Ultimate Guide: How to Effectively Apply Sunscreen Under Makeup for Maximum Protection

When it comes to protecting your skin from the harsh effects of the sun, using sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in your daily skincare and makeup routine. However, navigating the world of sunscreens, especially when you wear makeup, can be confusing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand how to apply sunscreen under makeup for maximum protection.

Understanding the Importance of Sunscreen

Before we dive into the application process, it’s crucial to understand why sunscreen is so vital. Sunscreen acts as a shield against the sun’s UV rays, which can cause skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds and glass.

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When to Apply Sunscreen in Your Skincare Routine

The order in which you apply your skincare and makeup products is key to ensuring that your sunscreen works effectively.

After Skincare, Before Makeup

Dermatologists advise applying sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, but before you start applying any makeup. This means that after you’ve cleansed, applied any treatments or serums, and moisturized, you should apply your sunscreen. This ensures that the ingredients in your makeup do not dilute the efficacy of your SPF filter.

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Example Routine

Here’s a simple routine to follow:

Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to clean your face.
Treat: Apply any treatments or serums.
Moisturize: Use a moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
Apply Sunscreen: Apply your sunscreen, making sure to cover all exposed skin.
Primer and Makeup: Follow with your primer and then your makeup.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Under Makeup

Not all sunscreens are created equal, especially when it comes to wearing them under makeup. Here are some tips and recommendations for finding the best sunscreen for your skin type.

Best Sunscreens for Different Skin Types

Best Overall: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50+
This sunscreen is an SPF-primer hybrid, making it perfect for wearing under makeup. It has a minimal ingredient list, hydrates the skin, and provides mineral-only protection, which is great for sensitive skin.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
This sunscreen has a creamy texture, feels like a moisturizer, and leaves no white cast. It calms the skin and makes makeup application smoother.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
This sunscreen is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, and it leaves no white cast. It’s creamy and blendable, making it an excellent primer under foundation.
Best for Oily Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen
This matte sunscreen is infused with shea butter and acts as a great base for oily skin, helping to control oiliness throughout the day.
Best for Dry Skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
This gel-like sunscreen contains eight types of hyaluronic acid, making it highly hydrating and soothing for dry skin.

Key Ingredients to Look For

When choosing a sunscreen to wear under makeup, look for the following ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid: Helps keep the skin hydrated and plump.
Vitamin B5: Nourishes and hydrates the skin.
Mineral Filters: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection without irritating the skin.
Ceramides and Peptides: Help smooth and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

How to Apply Sunscreen Under Makeup

Applying sunscreen under makeup requires a bit of finesse to ensure it doesn’t pill or affect the texture of your makeup.

Allow Time to Settle

Give your sunscreen at least 10-15 minutes to settle into your skin before applying makeup. This helps prevent pilling and ensures a smooth base for your foundation.

Use the Right Amount

Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin but avoid using too much, as this can lead to a greasy texture under your makeup.

Pat, Don’t Rub

When applying foundation or concealer over your sunscreen, gently pat it onto your skin rather than rubbing. This helps maintain the integrity of the sunscreen layer.

Reapplying Sunscreen Over Makeup

One of the biggest challenges is reapplying sunscreen without messing up your makeup. Here are some tips:

Use Sunscreen Sprays or Sticks

Sunscreen sprays and sticks are great for reapplying over makeup. They are less likely to disturb your makeup and can be applied quickly and easily.

Coola SPF 60 Sunscreen Spray: A popular choice for reapplying sunscreen over makeup without causing any disruption.
Supergoop Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50: Acts as a great primer and can also be used as a highlighter, providing a dewy radiance.

Apply Strategically

If you need to reapply sunscreen over makeup, focus on areas that are most exposed to the sun, such as the nose, forehead, and cheeks. Use a light hand to avoid disturbing your makeup.

Additional Tips for Maximum Protection

Here are some additional tips to ensure you get the most out of your sunscreen and makeup routine:

Wear Protective Gear

In addition to using sunscreen, wear protective gear like hats, sunglasses, and clothing that shields your skin from the sun. This is especially important if you plan to be outside for extended periods.

Choose SPF-Infused Makeup

Using makeup products that contain SPF can provide additional protection. However, remember that the highest SPF from the products applied is the one you receive initially, so don’t rely solely on SPF-infused makeup for your sun protection.

Table: Comparing Top Sunscreens for Under Makeup

Sunscreen	SPF	Skin Type	Key Ingredients	Texture	White Cast
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow	50+	All skin types	Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid	Lightweight	No
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun	50+	Sensitive skin	Rice, Probiotics	Creamy	No
EltaMD UV Clear	46	Acne-prone skin	Zinc oxide	Creamy	No
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte	–	Oily skin	Shea butter	Matte	No
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel	–	Dry skin	Hyaluronic Acid	Gel-like	No
Supergoop Glowscreen	40	All skin types	Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5	Radiant finish	No

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Quotes from Beauty Experts

“If you have sensitive skin, it’s crucial to choose a sunscreen that is gentle and non-irritating. The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ is a great option as it feels like a moisturizer and leaves no white cast,” says a beauty editor from Who What Wear.
“Using a sunscreen spray over your makeup is a great way to reapply without disturbing your look. The Coola SPF 60 sunscreen spray is a favorite among many beauty enthusiasts,” advises a user on Reddit.

Real-Life Examples

Daily Routine: Start your day by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen after your moisturizer. For example, use the Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50+ as it provides a smooth base for your foundation and protects your skin from the sun.
Reapplication: If you’re going to be outside for an extended period, reapply sunscreen using a spray or stick. For instance, the Supergoop Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 can be applied quickly and easily over your makeup without causing any disruption.

Applying sunscreen under makeup is a crucial step in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. By choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type, applying it correctly, and reapplying strategically, you can ensure maximum protection while maintaining a flawless makeup look.

Remember, sun protection is not just about applying sunscreen once; it’s about making it a part of your daily skincare and makeup routine. Whether you’re heading out for a day at the beach or just running errands, make sure to apply sunscreen and reapply as needed to protect your skin and maintain its health and beauty.

In conclusion, the key to effectively applying sunscreen under makeup lies in understanding the importance of sun protection, choosing the right sunscreen, applying it correctly, and reapplying strategically. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of both sun protection and a flawless makeup look. Stay protected, stay beautiful