3 Ways to Apply Sunscreen Under Makeup

Does sunscreen go
BEFORE OR AFTER MAKEUP?

Sunscreen is a must-have in your daily skincare routine and should always be applied before makeup. Layer it after your moisturiser but before your primer for maximum UV protection. By regularly renewing the application, this simple step ensures your skin stays protected throughout the day.

3 Key Benefits of Using Sunscreen Under Makeup:

1
Protects the skin from premature ageing caused by sun damage.

2
Protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term damage.

3
Protects against skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and wrinkles.

3 ways to apply
SUNSCREEN UNDER MAKEUP

There are numerous ways to incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine, ensuring it works well under makeup. These include serums or moisturisers with SPF in their formula or applying SPF as a separate step.

1. SERUM WITH SUN PROTECTION:

You can opt to start your skincare routine with a hydrating Serum enriched with SPF. The NIVEA 2in1 Prime UV Serum not only protects your skin but also helps smooth skin in seconds, creating an ideal base for your makeup.

The Serum is SPF50+, providing advanced UV protection to help prevent premature skin ageing, while delivering hydration thanks to its formula with hyaluronic acid. The Serum is also enriched with Licochalcone, an antioxidant ingredient that supports your skin’s natural defence.

For optimum protection, reapply regularly throughout the day. If you use another type of Serum with a lower SPF, it may be necessary to combine it with a higher level of sun protection in case of strong exposure.

2. MOISTURISERS WITH SPF:

While moisturisers with SPF provide some protection, they are not a complete substitute for sunscreen. The protection you need can vary according to the uv index and the time you spend in the sun. In the event of strong or prolonged exposure, it may be necessary to apply an additional sun cream with an appropriate SPF. To offer consistent, high-level protection against UV rays, it is essential to reapply regularly. For optimal results, use a moisturiser with spf as part of your skincare routine but layer it with a dedicated sunscreen, reapplied regularly during the day for adequate protection.

Look for moisturisers enriched with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to keep your skin soft and supple while helping your makeup glide on effortlessly.

3. SUNSCREEN

The final option is to use an SPF that is independent of Serums and moisturisers. Apply it after you have moisturised your skin – smooth on an SPF 50+ and allow time for it to absorb. From there, apply your primer and then move on to makeup. When choosing the right SPF, look for a Lightweight, Non-greasy formula, as this is best suited for wearing under makeup.

Discover
Invisible Daily Fluid UV Face Specialist SPF 50+ by NIVEA Sun

NIVEA Sun Invisible Daily Fluid UV Face Specialist SPF 50+

Protect your skin under make-up with UV Face Specialist Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+, the ideal solution for high-performance sun protection while providing all-day hydration. This Lightweight, Fast-absorbing formula provides superior broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while helping to prevent premature ageing and sun damaged skin.

Formulated for everyday use, this sun protection fluid contains key ingredients such as Licochalcone, which helps strengthen the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which provides intense hydration. Available in two tinted versions as well as an invisible finish, it’s the perfect addition to your skincare routine.

Can sunscreen be used under makeup?

FACTS OVERVIEW

Does Sunscreen Go Before or After Makeup? Apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine, before makeup.

Can you put sunscreen over makeup? Yes. Because it is important to reapply sun cream regularly, it is sometimes necessary to apply it over make-up. Even though certain products such as sprays or powders with SPF are easier to apply, they don’t always provide even protection, and sprays present an inhalation risk. It’s best to use light, Fast-absorbing formulas and dab them on with a make-up sponge.

How to use sunscreen under makeup? Ensure the sunscreen is fully absorbed and follow with a primer suited to your skin type. You can also use a 2-in-1 product that acts as both sun protection and primer, such as the NIVEA Daily UV Serum 2in1 Primer.

Common issues with
SPF AND MAKEUP

Many people struggle to combine sunscreen with makeup, often fearing it will make their makeup slide off or look patchy. Common concerns include:

Longevity: Greasy or heavy sunscreens can make makeup slide or look uneven. Use Lightweight, Non-greasy sunscreens with a matte finish for better compatibility.
Reapplication Challenges: Reapplying sunscreen without disturbing makeup can feel impractical. Apply light formulas with a make-up sponge to limit the impact on your look.
Layering Issues: Using products in the wrong order – sunscreen and foundation – can lead to clumping or “pilling”, meaning visible flakes or bumps when layers don’t blend properly.

4 tips to
AVOID CLOGGED PORES WITH SPF

Wearing sunscreen under makeup shouldn’t mean compromising your skin’s comfort.

1
Lightweight Textures:
For the best sunscreen for face before makeup, choose a Gel-based or water-based formula that provides protection without feeling heavy on the skin.

2
Apply the Right Amount of SPF:
Use just enough sunscreen to cover your face evenly without overloading your skin, helping to avoid clogged pores.

3
Allow Absorption Time:
Let your sunscreen fully absorb before applying makeup to prevent a layered or heavy feeling on the skin.

4
Double Cleanse:
At the end of the day, use a two-step cleansing routine (double cleansing) to remove all traces of sunscreen and makeup, ensuring your pores aren’t clogged.

Which sunscreen should you
USE UNDER MAKEUP?

NIVEA offers a range of SPF and sunscreen products for various skin types and needs that you can easily layer into your skincare routine under makeup.

1
For blemish-prone skin:
Try NIVEA Clear Up Daily UV, formulated with Carnitine, glycerin, and niacinamide, plus SPF 50 for daily sun protection. Its ultralight, Non-greasy formula delivers up to 8 hours* of matte finish, making it ideal to wear under makeup for blemished skin.

2
For aging skin:
Try NIVEA UV Face Anti-Age Q10 Cream SPF50, formulated with Pure vitamin e to moisturise the skin and NIVEA Q10 to help prevent signs of ageing. It provides immediate UVA/UVB protection, making it ideal for daily use on aging skin.

3
For all skin types:
Try UV Face Specialist Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+, which provides Immediate effect UVA/UVB protection and is quickly absorbed for a comfortable feel. Its invisible ultra-Lightweight formula works on all skin tones, making it ideal for everyday use.

Not what you are looking for? Browse the full range of NIVEA face sunscreens to help keep your skin protected on a day-to-day basis.

Summary

Sun protection is essential to help prevent premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and wrinkles caused by daily UV exposure. To integrate SPF correctly before applying makeup, apply SPF after moisturiser and before primer to Protect the skin while creating a smooth makeup base. Using the right formula, applying an adequate amount, and reapplying throughout the day helps ensure long-lasting protection. A Lightweight, Non-greasy sunscreen supports fresh makeup while acting as a barrier against harmful rays.

FAQs

It all depends on the formula of your make-up product, its SPF, your skin type and your exposure to the sun. Although a high SPF is important, it’s also essential to apply the product in sufficient quantity to guarantee the SPF indicated on the packaging. The problem is that make-up isn’t always applied evenly or in sufficient quantity. For this reason, it’s best to use a separate sun protection product. Apply a sunscreen as your base layer to ensure uniformity and effectiveness. However, it can also be used after make-up, particularly to reapply during the day.