Sunscreen and Your Makeup Routine

You want to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer, so you are a dedicated sunscreen wearer.

But is it possible to wear makeup with sunscreen without looking like a glazed donut?

With so many foundations and other makeup products offering SPF, it's tempting to use them for coverage rather than putting on sunscreen, which can by shiny, chalky, or just plain messy, especially under makeup.

Giving in to that temptation would be a mistake, though, says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.

“Makeup does not provide enough coverage. You need to use seven times the normally used amount of foundation and 14 times the normally used amount of powder to get the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on the label," Baumann tells WebMD. No one does this.”

So how can you marry makeup with sunscreen to keep your skin healthy and looking its best? WebMD turned to Baumann, Karen Houpt, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and makeup artists Tina Turnbow and Patty Bell for a step-by-step guide to using sunscreen and makeup.

1. Select the proper sunscreen.

Even before you step in front of the bathroom mirror, find a sunscreen that offers enough protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises people to use a moisturizer containing broad-spectrum sunscreen (which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF rating of at least 15. Ingredients such as zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or ecamsule (Mexoryl), combined with octocrylene and avobenzone work best with makeup and provide broad spectrum sun protection.

EXPERT TIPS

• Baumann: Layer a physical sunscreen, such as Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, with a chemical sunscreen (either Topix Glycolix Elite Sunscreen SPF 30 or Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Skin SPF 30), to block most of the sun’s rays.
• Turnbow: A natural moisturizer, such as Pur-lisse pur-protect SPF 30, is light and smooth, good for dewy skin. Arcona Reozone SPF 20 is a little richer, but has more of a matte finish.
• Bell: DDF Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection SPF30 is oil-free.
• Houpt: To avoid flaking that sometimes occurs with sunscreen, it may help to use a product with no more than SPF 15 on the face. For those concerned about an unflattering white pall, avoid products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

2. Apply sunscreen liberally.

“Apply a thin, even coat, approximately one teaspoon for face and neck,” Houpt says. “And ears, if exposed.” Then, let sunscreen soak into the skin and dab the excess with tissue. After you finish applying sunscreen, wash the residue off of your hands before applying makeup.

3. If necessary, use SPF eye cream.

If applying sunscreen in the delicate area around your eyes causes a burning sensation, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests using SPF 15 eye creams.