Sunscreen and your Makeup routine
WebMD Feature
You want to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer, so you are a dedicated sunscreen wearer.
But is it possible to wear makeup with sunscreen without looking like a glazed donut?
With so many foundations and other makeup products offering SPF, it’s tempting to use them for coverage rather than putting on sunscreen, which can by shiny, chalky, or just plain messy, especially under makeup.
Giving in to that temptation would be a mistake, though, says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.
“Makeup does not provide enough coverage. You need to use seven times the normally used amount of foundation and 14 times the normally used amount of powder to get the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on the label,” Baumann tells WebMD. No one does this.”
So how can you marry makeup with sunscreen to keep your skin healthy and looking its best? WebMD turned to Baumann, Karen Houpt, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and makeup artists Tina Turnbow and Patty Bell for a step-by-step guide to using sunscreen and makeup.
1. Select the proper sunscreen.
Even before you step in front of the bathroom mirror, find a sunscreen that offers enough protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises people to use a moisturizer containing broad-spectrum sunscreen (which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF rating of at least 15. Ingredients such as zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or ecamsule (Mexoryl), combined with octocrylene and avobenzone work best with makeup and provide broad spectrum sun protection.
EXPERT TIPS
- Baumann: Layer a physical sunscreen, such as Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, with a chemical sunscreen (either Topix Glycolix Elite Sunscreen SPF 30 or Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Skin SPF 30), to block most of the sun’s rays.
- Turnbow: A natural moisturizer, such as Pur-lisse pur-protect SPF 30, is light and smooth, good for dewy skin. Arcona Reozone SPF 20 is a little richer, but has more of a matte finish.
- Bell: DDF Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection SPF30 is oil-free.
- Houpt: To avoid flaking that sometimes occurs with sunscreen, it may help to use a product with no more than SPF 15 on the face. For those concerned about an unflattering white pall, avoid products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
2. Apply sunscreen liberally.
“Apply a thin, even coat, approximately one teaspoon for face and neck,” Houpt says. “And ears, if exposed.” Then, let sunscreen soak into the skin and dab the excess with tissue. After you finish applying sunscreen, wash the residue off of your hands before applying makeup.
3. If necessary, use SPF eye cream.
If applying sunscreen in the delicate area around your eyes causes a burning sensation, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests using SPF 15 eye creams.
4. Apply a foundation or tinted moisturizer with 15 or more SPF.
If you use makeup foundation or tinted moisturizer — a light foundation with sheer coverage — remember that you cannot rely on these products alone; they must be used in conjunction with sunscreen. Although sunscreen is the most important element to shield skin from the sun, foundation or tinted moisturizer with SPF can help. Check labels, and purchase products with SPF 15 or higher.
EXPERT TIPS
- Turnbow: She recommends Prescriptives 1 Oil Free Matte Finish MakeUp SPF 15 for a foundation. She suggests Alison Raffaele Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 because it provides sheer coverage, good moisture, and natural ingredients. When using a primer (a base for heavier makeup) she uses Smashbox Photo Finish Primer SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex.
- Bell: She likes Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20.
5. Apply powder.
To top off your makeup routine, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying compressed powder with a sponge because the powder’s particles provide some sun protection, and powder will help keep sunscreen and moisturizer in place.
EXPERT TIPS
- Turnbow: She recommends Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 — especially for keeping skin matte. It’s a talc-free, transparent matte SPF 30 mineral powder with a brush applicator.
- Bell:She likes Clinique Almost Powder Make-Up SPF 15 because it’s lightweight. YSL’s Matt Touch Compact Foundation SPF 20 is a new matte powder that hydrates, soothes pores, and absorbs oil.
6. Don’t forget the lips.
Protect your lips with SPF 15 — or higher — lipstick or lip balm. Covergirl Triple Lipstick, SPF 15 offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection for lips, as does Mary Kay Sun Essentials Lip Protector Sunscreen SPF 15. If you wear lipstick for sun protection, use an opaque shade rather than a high-gloss lipstick with little pigmentation.
7. Reapply
For day-to-day wear, Bauman recommends reapplying sunscreen once during the day.
“UVA goes through glass,” she says.
If you’re spending time outdoors, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying sunscreen on the face and lips every two hours.
How can you manage that with your makeup routine? Turnbow suggests dusting on an SPF translucent powder after you reapply sunscreen to keep shine down. If you’re spending time outdoors and want a less complicated routine, keep it simple with lip color, mascara, and maybe a long-lasting eyeliner. She says cheek stains are also good for light, natural-looking color
