Can I use sunscreen as primer?

How to apply sunscreen before makeup

1. 1Cleanse gently and pat your face dry.
2. 2Apply any skin medication or treatment after cleansing, then moisturizer if you use it.
3. 3Apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face, and protect your neck, ears and other exposed skin too.
4. 4Give sunscreen a few minutes to dry before applying makeup. Starting makeup too soon can undermine its protection.
5. 5Apply your makeup over the sunscreen. Have sunscreen on dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.

Which sunscreen works as your makeup base?

Creams suit dry skin and facial use; gels suit oily complexions. For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both are recommended. These are general texture and skin suitability choices, rather than predictions about how a particular foundation will sit on top.3

A tinted sunscreen can even out skin tone as well as protect against the sun, which gives one bottle a legitimate second job. A tint that matches your skin tone can also help avoid the white cast some sunscreens leave.23

Does makeup with SPF replace sunscreen?

Makeup with SPF can add protection, but putting two jobs on the bottle does not mean both are getting done. The amount of makeup people normally apply is often too little to deliver its labeled protection. Keep a separate sunscreen layer underneath, including on cloudy days. Sunscreen also provides protection when makeup rubs off.2

What about reapplying over makeup?

When outdoors, reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions. Makeup does not remove that requirement. Mineral powder sunscreen is an option for touch ups over makeup, not a replacement for your traditional sunscreen base. A tinted sunscreen is another option if you want protection and some color in the same product.23