Tips for Reapplying Sunscreen Over Makeup

One sunscreen application isn’t enough to protect your face for the entire day. In fact, it needs to be reapplied fairly frequently in order to provide you with adequate protection. 

Without sunscreen reapplication, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun and putting yourself at risk for skin cancer, premature skin aging, and other undesirable consequences.

Even if you put sunscreen on under your makeup, you’ll need to reapply it throughout the day. In this guide, we’ll give you tips on how to reapply sunscreen over makeup to keep your skin protected and your makeup looking its best all day long.

• When Should I Apply Sunscreen?
• What Sunscreen is Best for My Skin?
• Techniques to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
• Tips for Removing Makeup and Sunscreen
• Benefits of Using Sunscreen Every Day?

When Should I Apply Sunscreen?

You likely put on sunscreen before you leave the house, but you also need to reapply while you’re out. Sunscreen must be reapplied regularly throughout the day—every 2 hours typically, and every 40 minutes for when you’re sweating or swimming.

Do You Need to Reapply Sunscreen if You’re Wearing Makeup with SPF?

Yes, even if you’re wearing makeup with SPF in it, you should be reapplying your sunscreen as directed above. You might be wondering why reapplying sunscreen over makeup with SPF is so necessary. That’s because you’re likely not going to reapply your SPF makeup over and over again—that would probably result in thick, unflattering makeup that makes you sweaty and uncomfortable.

Layering makeup over your sunscreen is a better way to protect your skin and make sure your entire face is being guarded against harmful rays. It’s important to keep in mind that the skin on your face is very delicate and subject to sun damage, so reapplying sunscreen with SPF over makeup with full coverage is highly beneficial. Below, we’ll go into more detail on how to reapply sunscreen over makeup.

What Sunscreen is Best for My Skin?

You may want to first begin shopping for sunscreen by selecting the strength based on SPF. Generally speaking, it’s recommended that people use SPF 30 or higher. If you have fair skin, this is especially true.

When choosing a sunscreen, you also want to consider your lifestyle and preferences. Below we’ve outlined some common sunscreen formulas to help you decide which is right for you.

Powder Sunscreen

There has been more study on the effectiveness of powdered sunscreens since they first hit the market a few years ago, and recently there’s been lots of buzz about how well they work and how convenient they are. Powdered sunscreen fits in with your normal makeup routine and doesn’t dampen your face or makeup when you put it on.

These sunscreens are typically lighter on the skin and feel more topical than an absorptive cream. Powdered sunscreens are especially popular with people who have sensitive skin. Powder sunscreens are generally best for your face for the easiest application.

If you think a powder sunscreen might be right for you, try the Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50. You can wear this mineral powder sunscreen alone or over makeup. The Enviroscreen technology protects you from UVA/UVB rays but also from pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.

Liquid Sunscreen

Liquid sunscreens may be best for people with dry skin and who want to moisturize or who are using sunscreen on their entire body.

The Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is made with antioxidants and protects from infrared, UVA/UVB, pollution, and blue light. The Face Shield Flex liquid sunscreen is available in a variety of formulas including Face Shield Glow and Face Shield Bronze for illumination. We also have liquid body sunscreen formulas.

Bundle powder and liquid formulas for optimal full-body protection.

Spray Sunscreen

Often spray sunscreen is not recommended because it’s more difficult to gauge whether it’s covering all of the exposed areas. Achieving full coverage is difficult to do, can be time-consuming, and requires a lot of product.

Furthermore, aerosol sprays could potentially harm the lungs and trigger asthma attacks. Aerosols are also harmful to the environment and the ozone layer. However, for those who do prefer spray sunscreen, it is advised to avoid breathing the mist. You should also use your fingers to spread the product evenly and then wash your hands when done.

Techniques to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup

Now, let’s go over how to reapply sunscreen over makeup. Just about anything could be used to apply sunscreens, such as a sponge, cotton ball, spray, or brush, but when applying it over makeup, it’s typically better to use powder. Of course, this is because sprays and creams could remove makeup or make it runny with streaks.

