Sunblock for the Face: How to Reapply It After Makeup

Reapplying SPF is one of the frequently forgotten steps in skin care, but slathering on a solid base of sunblock for the face isn’t enough. To stay protected from UV rays, you need to reapply it every two hours if you’re outdoors, and every four to six hours if you're indoors, states the Skin Cancer Foundation. However, this can get tricky for people who wear makeup. 

SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine, applied before makeup. The idea is to slather on your essences and serums first so your skin can absorb them. Apply a generous amount of regular sunscreen next — yes, even if your makeup products have SPF. These SPF ratings aren’t cumulative (SPF 30 plus SPF 15 is not SPF 45), so use a sunscreen that has SPF 30 or higher as your base and go by that number when gauging levels of protection. After applying sunblock for the face, you can put on makeup.

Here comes the tricky part: reapplication. Many women forego this because it can be a hassle. Luckily, sunscreen now comes in various formulas and textures that can make the process easier. Here are some methods that work.

No one wants to hear this, but this is the most effective method for reapplying SPF because it’s like doing your skincare routine all over again. Cleanse your face thoroughly using a cotton pad and Eskinol Naturals Micellar Facial Wash Glow with Natural Rose Extracts. Pat on your skincare products, then your sunscreen. If you have time to spare, this is the way to go.

Refresh your skin and makeup with a facial mist especially if you’ve been wearing a mask. It’s a good quick fix when you’re on the road, especially for acne-prone skin. Apply lightweight sunscreen like POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen, which is translucent and easy to absorb. 

This is the easiest and most popular method. If you don’t want to bother with regular sunscreen, you can just use powder foundation or setting powder with SPF. Do keep in mind that you’ll need to put on a generous amount and cover your entire face to get the protection you need.

If you’re an expert in applying your makeup, you can go for this expert-level method of reapplying sunscreen. Squeeze a dollop of your regular sunscreen onto the back of your hand, like you would with foundation. With a makeup sponge, which will help blend everything, dab the product all over your face.

Even the best sunscreens can only protect your skin from UV rays for a few hours. While reapplying sunblock for the face can be a hassle, it’s an essential part of good skin care.