"What's the best method for re-applying SPF over makeup?" Your most frequent sunscreen questions, answered.

We’re trying to be sun-kissed over here, not sunburnt.       

I know there’s nothing like feeling the sun on your skin getting a re-up on Vitamin D, but if you’re not protecting your skin first, you can end up with premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and overall sun-damaged skin. 

Incorporating sun protection into your beauty and skincare routine every day is honestly the single best thing you can do to protect your skin and give it the TLC it (and you) deserve. 

The You Beauty community loves an SPF moment (we have Leigh Campbell to thank for that, surely). And with that, a lot of us have questions. When do I actually need to reapply? How does that even work when you're wearing makeup? What step of my routine is sunscreen meant to be?!

So here are the handy answers to some of the Youbie's most frequently asked questions, to help us all level up our sunscreen game. Let’s get into it. 

How do I avoid that greasy feel sunscreen leaves behind?

When I first started taking sunscreen seriously, I feel like I spent hundreds of dollars trying to find one that wasn’t greasy – which is something that I try to avoid at all costs, especially because I have oily and acne-prone skin. 

But ladies, gents, and my non-binary friends, after searching high and low, I finally found a sunscreen that, in my humble opinion, has the sheerest, most natural finish ever. 

It’s La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF 50+ Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen. 

It’ll leave your skin feeling comfortably protected. Like it says in its name, it leaves an invisible finish. I wear it every single day without feeling like there’s a greasy layer of product sitting on my skin. 

Image: Supplied.

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Range honestly has a sunscreen for every skin type. Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch SPF 50+ is specifically formulated for oily, acne-prone skin like mine. It's formula is non-greasy and also non-comedogenic, so doesn't contain pre-clogging ingredients that our skin won't vibe with!

Their Anthelios Ultra Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is also their non-sticky and ultra-comfortable option for dry, sensitive skin. It contains anti-oxidant Baicalin to fight free radicals on the surface of the skin, as well as a chemical and physical filtering system, that helps to prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure.

Image: Supplied. 

My makeup has SPF in it, that should be enough... right?

Having SPF in your makeup is a great start, but it is not intended to protect your skin the best way you can. When you’re out and about exposed to the sun, you also should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours.

To actually get the same level of coverage, you would have to add a couple (read: a lot) of layers of makeup... which is less than ideal.

So think of SPF in your makeup as a bonus. A little extra something something on top of your actual sunscreen.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by La Roche-Posay Australia & NZ (@larocheposayaunz)

What’s the best method for re-applying SPF over makeup?

I know it sounds like an impossible task, but there is a way! With the right tools, you can reapply sunscreen over makeup without ruining the look. 

It all starts with your base: your makeup. 

If your makeup is powdery, you run the risk of your makeup looking muddy trying to apply sunscreen over the top. 

If you love the matte look, you can still achieve it while using cream/liquid foundations, blushes, bronzers and mattifying setting spray. 

Now that you have a base that won’t clash with the texture of your sunscreen, all you need is a lightweight SPF50+ and a dry makeup sponge. 

This is where I'd recommend my go-to, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF 50+ Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen. It comes out in a liquid formula which is perfect for what we’re doing here. 

I like to pour a teaspoon amount of sunscreen on the back of my hand, rub it a little bit so it spreads out. Then dab the flat section of the dry makeup sponge into the sunscreen and dot it all over your face. Never drag! Just use delicate dotting motions, concentrating on a small area at a time before moving to the next section.

You might need to reapply your makeup on some parts of your face, but your whole makeup look absolutely won’t be ruined.

If you don’t have a sponge, it’s okay too. 

You can achieve the same thing with clean fingers. I highly recommend a dry sponge though because they don’t move or absorb the makeup that’s already on your face. 

Listen to You Beauty, the daily podcast for your face. Post continues below. 

Do I apply sunscreen before or after moisturiser?

As a general rule of thumb, apply your sunscreen AFTER your moisturiser as the final step of your skincare routine. 

The order of steps should look something like this: Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Eye Cream, Moisturiser, Sunscreen. 

I like to let my moisturiser sink in for a few minutes before applying my sunscreen so I’m not mixing or diluting my sunscreen. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by La Roche-Posay Australia & NZ (@larocheposayaunz)

Do I need sunscreen in winter?

Yes, yes, and yes! 

Healthy skin is in all year round, and so should your sun care routine. This includes when you’re indoors, too. The sun's rays still reach our skin, even when it’s through glass, car windows, hidden behind grey skies or even sheer curtains. The Anthelios range offers broad spectrum SPF 50+ to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

How much sunscreen is enough?

When it comes to sunscreen, less isn’t more. More is more! 

The recommended amount for best protection is at least one teaspoon for the face and neck. 

It sounds like a lot when you compare it to the small amount of moisturiser we use. But, using anything less than one teaspoon means less protection. 

Just 5 sunburns before the age of 20 can increase the risk of melanoma by 80%. So applying a teaspoon or more of sunscreen is seriously worth it and something we shouldn’t be stingy with. 

Oh, and that's just for your face and neck, so don't forget the rest of your body too! La Roche-Posay also have the body covered with Anthelios XL Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+ suitable for the entire family. It's perfect for beach weather too, as their innovative wet skin technology means it can be applied directly to wet skin, and has 4 hours water resistance. 

We're all about sun protection, 365 days a year. Find the right sunscreen for your face and body in La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range to protect skin throughout all the seasons. Find your nearest La Roche-Posay retailer here.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Feature Image: Supplied.