Ask Dr. Parks, Makeup, Skin Care

How to Re-Apply Sunscreen While Wearing Makeup

Whether you’re spending time by the pool in the summer or playing in the snow in the winter, you should be applying sunscreen every single day, no matter the time of year. You’ll need to re-apply your sunscreen a few times while you’re out and about for the day, but if you’re wearing tinted moisturizer, concealer, or foundation, it can make it a little tough to re-apply SPF without ruining your makeup. This doesn’t mean you can just avoid re-applying your sunscreen- there are ways to protect your skin from aging while keeping your look flawless.

  1. The first step is applying sunscreen BEFORE you do your makeup. If you’re not doing this now, start ASAP! Using sunscreen is the number 1 way to prevent aging, discoloration, and dark spots (not to mention skin cancer). Done the right way, it can offer full protection without causing your makeup to look cakey or oily. Sunscreen is typically the last step in your skincare routine, following serums, moisturizers, and eye cream. If you aren’t sure what kind of sunscreen to use for your skin type, check out this blog on The Best Sunscreens For Each Skin Type. Many people will opt for a primer before their makeup, especially if it’s going to be on for a few hours. Some of our favorites include the Colorescience Bronzing Primer, the Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer, and the La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen (PRO TIP: The Colorescience and La Roche Posay Primers both contain SPF)! After applying your primer, you might apply foundation, concealer, BB cream, or other types of makeup on top of your sunscreen. Tip: Match the consistency of your primer to your makeup! For example, if you have an oil-based foundation, make sure you’re using an oil-based primer for the best result.
  2. Another great option: try a moisturizer or foundation that has SPF in it! Whether you opt for a BB cream, tinted moisturizer, or full-on foundation, many of them offer SPF protection along with makeup coverage. When you need to re-apply, you can touch up your makeup and your sunscreen all at once! The La Roche Posay TOLERIANE Double Repair Moisturizer UV is SPF 30 and great for sensitive skin types. For dry or mature skin, the DCL Profoundly Effective A Cream has SPF 30 and softens and smooths rough skin. The PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum is great for moderate hydration for normal skin with SPF 30 to protect the skin.
  3. Setting spray with sunscreen: One of the newest options in the skincare world is a makeup setting spray infused with SPF. This allows you to spray on your sunscreen whenever you need to reapply, and also set your makeup and keep it from breaking apart! After applying your skincare, sunscreen, and makeup (in that order), you likely already use some sort of setting spray or mist to keep your makeup from creasing or getting oily or cakey. This allows for consistent sun protection that actually helps your makeup instead of ruining it.
  4. Brush on powder sunscreen: This is another great way to keep your makeup looking flawless while re-applying your sunscreen! Not only does it give your skin the protection that it needs, but it can also absorb any oiliness you might be feeling throughout the day and keep your makeup looking its best. Every few hours, brush on a powder sunscreen like the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield with SPF 50. It comes in 4 different shades and can be used on all skin types to freshen up your look and absorb oil and sweat while preventing a nasty sunburn.
  5. Sunscreen sprays: That sunscreen spray you’re using when you don’t feel like rubbing in a lotion? It can be used to apply sunscreen after your makeup, too! It’s easy to give your face a quick spritz every couple of hours without having to remove your makeup or cause it to run. Apply your sunscreen in the morning under your makeup as usual, and as the day goes on and it comes time to re-apply your SPF, pull out your favorite sunscreen spray and lightly spray a few inches away from your face on top of your makeup. Let it dry, and you’re set until your next application. Even though it’s for your body, the HydroPeptide Solar Defense Body Spray SPF 30 has hydrating and anti-aging ingredients that can help your face as well as your body.

Sunscreen is such an important step in your skincare routine, and it can be easy to forget about it when you’re in a rush or have already applied your makeup for the day. With these tips, you can make sure you’re getting ample SPF protection all throughout the day while also rocking your favorite makeup look.

About Dr. Alan J. Parks

Dr. Alan Parks is a board certified dermatologist. Dr. Parks founded his practice, Eastside Dermatology, in 1986 and has been practicing there ever since. In 2016 Dr. Parks launched DermWarehouse, an eCommerce website selling professional strength skin care products to customers across the United States.