Where does your sunscreen fit in your routine?
Image: Skincare steps & sunscreen. Layering them in the right order not only makes sure there’s no pilling or balling up - it keeps your skin protected.
We’ve all heard about the importance of a solid skincare routine, but knowing how to layer your products can be confusing -especially when it comes to sunscreen. Should it go before or after moisturiser? How much do you need to apply?
Here’s why you need to get it right: UV rays are responsible for up to 90% of visible skin ageing, including fine lines, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.
Without proper sun protection, even the best skincare products won’t save you from long-term damage.
Let’s chat: How to build an effective skincare routine order that keeps your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing.
When and Where Should I Apply Sunscreen in My Skincare Routine?
Image: What order do I apply my skincare? Here’s every popular step in order, including sunscreen.
Sunscreen is the final step in your morning skincare routine, applied after all other products such as serums and moisturisers but before makeup.
To protect skin evenly, sunscreen forms a light film on your skin.
For this film to settle on your skin properly, applying your sunscreen at the right step is extra important.
For example, if you layered a serum over your sunscreen, and then rubbed it in, it would break up the protective film that’s formed and become ineffective
Applying sunscreen as your last skincare step ensures it’s not diluted by other products and can effectively protect your skin.
Sunscreen in Your Morning Skincare Routine:
Image: Order of application: Cleanser, toner, essence, serums, eye cream, moisturiser, oil, SUNSCREEN then makeup.
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Essence
- Serums
- Eye Cream
- Moisturiser
- Oil
- Sunscreen
- Makeup
Many sunscreens have extra skincare ingredients and hydrating formulas, so you are able to make sunscreen your only skincare step in the morning.
The only essential step in the morning is sunscreen - all other steps are optional based on skin needs.
Will Wearing Makeup Reduce My Sunscreen Protection?
Wearing makeup won’t reduce the effectiveness of your sunscreen, but it’s important to not disturb your sunscreen layer too much.
Try using stippling motions with makeup brushes, or using makeup sponges so not to disturb the sunscreen layer you’ve applied below.
Can You Use Sunscreen as a Moisturiser?
Yes, you absolutely can!
Many sunscreens are formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, making them effective at both moisturising and protecting the skin.
These products are essentially multitasking moisturisers with added UV filters (what protects your skin against harmful UV rays).
However, if you have very dry skin or specific skin concerns, you may still want to apply a separate moisturiser underneath your sunscreen to ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the day.
We created CabanaCrème™ -an SPF50 Hydrating Sunscreen Moisturiser - to help simplify your morning routine.
It doesn’t just double as your moisturiser, it also has skincare ingredients like Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid for plump,glowing skin over time.
Shop: SPF50 CabanaCrème™ Hydrating Sunscreen Moisturiser
Embed Instagram video here https://www.instagram.com/p/DE8hPdeTO9E/
Should Sunscreen Be Applied Before or After Makeup?
Sunscreen should always be applied before makeup to create a strong, even barrier against UV rays.
However, when reapplying sunscreen during the day, you can apply it over makeup. It can be tricky to reapply over makeup, so we’ve written some tips on how best to reapply your sunscreen without messing up your hard work.
We love using our SPF50+ Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray and SPF50 Clear Glow Sun Stick to reapply throughout the day.
Do I Need Sunscreen if My Foundation Has SPF in It?
Yes, you still need to use a dedicated sunscreen even if your foundation contains SPF.
While it’s great that your foundation has some added protection, it’s not enough on its own.
To achieve full protection, you’d have to apply a much thicker layer of foundation than most people tend to wear (¼ teaspoon just on your face, to be exact).
Think of the SPF in makeup as a bonus layer of protection, not a replacement for proper sunscreen application.
You can see this in action here: “This is exactly how much foundation with SPF you'd need to wear to get enough sun protection.” By: Hannah English
Does Sunscreen Go on Before or After Moisturiser?
Sunscreen should go on after your moisturiser.
If your skin feels hydrated enough, you can even use your sunscreen as a moisturiser.
There’s a popular myth that sunscreen must be applied to bare skin for maximum effectiveness - but it’s been debunked multiple times.
What matters more is that your sunscreen forms a proper protective layer, which it can still do over your other skincare products.
Just make sure your moisturiser is fully absorbed before applying sunscreen to prevent pilling or uneven coverage, then give your sunscreen time to settle before applying makeup.
How Long Should I Wait After Applying Sunscreen Before Going Outside?
It's recommended to wait about 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before heading outside.
This gives the sunscreen time to bind to your skin and form a stable protective film.
Help! My Makeup Won’t Stop Balling and Pilling up
First things first, deep breath. Pilling happens for a few reasons. Some products love to ball up, regardless of how careful you are - so try and single out the repeat offenders.
Beyond that, don’t overuse your skincare serums. Using more than 2-3 drops might contribute to your next layers balling up.
It’s extremely important to give every skincare step it’s time to dry and settle on the skin - especially sunscreen.
For best results, wait a few minutes between layers, and up to 5 minutes after applying your sunscreen. Some makeup wearers have a fan handy to help dry down layers.
All Naked Sundays products are designed with makeup wearers in mind.
Summing it Up! Keep Your Routine Simple and Consistent
Sunscreen plays a vital role in your morning routine, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays that cause up to 90% of visible ageing.
Apply it after moisturiser, but before makeup, regardless of if your sunscreen is a mineral or chemical formula.
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.