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Spoiler alert: you don’t have to compromise between staying protected from the sun and wearing your a glowy makeup look this summer.
E! spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Josh Zeichner to get his POV on all things makeup and SPF, including application tips that will leave you protected (yes, even with your makeup on) all summer long.
- Expert-approved SPF stick:Â Bubble SUN RISE Mineral Sunscreen Stick ($15)
- Makeup primer with SPF: Ogee Skin Enhancing Primer SPF 40 ($49)
- Editor-loved SPF spray: Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist ($24)
But before you can even get to the reapplication step, it’s important to start with a base that actually protects you.
“Layering sunscreen products is a great way to ensure you are getting the protection you want. Using a stick sunscreen as your first layer will provide the foundation you need for proper UV protection,” Dr. Zeichner says.
For more advice from Dr. Zeichner, including his favorite SPF, keep scrolling.
What are sunscreens that won’t break you out and work well under makeup?
“The Bubble SUN RISE Mineral Sunscreen Stick provides broad-spectrum UV protection in a formula that rubs fully into the skin without leaving behind a white cast. It’s a great option across all skin types and contains soothing botanicals, and ingredients like squalane, to hydrate and protect the skin,” he said.
“Together, this makes it a great option for priming the skin before applying other skin care products and makeup.”
Bubble SUN RISE Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 40
This formula is loved by Dr. Zeichner and it’s easy to see why! The solid stick format makes it easy to glide on during any summer adventure, keeping you protected against UVA and UVB rays.
d’Alba Vegan Fresh Sun Stick, SPF 50+
Here’s another stick-style SPF product that has a lightweight, non-greasy/sticky formula that has a silky matte finish.
How much sunscreen should I wear? Should I layer it with SPF makeup?
“The SPF value of a sunscreen is measured based on a density of 2 mg/cm² on the skin. If you’re applying a concentration less than that, then you are not getting the level of protection labeled on the bottle,” he said.
This means about a quarter-sized dollop of a traditional liquid sunscreen. “If you use that much of a primer or makeup with SPF, you will get adequate protection,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Mineral Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Primer SPF 30
This 3-in-1 functions as a sunscreen, moisturizer and primer to keep you protected from UVA and UVB rays, while hydrating and blurring the skin.
“However, in the real world, people are not using that much of a cosmetic product,” he said. “Using that much primer can leave the face feeling sticky or heavy, and using that much makeup can leave the face with a caked-on appearance.”
So it’s a good idea to start with an SPF that layers beautifully with your makeup and skincare, or use a multi-use product that functions as a primer and sunscreen in one to keep you protected and primed.
Ogee Skin Enhancing Primer SPF 40
Ogee’s skin enhancing primer not only preps your skin for makeup, but protects you too! It has a sheer universal tint, offering SPF 40 and antioxidant defense.
What is the best way to reapply sunscreen over makeup?
Dr. Zeichner says, “I find that sunscreen after your makeup can be a challenge. Setting sprays with SPF are a great option. Alternatively, sunscreen sprays or mists can be essentially airbrushed onto the skin without disrupting the work you spent putting your makeup on.”
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Sunscreen Makeup Setting Spray SPF 28
Need to keep your glam locked in? This delivers an ultra-fine aerosol mist, without any white cast or sticky feel. Use it as the last step in your routine all summer long and keep it in your purse for easy SPF reapplication.
“If you’re using a spray sunscreen on the face, it is very important not to get it into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Make sure you’re not spraying it into the wind, which can blow the product toward you or away from you. And make sure you are not breathing in as you spray the product, so you don’t accidentally inhale the sunscreen. You should also keep your eyes closed if you’re spraying sunscreen near your face.”
Editor’s Pick
Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist
I always have this SPF 50 face mist in my bag for easy touchups throughout the day! It’s lightweight and applies beautifully to the skin, and has never leaked in my bag.
How often should you reapply sunscreen to your face?
“In order for a sunscreen to do its job, it has to be used correctly. This means you need to apply enough, and you need to reapply. Whether you’re talking about sunscreen on the face or on the body, it must be reapplied every two hours, or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming. Mineral sunscreens can clump on the skin, making them less effective over time. Chemical sunscreens are inactivated as they are exposed to UV light.”
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Water Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
Lightweight hydration meets broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection in this weightless mist, made with hyaluronic acid that won’t dry you out.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist
This superfine mist sets and refreshes your makeup, all while keeping you protected. No makeup on? No problem! It leaves a semi-glowy, invisible finish.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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