Why is SPF so important?
You’ve probably heard it 100 times from 100 different people on why sunscreen is very important and tips to apply suncreen. Even though we’re going to say the same thing, we thought to give a slight twist on how we will say it.
So here goes!
Picture SPF as your skin’s superhero shield against the sneaky villains known as UV rays. These rays, like stealthy ninjas, can damage your skin, cause burns, and speed up ageing.
SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, is like a trusty sidekick that blocks these harmful rays from wreaking havoc. It’s the ultimate bodyguard for your skin, preventing sunburns, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and keeping those annoying wrinkles at bay.

So, whether you’re hitting the beach or just strolling around, never underestimate the power of SPF.
It’s not just a beauty choice, it’s a health choice – your skin’s BFF in the fight against the sun’s not-so-friendly rays!
Does sunscreen under makeup actually work?
While there’s a common misconception about sunscreen not working its magic under all that heavy makeup, it’s absolutely not true.
Sunscreen is a sturdy foundation for your makeup (or any skincare) routine. When applied correctly, it forms an invisible barrier that shields your skin from harmful UV rays, regardless of whether you’re wearing makeup or not.
However, the key lies in the application technique. Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen compatible with your makeup products. Allow the sunscreen to absorb fully into your skin before applying makeup to ensure maximum efficacy.
Having said that, you shouldn’t really stop with just that. For your sunscreen to work its magic better, you have to keep reapplying it over your makeup every few hours.
So, rest assured, when done right, sunscreen under (or over) your makeup has always got your back!
How many times should you apply/reapply sunscreen in a day?

As mentioned above, sunscreen application isn’t a one-time affair. A single application in the morning is not really enough to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays throughout the day.
Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. This is especially important if you’re spending extended periods outdoors or in direct sunlight.
Remember, sunscreen can wear off or become less effective over time, so it’s crucial to stay diligent with reapplication. To make it easier, consider keeping a travel-sized sunscreen in your bag or purse for touch-ups on the go.
By reapplying sunscreen regularly, you can ensure your skin remains protected and reduce the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and skin damage.
Tips for reapplying sunscreen over your makeup

Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is crucial for maintaining skin protection, but doing so over makeup can be challenging.
Here are some tips to seamlessly reapply sunscreen without messing up your makeup:
- Consider a setting spray with SPF. You can easily achieve sun protection with a few spritzes while keeping your makeup intact.
- Invest in a translucent powder with SPF. You just have to gently dust it over your makeup to refresh your sun protection without ruining your look.
- Keep a sunscreen stick in your bag. Dab the stick directly onto areas prone to sun exposure, like the nose, cheeks, and forehead. This way, you don’t have to smear your makeup.
- Consider an SPF-infused cushion compact. Press the cushion applicator over your makeup for a gentle and even reapplication.
- Go for blotting papers that have SPF incorporated in them. You can strengthen your sun protection while blotting away all the extra oil.
- Apply sunscreen and a mild, oil-free moisturiser before starting your makeup. As a result, it minimises the need for heavy reapplication.
By incorporating these tips, you can prioritise both your skin’s health and the longevity of your makeup. Isn’t that a win-win?
Get expert help from Essensuals!

We get it, makeup is not for everyone! While it seems like a long process of applying anything and everything on your face, makeup is actually quite an art that not everyone can master. And that’s exactly why we’re here.
With a team of certified makeup artists and professionals at Essensuals, we can help you transform your skin from dull to bright in no time! Be it helping you apply your sunscreen, working with dark spots, or simply doing your everyday makeup, you can get the best makeup tips from us!
Reach out to us to book your appointment today!
Conclusion
So, to summarise, it’s important to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays even while we’re wearing makeup. We hope the above tips can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin all year.
Always remember to use sunscreen before wearing makeup, choose lightweight, non-greasy products, and apply them liberally. Reapply frequently throughout the day, particularly if you spend time outdoors.
This way, you can enjoy the sun while keeping your skin healthy and flawless! So get out there, enjoy the sunshine, and get ready to click some gorgeous #sunkissed pictures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I put sunscreen on my face after makeup?
Sunscreen is usually applied before your makeup, even before your primer. However, if you need to reapply your sunscreen, you can do so after makeup.
- How long after sunscreen can I apply makeup?
You should allow your sunscreen to set for two minutes before applying your makeup. Applying makeup too quickly after sunscreen can interact with the components of your sunscreen and dilute its effectiveness.
- Can I apply powder after sunscreen?
Yes, you can most definitely apply a normal powder after sunscreen. Sunscreen is usually the last step of your skincare routine, and any makeup/powder can be applied after this step.
- Can I put primer over sunscreen?
Yes, primer is usually applied after sunscreen. After applying the sunscreen, you should give it a few minutes to seep into your skin and protect it from the sun. You can then go ahead and apply the primer and your makeup.
- Can I mix sunscreen with foundation?
No, it’s not usually recommended to mix your sunscreen with foundation. You can use regular compact powder to settle the sunscreen.
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