Wearing makeup in the summer has always been a challenge for me. Even just thinking about the sun, burns my skin.
It seems that having both high sun protection and top-notch makeup isn’t something that’s easily found. I inevitably opt for SPF and leave makeup for later on in the day, when I’m not having to constantly reapply sunscreen.
When I turned 20 I began investing in creams, serums and a whole box full of skincare, because I enjoy it and animal face masks are pretty fun.
Taking care of my skin is as important to me as eating well and exercising, but I was born with bags under my eyes that won’t budge- and yes, I’ve tried every remedy there is including teabags! So hiding behind layers of factor 50 and bug-eye sunglasses have been my coping mechanism for the last few summers.
This year, I have been trying different solutions with products that will make it easier to look and feel great with makeup, while still staying protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
So, here are a few tips from me, personally, to anyone who’s struggling to decide between wearing makeup OR sunscreen.
Prime Time
Priming before you put anything on your face enables it to stay in place. In the hotter months, it will prevent any slipping and sliding of product. I exfoliate after cleansing, tone, use a vitamin C serum, eye cream, moisturizer and then prime with Khiel’s Cactus Flowers and Tibetan Ginseng Mist.
In the winter I would use a cream to prime, and even though my skin is dry-normal, I would hate how greasy it feels after adding SPF followed by makeup. With cream- my face was so slimy that my sunglasses would gradually slip down my nose and I’d have to readjust them every five minutes. So annoying!
High SPF
Invest in a high SPF cream to go under makeup. This won’t necessarily stop you from tanning, but will definitely protect your skin. I use Sun Bum Face 50 all over my face, neck, and chest. Then I use a spray for the rest of my body because it’s easier and I’m lazy. I brush my teeth and do my hair as I wait for all the product to dry so that my makeup won’t rest on top of the creams. Try looking for a lightweight cream that will soak in evenly.
See Also: The Best Eye Shadow Looks for Your Unique Eye Shape
Ease-Off
No one should decide how much makeup another person should wear, so wear as much as you want! Personally, I find that wearing less in the summer saves a lot of time. Who wants to be rushing to the bathroom to reapply, and worrying that your makeup is melting off? Instead of wearing full coverage makeup, wear a light BB or CC cream, some even have SPF in them, meaning that if you wear that alone you won’t need to read on about how to execute the makeup and SPF game. Plus, giving your skin a break from heavy makeup will allow it to breathe.
Creams > Powders
As I’ve mentioned, I have drier skin, so I hate any type of powder on my face; in winter or summer. Yet, in the summer months, powder appears to dry almost instantly and burrows its way into lines and places I didn’t even know I had. Apart from eyeshadows, I’ve been using all things cream and straying from powders. Just like accepting that I will never be bronzy, I have to accept that I have dry skin and can’t layer powder on like some people do. Use a cream blush, highlighter for dry skin, and if you have oily skin, use a light dusting of setting powder- also, be sure to carry around blotting sheets!
Setting
I set my face with Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray, something I’ve sworn by for years since I stopped using a setting powder. I’ve worn this makeup for longer than 16 hours-its guaranteed time to stop from fading, melting and setting into lines. I’ve slept in it and even swam in it and it does NOT come off easily. Use any reliable setting spray after applying SPF and then makeup (in that order, duh!) for prevention of a landslide of product streaming down your face.
Most Importantly: Re-apply with a Spray
All SPF products will have an estimated time that the sunscreen will be effective. Please take note of this! Too many people I know believe one or two layers is sufficient and oh, how wrong they are. However, I understand as this is always the hurdle I find myself struggling to get over in regards to makeup and SPF.
Do I reapply makeup? Do I rub SPF over my makeup and ruin my blush and contour? Or do I just leave it, assuring myself that they will have cheap products in the future to fix my skin damage?
The answer is simply to find the right product to reapply. I recently bought Supergoop’s Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C with an SPF of 50 (they offer other levels of protection) and spray it on top of my makeup. It has a moisturizing, matte finish, perfect for oily skin in the hot, humid months.
Of course, using any type of SPF spray would work, though I have sprayed too close and ended up with white eyebrows. Still, I’d rather that than red and peeling skin.
Disclaimer: I’m not a makeup artist nor a dermatologist. I’m just someone who hates being sunburned. All of the above are tips that I use and work for me.
Cover Image Source: Skincare
