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It’s probably safe to say that we all understand the importance of daily sunscreen by now—right? Even during the winter or on cloudy days, SPF is non-negotiable and should always top off your AM skincare routine. A general rule of thumb is about half a teaspoon of at least SPF 30 for the face and neck should do the trick, but since most of us won’t be measuring our sunscreen in our silverware, that’s the same as two squirt of sunscreen from the base to the tips of your index and pointer fingers combined. Yes, the rumors are true.
While a strong base of sunscreen daily definitely deserves a pat on the back, sun protection doesn’t end there. Sunscreen starts wearing off as soon as you put it on. In a matter of just a couple of hours, your base layer is essentially ineffective against harmful UV rays and sun damage.
Do you actually reapply it every 2 hours throughout the day, as directed? I’ll be the first to admit that I avoid reapplying sunscreen like the plague, especially on days I have makeup on. There’s something about smothering another layer over a full face of makeup that just doesn’t feel right. But now that is no longer an excuse—here are 3 ways you can reapply sunscreen throughout the day without messing up your makeup.
Spray it
A spray is perfect for touch ups throughout the day—not only is a fine, lightweight mist refreshing, it’s also essentially invisible. It’ll shield your skin from the sun without leaving any evidence behind. Bonus: it’s also a great midday pick-me-up.
Beautylish recommends Chantecaille Seascreen 30 Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 or Bask Non-Aerosol Spray SPF 30
Swirl it
A powder with SPF pulls double duty for quick touch ups throughout the day. Instead of destroying your makeup, it actually enhances it. In addition to sun protection, a translucent powder will help set makeup and absorb any excess oil, while a tinted powder will also add a subtle wash of color.
Dab it
Now, I’m going to let you in on a secret: you can use your go-to SPF to reapply throughout the day without ruining your makeup. The trick? Use a sponge and lightly dab it on. The key is to use a light stippling motion, instead of dragging or smearing the sunscreen across your face. Squeeze sunscreen onto the back of your hand, apply it to one area at a time, press it in until fully absorbed, repeat.
For SPF, Beautylish recommends Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, Bask Daily Invisible Gel SPF 40, or Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer
For application, Beautylish recommends Beautyblender or Juno & Co. Microfiber Velvet Sponge
Illustrations by Christina Fung
This article has been updated. Originally published March 8, 2022.