A good skincare routine keeps your skin healthy and protected. Every step, cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and especially sunscreen, plays a role in overall skin wellness. Sunscreen is essential for shielding your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But many are unsure about when to apply sunscreen during makeup.
This blog on makeup steps with sunscreen clears the confusion and shows how to balance skincare with makeup.
Should You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Makeup?
The question of when to apply sunscreen before or after makeup is a tricky one. Ideally or the common practice is to apply sunscreen after moisturizer and before the makeup.
Make-up products, such as moisturizers, concealers, lipstick, and eyeshadow, all have in -built sun protection factor (SPF ) 30 or above.
Unfortunately, the SPF in these makeup products provides minimal sun protection, or possibly is not enough to minimize the harmful effects of the sun’s UV radiation, as per the experts.
SPF makeup products provide only a bonus layer of protection. So, sunscreen application as a base layer on clean skin is necessary before applying foundation, BB cream, or setting powder. On a similar note, only applying a sunscreen product is also not enough to get the full protection from the sun’s rays.
Therefore, to sustain the broad-spectrum sun protection, you need to apply sunscreen before makeup and also reapply it every 2-3 hours after makeup, especially if you are spending time outdoors.
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How to Apply Sunscreen With Makeup: 7 Steps To Follow
The correct order of applying skincare and beauty products is crucial for maximizing sun protection. Here are the makeup steps with sunscreen to help you layer SPF makeup and sunscreen properly while maintaining a balanced routine.
Step 1 Rinse Face
Begin by cleansing your face with a cleanser designed for your skin type. Hydrating and creamy cleansers are good for dry skin, while foam and gel cleansers are good for those with oily or combination skin.
Step 2: Include Any Serums
After towel drying your skin, apply serums. Check that each of these products gets absorbed fully before you proceed to the next step to reduce the chance of pilling.
Step 3 Moisturize
This step is concerned with applying a moisturizer. Even if you dont have dry skin, the step is crucial to replenish the skin and offer a smooth canvas for the subsequent makeup application.
Step 4: Apply sunscreen
Wait for the moisturizer to get absorbed before you apply sunscreen. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen formula. Make sure to apply it all across your face and neck, and also to other exposed skin.
Step 5: Let the sunscreen absorb
Start by letting the sunscreen get absorbed into your skin for 15 minutes. This will enable sunscreen to perform to its full potential. In case the sunscreen does not get absorbed properly before makeup, there lies the risk that all your blending and buffing will clear the sunscreen.
Step 6: Apply primer
When the 15-minute absorption time is over, you can put makeup primer on your skin. The step will help ensure that your makeup stays smooth and lasts long.
Step 7: Put foundation and other makeup
This is the final yet most exciting step on how to apply sunscreen with makeup. Apply foundation, concealer, blush, and other makeup products as usual, and for a dewy finish, apply a setting spray.
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How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
To reapply sunscreen over makeup, opt for light, reapplication-friendly formulas like mists, powders, or sprays. Gently pat the product over your makeup to maintain coverage without smudging.
Elaboration:
1. Choose the Right Product:
Mists: Sunscreen mists are designed to be applied evenly over makeup without disrupting it.
Powders: Mineral powder sunscreens can be applied with a brush or sponge, providing a matte finish and extra sun protection.
Sprays: Sunscreen sprays are a convenient option for reapplying, especially outdoors, as they don’t require a mirror.
Sticks: Sunscreen sticks can be used to target specific areas and are great for mess-free reapplication.
2. Reapplication Techniques:
- Mist: Spritz a sunscreen mist onto your face from a safe distance and let it dry.
- Powder: Use a brush or sponge to gently swirl the powder sunscreen over your face in circular motions.
- Spray: Hold the spray a safe distance from your face and spray evenly.
- Stick: Swipe the stick onto the desired areas and gently blend it in.
3. Tips for Oily Skin:
- Use blotting paper to remove excess oil before reapplying sunscreen.
- Opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogging pores.
4. Importance of Reapplication:
- Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, especially when spending extended time outdoors.
- Regular reapplication ensures consistent UV protection and boosts skin health.
Do’s and Don’ts of Makeup Steps With Sunscreen
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Choose sunscreen products with an SPF of at least 30 if you are going to be outside in the sun for an extended period. | Do not apply sunscreen on damp skin, as it can dilute the sunscreen’s effectiveness. |
| Do apply a good amount of sunscreen. Apply generously to cover your entire face and neck. | Do not use body sunscreen on your face, as body sunscreens may be thicker and may not be suitable for your facial skin. |
| Apply to areas other than your face, like arms, neck, and other skin exposed to the sun. | Don’t skip reapplication of sunscreen, especially if you’re sweating or after swimming. |
| Always check the expiration date of your sunscreen to get the skin protection you need. | Do not forget to remove makeup before bed to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. |
| Apply sunscreen as the final skincare step after moisturizing, but before any makeup. | Do not mix sunscreen with other SPF products, as this may dilute the sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness. |
Conclusion
Hope the makeup steps with sunscreen have helped simplify things from the skin protection aspect. All it requires is a little bit of smart layering and timing.
Having an understanding of how to apply sunscreen over makeup and when to apply sunscreen during makeup can make a huge difference in maintaining glowing, healthy skin.
Further, reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours over makeup helps prevent premature ageing, sun tan, sun burn, and other sun-induced damage to your skin.
FAQs
Can we apply makeup on sunscreen?
Yes, you can apply makeup over sunscreen. Apply sunscreen after you apply moisturizer, and before applying makeup.
Can we apply makeup after sunscreen?
Yes, it’s usually recommended to apply makeup after sunscreen. Sunscreen application should be the last step of the skincare routine, after cleansing and moisturizing, but before applying makeup.
Can we use sunscreen after makeup?
Although it is technically possible to reapply sunscreen after makeup, it’s usually recommended to apply sunscreen before makeup to get optimal sun protection and makeup application.
Can I apply sunscreen after moisturizer immediately?
Yes, you can apply sunscreen after moisturizer immediately. But it’s important to allow the moisturizer to absorb first. It will help ensure a smooth, even application of the sunscreen.
How long does sunscreen take to dry before applying makeup?
Sunscreen usually takes 10-15 minutes to fully absorb before applying makeup.
Can I apply BB cream after sunscreen?
Yes, you can apply BB cream after sunscreen, but it’s recommended to apply sunscreen first and let it absorb before you apply other products.
When to apply sunscreen during makeup?
You should always apply sunscreen before makeup. To ensure better absorption, always apply sunscreen after moisturizer before you proceed to apply makeup.
Can I apply primer after sunscreen?
Yes, you can apply primer after sunscreen, but it’s important to let the sunscreen fully absorb first.
Is sunscreen a good substitute for moisturizer?
No. While some sunscreens might provide moisturizing properties, they are not made to offer the same level of hydration as a dedicated moisturizer.
Does makeup help cancel out sunscreen?
No, makeup usually does not “cancel out” sunscreen, but it might interfere with its effectiveness if not applied properly.