Before you reapply sunscreen over makeup, it’s essential to make sure that you apply your sunscreen correctly first. Without a good base, it’s difficult to maintain complete protection from the sun’s harmful rays throughout the day. After cleansing your face and applying skincare products like moisturizer or serum, wait for them to fully absorb before reaching for your sunscreen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you need “a nickel-sized dollop” of sunscreen to adequately cover your face, although you may require slightly more for your neck and décolletage. Always remember to apply SPF-containing products to commonly-overlooked areas exposed to the sun, such as your ears and hairline, for maximum protection.
Once you’ve got your base down, be prepared to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. You’ll need a relatively non-absorbent applicator, like a cotton ball or reusable face pad, and a sunblock containing SPF 30 or more. Many skincare enthusiasts prefer to use SPF 50 or higher for added defense against the sun, but experts say this isn’t entirely necessary. “Although I tend to recommend an SPF of at least 30, I think it’s more important to consider how often you reapply the product instead of the number,” Dr. Erum Ilyas tells Real Simple.
That said, reapplication of sunscreen over makeup is a breeze — just squeeze a bit of sunscreen on your applicator and gently dab it over your makeup for even coverage without lifting any product. For a softer finish, use a mattifying setting spray or powder containing SPF to set the sunscreen. Alternatively, you can rinse off your makeup or sunscreen and reapply from step one.
