How To Reapply Sunscreen Over Make-up

How To Reapply Sunscreen Over Make-up

Unless you’ve been living under the shade of a rock - where there’s no sun to speak of -  you’re probably aware by now that broad-spectrum sunscreen is a year-round must! You’ve also probably heard that to keep your skin protected from the ageing effects of the sun, SPF reapplication needs to happen about every two hours… Fine when you’re footloose and makeup-free at the beach, pool, or park, right?

But what about when you’re lunching, shopping, or at a festival with a beautifully crafted face—foundation, bronzer, blush, highlighter, the works? Are you supposed to just rub it in over your makeup? Remove everything and start again? Or skip it altogether and hope for the best?

Sadly, none of these are appealing; but we’ve got you, and the answer is probably simpler than you think.

Here, we will explore the difference between your initial application, the necessity for a RE-application, and exactly HOW to do a top-up application over your make-up. It all begins with choosing the right sunscreen in the first place.

Why is it important to reapply your sunscreen?

You wouldn’t expect a single glass of water to keep you hydrated all day, and sunscreen works the same way. When it's applied, it gradually wears off due to sweat, movement, and everyday activities like talking on the phone or simply touching your face. That’s why SPF reapplication is important. Without it, your skin isn’t getting the ongoing protection it needs, no matter how high the SPF on the bottle.

If you’re spending time outside, near windows, or anywhere with UV exposure, SPF reapplication keeps your skin covered. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch every two hours—there are easy ways to top up, even over makeup. Keep a sunscreen that fits your routine close by, and staying protected will feel effortless.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

No matter the season, finishing your AM skincare routine with the right sunscreen is non-negotiable. Daily sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which can contribute to skin damage over time. But not all sunscreens are created equal—broad-spectrum protection is key, as it shields against both UVA (linked to premature ageing) and UVB (the culprit behind sunburn).

We’ve updated our SPF labelling from SPF 40 to SPF 30 to align with new EU regulations. But don’t worry—nothing else has changed. The percentage of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide remains exactly the same, meaning the level of sun protection is still just as high.

The trick is to find a formula that suits both your skin type and your lifestyle. From our collection of six physical sunscreens, each now labelled SPF 30 (previously SPF 40) still delivers broad-spectrum protection while feeling lightweight and comfortable on the skin.

Making Your Morning Application Count

Your first sunscreen application of the day? That’s the easy part—at home, in front of a decent mirror, with no rush. This step should come after your full skincare routine, including moisturiser, and before makeup. If you prefer a streamlined routine, our tinted sunscreens—Moisture Matte and Sheer Hydration (Versatile Tint)—double as a lightweight foundation.

As for how much? No need for guesswork—you’ll need 1/3 of a teaspoon for your face and neck, including the ears and hairline.

Top Tip: Layering sunscreens can help you reach this amount. Start with Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30* as your base, then follow up with one of our tinted sunscreens for extra coverage and a natural finish. Moisture Matte gives a shine-free look, while Sheer Hydration (Versatile Tint) SPF 30* adapts to most skin tones for a soft, healthy glow.

How to Reapply Sunscreen Without Ruining Your Makeup

Reapplying sunscreen every two hours? No big deal when you’re makeup-free at the beach, but what about when you’re out and about—grabbing coffee, running errands, or heading to an event with a full face of makeup?

The good news? You don’t have to start from scratch. If your sunscreen has been completely wiped off—thanks to sweat, swimming, or a sudden rain shower—it’s best to cleanse and apply a fresh layer. But if your original application is still intact but slightly compromised, you can top up over makeup in a few simple steps:

Use a tinted sunscreen like Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Versatile Tint SPF 30 or Moisture Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 40.

  • Warm up the product on the back of your hand to activate the colour.

  • Pat (don’t rub!) it onto the skin with a clean makeup sponge or brush.

  • Lightly dust on bronzer or blush to refresh your look.

This way, you boost protection without disrupting your makeup—a win-win!

The Best Sunscreens for Reapplying Over Makeup

Not every sunscreen is designed for easy top-ups throughout the day, so picking the right one makes all the difference, especially when considering the best sunscreen to reapply over makeup.

Here are some great options for SPF reapplication on the go:

Keeping SPF on hand makes it easy to stay protected throughout the day. And while sunscreen is a must, no product can block all UV rays, so embrace the shade, pop on some sunglasses, and throw on a chic hat for extra protection.

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