4 Tips for How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup

By The FabFitFun Team | April 5, 2022

Beautiful happy cute woman applying suntan cream to her nose

Applying sunscreen is a crucial step in any skincare routine. Even on cloudy days, your skin needs consistent protection against UV light — the number one skin destroyer. Skipping sunscreen can lead to deep skin damage, which can lead to premature wrinkles and even skin cancer.

But if you applied foundation on top of your sunscreen, how do you reapply SPF?

Luckily, there are a few ways to stay SPF-certified without ruining your look. From powders to setting spray SPF, let’s shine a (non-damaging) light on how to reapply sunscreen over makeup.

#1 Start with a Solid SPF Base

The best offense? A strong defense. Applying a solid and layered base of SPF protection will keep your face damage-free for hours. Begin your day with these sunscreen tips, so you can avoid constant reapplication.

Consider Type of Sunscreen

A strong SPF base starts with picking a functional sunscreen—and not all sunscreens are created equal. For your face, you need a sunscreen that provides maximum protection. Look for these foolproof factors, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology:¹

Broad-spectrum – UV rays actually come in two forms, UVA and UVB rays. Both of these rays can damage skin, so you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks them equally. Also, make sure your facial sunscreen has the broad-spectrum label to ensure you’re protecting your skin fully.
SPF 30 or higher – SPF, or sun protection factor, measures the amount of time that a sunscreen offers protection before your skin burns. For sunscreen SPF of 30, your skin will take 30 times longer to burn when exposed to the sun. Facial sunscreens should start at a minimum of 30 SPF, or preferably higher if you’re outdoors for a long time.
Water-resistance – That midday sweat could play double damage duty. Liquids can wipe sunscreen off your face and may reflect sun rays more heavily on your skin. A water-resistant sunscreen will prevent your sunscreen from dissipating during hot days.

Sunscreens also come in chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen forms. A mineral sunscreen will sit on top of the skin and prevent UV from penetrating. A chemical sunscreen will absorb the UV rays and release them in form of heat through the skin. Neither sunscreen has been deemed to be better than the other.

Sunscreen Application Tips

It’s not just what sunscreen you apply — it’s also how you apply it. A tiny dab of cream on your nose won’t exactly block the sunlight all day. Follow these application tips for a stronger base underneath (and within) your makeup:

Catch every spot – It’s easy to skip over those little spots, but your entire face needs SPF protection. Make sure to cover those forgotten areas like eyelids, earlobes, lips, and jawlines (and don’t leave out the neck). Anywhere that sees sunlight could get sun damage.
Apply liberally – Many people underestimate the amount of sunscreen that their faces and bodies require. Dermatologists recommend using about ½ teaspoon of sunscreen for your entire face (about the size of a lima bean).²
Layer up – Double your defense with layered SPF products. While sunscreen should be the last part of your skincare routine, you can add additional protection via facial powders, foundations, concealers, or tinted moisturizers with SPF. The extra layers won’t hurt (and they can be reapplied later).

#2 Reapply Regularly

Unfortunately, no one has invented an all-day sunscreen yet. Until then, it’s up to you to reapply your SPF throughout the day. But how often should you reapply sun protection?

When it comes to reapplication, the general rule is every two hours.³ This can vary slightly with SPF count — the higher the count, the longer your protection. Also, any sweaty or watery activities can increase reapplication needs. If you’re swimming or sweating under the sun, then reapply your sunscreen right away.

#3 Use Makeup-Friendly SPF Products

It’s 1 p.m., and you’re about to grab lunch outside your office. After a few hours indoors, your morning sunscreen’s powers have probably worn off. You want to protect your face, but you also want to keep that concealer in place. What can you do?

Enter your face’s new best friend — SPF makeup.

SPF makeup is the easy solution to all-day sun protection. In one puff, swish, or swipe, you can touch up your look and block UV light. The key is picking SPF makeup products fit for reapplication with these qualities:

Lightweight
Layerable
Spreadable
Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

Every skin type and lifestyle will prefer some products over others. So, let’s explore the many ways how to apply sunscreen over makeup with SPF-certified coverage.

Option 1: SPF Face Powder

Breezy and light, a face powder with SPF can touch up sunscreen coverage without ruining makeup. Not to mention, powders reduce that mid-afternoon forehead shine.

