This post is all about how to reapply sunscreen when you have makeup on.
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Keeping your skin protected throughout the day is essential, but let’s face it – reapplying sunscreen over a full face of makeup can feel like trying to frost an already frosted cake. In other words, it can feel gross. The good news is, with the rise of new innovative solutions like a spray sunscreen or powder sunscreen, touching up your UV protection no longer means sacrificing your perfectly blended foundation or meticulously applied contour.
Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or full-glam enthusiast, keeping your skin protected throughout the day shouldn’t mean compromising your look. Here are five game-changing tips that will revolutionize how you approach sunscreen reapplication – no makeup sacrifice required.
How To Reapply Sunscreen
While these reapplication methods help maintain sun protection throughout the day, they shouldn’t replace your initial thorough application of broad-spectrum sunscreen. No touch-up method can perfectly match the coverage of your morning routine when you apply sunscreen to bare skin.
For maximum protection, especially during extended sun exposure or outdoor activities, consider taking breaks to properly remove makeup and reapply a traditional sunscreen. These tips are meant to help you maintain some protection while preserving your makeup in everyday situations.
1. Use Powder Sunscreen
When it comes to reapplying sun protection over makeup, powder sunscreen is a game-changer that deserves a permanent spot in your handbag. These innovative formulas combine mineral UV filters with a lightweight powder base, making them perfect for touch-ups without disturbing your carefully applied makeup.
The best part? They also help control midday shine, essentially working as both a setting powder and sun protection in one convenient package.
For oily or combination skin types, powder sunscreen is particularly beneficial as it helps absorb excess oil while maintaining your UV defense. However, those with dry skin should note that while powder sunscreen works great for reapplication, you might want to use a hydrating facial mist first to prevent any potential caking or emphasizing of dry patches.
Application:
To apply, start by tapping a small amount of powder into the lid or built-in brush (depending on your product’s packaging). Using gentle circular motions, dust the powder over your face, paying special attention to areas that get the most sun exposure – your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
Don’t forget about the most missed spots like around your hairline and under your jawline. For the most effective protection, apply two layers, waiting about 30 seconds between applications.
2. Try A Setting Spray Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to refresh your sun protection without disturbing your makeup, an SPF setting spray might be your new best friend. These innovative formulas deliver a fine mist of sunscreen that settles evenly over your makeup, creating an invisible shield of protection while simultaneously helping your look stay fresh.
Think of it as hitting the refresh button on both your sun defense and your makeup. Unlike traditional liquid sunscreens, SPF setting sprays are formulated to work over makeup rather than being rubbed into the skin.
What makes these sprays particularly versatile is their suitability for all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, a good SPF setting spray won’t add heaviness or disturb your skin’s natural balance. Those with dry skin will appreciate that many formulas include hydrating ingredients, while people with oily skin can opt for mattifying versions that help control shine.
Application:
For the most effective application, hold the bottle about 8-10 inches from your face and spray in an “X” and “T” motion, ensuring even coverage. Keep your eyes closed and mouth shut during application, and don’t forget to protect these areas with your hands.
For optimal protection, apply two layers, allowing about 30 seconds of drying time between each. A helpful trick is to gently fan your face with your hand to help the product settle evenly.
3. Try The Cushion Puff Method
The cushion puff method is a game-changing technique that’s taken the beauty world by storm, offering a gentle way to reapply SPF without disturbing your makeup. This Korean beauty-inspired approach uses a clean, dry cushion puff – the same type that comes with cushion foundations to press liquid sunscreen into your skin over makeup.
This method is effective because of how it works with rather than against your existing makeup. The cushion puff’s unique texture helps break down the liquid sunscreen into a fine layer that sits beautifully on top of your makeup while still providing protection.
The pressing motion helps the sunscreen meld with your makeup instead of disrupting it, making it an excellent way to reapply SPF throughout the day.
Application:
To master this technique, start by dispensing a small amount of your favorite liquid sunscreen onto the back of your hand (about a nickel-sized amount). Gently dip your cushion puff into the sunscreen, then lightly press and roll it between your fingers to distribute the product evenly throughout the puff.
Using gentle pressing motions – never dragging or wiping, and pat the puff onto your skin, working in sections across your face. The key is to use light, bouncing motions that deposit the sunscreen without lifting your makeup.
For best results, opt for a lightweight, liquid sunscreen formula. Anything too thick or creamy might be harder to distribute evenly.
Give each section a minute to settle before moving on, and resist the urge to blend or rub. You might notice a slight dewiness at first, but this will typically settle into a natural finish within a few minutes.
4. Master The Patting Technique
For those moments when wearing sunscreen needs to seamlessly integrate with your existing makeup, the patting technique offers a precise method of reapplication that, when done correctly, preserves your carefully applied look. This technique requires a bit more patience than other methods, but the results are worth the extra care and attention
When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen for this method, lightweight, liquid formulations are your best friends. Look for products labeled as “lightweight” or “fluid”. These tend to have a thinner consistency that’s less likely to pill or disturb your makeup. Korean and Japanese sunscreens often excel in this category, as they’re specifically formulated with layering in mind.
Application:
Start by dispensing a small amount of sunscreen (about half your usual amount) onto your fingertips. Warm the product between your fingers for a few seconds. This helps it become more malleable and easier to work with. Then, using your ring fingers for the gentlest touch, press the sunscreen onto your skin using light, quick patting motions.
Think of it as playing a piano with the softest touch possible. Work in small sections, starting from the center of your face and moving outward.
The most common mistake people make is using too much product at once. Instead of applying one thick layer, build up protection gradually with multiple thin layers, allowing 30-60 seconds of settling time between each.
Another frequent error is rushing the process. Quick rubbing motions will almost certainly disrupt your makeup. Remember: patient, gentle pats are the key to success.
To avoid disturbing your makeup, keep these crucial tips in mind: never drag or pull your skin, avoid using pressing motions that are too firm, and resist the urge to blend the sunscreen as you would during your morning routine. If you notice any pilling or lifting of your makeup, you’re either using too much pressure or too much product.
5. Use Facial Mists With SPF As A Refresher
When your skin needs both a refresh and SPF protection, facial mists with sunscreen are your secret weapon. These lightweight sprays offer a trifecta of benefits: they hydrate your skin, revive your makeup, and provide an extra layer of sun protection without requiring you to touch your face.
While they shouldn’t be your only form of UV defense, they’re perfect for those moments when you need a quick boost of protection.
Timing is crucial when using SPF mists. They’re particularly valuable during outdoor lunch breaks, long commutes, or when you’re sitting near windows during peak sun hours.
Keep one at your desk for quick touch-ups, especially if you’re in a brightly lit office. Unlike heavier sunscreen products, these mists can be applied multiple times throughout the day without feeling heavy or cakey.
Application:
The key to making facial mists work effectively is proper application and layering. Hold the bottle about 8-10 inches from your face and spray in a continuous motion, ensuring even coverage. For optimal results, apply in two layers: first, a general spritz all over your face, then a second, more targeted application focusing on areas that get the most sun exposure.
Between layers, let the mist settle for about 30 seconds – resist the urge to fan your face, as this can cause uneven distribution.
Consider combining facial mists with other reapplication methods. For instance, start with a powder sunscreen to control oil and provide initial protection, then layer a facial mist on top for added hydration and SPF.
This combination approach not only ensures better coverage but also helps maintain the longevity of your makeup. Just remember to let each layer settle before applying the next, and always prioritize thorough coverage over speed of application.
