Have we not all had the struggle at one point of our sunscreen ruining our makeup? Pilling up, streaks, dragging, dryness, white cast? No more. Over my many years of skin issues, and experimenting with many facial sunscreens, I’ve compiled the perfect tips for ensuring my sunscreen sits beautifully under makeup. We don’t have to sacrifice the long-term benefits that sunscreen provides to our skin for our daily makeup look any longer. So with that said, here are my top hacks for ensuring my face is protected and my makeup looks immaculate, every time:
1. Allow time for your sunscreen to set down
Allowing time for your sunscreen to fully set down, is #1. Once applied, I will wait a solid 15-20 minutes before beginning my makeup application. Your sunscreen needs time to “dry down” on the skin and form that nice protective film over the skin, and to fully absorb to the products capacity. My favorite sunscreen of all time-of which I always have backups on hand-, is Drmtlgy broad spectrum SPF 45. Just a quick disclaimer, I am an affiliate with Drmtlgy (which means I make a small commission when a product is purchased at no extra cost to the buyer). However, this is only after years of purchasing and loving their sunscreens. Even on no makeup days, I get compliments on my skin and asked what I use nearly every time I wear this sunscreen. And bonus, it looks amazing under makeup. It sets down to a stunning natural glow, and truly gives that “glass skin” look.
2. A beauty blender/sponge for foundation, is your friend
Although many beauty gurus popularized the concept of blending or buffing on foundation with a brush, it isn’t ideal for those wearing sunscreen for several reasons. On a skin protection level, you run the risk of moving around your sunscreen or blending it out of areas of your face, which leaves you at a higher risk of skin damage from the sun. On the makeup application side-especially if you have dry skin- it can essentially cause extra exfoliation to occur, making your sunscreen and dead skin cell pill up as you apply the foundation. Not ideal. I prefer a gentle stamping motion with a damp beauty blender, and I never have issues with my sunscreen pilling or worrying about my lack of sun protection.
3. Beware of water based/sticky makeup primers
Like many, I just had to give the hyped-up ELF power grip primer a go. And….it’s like, glue. Glue and sunscreen…major major sunscreen pilling. So, all my grippy, power hold primers, are now a nighttime only affair. Instead, opt for ensuring your skin has been gently exfoliated the day prior, and well hydrated (and that your moisturizer had had time to dry down) prior to sunscreen and makeup application.
4. Cream makeup products blend like a dream
Who hasn’t spent far too long attempting to blend out a patchy powder blush or bronzer incident? The right sunscreen provides a wonderful, ever so slightly tacky base for your makeup that works far better with cream products. If you’re an oily skinned girl, set everything down with some loose powder and a mattifying setting spray at the very end.
5. Oil & water don’t mix
Whatever sunscreen you choose to use, be aware of the makeup that follows. Many times, pilling and separation occurs because sunscreen may be oil based, and the foundation or other base products you’re trying to use is water based. As we know, oil and water can’t mix, and you’re left with a less than desirable separating appearance to your makeup.
*Bonus tip: For lighter coverage days, I like to opt for a tinted SPF and a bit of concealer under my eyes and any red areas. I’m also a huge fan of Drmtlgy tinted Sunscreens. Especially, their physical tinted moisturizer SPF 44. Much like their other sunscreens it leaves a radiant glowing finish, and does a wonderful job of blurring imperfections and minimizing skin discoloration with a very skin-like feel. Just like a regular sunscreen, your hands will do the trick, no time consuming blending with sponges or brushes needed. It dries down lovely, and streak free.
Disclaimer: I am not a physician. All articles are for informational purposes and based off personal experiences regarding the topic. Articles are not intended to treat or diagnose any conditions nor should they be taken as medical recommendations. Please consult your Doctor/Dermatologist for diagnosis or treatment. Individuals will experience treatments, procedures, and medications differently and your Doctor will determine if a treatment is right for you. Posts may contain affiliate links, for which I may receive a small compensation at no additional cost to the reader when a product is purchased. All opinions on products, treatments, and procedures are my own and based off personal experience. Photos used on the website and all social media accounts for femininefacets.com are either free for use stock images or taken by me unless otherwise stated. All content is written by me unless otherwise stated.
