How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
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Photo credits: Mila Moursi, Aime
We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen daily. It’s your best defense against sun damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. But what about sunscreen reapplication?
Starting the day with SPF is a must, but reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours is just as crucial, particularly if you’re spending time outdoors or under direct light. But when you’re wearing a full face, figuring out how to apply sunscreen over makeup becomes a real challenge.
If I’m being honest, I’ve definitely skipped reapplication on some days just to preserve my base makeup. But over time, it’s a recipe for serious sun damage.
After testing everything from SPF face sprays to brush-on powders (not to mention all of the best French sunscreens), I’ve found the top techniques and products that make sunscreen reapplication over makeup seamless. Here’s how to reapply sunscreen over makeup without ruining your hard work, plus my favorite formulas for every skin type and finish.
How to Layer Sunscreen with Makeup
Start with a Base Sunscreen
Before reaching for your foundation or concealer, begin with the most essential step in your beauty routine: a generous layer of sunscreen. A solid base layer of SPF not only protects the skin but can also prime it for foundation. You only need ¼ teaspoon (or about two finger lengths) to adequately cover the face and front of the neck. And don’t forget often-overlooked spots like your neck and ears too.
Choose an under-makeup sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection (that’s UVA and UVB). If your skin leans oily, opt for a fluid or gel-based formula that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid that greasy feeling. Dry and mature skin types should look for creamier, more emollient formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E for extra hydration.
I personally alternate between lightweight fluids and richer creams depending on the day. For serious sun protection, especially in the summer, I frequently return to the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60. It offers intense protection while leaving the skin hydrated and smooth.
When I’m planning to wear a full face of makeup, I gravitate toward gel textures. They hydrate without interfering with my base and melt into the skin easily. One of the top options out there is the Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50. It works as a facial sunscreen and makeup primer with a cooling water-like gel texture that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Fluid formulas also make excellent base layers, especially under makeup. I’ve tested more than a few, but the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60 remains my tried-and-true favorite for daily wear. It’s one of the best sunscreens for everyday use—lightweight, affordable and ultra-protective.
Shop Base Sunscreens
Don’t Rely on Makeup with SPF
Makeup products formulated with SPF are notoriously unreliable at protecting your skin. The application might not be uniform, and the coverage can easily wear off throughout the day, decreasing the amount of sun protection. If your favorite products contain SPF, consider it an additional layer of defense, but always apply a dedicated base sunscreen as well.
Try a Tinted Moisturizer
If you dread layering products on top of products, consider streamlining with a multitasking tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF. These lightweight formulas combine skincare, coverage, and sun protection in one single step and make it even easier to reapply your SPF over makeup.
For everyday wear, I pull out the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30. It delivers surprising coverage for a tinted moisturizer, yet still feels weightless on the skin. My sister introduced me to this product years ago, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.
Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more tinted sunscreens on the market. These formulas focus primarily on sun protection while offering just enough coverage to even out the skin. Compared to tinted moisturizers, they’re less hydration-focused but still leave the skin looking luminous.
The Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup SPF 15 is a cult favorite that gives a radiant, skin-like finish. A must-have if you’re a fan of a no-makeup makeup look.
If you’re after a drugstore option, the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation SPF 50 is my favorite sunscreen makeup with impressive coverage and serious SPF, all for under $18.
Shop Tinted Moisturizers and Sunscreens
Mix Sunscreen Oil with Foundation
If you prefer a traditional foundation but want to double down on sun defense, consider mixing in a few drops of sunscreen oil or serum. This clever little trick not only enhances your glow but also adds a boost of SPF to your base. Definitely try it out if you deal with dry or dehydrated skin.
One of the best SPF-infused face oils I’ve found is the Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Booster SPF 40. Packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane, it hydrates and protects your skin, all while offering SPF 40 protection. Simply add a few drops to your foundation for a dose of hydration and UV protection.
A lesser-known favorite I discovered at the French pharmacy is the La Rosée Sun Oil SPF 30. It wears beautifully on its own or blended into moisturizer or makeup. Bonus: it’s formulated with organic apricot oil, so it smells like South of France summers.
How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
Blot Before You Apply
If you’re wearing makeup, chances are you don’t want to start from scratch every time you need more SPF. When a full cleanse isn’t realistic, reach for blotting paper to gently absorb excess oil before reapplying sunscreen. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in preventing that greasy finish when layering products throughout the day.
Take a sheet of blotting paper and lightly press it onto areas of your face that tend to be oily or shiny, such as the forehead, nose, and chin (commonly known as the T-zone). Once your skin is freshened up, go in with your favorite SPF formula and reapply evenly across your face and neck.
Spray on Sun Protection
To reapply your SPF sans smearing or smudging, try a setting spray with sunscreen. After your initial makeup application, lock everything in with a few spritzes. Not only will you benefit from the extra sun protection, but your face will stay perfectly in place all day.
Later, when it’s time for a touch-up, you won’t need to redo your entire face. Just hold the spray at arm's length and mist your face with your eyes closed. Let it dry completely and you’re good to go.
This method makes applying sunscreen over makeup less complicated, don’t rely solely on it for full coverage. Mists can be uneven, so they’re best used as top-ups, not your only defense.
And one more thing: stick to SPF sprays formulated specifically for setting the face. Using a traditional spray sunscreen over makeup (even those marked “face and body”) can cause your foundation to break down or leave an unwanted white cast.
