Sunscreen and Your Makeup Routine
Many foundations and powders contain sunscreen, but is that enough to protect your skin for the day? WebMD finds the answers.
By Susan P. Clark
You want to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer, so you are a dedicated sunscreen wearer.
But is it possible to wear makeup with sunscreen without looking like a glazed donut?
With so many foundations and other makeup products offering SPF, it’s tempting to use them for coverage rather than putting on sunscreen, which can by shiny, chalky, or just plain messy, especially under makeup.
Giving in to that temptation would be a mistake. Makeup does not provide enough coverage. You need to use seven times the normally used amount of foundation and 14 times the normally used amount of powder to get the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on the label…no one does this.
Seven step guide to using sunscreen and makeup:
1. Select the proper sunscreen.
Even before you step in front of the bathroom mirror, find a sunscreen that offers enough protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises people to use a moisturizer containing broad-spectrum sunscreen (which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF rating of at least 15. Ingredients such as zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or ecamsule (Mexoryl), combined with octocrylene and avobenzone work best with makeup and provide broad spectrum sun protection.
TIP: To avoid flaking that sometimes occurs with sunscreen, it may help to use a product with no more than SPF 15 on the face. For those concerned about an unflattering white pall, avoid products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
2. Apply sunscreen liberally.
“Apply a thin, even coat, approximately one teaspoon for face and neck,” Houpt says. “And ears, if exposed.” Then, let sunscreen soak into the skin and dab the excess with tissue. After you finish applying sunscreen, wash the residue off of your hands before applying makeup.
3. If necessary, use SPF eye cream.
If applying sunscreen in the delicate area around your eyes causes a burning sensation, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests using SPF 15 eye creams.
4. Apply a foundation or tinted moisturizer with 15 or more SPF.
If you use makeup foundation or tinted moisturizer — a light foundation with sheer coverage — remember that you cannot rely on these products alone; they must be used in conjunction with sunscreen. Although sunscreen is the most important element to shield skin from the sun, foundation or tinted moisturizer with SPF can help. Check labels, and purchase products with SPF 15 or higher.
5. Apply powder.
To top off your makeup routine, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying compressed powder with a sponge because the powder’s particles provide some sun protection, and powder will help keep sunscreen and moisturizer in place.
6. Don’t forget the lips.
Protect your lips with SPF 15 — or higher — lipstick or lip balm. If you wear lipstick for sun protection, use an opaque shade rather than a high-gloss lipstick with little pigmentation.
7. Reapply
For day-to-day wear, Bauman recommends reapplying sunscreen once during the day.
“UVA goes through glass,” she says.
If you’re spending time outdoors, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying sunscreen on the face and lips every two hours.
How can you manage that with your makeup routine? Turnbow suggests dusting on an SPF translucent powder after you reapply sunscreen to keep shine down. If you’re spending time outdoors and want a less complicated routine, keep it simple with lip color, mascara, and maybe a long-lasting eyeliner. She says cheek stains are also good for light, natural-looking color.