Let's Talk Sunscreen: When & How to Apply
I’m so happy to see sunscreen finally getting the shine it deserves! To be honest, like many people, I wasn’t educated on the importance of sunscreen, but luckily education on sunscreen has spread far and wide these past couple of years.
Now that more people are starting to apply sunscreen, I wanted to touch on HOW to apply and the importance of reapplication. Truth is, sunscreen isn’t one of those products you can apply once a day and be done with. You have to be consistent and reapply throughout the day to ensure your skin remains protected.
How do I apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied as the final step in your skin care and/or makeup routine. For the best results, you should apply it 30 minutes prior to being exposed to the sun to allow the product to fully absorb into your skin. I like to use the two finger method for the first application. I just take my cream sunscreen, apply the product down my pointer and middle fingers, and then rub it into my face, neck, and ears.
To be clear, being exposed refers to outdoor AND indoor exposure. Sun rays do penetrate through windows, so you should apply and re-apply sunscreen even if you’re staying inside. The only exception to this rule is if you’re in a space with no windows.
What type of sunscreen should I use for initial application?
I find that liquid/cream and stick sunscreens provide the best coverage for initial application. Powder, spray, and makeup formulas (I.E. foundations/skin tints with SPF) DO NOT provide adequate enough coverage for initial application.
In terms of chemical vs. mineral, go with what works best for you and your skin. Don’t let any scare tactics prevent you from using one or the other. They both protect your skin from harmful sun rays.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Generally speaking, sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours. That’s about how long it takes for sunscreen to wear off. If you go out for a swim or get your sweat on, you should reapply directly after those activities as moisture breaks down sunscreen.
How do I re-apply sunscreen over makeup?
When you aren’t wearing makeup, re-applying sunscreen is simple. You can just use the same cream or stick you used for the initial application. When wearing makeup, you have to be a bit more careful though.
If I’m wearing makeup, I like to re-apply sunscreen using one of the three following methods. To reiterate, these methods are just for reapplication, as they aren’t adequate enough formulas/methods for initial application because they don’t provide enough protection.
Sunscreen Spray: Make sure you shake your sunscreen spray well before using. To apply it, spray it onto your face in a circular motion from a few inches away for about 5 seconds. Don’t be shy; make sure you’re generous with your application.
Sunscreen Powder: You can generously brush the powder over your skin for reapplication. I love powder sunscreens because they also help touch up your makeup.
Use a Makeup Sponge: If you don’t feel like purchasing a separate product for sunscreen reapplication, you can use the same cream-based sunscreen for reapplication. Just take a dry beauty blender or makeup sponge, apply the sunscreen directly to the sponge, and gently dab over the skin. Be careful not to apply too much to the sponge or else to may risk ruining your makeup.
Below are a few of my favorite sunscreens to use for reapplication:
