How Do I Reapply Sunscreen Without Messing Up My Makeup?

Ask any dermatologist how often to apply sunscreen, and they’ll say “every day.” Press a little further, and they’ll encourage you to reapply it every two hours, or after sweating, swimming, or toweling off. If you’re bare-faced on the beach, that guideline is relatively easy to follow. But if you’re wearing makeup, that required reapplication can be tricky, especially if your formula of choice is a cream or a lotion. In that case, your options are limited to taking off all of your makeup, slathering on your sunscreen, and starting from scratch (every two hours), or forgoing the SPF altogether. Neither scenario is ideal. 

Fortunately, there are ways to reapply your sunscreen without messing up your makeup. One of the easiest ways to stay up-to-date on your SPF and keep your makeup looking fresh is with an SPF-infused setting spray. We like the E.L.F. Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45 Setting Spray, which helps both extend makeup wear and protect your skin from damaging UV rays. Sunscreen powders, meanwhile, are a great option for those with oily or combination skin. Opt for a translucent formula, such as Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re) Setting Powder Face Sunscreen SPF 35, to protect your skin and minimize shine without disrupting your makeup. 

If neither of those options works for you, you can dab a sheer tinted sunscreen on top of your makeup with a beauty sponge. Just keep in mind that this approach requires a bit of patience to avoid disrupting your base and you may have to retouch your blush and/or bronzer.

Lastly, note that while these reapplication techniques are useful for on-the-go touch-ups, you shouldn’t rely on them to keep your skin safe. It’s unlikely you’ll use enough setting spray or powder to achieve the SPF outlined on the product’s packaging. So, when reapplying SPF over makeup, it’s a good idea to stick to the shade — or don a hat — to protect your skin from those harmful rays.