When it comes to the best setting spray with SPF, my recommendation is the Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Set Protect Micro Mist. With SPF 30 and a formula infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, it delivers a veil of hydration and sun protection while keeping your makeup fresh all day. I also enjoy that it adds a slightly dewy look to my skin.
For a budget-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with the e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable All Set For Sun SPF 45. It’s got you covered with an impressive SPF 45 protection for only $14.
Shop Sunscreen Sprays
Touch Up with Powder
If you’re looking for a way to reapply SPF without disrupting your makeup, reach for a brush-on powder sunscreen. These mineral powders offer sheer coverage, help control shine, and add a lightweight layer of sun protection. Many even come with a built-in brush—perfect to throw in your purse or beach bag.
The Colorscience Sunforgettable® Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50 is a dermatologist-recommended pick with 100% mineral protection and a hint of color to even out your skin. Wear it solo or over makeup, it’s one summer beauty product that I always have on hand that makes reapplying SPF a breeze.
A French favorite that I’m newly obsessed with is the Aime Skincare Powder Foundation SPF. It’s more of a traditional pressed powder but with added SPF 30 (and SPF 15 for the dark shade). If you're wondering how to mattify sunscreen (and get that extra layer of UV protection), this one does it flawlessly.
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Sponge It On
For a radiant, dewy look, try reapplying sunscreen over makeup using a beauty blender or cushion puff. Dab your sponge lightly into a liquid sunscreen, and then gently press the product onto your face. This technique allows for an even, almost airbrush application without smudging your makeup.
The best sunscreen for reapplication? The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60. It’s featherlight, fast-absorbing, and formulated to layer over foundation. You can also make your own DIY sunscreen compact by decanting it into an empty cushion compact for touch-ups on the go.
For buildable coverage and SPF protection combined, sunscreen cushion foundations are another option to consider. Try the DIOR
Dreamskin Fresh & Perfect Cushion SPF 50 or the K-beauty cult-favorite JUNG SAEM MOOL Essential Skin Nuder Cushion SPF 50+.
Not a cushion, but the Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50 is one of the most popular French pharmacy products that allows for easy reapplication.
Finding the right shade can be hard since many cushion foundations have a limited shade range. Instead, pack your favorite sunscreen and BB cream in your bag. When you need a boost of SPF, mix them together and apply a thin layer using a cushion puff. This beauty hack is not only affordable but lets you truly customize your coverage and sun protection.
Shop sunscreen Cushions
Go for a Sunscreen Stick
Unlike your average sunscreen lotions and sprays, sunsticks make reapplication over makeup practically effortless. Just swipe the stick across your face and neck, then tap it gently with your fingers or a sponge. No need to worry about spills, leaks, or getting your hands messy.
While sunscreen sticks might not provide heavy-duty coverage, they're perfect for reapplying sunscreen when wearing makeup. Plus, the stick format is compact and easy to carry, so you can top up almost anywhere.
I'm currently obsessed with the new Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible High Protection Stick SPF 50. The texture is lightweight and non-greasy, and it layers nicely over both foundation and tinted moisturizer. Another plus, it’s versatile enough to use on your eyelids, lips, and even hairline. In my opinion, it’s the best sunscreen to reapply over makeup, and it's always in my bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
Shop Sunscreen Sticks
FAQs
Do you put on sunscreen before or after makeup?
You should always apply sunscreen before makeup to create a protective base that fully shields your skin from UV damage. That said, reapplying after makeup is just as important, but be sure to use the right techniques and formulas, like SPF mists, sticks, or powders, to refresh your sun protection and ensure your makeup stays in place.
Can you put sunscreen over makeup?
Definitely—and it’s a must. Reapplying SPF throughout the day is essential, even with a full face of glam. The trick is using the right techniques and formulas, whether it’s a sunscreen spray, powder sunscreen, or cushion compact with SPF, to make reapplication makeup-friendly and mess-free.
How often should you reapply sunscreen?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating. If you work indoors and sit away from windows, you may not need a second application.
How do you apply sunscreen over makeup?
The key is to pat, never rub. Gently press liquid SPF in with a damp beauty sponge, mist your face with a setting spray with SPF, or brush on powder sunscreen. All of these methods will keep your makeup intact while topping up your sun protection.
How much sunscreen should I use on my face?
For the face and neck, the general rule is to use a nickel-sized amount (or about two finger lengths) of sunscreen to ensure proper coverage. Adjust as needed based on your specific skin type and individual needs.
How many teaspoons of sunscreen should I use for my face?
About ¼ teaspoon is generally adequate for the face and the front of the neck. If you're using makeup, be sure to apply this amount before foundation.
Can I spray sunscreen on my face?
Yes, but choose wisely. Go for a setting spray with SPF or a sunscreen mist designed specifically for the face. Traditional spray sunscreens can be too harsh and may disturb your makeup or irritate sensitive skin.
Can I use talcum powder after sunscreen?
It’s not recommended. Talcum powder can clog pores and isn’t formulated to sit over SPF. Instead, reach for a mineral setting powder with SPF if you’re looking to mattify your skin without compromising protection.
Once you know how to reapply sunscreen over makeup, you’ll never head out without a cushion compact or mist tucked in your bag again. Use these strategies to stay safe and look your best throughout the hot summer days ahead.
What are your top techniques to apply sunscreen over makeup? Let me know in the comments below.
