Beauty Q&A: How the Hell Do I Reapply Sunscreen Over My Makeup?

The rules of sunscreen have been drilled into our head time and time again: re-apply every two hours — or even more frequently if you’ve been swimming, sweating or doing any other activity that might affect your layers and layers of SPF protection. These rules (which you’ve probably mastered at this point in your life) are pretty self-explanatory, but the same can’t be said when you’re wearing makeup. I mean, you can’t just smear face sunscreen over your contour and call it a day. The result would be total chaos.

So if you’re wondering how the hell you’re supposed to reapply sunscreen over your makeup, look no further. We reached out to NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King for her expert opinion on how to keep your skin safe without destroying your beat. Ahead, check out some of her biggest tips.

Be Careful About Using Multiple Products with SPF —  Choose Just One!

“SPF isn't an equation. Using an SPF 15 primer and an SPF 20 foundation doesn’t give you a total of SPF 35.  Your sun protection is only as strong as the highest number — 20 in this example. And this is at best. Using multiple products has the potential to dilute your SPF.”

Start With a Moisturizer That Contains SPF

“There are so many great SPF products these days that there are a lot of options for how to incorporate sun protection into your routine. One option is to start with a moisturizer with SPF, then follow with your usual makeup.”

Try a Primer That Contains SPF

“If you like to use a primer, there are some great primers with SPF including La Roche-Posay Anthelios Daily Face Primer with Sunscreen SPF 50. Follow with makeup.”

Use a Tinted Moisturizer with SPF as Your Base

“If you prefer to use a tinted moisturizer with SPF as your makeup, there are great options for that too: King’s favorites are SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32 tinted and Revision Skincare Intellishade SPF 45.”

-

Use a Powder Sunblock to Re-apply, Or as the Last Step in Your Makeup Routine

“You can save SPF for your final step and finish with a powder sunblock like Brush On Block with SPF 30. It does double duty as your setting powder and your sun protection. “I find this to be the simplest way to reapply SPF on top of makeup without messing up your makeup or having to redo it,” says King. “Remember that it's important to be just as thorough when you reapply as you were when you initially applied your SPF.”

Read More:

How Do I Cover Up a Tattoo With Makeup?