Everyone knows that sunscreen is a must—always, no matter the season, weather, or time of day (though, you can skip it at nighttime!). And though you understand its importance, you might not know how to layer base makup over SPF. If you're hoping to wear foundation, concealer, or powder overtop your sunscreen, it helps to know how to apply them to avoid any textural inconsistencies—an issue that might drive you to skip SPF application, which shouldn't be an option. That's why we are reading two makeup artists' posts and letting them explain everything you need to know about properly blending base on top of your sunscreen. Armed with their advice, you will be able to stay protected while you put your best face forward.
Ensure your formulas are compatible.
According to Cover FX lead makeup artist Megan Curtin, your sunscreen and foundation formulas must be compatible, which means they were created with ingredients that won't repel each other. This can lead to pilling, she notes. "Silicone is typically the culprit for causing pilling (when your product rolls up in tiny balls on your skin), but that doesn't mean you should avoid it altogether—just make sure you're not using too much of it in each of your products," she shares. "For instance, a lightweight moisturizer underneath a sunscreen oil will create a great dewy base for a liquid foundation. Try layering Timewise 3D Moisturizer with SPF $32, and CC Cream $22. Neither of them are heavily laden with silicone.
Let your sunscreen fully dry.
Another reason why certain sunscreen and foundation formulas don't blend well? The former wasn't yet dry before you applied the latter. "The key to successfully applying foundation over sunscreen is to allow the SPF to completely absorb—and then apply foundation as desired," says Paul Garcia, YSL Beauty's director of education and artistry. This practice goes beyond sunscreen and base application: It's best to allow your moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer to fully sink in before moving on to the next step, culminating in your foundation.
Use a face specific sunscreen.
For the best results, Garcia says to opt for a face-specific sunscreen formula—even one formatted into a moisturizer and to focus on blending it into skin before you even think about foundation. This will also help prevent pilling. You shouldn't, however, think that you're ready and set after your base has been applied; according to Garcia, SPF reapplication is a must, which is why he suggests stocking up on other face-centric sun protection products like face primer $20 that can be placed over makeup.
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Shop the products:
3D Moisturizer with SPF for Combination/Oily Skin: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise/timewise-age-minimize-3d-day-cream-non-spf-combinationoily-990277158
3D Moisturizer with SPF for Normal/Dry Skin: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise/timewise-age-minimize-3d-day-cream-non-spf-normaldry-990277157
Foundation Primer with SPF: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/makeup/face/primer/mary-kay-foundation-primer-sunscreen-broad-spectrum-spf-15-110601
CC Cream with SPF:
