How to use sunscreen with makeup

What order should you apply everything?

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.
2. 2Apply any skin medication or treatment after cleansing.
3. 3Apply your moisturizer and sunscreen before makeup. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and cover all exposed skin.
4. 4Use approximately a nickel sized amount for your face as a starting guide, spreading it evenly. Cover your neck, ears and hairline too, using additional sunscreen for those areas.
5. 5Apply makeup after sunscreen. Plan your routine so sunscreen is on at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, following your product's directions.

The 15 minutes is a sunscreen timing instruction before sun exposure, not a required waiting period between sunscreen and foundation. For a longer outing where burning is a risk, UK guidance calls for sunscreen twice: 30 minutes before leaving and again just before going out. Plan those applications before finishing your makeup. Makeup comes after skincare, so foundation gets the final word on colour, not the first word on the routine.135

Is the SPF in foundation enough?

Keep a separate sunscreen step rather than dropping it because your foundation has an SPF number. Daily sunscreen is recommended for people who wear foundation too. In the United States, makeup sold for sun protection is regulated as both a cosmetic and a drug. The SPF claim has a real regulatory meaning, but the product still needs to be used as directed. Applying sunscreen too thinly reduces its protection; do not cut the amount to make room for makeup.256

How do you reapply sunscreen over makeup?

Reapply sunscreen generously every two hours during sun exposure, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Reapply after towel drying or when sunscreen has rubbed off too. A higher SPF does not remove the need to reapply. Follow the application directions for the format you use, rather than treating a light cosmetic touch up as a full sunscreen application. If adequate reapplication disturbs your makeup, touch up the makeup afterward rather than reducing the sunscreen amount.345

• Powder sunscreen can layer over makeup for extra touch ups, but should not be your only form of sun protection.
• With a sunscreen stick, overlap each stroke slightly to avoid missing areas and get even coverage.
• For a spray, spray into your hands first and apply manually. Never spray directly onto your face, avoid inhaling it, and use it in a well ventilated area.

Powder sunscreen can go over makeup as an extra layer, which gives the touch up brush a second job.4

What changes for a day outdoors?

For extended outdoor exposure, choose SPF 50 or higher. Choose water resistant sunscreen if you expect swimming or sweating, and check whether its label specifies 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance. No sunscreen is waterproof. Use shade, a hat, sunglasses and clothing as well as sunscreen; neither makeup nor sunscreen is a reason to spend longer in the sun.345

Keep sunscreen and makeup in usable condition

Check sunscreen's expiry date and discard it if expired. If there is no expiry date, discard it three years after purchase, or sooner if you do not know its age. Replace products with changed colour, smell or consistency. Keep sunscreen away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Use clean makeup tools: wash sponges after every use and brushes every 7 to 10 days.37