Your Summer Makeup: The Ultimate Sunscreen Guide

by Sana Bun

Your Summer Makeup: The Ultimate Sunscreen Guide

16 May 2024

Of course, you are free to choose your summer makeup style — whether it is bright, minimal, or none at all. But please always remember to include sunscreen. While addressing the subject of a skincare routine for hot days, we have already mentioned that sunscreen is a must-have in your makeup kit. But how do you choose the right one, and how do you use it? Keep on reading to resolve all your questions.

Why do I need sunscreen in my makeup kit?

The sun produces ultraviolet rays (UV) that are harmful to any skin regardless of type, tone, age, or gender. They can cause serious health issues, from premature skin ageing to skin cancer. So, to prevent hyperpigmentation, age spots, wrinkles, and dangerous conditions, everyone needs sunscreen in their makeup routine.

Photo: Raul Guilherme

When do I use it?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 am and 2 pm but can affect the skin in other time frames as well all year round as up to 80% of the UV rays can penetrate the clouds.

Don’t let seasons or locations confuse you: water, sand, and snow reflect the rays, so you need to use sunscreen even while skiing in winter in the mountains. Let alone that sun exposure is especially harmful at higher altitudes.

Therefore, sunscreen is required with your makeup every day.

Always check weather forecast apps or special websites for the UV Index in your area. The higher the index, the bigger the risk of skin damage. If the UVI is 3 or higher, The World Health Organisation recommends using sunscreen alongside hats and protective clothing while seeking shade when you go outside.

Instagram: @coola

How do I choose sunscreen?

A perfect sunscreen is considerably a combination of your needs, personal preferences, and functional characteristics. Physical or chemical, gel or stick, lower or higher sun protection factor — as long as it works for you and your skin type, you can add any form of product to your makeup kit. However, professionals recommend paying attention to certain specifications.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection, so go for products with both UVA and UVB labels on the package.

Moreover, water-resistant formulas with SPF30 or higher are preferable.

Instagram: @paulaschoice

What do the numbers in SPF mean?

The bigger the number, the more UVB rays the product blocks. SPF30, for example, protects you from 97% of exposure, while higher factors do slightly more. At the same time, not a single sunscreen can shield from 100% of rays.

Instagram: @comfortzoneskin_official

Can I skip re-application if I use higher factors?

There is a stereotype that the higher the SPF index is, the longer you can stay outside, but it is a misconception. According to research, many people only apply up to 50% of the product amount needed to achieve the protection index stated on the label. In fact, sunscreens with higher SPF help compensate for under-application, but still, like products with lower index, require re-application every couple of hours. So, keeping a tube of sunscreen handy in your makeup kit will go a long way in protecting your skin.

Instagram: @larocheposay

How do I apply sunscreen?

Use enough product and apply it all over skin areas that are not covered by clothes roughly 15 minutes before going outside — your skin needs time to absorb the sunscreen and make it work for your protection.

Photo: Cherrydeck

What if sunscreen causes irritations?

Try to understand what went wrong. Consult a dermatologist, double cleanse, and don’t use body sunscreen on your face. Check the expiration date and the ingredient list for comedogenic components and potential allergens. It is also important not to leave the bottle, or any of your makeup products for that matter, under direct sun.

Finding the perfect sunscreen can be a hit-or-miss journey, but be assured: there is definitely a product that should be in your summer makeup kit.

by Sana Bun