Sunscreen has become part of many people's daily summer routine. But how does it work with makeup? Can makeup with SPF alone provide sufficient protection? Discover how to properly combine sunscreen and makeup to optimally protect your skin – including tips for refreshing your sun protection throughout the day.

overview

• Makeup with SPF: Is that enough as sun protection?
• Guide to using sunscreen under makeup
• Refreshing sunscreen without ruining your makeup

Makeup with SPF: Is that enough as sun protection?

Makeup very often contains its own sun protection factor (SPF). The skin-tone formula in foundations is composed of iron oxide (yellow, red, and black) and titanium dioxide (white). These minerals absorb light and UV radiation, offering some protection. However, to achieve the stated level of protection, you would need to apply approximately 1–1.5 grams to your face, similar to sunscreen. That's about six to seven times more product than you would typically use in makeup. Therefore, wearing makeup alone unfortunately does n't provide any significant protection .

Furthermore, makeup often doesn't offer broad-spectrum protection . This means that UVA protection is minimal. Sunscreens that provide at least one-third of the UVA protection of the SPF are marked in the EU with the UVA seal (UVA in a circle). This seal is generally missing from makeup.

Tinted sunscreens or BB creams could be a real alternative. These are designed to be used in sufficient quantities. The disadvantage is that the shade range in this product category is often rather limited.

Often, the combination of good sunscreen plus a good foundation works best.

Photo: by Antonio Gabola via Unsplash

Guide to using sunscreen under makeup

How do you best combine sunscreen and makeup? Sunscreen is applied as the last step in your morning skincare routine. Dry skin can benefit from an extra moisturizer beforehand. Oily skin might prefer to skip it or use only a serum.

An SPF of 30 or 50 is recommended. By definition, this increases the time you can safely spend in the sun by 30 or 50 times, respectively. While you don't necessarily need this theoretical value in everyday life, it somewhat compensates for imperfect application, insufficient product, or wear and tear throughout the day. Ideally, you should use 1-1.5g, depending on face size, and reapply every few hours throughout the day to maintain the stated protection.

Underneath makeup, it's worth looking for a light sunscreen for a more comfortable skin feel. Products containing denatured alcohol often have a lighter texture. However, they might not be suitable for very sensitive skin. Korean sunscreens are also often elegantly formulated. The UVA booster contains 3% rice powder. This absorbs shine and creates a subtle soft-focus effect, making it ideal as a makeup base.

Once sunscreen is applied, it's recommended to wait a few minutes for the film to set before applying makeup. This allows the protection to fully develop. Apply makeup using a dabbing motion rather than rubbing to keep the sunscreen as intact as possible.

Photo: by freestocks via Unsplash

Refreshing sunscreen without ruining your makeup

In everyday life, for example at the office, it might not be absolutely necessary to constantly reapply sunscreen over makeup if you applied it diligently in the morning. However, in summer , especially around midday and after several hours since your morning routine, it's advisable to reapply sunscreen over makeup when outdoors to prevent sunburn and other skin damage.

There are three popular methods for this:

1. Spray: generously spray sunscreen onto your face.
2. Stick: Sweep a sunscreen stick over your face.
3. Beauty Blender: my preferred method - dab your favorite sunscreen over your makeup using a makeup sponge.

Powder with SPF is unfortunately not a suitable method, as such small amounts are applied that it offers no significant protection. The three methods mentioned are also not perfect. If we are exceptionally exposed to very strong UV radiation on vacation, then perhaps it's best to forgo makeup and apply sunscreen thoroughly.

Conclusion

Even without compromising your beauty routine, sun protection and makeup can be combined. The important thing is not to rely solely on makeup with SPF, but to find a sunscreen you really like and apply regularly under your makeup every morning. Have fun experimenting and stay well protected!

Your Ying

Engineer, cosmetic scientist and founder of Skingineered