What’s the best face sunscreen format to reapply over makeup?
Sprays, sticks, powders… there’s a paraphernalia of sunscreen formats specially designed to reapply our SPF protection when we are out or wearing makeup. But which one of these is more convenient and effective?
Now that pretty much everyone is aware of the importance of applying sunscreen daily, and not just when we go to the beach or sit by the pool, it’s fundamental to get the word out that it’s essential to reapply SPF every two or three hours.
Nothing beats reapplying the sunscreen product you’ve used during your morning routine. You’re using something you already have (hence, no need to spend money on a new product) and it’s easier to meet your SPF needs (and cover all your face area) with a sunscreen lotion.
So, if you’re not wearing any makeup, feel free to reapply the sunscreen you used during your morning routine.
Now, if you’re wearing makeup… your every day sunscreen formula will probably mess up the makeup products you’ve applied, especially those greasy formulas. That’s why I’ve been putting different sunscreen formats to test!
For the past three months, I’ve tested a sunscreen stick, spray, and powder sunscreen when out and about. All of these are cruelty-free.
Without further ado, here’s how it went:
Sunscreen Stick
I started using sunscreen sticks last year, and I was immediately fond of the convenience of the format. Plus, the stick formula remains more stable when exposed to temperature changes than liquid ones.
Given such a positive experience, I’ve purchased Suntique’s I’m Derma Relief Sunstick this year - as I am a big fan of Suntique’s I’m Aqua Sunscreen.
I usually apply a coat all over my face, with upward movements - just like using a Gua Sha.
The formula is transparent and has a mate finish. It didn’t make my skin look more oily than usual, nor messed up my makeup.
I love how convenient this product is in terms of size and application. I don't particularly appreciate getting my hands messy with sunscreen when I am out and about, mainly because I usually don't have access to a bathroom.
However, there are some things I would prefer to avoid regarding this format: it's not the most hygienic, and it can be tricky to reach every spot of your face.
I reapply a single coat every hour if I am in the sun. Reapplying a single coat before I leave the building when I am at work - we don't have access to natural light most days.
Besides its cons, some sunscreen reapplication is better than no sunscreen reapplication.
If I am not wearing makeup, I am perfectly okay with reapplying more than one coat in one go. But if I know I'll have easy access to a bathroom, I take my regular sunscreen and reapply it every two hours.
Sunscreen Spray
Despite La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Spray being the most popular product within this category, I’ve opted for Garnier’s Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50 instead, as it’s cheaper, more compact, and cruelty-free.
I love that its bottle is smaller than most spray sunscreens, making it perfect for carrying in my handbag. I also love that it hasn’t messed up my makeup. But, unfortunately, it did look more shiny than it was before. On the other hand, the mist is also very light and comfortable - which is a plus for me.
However, every time I apply this sunscreen, I notice that some product accumulates close to my hairline. Looking white and greasy, something I am not particularly fond of.
No matter how much I love that its bottle is light and small, I’ve also noticed that I’ve run out of product quickly - especially when I was out all day and had to share it with my partner. I prefer repurchasing this one more often than getting a larger spray bottle, as that would make my routine more uncomfortable.
And yes, there are other cons when applying a spray sunscreen: avoiding the eye area is impossible because the spray goes everywhere. And this can be a problem to people with sensitive eyes - and yes, that’s my case.
Even though I’ve noticed there was some product in this area, and besides having sensitive eyes, this formula, in particular, wasn’t a problem for me. But I know it might not work the same with other formulas. And that’s a big problem!
Powder Sunscreen
I’m a big fan of trying new formats and formulas, both when it comes to makeup and skincare. So, when I ran into the powder sunscreen format, I immediately knew I had to try it.
While this format is easy to find among drugstore brands, I’ve opted to try Supergoop’s (Re)Setting Powder sunscreen - because it’s cruelty-free. I also gave Supergoop’s products another try after my bad experience with their popular Unseen Sunscreen.
I like the concept of the product. A relatively small and lightweight package with sunscreen powder and a brush to apply it. Perfect for reapplying SPF protection when using makeup.
I’ve taken it a few times with me to the office. I would reapply it before lunchtime (as I had to go outside) and before my afternoon commute.
This format is easy to apply and I haven’t noticed any changes on my makeup. Despite having a lot of texture on my skin and relatively large pores - the main reason I avoid powder formulas these days - it still looked great.
A small hole in the middle of the brush’s base allows the product to come out in small doses. So we don’t have to open the powder compartment and dip the brush in it.
While I love not getting more product than I would need in one go, the amount that comes out each time makes it hard to realise if I have applied enough product to meet my SPF needs and if I covered every single spot.
According to experts, the amount of product you would need to get SPF 30 protection is so large that your skin could hardly take it.
I’ll keep wearing this product as a setting powder during the Summer (as it has a 6-month PAO), after using a blotting paper, so it doesn’t go to waste. But, I am not relying on it to protect my skin.
So, what’s the best sunscreen format to reapply over makeup?
Besides its cons, the sunscreen stick format is the best for reapplying SPF protection on the go.
To make its application more effective, the right thing to do would be to dab the formula with our fingertips in some areas to ensure that these are protected.
If you have oily or combination skin, the one from Suntique is a great option.
To keep it sanitized and in good condition, wipe it with alcohol once you get home.
Once again, remember: reapplying your everyday sunscreen throughout the day is the best way to get your SPF needs covered. So, feel free to use it every two hours if you’re not wearing makeup.
