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 that 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.
Your Ultimate Guide to Applying Sunscreen Over Makeup
1. 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.
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2. 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!
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3. 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.
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4. 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.
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5. 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!
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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. On the whole, just ensure that you reapply sunscreen regularly.
