Keep your make-up intact & protect skin from UV rays too, with these expert-approved tips
Sunscreen, we all know we should be wearing it – but does concern over ruining your make-up prevent you from reapplying it later in the day? If so, you’re not alone. While using sunscreen in the morning is key, topping up our sun protection levels throughout the day is just as important.
As dermatologist Dr Cristina Psomadakis (Dr Soma) points out: “We know that most skin cancers are caused by unprotected long-term exposure to the sun. And, while skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world.
This is clearly a very serious reason to lather on the sunscreen, but it’s worth pointing out that UV rays can affect our skin in other ways too. “UV rays are the number one cause of skin ageing, which includes wrinkles and pigmentation” says Dr Soma. Safe to say that the benefits of wearing sunscreen are pretty far-reaching.
Throughout the day we sweat, touch and wipe our faces. We eat, we cry, we laugh. All of these reduce our sunscreen coverage
Why is it important to reapply your sunscreen?
If you regularly apply sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine – we’re sending a virtual high five your way! However, be aware that your sunscreen protection reduces over time.
“Throughout the day we sweat, touch and wipe our faces. We eat, we cry, we laugh. All of these actions help reduce our sunscreen coverage as it wears off over the course of the day,” explains Dr Soma.
How often should you reapply sunscreen? Sunscreen needs to be applied liberally, frequently and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, as the sun can dry it off the skin.
But what’s the best way to do that and keep our make-up base intact? From application techniques to top products to try, here’s all you need to know about how to apply sunscreen over make-up.
1. Apply enough sunscreen underneath your make-up in the morning
Is it best to put on sunscreen before or after make-up? We suggest that you start with before, making it the final step in your morning skincare routine.
The HSE recommends applying sunscreen twice: 30 minutes before going out into the sun then immediately before going out into the sun for ultimate protection. “Look for products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to 50 to help defend against UVB rays,” says Dr Soma. For UVA protection, look for ‘broad spectrum’ products with the highest, five-star rating.
Then, if you’re planning on wearing make-up, carry on as you normally would – your sunscreen shouldn’t affect your make-up products. In fact, some can act as a primer (extra bonus). Do bear in mind that even if your make-up contains SPF, you’ll still need to apply a separate sunscreen to give your skin the protection it needs and ensure even coverage.
As for how much you should be applying, the HSE recommends six to eight teaspoons if you’re covering your entire body, so be generous with the amount you use on your face. Too thin a layer and the effectiveness of your sun protection will be reduced. It may be better to play safe and apply too much instead of too little.
There are other aspects to remember, when having fun in the sun, to keep yourself and your family as safe and protected as possible.
- Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
- Never allow the skin to burn.
- Cover up with suitable clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses.
- Take extra care with children.
Want to learn how to layer your skincare? Watch our easy-to-follow, step-by-step video for top tips and tricks. Scroll down the page to check out our favourite sunscreens below.
2. Reapply sunscreen lotion with a make-up sponge
Once you’ve put on your sunscreen at the start of the day, you may be wondering how you’ll top it up later. But, can you really apply sunscreen lotion over your make-up? Absolutely.
One way Dr Soma suggests is to try applying sunscreen with a make-up sponge just as you would your foundation. That way, you’ll have better control.
Simply reapply your sunscreen over make-up using your sponge by squeezing it onto the back of your hand and dabbing it gently over your face.
Worried about leaving a white chalky residue behind? Sunscreens that don’t have a white cast will sink into the skin seamlessly once they’ve been pressed in with your sponge.
3. Use an SPF spray over make-up
Sunscreen mists, sprays and waters are another way to get your fill of UV protection without disturbing the hard work you’ve put into your make-up.
Because the mists are so thin, they’re not wet and heavy on the face meaning your eyeliner and mascara will stay put, waterproof or not. Quick drying, just spritz over your face in an even layer for skin that’s shielded from the sun’s rays and foundation that stays in place.
4. Use a sunscreen powder
Another type of product you may wish to weave into your suncare routine is a sunscreen powder – particularly if you have an oily skin type.
