Should You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Makeup?

Getting into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day year-round (even on cold and cloudy days) is important to help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun like sun damage and photoaging. But what if you wear makeup? Should you apply sunscreen before makeup? Since sunscreen requires reapplication in order to remain effective, how do you reapply sunscreen over makeup without disturbing your makeup or wiping it off? 
 
Learn when and how to apply sunscreen, and how to effectively reapply sunscreen over makeup so you can look your best while staying safe in the sun. 

Make applying sunscreen before you apply makeup a final step in your daily skincare routine. After cleansing and moisturizing your face, apply a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen suitable for your skin type before you apply your makeup.  

You can condense moisturization and sun protection into one step if your facial moisturizer also contains SPF, or if your sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer. Allow a few minutes for the product to absorb and then proceed with your makeup routine. 

Once you’ve applied your makeup, to maintain your sunscreen’s effectiveness, you’ll want to be sure to reapply sunscreen over your makeup throughout the day, at least every two hours, more frequently if swimming or sweating. Follow the directions on your sunscreen’s packaging for reapplication instructions. 

Whether applying sunscreen before or after makeup, always be sure to use sunscreen in conjunction with other sun protection measures. 

The best type of sunscreen under makeup is one that is appropriate for your skin type and leaves a smooth base for your foundation. Greasy formulas could make it difficult for makeup to set and cause makeup to slide or wipe off more easily throughout the day. At the same time, you ideally want your face sunscreen under makeup to be hydrating so makeup doesn’t flake or dry out on your skin. 

Eucerin Advanced Hydration Ultra-Light SPF 50 Face Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection in an ultra-light formula that leaves a weightless, invisible finish. Suitable for daily use across all skin types and tones, this facial sunscreen is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and humectants for clinically-tested, all day hydration*. Its hypoallergenic formula won’t clog pores and is enriched with 5 antioxidants to help defend against long-term sun damage**.  

*For sun protection, use and reapply as directed. 
**Use and reapply as directed with other sun protection measures (see Drug Facts Box). 

In terms of texture, the best sunscreen over makeup will be one that’s light, quick-absorbing and non-greasy. This is because it will not require you to rub in the formula as much (which could smudge your makeup).   

Skipping the makeup altogether is sometimes the best solution for applying SPF with makeup. By using a tinted sunscreen, you can apply the product generously while enjoying a sheer tint that blends into your skin tone. 

If you have an uneven skin tone, the mineral color pigments in tinted sunscreen provide subtly tinted, blendable coverage. This tinted coverage combined with broad-spectrum sun protection makes a tinted sunscreen a great choice to apply over or replace your foundation. 

Eucerin Tinted Sensitive Mineral SPF 35 Face Sunscreen is a lightweight sunscreen with a sheer finish that blends seamlessly into all skin tones. This tinted face sunscreen provides Broad Spectrum SPF 35 UVA/UVB sun protection and also features an Advanced Antioxidant Complex, 5 AOX Shield, that goes beyond neutralizing to also guard from free radicals and help support skin health.  

Unlike traditional mineral sunscreens, this Eucerin sunscreen lotion dries clear, leaving a matte finish and no visible residue. This lightweight sunscreen provides a gentle formula that does not irritate sensitive or delicate facial skin. Plus, it is non-comedogenic, so it does not clog pores and is suitable for daily use under or over makeup. Developed with Dermatologists, this face sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone and octinoxate. 

For mature skin or skin showing signs of pre-existing photoaging, Eucerin Tinted Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles with continuous use after 1 week. Its sheer tint blends seamlessly into all skin tones for more even-looking, radiant skin. This sunscreen features UVA/UVB sun protection plus an Advanced Antioxidant Complex, 5 AOX Shield™, that goes beyond neutralizing to also guard from free radicals and help support skin health. Use as directed with other Sun Protection Measures (See Drug Facts Box).  

It is not advised to use foundations which contain sunscreen instead of a sunscreen product, because this likely won’t be applied in high enough quantities to offer the right protection, and you generally wouldn’t be reapplying your foundation every 2 hours throughout the day.¹ For these reasons, a tinted sunscreen could be the perfect SPF makeup alternative to offer light coverage for a no makeup, sun-kissed look. 

Applying a base layer of SPF under your makeup is an important first step, but when the time comes to reapply, here are some tips to help you apply sunscreen over your makeup. 

Why? Using a beauty blender for sunscreen reapplication can help distribute it by gently dabbing it on without removing your makeup.  

How? Simply coat your sponge in sunscreen and press it on your face while avoiding swiping motions. This allows you to use pressure to apply the product without wiping your foundation off. 

Why? Rubbing sunscreen on your face will likely wipe off the makeup with it. Pressing motions are better for application and will coat your skin with minimal makeup disturbance.  

How? Distribute the formula between your hands and apply with pressing motions to your whole face. 

Whichever method you choose, remember that sunscreens must be liberally and evenly applied to provide proper protection. 

The FDA recommends using one ounce (two tablespoons, the amount to fill a shot glass), for the whole body, including the face.² 

When portioning out for your face, use a dollop at least the size of a nickel.³ Don’t be afraid to err on the side of more, applying sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin. Learn more about how much sunscreen to apply here. 

If you’re planning to wear makeup, apply sunscreen before applying makeup and wait a few minutes before adding foundation or other cosmetic products in order to give the sunscreen a chance to sit on the skin. Whether applying sunscreen before or after makeup, be sure to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside, even on days when it’s cloudy or cold. 

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, regardless of the amount of time spent in the sun. Apply more frequently after swimming, towelling off or heavy perspiration.  

Whichever facial sunscreen you choose, ensure it is labelled as a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and that it has an SPF of at least 30.  

The Eucerin Sun Protection Range includes a comprehensive selection of broad-spectrum sun protection products developed with dermatologists. It’s the only dermatological sun care enriched with 5 antioxidants to help defend against long-term sun damage* and offers products with clinical benefits for your specific skin type. 

*Use and reapply as directed with other sun protection measures (see Drug Facts Box). 

 Discover the Eucerin Sun Protection Range. 

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided for educational purposes only on the benefits of sunscreen usage.