Don’t sweat it: Here’s how to apply (and reapply) SPF without messing up your makeup
If you’re a makeup lover who is religious about applying SPF every morning, you may be familiar with the struggle that is finding a sunscreen that doesn’t cause pilling or make your makeup slip and slide or look greasy throughout the day. Thankfully, there are many great sunscreen options available that are formulated to work well under makeup. Formula aside though, how you apply your sunscreen also matters. To help with all this, we chatted with Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist Nikki La Rose. Read on for her top tips on how to wear sunscreen under makeup like a pro.
First things first, for a flawless makeup application over sunscreen, it’s important to use the right formula for your specific skin needs. “For example, if you have oily skin, avoid formulas that are overly thick and moisturizing and stick to lightweight gel consistencies,” La Rose says. In general, lighter formulas tend to work best under makeup, so look for keywords such as invisible, sheer, gel or clear such as Murad’s Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Bonus points if your sunscreen is also loaded with skincare ingredients that improve your skin’s overall health.
If you find that your makeup isn’t sitting quite right on top of your SPF, take into consideration the skincare products you’re applying before your sunscreen. “Sometimes it’s going to come down to the formulas that you’re using together that are just not getting along,” La Rose says. “I find, for example, that some vitamin C serums can be the culprit of pilling. To be safe, save thicker skin care formulas for your nighttime skincare routine.”
Pro tip: If you plan on being photographed, use a chemical sunscreen instead of a mineral sunscreen. “Chemical sunscreen is the safest for avoiding flashback in photos,” La Rose says. “And if you want to be extra safe, stick to a slightly lower SPF only for those specific situations.”
Another common mistake is applying your makeup right after sunscreen before it’s had enough time to fully dry and absorb into your skin. This can cause pilling or create a streaky mess. For best results, La Rose recommends waiting 10-15 minutes after your sunscreen application before applying your makeup. She suggests using that time for other getting ready rituals such as doing your hair, making coffee or picking out your outfit for the day.
Yes, it’s possible to reapply your SPF during the day without disturbing your makeup. La Rose notes that the market has come a long way and now we have many SPF options such as sunscreen sticks that you can swipe on over makeup, sprays that feel like a hydrating mist and loose setting powders with sun protection.
Lastly, La Rose notes that everyone’s skin is different. Finding the best combo of SPF formula and makeup that looks flawless and stays put throughout the day all while protecting your skin from the sun will require some trial and error. So be patient and don’t be discouraged. As long as you opt for a sunscreen formula that works well under makeup and allow enough time for it to absorb into your skin, you’ll be in good shape.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.
