How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup

Before I answer the question of “how to reapply sunscreen over makeup,” it’s important to first go over how crucial it is to wear sunscreen. And truthfully, I’m probably not one to talk. Even though I’ve been a longtime beauty editor and I know the harmful effects of the sun, I still skip sunscreen sometimes because I either forget, or I would like a little sun-kissed color on my face. 

Every dermatologist (not) under the sun will tell you that sunscreen SPF is the most important skincare product in your routine. That’s because sunscreen not only prevents skin cancer, but it also slows down the aging process. This means less wrinkles, less Botox (lol), and less worrying about your skin aging. 

One of the most annoying aspects of sunscreen application is the fact that you have to reapply it every two hours. Or at least, that’s what you’re supposed to be doing. The only time I ever actually reapply my sunscreen is when I’m at the beach or the pool, and I’ll be in the sun (or under the shade) all day. Reapplying sunscreen to your body is pretty straightforward, but in terms of how to reapply sunscreen over makeup…well, that’s a different story. 

Below, I cover everything you need to know about how to reapply sunscreen over makeup. This includes how to do it without screwing up your gorgeous makeup look, as well as which products to use for easy reapplication.  

How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup

Use a powder

I think one of the best ways for how to reapply sunscreen over makeup is by using a powder SPF. I will go over a few below, but these brush-on powders typically offer SPF 50 and are a really great way to add extra protection without ruining your makeup. All you have to do is activate the powder and then brush it onto your face for seamless coverage. 

Use a spray

Another option is to use a spray to apply sunscreen over makeup. There are some setting spray-types of SPF that work well for this. Just spritz the formula over your makeup throughout the day for extra coverage. 

Bring blush with you

One of my biggest pet peeves is when women apply foundation but don’t use any blush or bronzer. It makes you look dead, lifeless, and pale as heck. If you are using a powder to reapply sunscreen, and the powder isn’t translucent, I would bring a blush with you to reapply, so you don’t look dead. There are some blushes that actually have SPF, which I will mention below. 

Use a sponge

If you want to apply a liquid sunscreen on top of your makeup, you should use a sponge to dab the liquid into your skin. This will help prevent your makeup from getting cakey or breaking up. 

10 Best Sunscreen to Reapply Over Makeup

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

This is probably one of the most popular sunscreen products used over makeup. It’s a brush-on mineral powder sunscreen that works to protect your skin against harmful UV rays and UVB rays. This formula is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and makes reapplying SPF extremely easy. It comes in four shades and has a pretty light coverage. 

The biggest downside to this pick is that it is really expensive. At $69 a tube, I think this is a splurge product. But I also think this will last you a long time, so the price might be worth it to you. 

Available at Colorescience ($69) | Also available at Nordstrom

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

I’m totally obsessed with this formula! It comes in four shades and blends into my skin so beautifully. It doesn’t cause any irritation or breakouts, and I feel like it lasts a long time without getting cakey or creased by the end of the day. I find that I have to mix the “Fair” and “Medium” shades to get my perfect match. I’ll often use this in place of a foundation for the day, and it does a really great job of covering imperfections without looking or feeling too heavy on my skin. 

I like to use this as a product to reapply sunscreen, especially if I’m at the beach. However, I also like to bring with me a blush to apply on top of this sunscreen when I reapply it, because I don’t want to look like a lifeless ghost, either. 

Available at Colorescience ($54) 

Brush On Block SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen

Okay, so this is basically the cheaper competitor to the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. Unlike the Colorescience option, which comes in four shades, this pick from Brush on Block is translucent. This powder offers SPF 30, while the Colorescience one offers SPF 50. 

Many folks love the formula of this powder. However, they do complain a lot about the quality of the tube and the way the powder is dispensed. Some people have had the tube break and the powder spill everywhere. Other people find that it’s really hard to get the powder into the brush to swipe onto your face. 

Available at Amazon ($34)

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder

This is another beloved SPF mineral sunscreen. It comes in four shades, offers an SPF 35, and also contains mattifying ingredients to minimize shine. This is another product where people have issues getting the powder out of the tube. You might have to play around with it a bit to get powder out. 

Available at Supergoop! ($35)

Pacifica GLOW BABY Brightening Setting Mist

Unlike the powders and liquids previously mentioned to apply sunscreen while wearing makeup, this is a setting spray that contains SPF 45. You can use this throughout the day over your makeup for extra UV protection. I like that it adds a bit of glow to the face and also has some skincare benefits, like vitamin C, sea algae, and sea minerals to brighten, hydrate, and even out your skin tone. 

Available at Pacifica Beauty ($18)

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50

Another spray that people love to apply over makeup. I like that this one has a high SPF protection, and it’s in a cool 80s-inspired spray bottle. This does have some fragrance in it, so if you are super sensitive to fragrance, you might want to opt for something else. 

Available at Vacation ($24)

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50

Like I mentioned previously, I hate applying foundation without blush. It makes me look like I’m sick. Because of this, I like to bring a blush with me if I’m using a liquid SPF to reapply during the day. This is a great option because it also contains sunscreen, so you are getting added sun protection on your face. This comes in six shades and can also be used as a highlighter, too. Additionally, add this to your lips and eyelids if you’re popping from the beach straight to dinner, as it can be used all over your face if you want. 

Available at Colorescience ($39)

Nudestix NUDESCREEN BLUSH TINT SPF 30 

I’ve always loved everything from Nudestix, and this blush tint is no exception. This formula is another example of a blush that can be used for added SPF protection. It comes in six shades and offers a really subtle flush. The formula is pretty thin and watery, so don’t expect too much color on your cheeks. 

Available at Sephora ($30)

Attitude OCEANLY PHYTO-SUN Solid Tinted Cream SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide

Similar to how I use the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50, this is a good option to reapply throughout the day as a bonus foundation. It’s a lightly tinted, unscented SPF that’s plastic-free and EWG-verified. 

Available at Attitude ($45)

Attitude OCEANLY PHYTO-SUN Lip Balm SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide

Don’t forget to protect your lips when you’re reapplying sunscreen over makeup! This is a pretty addition to your on-the-go makeup pouch. It comes in three shades, offers SPF 30 protection, and is pretty universally flattering on all skin tones. I also love that the packaging doesn’t contain any plastic. Plus, the formula is EWG-verified. So if you’re concerned about toxic chemicals in your skincare or makeup (or you’re looking for non-toxic sunscreens), you need not worry with Attitude OCEANLY products. 

Available at Attitude ($20)