You might find you need to use more powder than you would with a liquid SPF for the same level of protection, but it’s less likely to spoil your make-up and can actually help perfect areas that are starting to look shiny. Result.
Best sunscreen to reapply over make-up
Ready to protect against UV rays all day every day? These are 10 of our team's favourite sunscreens to wear over make-up.
For a matte finish
Try: La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti Shine Invisible Fresh Mist SPF50
• Size: 75ml
• SPF 50
• Water resistant
This lightweight mist that gives top-level protection without the need for rubbing into skin – ideal to use as an SPF mist over make-up. Plus, the non-sticky matte finish is suitable for all skin types, whether you’re prone to oiliness or sit on the drier side.
For weightless protection
Try: Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Face Protection Mist SPF50+
• Size: 75ml
• SPF 50+
• With hyaluronic acid & vitamin E
• Cruelty free*
Providing not only super high protection, this facial mist has an ultra-light, fresh-feeling formula perfect for application over make-up. In fact, it’s Garnier’s No.1 for facial protection!** Use over or under make-up for weightless protection.
For sunscreen top-ups
Try: Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Mist
• Size: 60g
• SPF 50+
• Fragrance free
Protect your skin with Aussie icon Bondi Sands. With a fast-drying formula and invisible finish, this nourishing face mist is a fab way to reapply sunscreen over make-up throughout the day. Why not pair with the matching Face SPF 50?
For hydration
Try: Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50
• Size: 200ml
• SPF 50
• High UVA protection
• Non-comedogenic
• Cruelty free
Vichy’s misting range is all about hydration. Containing hyaluronic acid and the brand’s special mineralising water, its lightweight formula shields skin from harmful UV rays while adding moisture. Just spritz over make-up to top up throughout the day.
For oily, dry & combination skin
Try: e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! All Set for Skin SPF 30
• Size: 60ml
• SPF 30
Infused with skin-loving ingredients like watermelon fruit extract and prickly pear seed oil, this clear setting spray mists an invisible layer of SPF across the face. Spritz throughout the day for a make-up refresh that protects.
For a mattifying touch-up
Try: Supergoop! (Re)setting Powder™ SPF 30
• Size: 4.25g
• SPF 30
Minimise shine on-the-go and set make-up in place with Supergoop!’s SPF powder. With a built-in powder brush, use this over make-up for a mattifying touch-up, or on top of skincare to reduce the look of shine. (Psst: this would pair gorgeously with the rest of the Supergoop! SPF-enriched range.)
For a lightweight mist
Try: Avène Very High Protection Spray SPF50+
• Size: 200ml
• SPF 50+
• UVA protection
• For face and body
• Water resistant
• Sensitive skin
Containing Avène’s famous thermal spring water which soothes and softens skin, this anti-drying sun spray helps keep your complexion comfortable, protected and hydrated. Apply to fingertips and dab onto face and neck for a smooth, seamless finish.
For hydrating radiance
Try: Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Face Mist Top Up SPF50+
• Size: 75ml
• SPF 50+
Welcome to a new era of SPF with Naked Sundays. Using hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract and vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum, hydrate the skin while leaving a glowing shine. Use on its own, before make-up or as an on-the-go top-up.
For cooling sun protection
Try: Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30
• Size: 44ml
• SPF 30
Keep make-up fresh all day long with Coola’s SPF and setting spray in one. This multi-tasking spritz is infused with aloe vera and cucumber, for a matte finish sunscreen that hydrates. Enjoy a weightless, no-shine SPF anywhere you go!
For face & body
Try: Soltan Clear & Cool Protect Suncare Mist SPF30 200ml
• Size: 200ml
• SPF 30
• Vegan^ & cruelty free^^
If you’re not keen on spraying sunscreen directly onto your face and like the idea of a lightweight product that isn’t creamy, simply spritz this into your hands and pat gently onto your face (or use a make-up sponge). Its water-resistant and high-protection formula is perfect for summer holidays.
Want more SPF goodness? Check out our full sun protection range. While the jury’s still out on what’s the best SPF for under make-up, or the best sunscreen over make-up, we’ve got a fab range of recs for you to try. Whether you prefer a mist, cream, powder or more, you can shop all things SPF at Boots.
