I’ve talked about the importance of sunscreen many times – check out my blog post on chemical vs physical sunscreens if you’d like to learn more. Dermatologists recommend reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours to help keep your skin protected throughout the day. I know this can seem daunting and honestly, I don’t regularly reapply every 2 hours unless I’m outdoors. Here’s my stance on how to reapply sunscreen:
I’m a big believer in reapplying every 2 hours when you’re outside (especially when swimming or sweating), but if you spend most of your day indoors, it might not be necessary. Sunscreen filters break down with exposure to UV rays, so the more time you spend outside, the more you need to reapply. Even if you’re inside most of the day, I do recommend reapplying at least once or twice throughout the day to ensure your skin is well protected. Here are my tips on how to reapply sunscreen using five easy methods.
Here’s how to reapply sunscreen:
1. Apply another layer
The most straightforward way to reapply sunscreen is just by putting on another layer of your SPF. I personally prefer reapplying with a chemical sunscreen since these tend to be more lightweight and easy to blend. Be sure your hands are clean and use the 3-finger method (apply 3 finger lengths of sunscreen) to apply another layer of SPF on your face, neck, and ears.
Pros: Easy to ensure you’re getting proper protection with your reapplication. Doesn’t require purchasing an additional product.
Cons: Not the best option to use over makeup and can feel heavy on the skin depending on the sunscreen. Also not the most convenient for on-the-go.
Product Recs: Black Girl Sunscreen Kids SPF 50, Thank You Farmer Sun Cream SPF 50, Klenskin SPF 50
2. Sunscreen Stick
Using a sunscreen stick is one of my favorite ways to reapply! I keep mine in my purse and it’s super easy and convenient to use. All you have to do is apply the stick evenly over your face, neck, and back of hands then use your hands to spread the product across your face. It’s important to spread the product after applying since it can be challenging to get into the nooks & crannies on your face.
Pros: Very convenient and easy to use while on the go. Can provide good coverage as long as you’re applying evenly and generously.
Cons: Some sticks can feel greasy on the skin. Can be difficult to keep clean – I recommend wiping with a napkin after each use, and spray & wipe with alcohol once a week to kill bacteria.
Product Recs: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Stick SPF 50+ (Great for sensitive skin), Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70
How to reapply sunscreen over makeup
A question I get often is, how do I reapply sunscreen over makeup? The two options above are great for no-makeup days but can move your makeup around when applying. Here are 3 options of how to reapply sunscreen without messing with your makeup!
3. Sunscreen Spray
Sunscreen sprays are great to use over makeup! You can use these for sun protection and to refresh your makeup throughout the day. It’s important to note that you need to apply evenly and generously to get the advertised sunscreen on the bottle. You could also try applying by spraying the sunscreen onto your hands then gently pressing the product onto the skin.
Pros: Can provide sun protection and give your makeup a little refresh. Easy to use and doesn’t move makeup around! Some can even provide a glowy look to the skin.
Cons: Many sunscreen sprays have a high amount of denatured alcohol (to help create a fine mist), which can be sensitizing for some with regular use. Difficult to get even and thorough sun protection, but some reapplication is better than none!
Product Recs: Neutrogena Sunscreen Spray, Coola Makeup Setting Spray, Kate Somerville Sunscreen Spray
4. Powder SPF
Powder sunscreens are my go-to way to reapply over makeup. They’re easy to keep in your purse to reapply throughout the day. When using a powder SPF to reapply, it’s important to apply a lot of product and to tap the powder in vs. using sweeping motions. This will help maximize the sun protection provided and prevent you from moving your makeup around when applying.
Pros: Very easy to use and can help with oiliness/shininess throughout the day. Great to take on the go!
Cons: Challenging to keep the built-in brush clean since it’s typically attached to the application. Difficult to get even and thorough sun protection, but some reapplication is better than none!
Product Recs: Derma E Powder SPF 30, Supergoop Powder SPF
5. Microfiber Sponge
Another tip is to apply a lightweight sunscreen with a dry microfiber sponge. Microfiber sponges absorb less product compared to traditional sponges, so they’re the best option to use! ShopMissA has great affordable options. I recommend using a lightweight chemical sunscreen for this method. Take 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen and apply using the microfiber sponge by pressing it gently into the skin. Pressing motions will help keep your makeup from moving around and maximize protection.
Pros: Out of the 3 options for reapplying over makeup, this will provide the most protection. Doesn’t require an additional product (besides the sponge).
Cons: More complex than the other options and is more challenging to do while on-the-go. Need to keep the sponge clean by washing it regularly.
Product Recs: ShopMissA Microfiber Sponge, Juno Microfiber Sponge, Black Girl Sunscreen Kids SPF 50, Klenskin SPF 50
Overall, there are pros and cons to each application method, but those are my 5 recommendations on how to reapply sunscreen! I recommend finding the option(s) that work best for you. My personal favorites are using a sunscreen stick (on no-makeup days) and powder SPF on the days I wear makeup. I know reapplying sunscreen can seem daunting, but hopefully one of these methods can make it easier for you. As always, leave me any questions you have down below!
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I love the microfiber sponge trick!! I typically use an SPF powder but sometimes it can mess up my makeup if I am wearing a lot.
Yes!! Powder can definitely move my makeup around a bit but pressing the SPF on with the sponge is another great option. I think it just makes my blush look a bit more faded but nothing crazy!