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Makeup or no makeup, sunscreen is indispensable. And while you must slather on a generous helping of SPF before layering your other products, reapplication is paramount – ideally, every two hours or so. Now, you may argue that your makeup is SPF-infused. But is that enough? Nuh-uh. Who’s to guarantee that your foundation won’t budge through the day? Besides, wearing sunscreen under other beauty products provides a flawless base for makeup application, too.
Why is Sunscreen So Important?
Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays as per a study and lack of use can result in a host of skin concerns – ranging from hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and the signs of premature ageing to more serious ailments, including skin cancer.
Often distinguished based on their technique of tackling the sun’s rays, sunscreens are categorised as physical and chemical. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and transform them into heat, while physical sunscreens reflect UV rays. More heavyweight relative to their counterpart, physical sunscreens are also known to leave a white cast on your skin upon application.
How To Choose Sunscreen
While sunscreens protect you from the sun, picking one with the right ingredients is important to ensure that it suits your skin type and addresses all your concerns. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opt for mineral sunscreens that are gentle on the skin as per a study. If you have oily skin, consider a lightweight gel-based sunscreen for best results.
A study says that SPF 30 and greater that have been labelled as “broad spectrum” are usually ideal and sunscreens with SPF up to 50 are effective for daily use. However, you should pick the SPF level depending on the intensity of the sun rays in your region. Another key factor to consider is your choice of activity. For example, a sweat-proof sunscreen will be ideal for outdoor activities while water-proof products will be best suited for swimming.
Your Ultimate Guide to Applying Sunscreen Over Makeup
1. Solid Base
First things first, create a solid base with a suitable sunscreen before applying any makeup. The rule of thumb is to squeeze some product onto your index and middle fingers and apply that amount liberally to your skin. We recommend the La Shield Sunscreen Gel SPF 40 PA+++ for oily and acne-prone skin, while the Dot & Key Vitamin C + E Face Sunscreen is suitable for those with normal to dry skin.
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2. Re-application Made Easy
Once you’ve prepped your base, the next challenge is to make sure that you reapply sunscreen every two hours. How so? Turn to a powdered formula for a quick touch-up. Swirl the sunscreen powder over your face in gentle circular motions until blended for a matte finish. This product is a fabulous pick-me-up for oily skin types. Try the MCaffeine SPF 50 PA+++ Coffee Powder Sunscreen for protection up to 8 hours or the dermatologist-approved The Derma Co. 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen.
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3. Lock Your Makeup In Place
The purpose of a primer is to set and seal your makeup – and when yours is power-packed with SPF, what more do you need? Invest in a primer that doubles up as a sun protectant. It’ll not only cut out the hassle of an extra step in your routine but also help save some bucks and lock your look in place. You can’t miss out on the Bobbi Brown Primer which is totally worth the splurge with its SPF 50 protection that helps prevent sun damage and premature signs of ageing. You can also go for the budget-friendly Earth Rhythm Glow Set Go Primer that also doubles as a moisturiser and highlighter – all while providing sun protection.
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4. Dewy Skin On The Go
If a mattified look is not on your wishlist, turn to a sunscreen spray for a more dewy appearance. Spritz generously over your makeup for an instant pick-me-up and load up on your SPF. Bear in mind: if you’re directly under the sun, you must reapply every 30 minutes, else every 2-3 hours. We recommend the Riyo Herbs Sun Protection Spray Spf 50 With UVA-UVB Rays which is lightweight and non-greasy or the Renee Cosmetics Glowscreen which is suitable for all skin types.
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5. Oil Control Hack
The portable compact powder comes to your rescue. Load up on your SPF as you touch up your coverage with a pressed powder. Plus, it absorbs the excess oil on your face after a long day of dirt, grime, and sweat. A protected, mattified finish is just one product away! The Mamaearth Compact with SPF 30 is your answer to your oily skin woes, while the Maybelline New York Fit Me compact is sweat-proof and allows for long wear.
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Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to sunscreens, one of the most common mistakes is not applying enough. Always read instructions and use the recommended amount to ensure that you’re getting adequate coverage. Speaking of proper application, don’t miss any spots and ensure that you are paying attention to often overlooked areas like the ears, back of the neck, and shoulder blades. Further, pay attention to your body as much as your face and buy a body sunscreen to apply on your hands, feet, and any exposed areas.
Another common misconception is that you need sunscreens only during the summer or when the sun is out and that is definitely not true. You need sunscreens all year round – even during winter as per a study. This may seem like a no-brainer but check the expiration dates on your sunscreens to ensure their efficacy.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sun protection, look for formulations that boast at least SPF 30 or above. And if none of the aforementioned solutions suits you, you could even blot your regular sunscreen on top of your makeup with the help of a beauty blender. As much as we love ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ products, you cannot treat sunscreens that way! Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you have been sweating. Similarly, reapplication of sunscreens is a must after swimming and intense workouts as most of your product may have been wiped away. On the whole, just ensure that you reapply sunscreen regularly.
