Asked on Reddit: How to Reapply Sunscreen When Wearing Makeup

Use a Powder Sunscreen

Both Dr. King and Balian recommend using a loose powder when reapplying sunscreen as it’s one of the easiest and most convenient ways to ensure makeup will remain intact. Balian, who is known for her bridal makeup, says, “If you have makeup on and don’t want to mess it up, I would suggest applying a loose [SPF] powder with a makeup brush [approximately] every two hours.”

This option is ideal for those with a matte base routine as most mineral powders will erase any shine on the skin. Dust on a powder sunblock like the Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder to serve as your setting powder and 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.”

Make Spray SPF Your BFF

Let’s say you applied your foundation to perfection and have created a dewy base that TikTok beauty influencers would envy. When the time comes to reapply your sunscreen, you won’t want to mess with that glowy — not greasy — finish. Instead of using a powder product, reach for a a spray-on SPF. We recommend the HABIT N°39 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 39, which dries quickly on the face without interfering with your foundation, blush or concealer.

Try Makeup with SPF

Some foundations, like the Valentino Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation and the YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation, contain broad-spectrum SPF to assist your regular sunscreen with protecting your skin against the sun's harmful rays. SPF makeup is a good idea in theory; however, it’s not going to give you enough sun protection on its own. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, underneath your makeup before using one of these products. This option is preferred for those who will be in the sun minimally. 

Take Your Sun Exposure into Consideration

Choose your makeup application based on how much sun you expect to get that day. This is a tip that our experts (and many Redditors) recommend for the most practical way to reapply sunscreen when wearing makeup. On the days you expect to be outside in the sun longer than two hours, keep your makeup application minimal — opt for a tinted SPF like the Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact over a regular foundation for necessary reapplication. If you’re going to be in and out of the sun's light (this means sitting by a sunny spot in transit or at work) you can go for the full glam makeup — just keep a SPF powder or mist nearby. And now, in true Reddit fashion…

TL;DR:

• If something has to be limited in your beauty routine, it should be makeup — not sunscreen,

• Pick up a good SPF spray or powder to apply over your makeup on days you’ll be in the sun.

• Makeup with foundation is a good start, but you should still use a regular broad-spectrum SPF underneath.