Sunscreen is an essential skincare product, especially during the summer, as it protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
However, if you regularly wear makeup, you may wonder where sunscreen fits into your beauty routine. This article will guide you through the steps of a basic makeup routine with sunscreen, ensuring your skin is protected while your makeup looks natural and long-lasting.
1 7 Basic Steps of a Makeup Routine with Sunscreen
Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue. Look for cleansers with a pH level between 4.5 and 6, or a neutral pH of 7. Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients like alcohol or hydroxyls, as they can irritate sensitive skin. Exfoliate your skin gently twice a week to keep it smooth and enhance the effects of your skincare and makeup products.
Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
For further reading: Check out our article on choosing the right cleanser for your skin type.
Apply a moisturizer
After cleansing, gently pat your face with a soft towel to remove excess water. Then, apply a moisturizer all over your face, neck, and décolletage, using gentle upward strokes. Avoid tugging or rubbing the skin, as this can cause wrinkles and damage.
It is best to apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. Wait a few minutes after moisturizing to let it absorb before moving on to sunscreen. Avoid applying moisturizer and sunscreen too close together, as it may interfere with their effectiveness.
Apply a moisturizer
Apply sunscreen
Take a small amount of sunscreen and gently spread it evenly across your face and neck. Avoid applying too much, as it may interfere with your makeup application. If you apply too much, use a tissue to blot the excess.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to 50, regardless of whether you plan to spend time outdoors or will be mostly indoors. Reapply sunscreen a few times a day, as its effectiveness diminishes over time. Select a sunscreen suitable for your skin type to avoid irritation, and opt for a formula that doesn’t leave a white cast, which will make it easier to apply makeup.
Apply sunscreen
Apply foundation
Choose a foundation that closely matches your skin tone to even out your complexion and cover any imperfections. There are various foundation types, such as liquid, cream, or powder, and formulas for different skin types (dry, oily, combination).
Dot the foundation on your face and blend it with a sponge or brush using circular motions. Remove any excess product to avoid a cakey or uneven finish.
Apply foundation
Conceal any imperfections
If you have dark circles, acne scars, or blemishes that your foundation didn’t cover, use a concealer to hide them.
To neutralize redness or dark circles, choose a concealer with a yellow or light peach tone. To cover scars or dark spots, select a concealer one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. For acne, a concealer pencil can provide more precise application.
Conceal any imperfections
Set your makeup with powder
Applying powder is an essential step to set your makeup and give it a flawless finish. Choose between a pressed or loose powder, with loose powder being better suited for oily skin or skin with acne or freckles.
When applying powder, keep the following tips in mind:
- Avoid pressing too hard on the powder puff or brush, as it can create a cakey appearance and prevent the powder from adhering to your skin.
- Skip applying powder on your nose to prevent emphasizing pores or dryness.
- Always apply powder in one direction, from the center of your face outwards. Avoid a back-and-forth motion, as it can create an uneven finish.
- If your powder makes your face look lighter than your neck, apply a small amount of powder to your neck to even out the skin tone.
Set your makeup with powder
Set your makeup with a setting spray
Finish your makeup look by using a setting spray. This will add moisture to your skin, reduce the negative effects of cosmetics, and help your makeup last longer. Hold the bottle at least 30 cm away from your face and neck, and spritz a light layer to set your makeup.
Set your makeup with a setting spray
2 Tips for Using Sunscreen with Makeup
If you need to reapply sunscreen during the day, it is best to start with a clean canvas. Wash your face gently to open your pores, then apply a sunscreen spray or lightweight lotion that won’t disturb your makeup. Follow up with a light layer of powder and a cushion compact with SPF for added protection.
Remember the correct order of skincare and makeup products:
- Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser and a soft towel to pat your face dry.
- Skincare: Apply toner, serum or essence, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- Makeup: Start with foundation, then concealer, and finally, set your makeup with powder.
To save time, you can also use a cushion compact with SPF to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. However, if you are outdoors or have oily skin, avoid reapplying sunscreen directly, as it can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
We hope this article has provided you with a helpful guide to incorporating sunscreen into your makeup routine. Enjoy experimenting with these tips and achieving a beautiful, protected complexion!