Your skin deserves a luxe life, and we understand how finding a beauty routine that works for you can feel overwhelming at first. When it comes to layering skincare with makeup, with the numerous serums, primers, SPFs, and setting products to choose from, it’s easy to wonder what you actually need and how everything should be applied together. However, no matter the season, the one product that should never be skipped in our Well People bible is SPF!

Skin health begins with sun protection, and our daily mineral SPF wants in on your routine. In this guide, we’ll break down all the basics about layering SPF with your makeup, from when and how to apply it, the best pairings to avoid product cakiness and piling, and how to reapply SPF throughout the day. We’re on a mission to change the way you think about and wear sunscreen. After all, SPF isn’t just about sunshine, it’s about skin health. By the end of this guide, you might just become the sunscreen friend of your friend group!

Skincare and Makeup Prep: Where Does SPF Fit In?

The secret to brighter skin? SPF! Keep your skin pretty and protected all year long with a sunscreen you can’t stop applying. So, let’s address our most common question: where does SPF fit into your beauty routine? Sunscreen should always be the last step of your skincare routine! Generously apply your preferred SPF after your favorite moisturizer but before your makeup routine for it to naturally act as a shield against UV damage. You can think of SPF as your skin’s daily armor!

Depending on the type of sunscreen you prefer, our rule of thumb is to always let it sit on your skin before sun exposure. Chemical sunscreens require approximately fifteen minutes to take effect, while our mineral sunscreens typically work immediately. After your sunscreen sets, you’re ready to layer your primer and makeup as usual. Whether you’re brunching or beaching, it’s essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors. Committing to a daily SPF is a form of care, prevention, and love for the skin you’re in. It’s truly the secret to long-term, healthy, glowing skin!

Should You Apply Sunscreen Before Or After Moisturizer?

You should always apply sunscreen after your moisturizer. While applying sunscreen might feel like an added step to your routine, a little extra skin-loving protection goes a long way! First, prep your base with a hydrating moisturizer to ensure your sunscreen sits on top effectively. Applying SPF after ensures it can lie evenly on the skin as a protective layer, creating a barrier between your skin and damaging UV rays. By following this order, the sunscreen and makeup apply more seamlessly.

Should You Apply Sunscreen Before Or After Primer?

Sunscreen should be applied before primer. We like to consider SPF as the final bow to your skincare routine. It’s a daily step that’s not just reserved for the summer! By applying sunscreen before your makeup primer, you will create a layer of sun protection. If you apply primer first, it can block SPF from doing its job. So layer up the right way: moisturizer, sunscreen, then primer. That way, your SPF forms a solid shield between you and the sun, and your primer will still smooth any texture and grip your makeup for all-day wear.

Should You Apply Sunscreen Before Or After Makeup?

SPF is a must, not an afterthought in our book and for it to work effectively, it needs to sit directly on clean skin. Sunscreen should always be applied before makeup. After cleansing the skin and prepping it with your curated skincare routine that’s when you can apply your sunscreen. You can think of it as your skin’s invisible shield of protection! Applying it after makeup can prevent the SPF from fully absorbing into the skin, thereby reducing its effectiveness. To maintain proper protection against UV rays, don’t forget to reapply every two hours. Cheers to healthier, happier skin every day!

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Sunscreen Under Makeup

1. Start with a Clean Base
   Before you jump into your skin and makeup routine, always start with a clean base! First, remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup to prep your skin. If you want a glow that makes you look as good as it makes you feel, a clean base is the first step.
2. Apply Mists & Serums
   Next, use your favorite mist or targeted treatment, such as the Bio Brightener Priming Serum, to nourish and prep your skin. This serum is a perfect fit for any skincare routine, thanks to its skin-loving formula that creates a smooth canvas for long-lasting makeup.
3. Moisturize Before Sunscreen
   Lock in hydration with the Fresh Dew Snow Mushroom Gel-Cream Moisturizer , a lightweight gel-cream formula that plumps skin for a dewy, healthy-looking complexion. If you're skipping a separate SPF, opt for the Bio Tint, a tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 built in.
4. Apply Sunscreen
   Up next, our favorite step: mineral sunscreen! If you're looking for an SPF that feels like golden hour on your skin, without the UV damage, glide on Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34, covering your face and neck, and let it fully absorb into the skin before stepping out into the sun.
5. Prime
   Apply your go-to primer to smooth and grip your makeup for all-day wear.
6. Finish with Makeup
   Lastly, layer on your favorite foundation; our community favorites include the Supernatural Complexion Stick or Bio Powder Foundation, both of which are lightweight, buildable foundations that leave a natural skin-like finish.

How to Use Daygleamer SPF 34 in Your Routine

How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup

Suncare isn’t extra, it’s essential, and friends don’t let friends miss out on a reapplication! From your morning glow to your evening wind-down, reapplying sunscreen every few hours is necessary. Using a mineral sunscreen like the Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34 makes reapplying easy with its blendable formula that melts into the skin like a dream. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours; your skin will thank you! Simply use your fingers in a patting motion or use a makeup sponge to reapply the SPF to the entire face for that all-day glowy, protected finish without disrupting makeup.