How to Wear Sunscreen Under Makeup

Everything you need to know about wearing sunscreen under makeup and why it’s your best defence to fight premature signs of ageing!

What Level of SPF Is Required for Every Day?

SPF30 is the level of broad-spectrum sunscreen you should be applying every morning, even if you spend a good part of the day inside. Even in winter. That’s right - SPF30 every day no matter what!

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

UV damage is responsible for more than 90% of the visible signs of premature ageing on your skin - wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, discolouration and sunspots.

UVA rays, in particular, speed up signs of ageing as they penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. They damage collagen and elastin fibres which leads to a loss of volume, wrinkles, and sagging.

Wearing sunscreen under makeup every day isn’t just about maintaining a fresh complexion - a good sunscreen habit could quite literally save your life. UVB rays are responsible for skin cancers, including melanoma, so protecting your skin daily is important for your overall health.

Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens

When choosing sunscreen under makeup, you have two different types of formulations to pick from - chemical sunscreen or physical sunscreen. Both guard against UV damage but are fundamentally different in the way they protect your skin.

Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun rays and then converting them to heat which is released off the skin. As the name suggests, they do contain chemical ingredients that are absorbed into your skin.

If you prefer chemical-free skincare and cosmetics, this type of sunscreen might not be the right fit for you. Some formulations can also be comedogenic meaning they’re likely to clog pores.

Physical sunscreen (also called mineral sunscreen)

Rather than absorb UV rays, physical sunscreen deflects them. Active mineral ingredients in the formulation sit on the top of your skin and scatter UV light away when it hits your face.

Physical sunscreens are based on natural ingredients - usually zinc and titanium dioxide. Not only do these compounds protect the skin from UV damage, but zinc also helps heal and rejuvenate skin.

More good news? If you have acne-prone skin mineral formulations are generally the best sunscreen to wear under makeup. They’re much less likely to clog pores than chemical sunscreens.

When to Apply Sunscreen

Apply a generous, even layer of sunscreen to your face after you’ve finished your skincare routine but before you apply foundation. Leave a few minutes between the sunscreen and foundation steps to allow time for the SPF to fully absorb.

We can hear you asking..

“Is sunscreen really necessary if I use a foundation with sunscreen?”

For optimal protection, we recommend a separate sunscreen application. Think of any sunscreen makeup infused with SPF that you apply afterwards as bonus protection.

The right sunscreen can act as a great primer for makeup. Choosing a lightweight formulation with a non-greasy texture can create a smooth and even surface for makeup application.

If you’re using a separate priming product you might be wondering if you should apply primer or sunscreen first? Wonder no more: sunscreen first then primer.

If you reapply sunscreen over makeup during the day use a makeup sponge to gently press the sunscreen into your skin. This will minimise the disruption to your foundation. Alternatively, you could opt for a powder SPF to dust on when a top up in required.

Sunscreen and Skincare

Look for sunscreen that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Select a SPF30 broad spectrum enriched with antioxidants and other ingredients that benefit the skin beyond sun protection.

esmi Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin. The best sunscreen under makeup, it offers comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

Shop the best sunscreen to wear under makeup: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30