ARE YOU WEARING SPF everyday? If you answered yes, the next step is to make sure you’re reapplying your facial sunscreen as directed. But that’s easier said than done on top of a full face of makeup.
Social media is buzzing with trending new techniques for reapplying SPF over makeup — like using a beauty sponge or clean, bare hands to press sunscreen into skin — but an SPF mist is by far the easiest way to reapply your SPF over your makeup in a pinch.
Here, BAZAAR breaks down the best sunscreen mists for reapplying SPF over makeup, and the tips you need to know to get an even sunscreen application.
Related: 17 of the best Australian sunscreens to try this summer
When using sunscreen, always read the label, follow the directions for use, and reapply frequently. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when you’re in the sun.
Best sunscreen mists for over makeup
1
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR TRAVEL
1
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR TRAVEL
ULTRA VIOLETTE Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist Skinscreen
$42
Whether you’re traveling across the city or around the world, Ultra Violette’s sunscreen mist (and its mini-me travel duo) are a seamless solution to reapplying sunscreen on-the-go. The mist offers SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection with a lightweight formula that promises not to disturb your makeup and even leave a little luminosity.
2
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR SETTING MAKEUP
THE QUICK FLICK Quick Screen SPF 50+ Set Finishing Spray with Blue Light Defence
2
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR SETTING MAKEUP
THE QUICK FLICK Quick Screen SPF 50+ Set Finishing Spray with Blue Light Defence
$40
This Quick Flick SPF mist is a multitasker from the get-go. It’s designed to set your makeup in the morning and reapply your SPF throughout the day with an SPF50+ and UVA/UVB sunscreen and a non-greasy, satin finish. The formula also boasts built-in HEV blue light defence, so it’s ideal for beachside and desk-side application.
3
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR EXTRA GLOW
NAKED SUNDAYS SPF50+ Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray
3
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR EXTRA GLOW
NAKED SUNDAYS SPF50+ Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray
$38
Dosed with skincare actives, this Naked Sundays sunscreen mist delivers dewy skin and SPF50+. The Australian-made sunscreen is 100% transparent — which means there’s zero white cast — so you can reapply sunscreen over your makeup without skipping a beat (or ruining your beat).
4
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR HYDRATION
OUTSIDE BEAUTY & SKINCARE SPF50+ Face Mist
4
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR HYDRATION
OUTSIDE BEAUTY & SKINCARE SPF50+ Face Mist
$55
Founded by Australian sisters Maddison Brown and Allyson Popovic, Outside Beauty & Skincare approaches sunscreen like skincare. The SPF 50+ Face Mist is enriched with antioxidant kakadu plum and raspberry seed oil plus vitamin E, which help to plump, soothe and hydrate skin with each spritz.
5
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR SWIMMING
SUN BUM Face Mist 50+
5
BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR SWIMMING
SUN BUM Face Mist 50+
$26.99
This Sun Bum SPF50+ sunscreen mist is ready for days at the beach or pool. It sprays on in a sheer and lightweight layer, and is also 2 hours water resistant. Just follow the sunscreen’s directions by reapplying the sunscreen after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying to help make sure you’re getting the SPF listed on the bottle.
Can you apply sunscreen mist over makeup?
Yes, you can apply a sunscreen mist over makeup — it’s one of the easiest way to reapply SPF throughout the day. But a sunscreen mist isn’t always the most effective way to reapply sunscreen if you’re not perfecting your technique.
It’s recommended to apply a facial sunscreen on top of your skincare and underneath makeup first, and to only use a sunscreen mist for reapplication — which you should be doing every two hours and after swimming, sweating or drying yourself down with atowel. When applying a mist sunscreen, it’s suggested to hold and spray the sunscreen 10-15 centimetres away from your face and to stay out of the wind while you spray liberally per the instructions of the product, keeping your eyes closed until it dries on your skin. You could also spray the sunscreen mist onto clean hands and gently press into your skin. Both of these application techniques will help you achieve an even sunscreen reapplication without ruining your makeup.
Which sunscreen can be applied over makeup?
Most sunscreens can be applied over makeup, but sunscreen mists are becoming a popular choice because they’re lightweight, hydrating and convenient to reapply.
You could also use a sunscreen serum, tinted sunscreen or sunscreen stick to reapply SPF over your makeup. While these facial sunscreens aren’t quite as effortless as a sunscreen mist and require a more thorough application technique, these SPF formulas are regarded as the gold standard for reapplication and preferred by the sunscreen-loving K-Beauty community.
When using sunscreen, always read the label, follow the directions for use, and reapply frequently. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when you’re in the sun.
Related: A realistic guide to reapply SPF over your makeup this summer
