Beauty Skin-Care Tips

What a Derm and Makeup Artist Want You To Know About Sunscreen and Makeup

Rachel Lapidos

Zoe Weiner

Rachel Lapidos & Zoe Weiner

Updated April 25, 2024

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Photo: Getty/Westend61

In theory, SPF makeup should be the easiest way to keep your skin safe from the sun. But though swapping your usual foundation for one infused with UV-blocking ingredients may make you *think* you're properly protected, dermatologists caution that that's not necessarily the case—which is why wearing sunscreen under makeup is key.

"Often, women do not use enough foundation to get the proper SPF, which is why I usually recommend applying sunscreen before applying makeup, regardless of whether or not there's SPF in the makeup," says Jessica Dowling, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "This type of layering can help you avoid any missing areas of skin."

Experts In This Article

Cybele Fishman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

I know, I know: Adding another step to your already stacked routine probably feels like overkill. But these days, there are so many sunscreens specifically designed to wear right alongside makeup that it's never been easier—or more enjoyable—to double up. Not only will your skin be adequately shielded from the sun, but it will also look like its best (glowiest) self in the process.

The problem with SPF makeup

"While you can get enough SPF from an SPF foundation, most people do not use the recommended amount of product on their face to obtain the marketed SPF," says Dr. Dowling. Generally speaking, you need at least "two finger lengths" of product (meaning enough product to draw lines down your index and middle fingers) on your face and neck in order to get the full amount of SPF that's advertised on the bottle. And chances are, you're not using nearly that much foundation in your regular application—so even if you're technically using an SPF 50 foundation, you probably aren't getting SPF 50 protection.

This holds true regardless of what type of SPF makeup you're using. "Liquid makeup can be as effective as regular SPF, [but you have to] put enough on," adds Cybele Fishman, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. "Powder would need to be caked on thickly for it to provide as good of coverage, but most women wouldn't want to put it on that heavily." All this is to say that while SPF makeup is great for upping your protection, it shouldn't be your only source of defense against the sun.

How much SPF do you need every day?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing at least SPF 30 every day and re-applying every two hours. The "two finger" rule is an easy way to ensure you're getting enough product on your face and neck (which equates to about 1/3 to 1/2 a teaspoon of product, or a quarter-sized dollop). One ounce of sunscreen (AKA enough to fill a standard shot glass) should be enough for the rest of your body.

In pursuit of hitting that golden SPF 30 number, it's important to keep in mind that SPF factors aren't additive. "If you're wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen under makeup with SPF 30, you're not wearing SPF 60," says Dr. Fishman, so look at whatever product has the highest SPF and go by that number for an accurate idea of how much protection you've got at any given moment.

How to layer sunscreen and makeup

Unless you're caking on a whole bunch of foundation (which, let's be honest, you're probably not), sunscreen layering should be a non-negotiable part of your routine. Thankfully, there are a few different ways to do it, and it's all about finding the method that works for you. The only application edict you should always follow? "Put on your skincare first, since you want the skin-nourishing ingredients closest to your face," says Dr. Fishman.

Sunscreen under makeup

Most people will choose to put on their sunscreen before their foundation, but the exact application order depends on what type of formula you're using. If you're working with a chemical sunscreen—which uses filters like avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate to absorb and release UV radiation—you'll want to put it on before your moisturizer so that it's in close contact with your skin. In this situation, your application order should be serums, SPF, moisturizer, makeup. "Chemical sunscreen tends to rub into the skin a little easier on average, so I usually recommend a chemical sunscreen as a primer," says Dr. Dowling.

Unlike chemical SPFs, physical SPFs use mineral "blockers" like zinc oxide and titanium oxide to deflect UV rays. This means these formulas should be the last layer before your makeup. So you'll want to apply your serums and moisturizer first, then your SPF, then your makeup. "Just make sure all your moisturizer is rubbed in sufficiently before applying the sunscreen," says Dr. Dowling.

With all of that said, don't worry too much about whether you're putting your sunscreen on before or after your moisturizer. While these are technically best practices, Dr. Dowling notes that as long as you're layering on SPF before you start your makeup, regardless of whether it's a chemical or mineral formula, you should be good to go for the day.

One last pro tip? Be sure to let your sunscreen sink into your skin for about two minutes before you put anything else on top of it. "You want to make sure the sunscreen feels as if it is absorbed into your skin so you avoid taking any of the sunscreen off or diluting it when applying your makeup," says Dr. Dowling.

Sunscreen on top of makeup

If you'd prefer to apply sunscreen after your foundation, opt for a powder formula. These types of products (which are almost always made with mineral ingredients) usually contain a bit of a tint, so they're helpful in absorbing any oil or shine that is lingering on your skin. In addition, powder SPFs usually contain iron oxides, which can help protect the skin against visible light sources that can create problems within the skin.

And if ever you're reapplying throughout the day (which, you should be!), powders and SPF-infused sprays will allow you to do so without messing up your makeup.

Shop the best SPF to wear under makeup

Best SPF under makeup: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Tinted — $39.00

SPF: 46 (hybrid)

Highlighted ingredients: Zinc oxide, chemical SPF filters (octinoxate), niacinamide, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid

Dermatologists are constantly recommending this SPF, which works just as well under makeup as it does on its own. Because it combines chemical and physical filters and offers a tint that’s just enough to help offset the white cast that traditional zinc sunscreens often give on skin, it’s a great pick to layer on ahead of your foundation without giving any indication it’s there.

Size: 1.7 oz.