That’s why we recommend our Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 mineral powder sunscreen. To apply, just tap the brush on a hard surface a few times, which loads the sunscreen powder onto the bristles, circulate it slightly so it spreads evenly, and then brush against your skin in a circular motion. Our mineral brush-on powder sunscreen is available in four diverse shades as well as sheer matte to blend seamlessly with your makeup.

Tips for Removing Makeup and Sunscreen

Leaving products on your face overnight could clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Additionally, if you’re using sunscreen with chemical ingredients, it could potentially lead to even worse long-term side effects. As such, it’s critical to make sure you have a routine down for removing your makeup and sunscreen fully at the end of each day. That way, your skin can breathe and recover.

Here are some tips for cleaning your face, so there’s no residue from your makeup and sunscreen:

• Dry brushing prior to cleansing the face. The brush sweeps away the dead cells, toxins, and other debris, while also stimulating circulation, delivering a boost to the detoxifying processes of the body.
• An oil-based butter or Castille soap is another option for removing sunscreen. It can help pick up and flush away the chemicals. If you are concerned about clogging pores with oil because of problems with acne, you may want to follow up with your normal non-comedogenic cleanser as a next step. But in general, oiled-based cleansers can be helpful, especially with water-resistant sunscreens designed to really stick to the skin.
• Use an exfoliating washing tool like a soft bristle brush or a slightly abrasive sponge to gently remove the day’s chemicals and reveal the fresher skin beneath the dead cells.
• Use Hydrating Cleansing Cloths from Colorescience. These wipes are a convenient way to gently remove debris from your face. They make it easier to clean, moisturize, and soothe all at once. If you are already in your cozy bed for the night, all you need to do is wipe it all away with your cleansing cloth to quickly take off your make-up. Treat your skin without having to wait for the water to heat up or when feeling exhausted – who wants a cold splash of dawn at the end of a long day?

Whichever methods you choose to integrate into your daily skin regimen, you can keep your skin healthier and happier by making sure all your makeup and sunscreen is removed before bed.

Benefits of Using Sunscreen Every Day?

While some absorption of UVA/UVB rays is vital for health, it is also critical that we protect the skin cells from extensive exposure to the powerful and damaging sun. Wearing sunscreen every day will help to prevent the various symptoms of overexposure, such as:

• Premature aging
• Skin cancer
• Under eye wrinkles
• Loss of skin elasticity 

When choosing a sunscreen, be sure to avoid formulas with chemicals to enjoy all these benefits while ensuring you aren’t doing other damage at the same. Our mineral sunscreens are safe and effective for everyday use and frequent reapplication.

Other Things You Should Do to Protect Your Face

While sunscreen is a vital aspect of protecting your skin, it’s not the only thing you should be doing when you’re out in the sun. After all, the skin on your face is especially delicate.

In addition to sunscreen, you may also want to consider keeping your skin covered in direct sunlight, shielding the eyes with UV-resistant lenses, and blocking the rays with a wide-brimmed hat. And don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if you spend most of your days inside or under the shade. UV rays and other environmental factors can impact you regardless. Whether you work indoors in front of a computer or have a job that puts you in the sun all day, following these tips along with timely reapplication is essential.

Protect Your Skin with Quality Sunscreen

Now that you have a better idea of how to reapply sunscreen over makeup safely, it’s time to put it into practice.

Coloresience sunscreens prevent overexposure while leaving out harmful ingredients like parabens, petroleums, and fragrances that could potentially lead to premature aging and even cancer. Instead, we create formulas that nourish and improve the skin and your overall health, formulating our products with ingredients like antioxidants and green tea.

Make sure your face is protected with high-quality sunscreen like one of Colorescience’s convenient formulas. Shop our selection of sunscreens that are easy to apply and reapply over your makeup all day long.