From compacts to mineral-based formulas, there’s a powder sunscreen to suit every skin type. Oily skin types and light makeup wearers may prefer this product in particular, so finding the best setting powders for oily face with SPF gives you double benefits. To keep your skin safe, try these expert-approved tips when using an SPF facial powder:

Use a disposable applicator – Disposable applicators might be a little hard to source outside the home, but they’re worth the trouble. Double-dipping your sponge or powder puff could spread bacteria on the skin. When sweaty, choose single-use sponges. Otherwise, a portable powder brush will do.
Pick light formulas – There’s a balance between matte and dull. To prevent a cakey texture, choose a lightweight and mineral-based SPF facial powder. For example, the broad-spectrum Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder featured in some FabFitFun sales is light enough to reapply all day long, keeping your makeup and skin health intact.
Stick to powder – Once you apply SPF powder over makeup, stick with powder. Applying liquid coverage over powder coverage can clog pores and create an unappealing skin texture.
Go portable – Loose powders are the most lightweight and spreadable. However, tapping out a portion of powder while on the go can be tricky. Try out portable SPF powders in the form of pressed compacts or an all-in-one brush stick. You can brush on a new layer no matter where the day takes you.

Option 2: Tinted Sunscreen

Wearing a few swipes of concealer and some blush? Then the lightweight, sheer coverage of tinted sunscreen is the perfect touch-up for your SPF.

Tinted sunscreen is pretty much like regular facial sunscreen — it’s just got some pigment! These innovative sunscreens are perfect for light coverage with sun protection.

All you need is a sponge applicator to blot it over your existing makeup. Tinted sunscreens have all the benefits of regular sunscreen, including:

Broad-spectrum coverage
Higher SPFs
Water resistance
Spreadable formulas

The flipside? Tinted sunscreen often has minimal coverage. The pigment is usually sheer, and the moisture could actually remove any thicker makeup on your skin. Go for tinted sunscreens if you’re already wearing lightweight skin makeup.

Option 3: SPF Liquid Makeup

There’s a good chance the makeup you wear already has SPF — which makes reapplication all the easier.

Liquid makeup with SPF replenishes your sun protection and skin coverage in one go. However, your skin may not appreciate 3 to 4 coats of foundation at the end of the day. That’s why picking a lightweight liquid product is crucial.

If reapplying SPF liquid makeup is your chosen method, then pick a buildable and non-comedogenic formula of these full-face products:

Foundation
BB or CC cream
Tinted moisturizer

Option 4: SPF Setting Spray

Ever wish you could just lock your makeup into place? No smears, no smudges, no fading? An SPF setting spray gives you that power and shields your skin from the sun.

Misty and refreshing, an SPF setting spray goes directly on your face — no applicator needed! When lounging by the pool or beach, it’s the easiest way to reapply sun protection without smudging your cat eye (in fact, it’ll probably secure your look).

Just know that SPF setting sprays require more frequent application. Experts recommend spritzing every 30 minutes under direct sunlight.⁴

#4 Try Other Skin-Protecting Methods

Sunscreen may be crucial, but it’s not foolproof. No matter how high the SPF, sunscreen will fade in a matter of hours. Also, you might slip up on proper application or reapplication — after all, you’re only human.

A little extra protection goes a long way for your skin. Consider adding these sun-blocking (and makeup-preserving) habits to your life:

UPF clothing – You might think your white cotton T-shirt stops the sun in its tracks. In reality, your average clothes only stop 80% of UV light from hitting skin.⁵ Clothing with UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, seal the microholes in fabric for full coverage. If under the sun, choose clothing with at least UPF 30 to block 97% of UV rays.
Accessories – From baseball caps to parasols, accessories keep the sun from touching your skin in the first place. Create your own personal shade bubble with protective, wearable accessories.
Minimize exposure – The only way to avoid sun damage completely? Staying out of the sun’s way. While you shouldn’t avoid going outside, stick to shaded spots when possible. Most importantly, avoid direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.⁶

So, while applying sunscreen is crucial, reapplying sunscreen is just as important even with makeup. Apply sunscreen powder, spray, cream, or makeup with SPF to keep your skin always looking healthy and protected.

Have Fun in the Sun with FabFitFun

No longer do you have to choose between SPF and shimmery blush with SPF makeup. With our tips, you can protect your makeup and your skin all day. Even better? FabFitFun has the best skincare tools for your beauty arsenal.

With just one seasonal or annual subscription, you get access to countless top products from your favorite brands — MAC Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Murad, bliss, Christophe Robin, and more. Sign up today and start saving across our seasonal boxes and members-only discounts! That’s one membership, and all the beauty deals.

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