These genius sunscreens will let you re-apply without messing up your makeup

My vampire, winter-loving self has recently gotten a wake-up call: The sun is out. Long gone are the beautiful gray days that cold weather brings (aka my fave), and daily sunscreen is an absolute must (as, admittedly, it should be 365 days of the year). As pretty much any dermatologist will tell you, reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is just as important as putting it on in the morning, which raises a frustrating conundrum: How are you supposed to get that additional dose of sunscreen on your face if you’re wearing makeup?

I find it super easy to add the SPF step to my morning routine as I’m getting ready—I can just choose from a makeup primer with SPF in it, an SPF-spiked moisturizer, or a regular ol’ layer of sunscreen right underneath my makeup. But reapplying midday isn’t as much of a no-brainer, because by nature it requires messing up your makeup. After all, nothing quite destroys your perfectly finessed no-makeup makeup look by slapping on a whole bunch of thick, white lotion. Your highlighter, mascara, and lipstick don’t even stand a chance.

Why you should apply and reapply sunscreen

I once found it to be a challenge to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day, but I’d rather take a few minutes to reapply than end up with damaged skin. Applying sunscreen (even on cloudy days!) protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that all skin, regardless of your complexion, is exposed to.

You may think your job is done after one application but think again. Similar to applying chapstick, one application in the morning just won’t do. To reap the benefits and ensure your skin is protected at all times, you need to be consistent. Especially if you’re outside and sweating or doing activities like swimming. Pro tip: Reapply your sunscreen approximately every two hours.

How to reapply sunscreen over makeup

Thanks to some seriously genius innovations in the SPF world of late, though, there are now sunscreens that are perfect for spritzing or brushing onto your skin on top of your makeup—without transforming your look from pristine to a Dali painting.

The easiest way to reapply sunscreen over makeup is with a setting spray, loose powder, or powder sunscreen that works great as a finishing powder or a regular powder to touch up your look and sunscreen. If you’re using a setting spray, simply reapply it by spraying it all over your face, making sure to distribute it evenly. If you’re using a loose powder or brushed powder, apply directly to your face, covering the surface of your face and décolletage.

Below, I’ve rounded up the perfect sunscreens that you can wear over your makeup, regardless of whether you’ll be spending the season soaking up the sun or hiding from it until fall (like I will be). Now, you and even your most flawless #facebeat officially have no excuses.

Shop the Best Sunscreen Sprays and Powders

Supergoop! Defense Refresh (Re)Setting Mist SPF 40 — $30.00

Easily reapply sunscreen throughout your day with this setting mist option from Supergoop. It’s lightweight, has a light scent, and a SPF 40. Be sure to shake it well (you want to hear the balls inside) as that activates the formula and ensures you get an even application.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 — $69.00

If a finishing powder is more of your thing, try this option from Colorescience. This mineral sunscreen brush features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work together to reflect UV rays before they have the opportunity to damage and burn your skin.

Ilia Blue Light Protect + Set Mist — $38.00

Keep this facial mist by your desk or in your bag and reapply every two hours to keep your skin protected. This weightless three-in-one formula hydrates your skin, sets your makeup (if you’re wearing it), and also protects your skin from blue light emitted from objects like your phone and computer.

Ilia Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20 — $34.00

This translucent powder comes in two shades: light to medium and medium to dark. It’s a weightless blurring powder great for those who prefer a more matte/filtered look, cutting shine but giving you tons of glow-power.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ For Face/Body — $40.00

If you don’t like lots of products, I recommend this spray sunscreen from Shiseido. It can be used on your body, on your face, and even in your hair. It’s lightweight, non-sticky, and grease-free.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 — $36.00

This setting spray has over 30 thousand ‘hearts’ on the Sephora website, so we’re confident it works. It’s weightless, hydrating, reduces shine, and will keep your makeup looking photoshoot fresh all day long.

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 PA+++ — $30.00

Don’t worry about messing up your makeup with this 100-percent mineral powder.

bareMinerals Mineral Veil Setting Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 25 — $27.00

This classic setting powder from bareMinerals is completely sheer so you don’t have to worry about a white cast or looking ashy, and your makeup will be on point.

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