With summer coming up, wearing sunscreen is a must. Before I came to college or truly understood the importance of protecting my skin, I never wore sunscreen. Although I blame it on the fact that I am too lazy to have an extensive skincare routine, I made it a part of my makeup routine to incorporate sunscreen. This simple act of mixing my sunscreen with moisturizer not only protects the skin from UV radiation and photodamage but also reduces the risks of skin cancer and premature aging. As a plus, it does not take any time out of my day and still allows me to wear makeup.
Before randomly applying any sunscreen on your face, it is important to understand the SPF and how it works. According to the American Cancer Society, the SPF number is the protection level the sunscreen provides against UVB rays, which are the cause of sunburn. A higher number on the sunscreen means an increased level of protection. When choosing a sunscreen, pick one that works well with your skin type, but if you are an avid makeup wearer, you want to ensure the product does not cause any piling or leave a white cast. My favorites include the e.l.f. Suntouchable Whoa Glow, Innisfree Daily UV Defense, and Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. Although these are arguably a little more affordable than other brands, there are plenty of others that do the job just as well, and fit into your budget.
Personally, I mix my sunscreen into my moisturizer to thin it out, but there are so many ways to implement sunscreen without putting it under your makeup. There are makeup products that contain SPF which not only save time but also ensure you are protected at all times. A simple replacement for foundation is a skin tint with SPF. A skin tint is a lighter coverage alternative to foundation that gives a more natural “your-skin-but-better” look. Popular tinted sunscreens are the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen. Both products offer broad-spectrum sun protection with tinted formulations, providing hydration and gentle mineral filters suitable for sensitive skin.
Establishing that sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day, how do you do it without ruining your makeup? SPF setting spray. Yes, it is a thing. Although this is a pricier option, it is definitely worth the splurge. Not only does it lock in your makeup and is convenient, but it also provides an extra layer of protection from UV rays. On a budget, the Milani Make it Last Sunscreen Setting spray is the perfect option, given that it is under $15, lightweight, and can keep your makeup intact for 16 hours. If you are willing to invest in a spray, the Love from Yours Sunny Side Up, Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist, and Set + Protect Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 with Hyaluronic Acid would be worth every penny.
Although you may have already perfected your skincare routine, if sunscreen is not a step, it is not quite perfect yet. The media has brought fun-colored serums, creams, and other products into the light, and sometimes the most basic products like sunscreen can be overlooked. Yes, putting on makeup is exciting, as it is the most peaceful part of my day, but with beauty comes the responsibility of taking care of your skin. Implementing sunscreen into your makeup, wearing sunscreen is a vital part of maintaining ageless skin, bringing your flawless makeup look to another level.