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Sunscreen + Makeup: Better Together or In the Friend Zone?


We all know the importance of sunscreen. If you don’t, let me take this time to say definitively that sunscreen is the single most important product you can put on your skin. I realize that you might have seen conflicting reports about the safety of certain sunscreen ingredients (and that’s a topic for another blog), but (for the purpose of this blog) the thing I want to impress upon you is you need to wear sunscreen. Find the sunscreen that feels right to you, a broad spectrum, SPF 30, mineral sunscreen is a solid choice, and please, PLEASE protect your skin. For both health and beauty.

Sunscreen should be worn every single day regardless of how much time you are spending outside. Unless you are literally staying in bed all day binge watching a TV show (and we all have those days! no judgement!), you should be wearing sunscreen. Face, ears, neck, hands, any exposed skin. I even apply to the tops of my feet when I’m wearing flip flops in the summer time. It’s that important.

In addition to sunscreen every day, many of us are also wearing makeup every day. One of the most common questions I get asked is - when our makeup includes an SPF, is that adequate protection?

As we discussed in episode 5 of The SkinCrush Podcast, it’s generally accepted in the dermatology community that no, makeup containing an SPF is not adequate sun protection.

We typically do not use enough makeup to get the full SPF listed on the bottle. When using sunscreen it takes more product than we think to get the full power of the protection. For the face, you need about a nickel sized portion of product. Makeup is also not always applied evenly. We may be heavier handed in some areas and lighter handed in other areas. When applying sunscreen it’s important that we get an even application of protection.

The best practice is to apply your sunscreen first and then apply your makeup. Think of your makeup as the true final step in your morning skincare routine. A good tip is to always allow a few minutes between applying your sunscreen and applying your makeup. I like to apply my sunscreen, then spend a little time getting my outfit together, putting on a pot of coffee, letting my dogs out, or doing something else for a few minutes before applying my makeup.

TINTED SUNSCREEN

If you really want to combine the sunscreen and makeup step of your skincare routine, you may consider using a tinted sunscreen. My personal favorite is SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50. When it comes to sunscreen the trick is to simply find one that you like enough to every day. What sets tinted sunscreen apart from a makeup with SPF is that the primary job of the tinted sunscreen is sun protection. Tinted sunscreens are first and foremost a sunscreen with the tint added as a bonus. Makeup with SPF, on the other hand, is first a makeup with the SPF being an added bonus. You want to make sure that, no matter what product you choose, its primary job is to be a sunscreen. And, as I mentioned earlier, make sure the protection is at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum.

MY DAILY MORNING ROUTINE

Cleanser

Skincare products

Sunscreen

Makeup

Remember, there is no value in spending the time or money on any skincare products or treatments if you are not going to protect your skin!

MY SKINCEUTICALS CONNECTION

As you all know, I am an educator for SkinCeuticals, a L'Oreal USA brand. I have the privilege of getting to know the SkinCeuticals portfolio of products very well so they tend to makeup the majority of what I personally use. Please know that the specific products I mention are only examples based on my personal experience. There are so many fantastic products out there and you can apply our discussion to whatever works best for you! The information you hear as part of SkinCrush is meant to simply be a guide and companion for you on your own skincare journey. SkinCeuticals and L'Oreal are not involved with SkinCrush in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and those of my guests.

CONNECT WITH ME!

I’d love to answer any questions you have or hear about your own experience building your skincare house! SkinCrush is meant to be a community so please join in the conversation! Reach out to me here on the blog or connect with me on social media. The SkinCrush Podcast and The SkinCrush Channel are more ways to connect with us and hear more from my expert guests! If you have an idea for a future blog, podcast, or video, please let me know!

Until next time, SkinCrushers, take care of your skin and take care of each other!

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