4 Ways to Reapply Your SPF Over Makeup Without Ruining Your Look (Tried & Tested Methods!)
Image: Reapply sunscreen over makeup.
Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is essential for maintaining sun protection, but being a makeup lover who is strict with their sunscreen isn’t easy.
Topping up your SPF protection over makeup can be challenging - especially if you’re new to it.
Naked Sundays founder, Samantha Brett, had the exact same pain point.
Fortunately, there are a handful of tried-and-true methods and products specifically made to help you reapply SPF without ruining your hard work.
PS: Our Founder is a makeup wearing SPF-lover too
Did you know that Naked Sundays was founded from a need to reapply over heavy TV-worthy makeup?
Founder Samantha Brett worked as a news reporter for over a decade, regularly starting her busy days at 3am in full hair and makeup.
After multiple hours of wear, Sam needed a reliable way to reapply her sunscreen without ruining her camera ready makeup or adding too much shine under harsh studio lighting.
This need led to Naked Sunday’s first launch: the best-selling SPF50+ Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray, developed to make sun safety and proper reapplication easier.
Well, How Often Should I Reapply Sunscreen During The Day?
According to the Cancer Council: “Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you are spending time outdoors. As sunscreen can be easily wiped off and lost through perspiration, you should also reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying.”
It’s also extremely important to always follow the package directions on your sunscreen.
Let’s Get Into The Tried & True Methods Makeup Lovers Use to Reapply
Reapplying sunscreen over makeup can be challenging, but it’s essential for proper sun protection throughout the day.
Throughout the day, the protective film sunscreen forms on our skin breaks apart thanks to sweat, sun and any transfer that’s occurred throughout the day.
Ever seen your makeup break apart? That’s what is happening to our sunscreen at a microlevel, allowing more damaging UV rays to reach our skin.
Method 1: Use a Mist for Quick and Easy Touch-Ups
Image: Reapply sunscreen using mists & sprays.
A mist is a great way to reapply sunscreen during the day without disturbing your makeup.
Mists offer an extremely fine covering, allowing for a light, even layer of SPF.
Just remember, it’s important to follow package directions to ensure you’re applying enough for full protection.
Popular in our audience: SPF50+ Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray
Method 2: Use a Synthetic Brush to Stipple on Product
A stippling brush is a great, hands-free way to reapply your sunscreen. By stippling (quickly and gently dabbing the brush up and down) rather than smearing or rubbing, you can add protection without causing makeup to slide or smudge.
Our Holographic SPF Foundation Buffing Brush has synthetic bristles (rather than natural bristles) to make sure it isn’t absorbing more product than it needs to.
Reapply generously, following packaging instructions. A popular pairing with our SPF Foundation Buffing Brushes is the SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion, which you can grab in a bundle together here.
Method 3: Reapply Using a Balm or Stick
Image: Reapply sunscreen using balms & sticks.
Whether you’re stepping out of the office for lunch or protecting yourself poolside, sunscreen balms are our personal favourite for hands-free reapplication throughout the day. Balms are also a travel-friendly option, which you can use on your face and body.
Currently in our range you can get both mineral and chemical formulas in our Sun Sticks:
Cabana Clear range: SPF50 Clear Glow Sun Stick (Dry Body Oil / Face Top Up Stick) and the 100% Mineral range: SPF50 100% Mineral Summer Stick
Tip: If you carry a favourite cream or serum blush, you can reapply it afterward to refresh your look.
Method 4: Use a Non-Absorbing Sponge For Layered Reapplication
Image: Reapply sunscreen using sponges.
This technique, popularised by Hannah Collingwood English, involves using a non-absorbing makeup sponge to press sunscreen into your skin.
It’s a great option for serum-like sunscreens and provides a more seamless and precise reapplication.
How to reapply: Apply a small amount of sunscreen to the sponge, then stamp it onto your skin in gentle pressing motions.
Keep layering up until you have reapplied the correct amount of sunscreen per packaging directions.
It’s important to avoid dragging the sponge to keep your makeup intact - go slow and apply in light layers.
Important! Don’t dampen your sponge! You’ll dilute your SPF protection. Opt for a velvet sponge or a dry sponge for best results.
Shop: Dual-ended, Lilac Cosmetic Sponge
Method 5: Apply Your Sunscreen Makeup Products as a Touch up
Image: Top up your makeup with products that are supercharged with SPF protection.
If your makeup has faded throughout the day, a tinted SPF product can serve a dual purpose.
When touching up your makeup, opt for sunscreen-makeup hybrids to supercharge your mid-day touch ups.
Our BeautyScreen™ SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint has SPF50, as does our CabanaGlow™ range, which are both popular for makeup touch ups during the day.
We’ve Heard You. Here Are Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions:
Are SPF Sprays Effective For Reapplication?
Yes, SPF sprays are effective when used correctly. It’s crucial to apply a generous amount to achieve the full level of protection indicated on the label. Follow packing directions and to get the labelled SPF protection.
Do You Need to Reapply Sunscreen Indoors?
You don’t need to reapply sunscreen as frequently indoors unless you are close to windows or reflective surfaces. However, keep in mind that UVA rays can penetrate glass if you’re sitting next to a window, and that can contribute to cumulative skin damage.
It’s worth noting that UV exposure greatly depends on where you sit and the UV rating outdoors. Outdoors, quick outings, even a quick coffee run without proper protection, can also add up over time.
Can I use a powder SPF for reapplication?
Powder SPFs haven’t been proven to be as reliable as other forms of sunscreen. They can provide patchy coverage, making it difficult to achieve consistent protection.
For the best protection, stick to creams, mists, or sticks. When in Australia, opt for Aussie SPFs for guaranteed protection according to Australian standards.
Why Isn’t there an Australian Powder SPF?
Australia has some of the strictest sunscreen testing and regulations in the world, making it challenging to create reliable SPF powders.
It’s essential to use products that meet local standards to ensure you are adequately protected against the harsh Aussie sun. You can read more about Australia’s standards here.
Disclaimer
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply sunscreen frequently.