How to reapply sunscreen over your makeup

You’ve heard it before, but it’s imperative that you’re wearing an SPF with a high level of protection every single day and that you’re diligent about reapplying every two hours. Why? Sun damage is the number-one cause of premature skin ageing.

It’s time to take sun protection seriously, whether you’re under the Aussie or Kiwi sun (or anywhere else in the world)!

For most of us, applying sunscreen is a staple of our morning skincare routine – but topping it up over makeup during the day? That’s a different story. Yet all sunscreen becomes less effective over time (particularly if you’re swimming, sweating, showering or towelling off) – and at a certain point, it's like you never even put it on in the first place.

We’d hate for you to mess up your makeup – so we’ve tried and tested the top tips to set yourself up for reapplication success.

If the day’s UV rating is three or above, don’t even think about leaving the house (or sitting next to a window, for that matter) without an even spread of broad-spectrum SPF30+ or 50+. Do this and you're covered for the first two hours after application.

The good news is you've got choices when it comes to sunscreen! Do you prefer a physical or chemical formula? It comes down to personal preference.

Whichever one you choose, make sure it’s a primary sunscreen and use it every day! Don't just rely on SPF in your foundation; foundations are classified as secondary SPFs and the quantity you apply versus that of your primary SPF just won't cut it.

You can also select sunscreen based on your skin type, whether it's a moisturising formula for dry skin, or a mattifying one for combination skin.

MECCA COSMETICA's To Save Face SPF50+ SPF Broad Spectrum Very High Protection Sunscreen Superscreen and Go-To Nifty Fifty SPF 50 Broad Spectrum High Protection Sunscreen feel lightweight and non-greasy and double as a hydrating primers, while MECCA COSMETICA's To Save Face SPF50+ Broad Spectrum Very High Protection Sunscreen Brightening Sun Serum gives skin an extra dose of radiance. Looking for a matte option? Try the MECCA MAX SCREEN SAVER SPF30 SPF 30 Broad Spectrum High Protection Facial Sunscreen.

Naked Sundays’ SPF50+ Broad Spectrum Very High Protection Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen multitasks as a sunscreen, primer and moisturiser, with a zinc oxide-based formula that brings some serious glow.

Top up with a mist

A spray-on SPF is an easy way to top up your sunscreen throughout the day. Naked Sundays manages to tick all the boxes with their SPF50+ Broad Spectrum Very High Protection Sunscreen Hydrating Glow Mist. It keeps makeup intact and protects your skin all day thanks to its easy-to-apply spritz! This chemical sunscreen spray layers seamlessly over makeup, keeping you protected from smudges and panda eyes.

To ensure even application and protection, spray it on every two hours, making sure to spray generously seven times with your eyes and mouth closed. Our tip? Make sure you’re spraying away from any wind, which can cause the mist to dissipate into the air, rather than land on your face. Don’t forget – it was designed to be used as an SPF top-up throughout the day, so make sure you’ve applied your usual cream or liquid SPF pre-makeup. And if you’re looking for a way to easily and quickly top-up sunscreen on your limbs, the SPF50+ Broad Spectrum Very High Protection Sunscreen Glow Body Mist Sunscreen Spray has you (and your body) covered.

*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.

Reapplying a liquid or cream sunscreen

If you’re wearing cream makeup products and no powders of any kind, good news: you can easily go over the top with a liquid or cream sunscreen without worrying about a texture mash-up.

Your optimal reapplication tool? A low absorbency beauty sponge. Keep one (or more) in your bag, car or desk drawer, and use it to press your liquid or cream sunscreen over the top of your makeup. A sponge makes for effortless reapplication no matter where you are (or where you’re going). Our favourite is the JUNO & Co Microfibre Velvet Sponge, a gamechanging product created from a soft, velvety material. The very small fibres hold onto and apply creams and liquids without absorbing them like other sponges. This technology also means the sponge won’t absorb or transfer the makeup already on your face. Use this sponge with a silky lightweight SPF and carefully dab it into your skin, ensuring you don’t miss any areas.

And if you happen to find yourself sponge-less and beneath the sun’s rays, don’t fret – your hands will do the trick. Spread the sunscreen into your hands and gently press (don’t rub!) the sunscreen into your skin.

It’s one spot many of us forget when it comes to sunscreen application, but the lips have particularly thin skin, which makes them especially prone to sun exposure. Keep an SPF lip balm (or 10!) handy and apply before any lip colour, then reapply as often as you remember right over the top.

We love MECCA COSMETICA's To Save Lips Superscreen Protective Lip Balm with SPF50+ and Lanolips’ Tinted Balm SPF 30 (if you’d prefer your SPF with a side of colour).

*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.