work for you. The key is approaching sun protection as a non-skippable part of your beauty routine rather than something you “just need to do sometimes.”

So never skip sun protection, patch-test new products, and remember to have fun and experiment!