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I am, without a doubt, 100 percent Team SPF. I now know how important it is, come rain or shine, to don my daily sunscreen shield. And yet, I still find myself wondering how to reapply sunscreen over makeup. I’m sure you can relate—the last thing I want to do when I’ve gotten my makeup just right is slather lotion all over it. Fortunately, I began noticing a trend: more and more innovative, barely-there sunscreens that make applying (and reapplying) an on-the-go dream.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
It started with a brush-on, powdered sunscreen. When I discovered ColorScience’s Sunforgettable mineral powder in a gift bag, it almost seemed too good to be true. I’d carry the lipstick-sized container with me wherever I went, casually dusting myself in broad-spectrum SPF 50 throughout the day. There was no white mess, no tinted smearing, and my face felt decidedly unlike an oil slick. It practically felt like cheating.
I began catching advertisements for luxurious serums and chic-looking sprays armed with SPF. Suddenly, there were sun-focused lip balms, eyeshadows, hyaluronic acid serums, and more new products that worked double duty or offered niche sun protection (even your hair part is covered thanks to brands like Supergoop!).
To help navigate the brave new world of SPF, I tapped the sunscreen queen herself, Dr. Heather Rogers for her expert insights and advice.
Sunscreen Non-Negotiables
With off-the-charts SPF numbers and confusing descriptors (“mineral,” “chemical,” “broad-spectrum,” … the list goes on), it’s nice to have a baseline when hunting for your go-to UV shield.
“I wear sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30, and only contains physical blockers with at least 10% zinc,” Dr. Rogers shares. “In my research, that’s what works best and has the lowest risk of unwanted outcomes, be it in my body or our world.”
ISDIN Sunisdin Daily Antioxidant Supplement
In addition to daily sunscreen, Dr. Rogers recommends taking SUNISDIN daily antioxidant supplements for added protection to help defend against photoaging.
What to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Sunscreen
“The good news is the testing required for sunscreen in the USA is significant and regulated by the FDA,” Dr. Rogers explains. “Since 2011, the FDA has required all sunscreens to undergo additional testing to claim broad-spectrum protection.”
According to Dr. Rogers, there are two tests required before products can be marked as “broad-spectrum.” The first is a clinical measurement of its ability to protect against sunburn (primarily UVB rays). Then, the Broad Spectrum Test measures a product’s protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
“But big picture, any sunscreen will only work well if you do a good job of applying and reapplying it!” Dr. Rogers adds. “On a typical workday, I use sunscreen in the morning before makeup. If I am inside seeing patients all day, then that may be my only application. But if it’s a Saturday and I’m out and about with my kids, I have my powder sunscreen in my purse and reapply it throughout the day.”
Brush-on Sunscreen vs. SPF Mist
“Powder sunscreen is typically zinc oxide-based, while mists are often chemical sunscreens,” Dr. Rogers says. “Since I am a physical sunscreen girl, it’s brush-on sunscreen all the way!”
Just remember not to rely purely on powdered sunscreen for your daily SPF—think of it more as a makeup-friendly supplement for sunscreen touch-ups throughout the day.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder SPF 50
As I mentioned above, this extremely lightweight product is a personal favorite for my slightly oily skin. I keep a tube in every bag I own (and my car’s glove compartment) so I’m never without. And with just the slightest tint, it gives my fair skin a touch of healthy-looking color on the go.
Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder SPF 30
While ColorScience is my personal powdered favorite, the price tag isn’t ideal. Fortunately, Dr. Rogers has a more budget-friendly pick that comes highly recommended.
The Best Sunscreens for Reapplication on the Go
Maintaining your SPF shield throughout the day is no longer a chore thanks to the new niche, innovative, and—most importantly—barely-there sunscreen products on the market. Ahead, discover some of the best sunscreens for reapplication on the market today.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Dr. Rogers lovers a multi-tasker, and no product does it better than Ilia’s Super Serum. It fits seamlessly into your makeup routine, offering protection from UVA, UVB, UVC, and blue light damage. The formula also features hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide for an added moisture boost for touch-ups throughout the day.
Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Glow Body Mist
When it comes to sunscreen, I put my trust in Aussies. Surely no one is more sun-conscious than those living on the driest continent on the planet. Australian-bred Naked Sundays is a prettily-packaged feast for the eyes, offering broad-spectrum SPF 50 that goes on like a dream. The brand offers a wide array of SPF-equipped products, including a lip oil and serum, but the Glow Mist with hyaluronic acid and hydrating watermelon extract is what really won me over.
Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
Ah, the Supergoop Glow Stick. My love for it knows no bounds. While it can err on the greasier side for some, the ease of reapplication and naturally glowy results often outweigh any temporary slickness.
U Beauty The Multimodal Defender Sunscreen SPF 30
One of the newest products under the tech-savvy U Beauty umbrella also comes highly recommended by Dr. Rogers for its ability to offer broad-spectrum protection (against UVA, UVB, infrared, and blue light) while working to correct dark spots. Bonus points for its lightweight, silky texture you won’t mind slathering on—again and agin.
COOLA Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist
Your hair and scalp deserve the same love you put into skincare. Opt for one of Coola’s always-gorgeous sunscreen products designed specifically to protect (and nourish) your locks.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
This protecting mist earns major points for being ridiculously lightweight. Its barely-there quality makes it versatile enough to spray anywhere on your body.
