Re-applying sun protection over make-up - what are the best products and method?

Jun 11, 2016

Samina M.

Hello :)

How do you ladies re-apply your sunscreen products over your makeup during the day?

I apply a SPF 50 in the morning after my moisturizer and before foundation. But thereafter, I never re-apply any sunscreen during the course of the day. I find applying a cream product again over my makeup cumbersome and messy, even if I only gently press a little bit of product onto my skin with my hands.

I used to have a sunblock powder I got from a salon, which came with a brush applicator. So that was easy, it was just like re-touching my makeup with a pressed powder. Unfortunately that product got discontinued.

Tried to look up other spray SPF products online, found Supergoop, however the reviews were not great.

I've ordered the new Cover FX Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 - figuring a gel will be easier to dab over makeup than a cream sunblock.

My skin is oily so I use a mattifiying primer before applying makeup. Obviously don't want any more oil added when I re-apply a sunscreen product.

My main sun exposure is whilst I'm driving or when I go horse riding after work, so I still have makeup on. I'm not wearing a large-brimmed sun hat in the car or on the horse :) But I try wearing my hat during other outdoor occasions.

Any suggestions on application technique and what products are good?

Jun 11, 2016

Aurora S.

If you're using a titanium dioxide or zinc oxide sunscreen under your makeup then you don't really need to reapply unless your makeup rubbed off or something.

I used to use the Neutrogena sensitive skin sunscreen under my makeup and when I'd walk home, I got a slight tan on my chest and arms (used a chemical sunscreen)
But my neck and face stayed the same color, my arms and chest also got burned, I didn't reapply the chemical sunscreen on my chest or arms but the titanium dioxide/zinc oxide mix held up really well.

If you want a good touch up one then I'd suggest the Shiseido UV protective compact foundation.
It has SPF35 I believe.

If you're in Asia, go there or know anyone there then you could pick up the MAC Lightful SPF25 foundation which leans a little more yellow toned than the studio fix powder and has a more natural/less powdery look to it.

You could also check out some Korean cosmetics cause I've seen some that have powder sunscreen in them

Jun 11, 2016

Sabrina K.

The brand Coola has a "setting spray" with spf 30 - Perfect for touch ups during the day :)

Jun 11, 2016

Samina M.

Thanks ladies for the pointers 🌷 I'm going to eventually get both a powder and spray ... but not to use together :)

Aurora - Just been reading reviews on the MAC Lightful. It's great how MAC caters for different regions but a pity the products aren't accessible worldwide. All the reviews point out how finely milled the Lighful is in comparison to the the Studio Fix powder. It sounds and looks great from the pictures I've seen.

Jun 11, 2016

Susie M.

I use mineral fusion, powder spf 30. Can be applied over makeup, not messing your makeup. Got it at ulta and works pretty good. You just have to shake it and tap the bottom on your hand so that product comes out on the head of the brush. I believe it's around 20 dollars I got mine on sale

Jun 11, 2016

Samina M.

Thanks Susie :) Just had a look at the Mineral Fusion website. The Brush-On Sun Defense has gotten excellent reviews. Are you able to clean the brush applicator without getting any brush cleanser into the powder? Or perhaps one should use one of those brush cleanser wipes?

Jun 11, 2016

Aurora S.

@Samina, it's a pretty good powder. My aunt got it when she was in Asia, I tried it out and loved it. I eventually had some family that lives in Asia send me the refill, I never got the compact cause I liked the old compact more than the holographic one but since I've run out awhile ago I'll probably have them send the powder and the compact, I'm just not crazy about the price compared to the studio fix but it's great that I can just refill it

Jun 11, 2016

Janelle R.

There really isn't a way to successfully reapply sunscreen over top of makeup. While the powder and spray options may give some protection, the amount that the average person applies will not be enough to get the full protection that the product claims to offer (not to mention the chemicals you risk inhaling by using a spray). I suggest wearing as little makeup as possible then splashing a little water on your face and drying it off before reapplying your sunscreen when needed. You may then reapply the makeup (I usually keep a concealer stick in my purse).

Jun 11, 2016

Kitty K.

Here are several powder sunblock that you can use to re-apply through out the day. Some of these have spectacular ratings and hopefully you have access to them;

http://www.dermstore.com/product_Sunforgettable+Loose+Mineral+Powder+Brush+SPF+50_27142.htm
http://www.dermstore.com/product_Sunforgettable+Mineral+Sunscreen+Brush+SPF+50_63786.htm
http://www.dermstore.com/product_Organic+Sun+Defense_60360.htm
http://www.dermstore.com/product_Powder-Me+SPF+30+Dry+Sunscreen_13363.htm
http://www.dermstore.com/product_Mineral+SPF+30+Brush-On+Sun+Defense_33830.htm

I have to respectfully disagree with Aurora on not re-applying sunscreen.
I am a religious user of physical sunblock, have spent more than 5 hours outdoors (10 hours at least at work for the week) and still have tan lines on both my arms.
I also did not take responsibility to re-apply while snorkeling this weekend, and have a nice sunburn on my back :(
I have sensitive skin so the only type of sunblock I can use is mineral based. Mine contains titanium dioxide/zinc oxide.

The FDA recommends to use a broad-spectrum (protecting from both UVA and UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater to protect uncovered skin. It's recommended to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and to reapply every 1-1/2 to 2 hours even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating.

Examples of Broad-Spectrum Ingredients as provided by the FDA

Benzophenones
Oxybenzone
Cinnamates
Octinoxate Cinoxate
Ecamsule
Mexoryl SX
Sulisobenzone
Salicylates
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
Avobenzone Parsol 1789

You can fin plenty of information on the FDA's website regarding sun protection here
http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/Tanning/ucm116445.htm

As well as on the CDC's website
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

Jun 11, 2016

Nathalie C.

Bioderma has a spf 30 mist that you can use after makeup that is very cheap.

Jun 12, 2016

Janine P.

I use The Eminence Spf 30 powder wand and I love it (Kitty posted the link) I use over my IT CC cream to re apply throughout the day if needed or just by itself during summer and it gives me really good coverage. I use #2 Chery and berries (They use fruit to get its color)

Jun 12, 2016

Samina M.

Janelle, Kitty, Nathalie, Yanin ... Thanks so much for all the info and advice.

I appreciate all the input from everybody :)

Now I have a good selection of products to peruse + choose from.

Jun 15, 2016

Kiran T.

Peter Thomas Roth has a powder mineral sunscreen! Comes with a brush attached and the product dispenses through the brush.

Jun 15, 2016

Samina M.

Thanks Kiran ☺️