Anyone who knows anything about skincare understands the importance of SPF. Sun damage doesn’t just turn your skin red and flaky—it’s also the leading cause of skin cancer and a major contributor to premature lines and wrinkles.
Lucky for us, it’s also easy to avoid. Armed with TULA’s Protect + Glow, you can enjoy the sunshine worry-free. SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, should be the last step of your morning routine, but it doesn’t end there. Experts recommend applying sunscreen every two hours as it wears off naturally during the day.
Makeup lovers, we hear you. Won’t SPF dull your foundation or bronzer? It can—but only if you’re not using the right products or techniques. That’s why choosing a suitable sunscreen and applying it correctly is key. The good news is we're here to show you how to reapply SPF over makeup without ruining your look.
The Best Way To Apply Makeup Over Sunscreen: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation
Decide what you need in a sunscreen before going shopping. You might decide to use a protective base, like our Radiant Skin tinted sunscreen, to double up on UV protection. Or a non-greasy, lightweight formula that will glide on over your makeup without leaving a white cast.
Our Protect + Glow broad-spectrum SPF is a trusted fan favorite that ticks these boxes and more—as well as defending against UVA and UVB rays, it also shields your skin from blue light and pollution.
The ultimate combo? Apply a generous layer of Protect + Glow in the morning under makeup, then toss our compact Protect + Go sunscreen stick into your bag for convenient on-the-go reapplication. Both products leave a dewy glow that keeps your skin looking and feeling healthy, no matter how harsh the sunlight.
Always use a high-factor SPF for optimal defense. Our sunscreens are all either SPF 30 or SPF 50.
Application Techniques
For your morning skin routine, allow 60-90 seconds from the last product application —moisturizer or otherwise—before layering on your SPF. Apply about three fingers worth of sunscreen all over your face, including your neck and ears. Allow another 60-90 seconds for the SPF, then you can go in with your makeup.
Now, on to the best way to apply sunscreen over makeup. Before reapplying your sunscreen (remember: every two hours, like clockwork!) blot your skin to remove excess oil. This will help prevent a cakey finish. Then, gently apply your chosen sunscreen using a slightly damp beauty sponge to help it blend into your makeup. This step isn’t always necessary with a clear gel SPF or a sunscreen stick; simply use your fingers to press it on, making sure not to rub or swipe as this can smudge your makeup.
And just like that, you can relax until the next reapplication. We suggest setting a reminder on your phone, just in case you’re caught up in sun-related activities.
Best Sunscreens for Use Over Makeup
When choosing a makeup-friendly sunscreen, prioritize a lightweight, non-greasy formula. These qualities ensure seamless application while enhancing your makeup look with a natural, dewy sheen.
The Protect + Go is our favorite portable SPF for lightweight protection. This invisible shield promises easy and mess-free application along with an instant glow, whatever your skin type. That being said, if you have specific concerns, there may be another formula that’s better suited to your complexion.
These are the most-loved TULA sunscreens for different skin types:
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Dry = 24-7 Moisture SPF 30
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Oily = Ultimate Sun Serum SPF 50
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Balanced = Protect + Glow SPF 30
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Combination = Protect + Go SPF 50
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Mature = 24-7 Moisture SPF 30
Tips to Keep Makeup Intact
There are things you can do to set your makeup up for all-day success, even with regular sunscreen reapplication. Our top tip is to carry a small pouch in your everyday bag containing an SPF and some makeup staples—think concealer and setting powder—so you can do full touch-ups throughout the day, including any patches of makeup that may have been affected by sunscreen.
Our SPF products are easy to layer makeup over, formulated to be light-as-air and non-greasy. Just be sure to leave 60-90 seconds between products to allow them to fully sink into the skin.
How Regularly Should I Reapply Sunscreen?
Dermatologists agree that you should reapply sunscreen over makeup every two hours as standard, even on cloudy days. That being said, it’s wise to increase the frequency during prolonged exposure. Apply liberally and don’t forget your neck and ears—these areas are often forgotten, even though the skin here is especially thin and delicate.
How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?
Generally, three finger lengths of sunscreen is the recommended amount, but when it comes to SPF, more is more.
Apply a generous amount in the morning to protect your skin from the jump. As this layer is going on under makeup, there’s little risk of applying too much, so long as you give it time to absorb before starting your makeup routine.
Repeat with a similar amount for each reapplication. If you’re using a stick, apply about four passes over the area of exposed skin. Then gently buff it in to ensure even coverage and absorption.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
For the smoothest SPF reapplication, avoid these common mistakes:
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Rubbing or wiping the sunscreen on can smudge the makeup and create a streaky look. Not cute. Instead, gently press it on using a beauty blender or sponge.
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Applying too little sunscreen or leaving exposed areas uncovered makes you vulnerable to UV damage. If in doubt, start with three finger lengths of sunscreen.
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Not blotting oily skin first can cause a build-up of product that feels heavy and cakey. Apply light pressure with blotting paper or a tissue to soak up excess oil.
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Relying on powder sunscreen alone doesn’t give your skin enough protection. Gel-based SPF and sunscreen sticks usually provide the best defense without disrupting makeup.
Final Thoughts on Reapplying SPF Over Makeup
No doubt about it: consistent SPF use is a game-changer for your skin health. Reapplying your go-to sunscreen every two hours will help prevent your skin from aging faster than it would naturally, all while keeping your risk of skin cancer low.
UV radiation should be taken seriously, but protecting your skin isn’t complicated—nor does it need to mess up your beauty regime. Follow our simple tips for applying SPF over makeup and enjoy fresh, dewy skin for longer.
Discover the full range of TULA sunscreens, including our best-selling Protect + Glow and 24-7 Moisture SPF.
