If you’ve ever skipped reapplying sunscreen because you didn’t want to ruin your makeup, you’re definitely not alone. One of the biggest questions I hear is, “How do I protect my skin without starting my makeup all over again?” The good news is…you don’t have to choose between healthy skin and beautiful makeup. With the right products and a few simple techniques, you can keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays while maintaining a fresh, natural-looking complexion.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to apply and reapply sunscreen with makeup so you can enjoy your time outdoors with confidence, knowing your skin is protected. Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the base of your morning routine and reapplying it every two hours during sun exposure, even if you’re wearing makeup.
Do You Need to Apply Sunscreen Even If You’re Wearing Makeup with SPF?
If your makeup already has SPF, do you still need to wear sunscreen? Yes. Here’s the thing…in order for SPF to be effective, it must be reapplied every few hours.
Do you want to reapply your makeup every few hours in order to still have sun protection all day? It’s a pain. So let me show you how to apply and reapply sunscreen with makeup…
FAQs
- Do You Need to Apply Sunscreen Even If You’re Wearing Makeup with SPF? If you want continual sun protection, yes you do need to reapply sunscreen over your makeup.
- How do you Apply and Reapply Sunscreen with Makeup? You can either apply sunscreen first and then apply your makeup or you can apply your makeup and use a sunscreen spray or sunscreen powder when wearing makeup.
- How do you Apply Sunscreen Over Foundation? After you have applied your makeup, use either a sunscreen spray or sunscreen powder over your makeup to protect your skin.
- What’s the Best Sunscreen to Reapply Over Makeup? The best sunscreen to reapply over makeup is a sunscreen spray or sunscreen powder.
- Can You Put Makeup Over Sunscreen? Yes! After you cleanse your face, apply a small amount of sunscreen specifically made for your face. Wait 5-10 minutes for the sunscreen to absorb into your skin and then apply your makeup.
How to Apply and Reapply Sunscreen with Makeup
First off, not all sunscreens are created equal. You definitely don’t want to be applying sunscreen that is formulated for the body on your face. It will be greasy and thick. You need a sunscreen that is specifically for your face. Here are some of my favorite sunscreens that work really well with makeup:
- Elta Md
- Tula
- Coola
- Neutragena Clear Face
- Hueguard
- Supergoop (Re) Setting Spray
- Paula’s Choice
- Supergoop Glow Screen
How to Apply Sunscreen Under Your Makeup
After you have cleansed your face for the day, apply a small amount of sunscreen to your face. You don’t need a lot to get coverage. Before you apply your makeup, let your sunscreen absorb into your skin for 5-10 minutes. This will help your makeup apply and stay better.
But here’s the thing…you do not need both moisturizer AND sunscreen. Let your sunscreen be your moisturizer. Applying too many products on your skin before you apply your makeup will cause your makeup to slide and not apply and stay well.
How to Apply Sunscreen Over Foundation
Now, what do you do once your makeup has been on and you need to reapply sunscreen?? Supergoop has two great options for you! Sunscreen spray or sunscreen powder are perfect for reapplying sunscreen after you have your makeup on.
How to Use Supergoop (Re)setting Refreshing Mist
If you want to opt for the spray, this is how to reapply sunscreen over your makeup:
- Shake the bottle well to make sure the liquid is mixed up.
- Position the bottle 8-10 inches from your face.
- Close your eyes and tuck in your lips.
- Spray your face in a circular motion.
- Let your face air dry.
- Reapply every 2 hours.
How to Use Supergoop (Re)setting Mineral Powder
If you want a more matte finish or have oily skin, the mineral powder option is best for you. This is how to reapply mineral powder sunscreen over your makeup:
- Twist the bottle to OPEN.
- Close your eyes and tuck in your lips.
- Brush the powder evenly on your face.
- Reapply as needed.
Best Makeup to Use with Sunscreen
What makeup should you use with sunscreen? It’s really a matter of preference. You may prefer a liquid, powder, or cream foundation. I personally prefer a waterless cream makeup formula because it gives you great coverage, is easy to apply, and looks very natural.
Best Sunscreen to Reapply Over Makeup
The best sunscreen to reapply over makeup is hands down Supergoop Re(setting) Refreshing Mist or Re(setting) Mineral Powder. It allows you to apply your makeup in the morning and then reapply sunscreen over your makeup throughout the day without messing it up. It’s so convenient!!
Can You Put Makeup Over Sunscreen?
Yes! Cleanse your face, apply sunscreen specifically made for your face, wait 5-10 minutes, and then apply makeup over sunscreen. But your sunscreen is only effective for a few hours, so it’s important to reapply sunscreen throughout the day if you want to continue to have sun protection.
Best Skincare Prep for Makeup
It can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the noise we hear about complicated 12-step skincare routines. Who has time for that?? I’m a firm believer in less is more. And that’s especially true when you have better products with better ingredients. As a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist, I prefer using waterless skincare products. Because waterless skincare products are more potent and powerful, you don’t need 12-steps to see results.
Here’s my tried and true 3-step skincare routine I use before I apply my makeup. It’s simple. It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s effective. And it will leave your skin feeling and looking hydrated and bouncy for your cream makeup.
- Prep
- Protect
- Hydrate
Let’s breakdown what products to use for these 3 steps…
- Prep– Use a toner to restore your skin’s pH and prep your skin for the other skincare products you will be applying. The F11 Facial Toner or the F67 Corrective Facial Tonic (my personal fave) are great ones to use.
- Protect– The F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum is a fantastic serum to use in the morning! It will help hydrate, brighten, and protect your skin.
- Hydrate– As we age, our skin is producing less oil and appears drier. It’s so important to invest in a good moisturizer/face cream that will hydrate our skin! Dry skin enhances fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrated skin helps you look glowy and youthful. My personal favorite face cream is the F42 Corrective Face Cream because it contains natural sun protection from UVA and UVB rays. It also contains tapioca starch so it helps absorb excess oil. That means this face cream won’t leave you looking greasy and oily! Or, choose one of the sunscreens above as your moisturizer for the hydration step.
Learning how to apply and reapply sunscreen with makeup is one of the best things you can do for your skin…especially after 40. Daily sun protection doesn’t just help reduce your risk of sun damage…it also plays a huge role in preventing premature aging, dark spots, and loss of collagen over time. The key is finding products and application methods that fit seamlessly into your routine so protecting your skin feels simple instead of stressful. Whether you prefer a tinted sunscreen, SPF setting spray, mineral powder, or sunscreen stick, consistency is what matters most. Your future skin will thank you for making sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your beauty routine.
Here are other blogposts that you might enjoy:
- My Summer Waterless Skincare Routine (Oliveda AM + PM Guide)
- Olive Rose Summer Makeup Look: Lightweight Glow for Hot Weather
- Contour for Mature Faces: A Simple Guide
- Effortless & Elegant Spring Dresses for Women Over 40
- What to Pack for Greece in Summer (Women Over 40 Travel Style Guide)
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
