How To Layer Sunscreen and Makeup

Sunscreen and makeup need to be layered correctly to keep products from looking clumpy or uneven, or leaving your face unprotected. The correct order is to apply sunscreen first and then makeup, but application and timing also play roles in helping prevent visible pilling and patchiness. 

Follow along for our tips on how to successfully layer sunscreen and makeup and our recommendations for the best sunscreen to wear under makeup.

Application Order Is Essential

If you’re unsure whether to apply sunscreen first or makeup, think of sunscreen as the finishing touch to your skincare routine and a primer for makeup — then it’s hard to get the application order wrong. Bonus: When you apply sunscreen first and then makeup, you have the flexibility to swap foundation and concealer for your favorite tinted moisturizer to enjoy a natural summer glow.

A critical step in layering SPF and makeup is to prep your skin first so it’s clean and hydrated. This gives you a smooth canvas to work with and makes it easier for fortifying, shielding ingredients to absorb. If you need a crash course in a complete skincare routine, your regimen should follow this order:

• Remove dirt, debris, and oils with a gentle, conditioning face wash.
• Exfoliate your skin to address the appearance of dullness and rough patches and encourage cell regeneration and collagen production.
• Moisturize your face with a nutrient-rich hydrator with hyaluronic acid for sustained results.
• Apply sun protection as a finishing step or starter for your makeup routine.

If you’re into SPF layering, meaning you use a few different sunscreens in your routine, use your most absorption-friendly product as a base. Following light-to-heavy layering rules keeps thicker sunscreens from blocking lightweight products.

Give Moisturizer and Sunscreen Time To Absorb

Overloading your face with moisturizer, then sunscreen, and then makeup can lead to a greasy, patchy appearance. Each skincare product needs time to sink in before layering others on top. Proper moisturizer absorption hydrates your skin, making it more receptive to other applications and reducing visible pilling effects. 

The same goes for sunscreen. When you apply your SPF, allow it time to settle into your skin before you add other products or makeup on top. Even the best sunscreen under makeup, such as a primer-style SPF, can have a difficult time remaining incognito if you don’t give it adequate time to blend.

Focus on a Smooth Sunscreen Application

While your skincare routine can visibly smooth and soften your face, overapplying sunscreen at the end may have the opposite effect. Plus, putting makeup on top of a patchy, uneven sunscreen application can amplify the textured look. The fix? First, apply sunscreen in a uniform, smooth layer (allowing it to absorb) and then begin your makeup routine.

We recommend The Brush applicator to help you spread sunscreen into smooth, thin layers. This silicone, spatula-like tool allows you to apply sunscreen with precision so it blends in naturally and doesn’t make a big show under your makeup.

Make Smart SPF Selections

If you’re following the optimal application order and are still struggling with product pilling, discomfort, or an uneven look, your application order may not be the issue. Before second-guessing whether to apply sunscreen first or makeup, you should consider your choice of SPF. 

Not all sunscreens are compatible with skincare and makeup products. And many mineral sunscreens do not provide a sheer, lightweight finish, so they can feel — and appear — bulky under foundation. Selecting a breathable sunscreen that’s designed to layer within your routine is key. 

When you invest in the right sunscreen, you’ll be more likely to use it consistently — a key to promoting youthful-looking skin. Look for features that matter to you, like a priming base for makeup or products designed to treat sun damage, like our Multimodal Defender SPF.

Our go-to daily product, The Multimodal Sheer SPF, is one of the best sunscreens for under makeup because it offers:

• Broad-spectrum protection from sun damage
• A lightweight, breathable, and comfortable application
• Fortifying ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin, preserving its luminosity and preventing pilling
• A non-greasy texture that won’t mess with your makeup
• A blurred-looking base that primes your face for the day

How To Reapply Sunscreen While Wearing Makeup

You can apply sunscreen on top of makeup as needed to boost your sun protection. While we recommend a full skincare routine before your initial sunscreen application, this isn’t necessary every time you reapply. 

Use these tips for layering SPF over makeup:

• Gently remove excess oil or sweat from your skin using blotting paper or a tissue.
• Consider using a makeup sponge to apply the sunscreen using a delicate dabbing motion to avoid smearing your look.
• Cover all exposed areas with an even layer of sunscreen and reapply as directed.

When you develop a routine where sunscreen and makeup coexist, your skin benefits. Whether your mantra is sunscreen first or makeup last, remember the order matters just as much as the products you choose. Shop U Beauty’s skincare collection to prep your skin, treat sun damage, and prime and protect your face year-round.