SPF is a major key in preserving the health of our melanated skin. I mean, what’s the use of dropping your pennies on top-dollar serums only to have your skin destroyed by free radicals and UV rays? None, really.
Sunscreen is how you reduce signs of premature aging and prevent sunburns in both the short and long-term. And even though you probably have a strict sunscreen routine, did you know that you need to reapply it over the day?
Yup, you need to keep reapplying your sunscreen, especially if you spend most of the day out hustling under the sun.
But, you might ask, what do you do if you have a hyper-polished face beat? Well, in such cases, these five expert-approved tips will guide you on how to apply your SPF while wearing a full face.
Set A Solid Sunscreen Base First
Before applying makeup, you need to ensure that you set a solid protective base. So, after slathering on your toners and moisturizers, grab your SPF, put it on, and then apply your primer.
Applying sunscreen before makeup ensures your skin is safeguarded from the start. Moreover, this prevents your skin from depending on the SPF you apply on top of your makeup to do all the work.
Use Powdered SPFs
After two or so hours under the sun, freshen up your sunblock situation by applying a mineral-based sunscreen powder on top of your makeup.
These formulas are perfectly designed to go over your makeup and keep your skin safe from UV monsters.
Applying powdered products with SPF in them is also easy. All you need to do is lightly dust the powdered formula on your face in a circular motion until it’s seamlessly blended.
Powder sunscreens also serve as a perfect alternative to creams, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin and want to maintain a matte finish.
Face Mists Are A Dream
Besides dusting yourself with powdered sunscreen, many beauty brands give you the option of spritzing it on with a face mist.
These sunscreen options are specifically formulated to work with your makeup and are the ideal summer pick-me-up. They’re also the best way to reapply SPF while also reaping the benefits of a cooling refresh.
Get Your Sunscreen From A Compact
Compacts featuring sunscreen are the simplest way to reapply your sun protection throughout the day without any hassle. However, it’s essential to check the level of protection before investing in a portable compact.
SPF 35 is the ideal place to start when shopping for suitable options. Avoid anything with SPF 15 or below, especially when it comes to your face.
You can apply compacts with SPF with a blending sponge or a lightweight powder brush.
When using powder compacts, though, make sure that you don’t double-dip sweaty brushes and sponges back into the compact for re-application. This can trigger bacteria to spread and compromise your makeup, causing it to appear bump or hardened by excess oils.
Blot Your Sunscreen Repeatedly
If you don’t have SPF products, you can blot your regular sunscreen on top of your makeup using a sponge. All you have to do is squeeze out a small amount of your go-to product on a sponge and lightly bolt it all over your face until it’s absorbed and every spot is covered.
You can do this with a super dry sponge or a slightly damp one – Beauty Blender offers this option at an affordable price.
While SPF is a perfect place to start for optimal protection, you need to be sun smart. This means wearing sun hats, sunglasses laced with UV protection, and soaking up as much shade as you can, especially during the mid-day sun when the sun is most potent.