Why you can’t rely on makeup for SPF protection
Many people believe that if your makeup has SPF protection in it, then this will be enough to defend your skin throughout the day. While we love to see more brands including SPF in their products, it simply wouldn’t be sufficient protection for your skin.
Your skin needs daily SPF protection from UV rays, which are present all year round and become stronger during the summer months. UVA rays contribute to skin aging and cellular changes, while UVB rays cause sunburn after overexposure. Although the effects of UVB rays are more visible, it’s the deeper, less noticeable damage from UVA rays that makes year-round SPF protection essential.
In our blog post we’ll share what products work well with your makeup, how you can reapply on top of your makeup and which Ultrasun products can give you the best of both worlds.
What is SPF?
First let’s start with the basics. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is followed by a number e.g. SPF30, SPF50. The rating is the measure of how a suncream blocks UVB radiation, which is why it’s important in extreme climates and when we’re in hot conditions to wear a high SPF.
Why you can’t rely on makeup for sun protection
There are a few reasons why you can’t rely on your makeup solely for your sun protection:
- You won’t apply enough. You need two finger lengths or one teaspoon worth for the face, it’s unlikely you would apply that amount of foundation to your face!
- Uneven coverage - Areas like the hairline, ears, and neck are often left exposed and can be easily missed when relying on makeup alone
- Reapplication - We offer top-ups that you can apply over makeup and still achieve sun protection.
The right way to layer makeup and SPF together
We’d always recommend you start with your SPF first, then makeup second. Our unique lamellar formulas need a clean and dry canvas to bind to the skin. If there are any makeup or moisturiser products in the way, then this can reduce the efficacy of our products.
If you choose to use makeup with SPF, think of it as a bonus rather than a replacement of your standalone SPF. It’s also a myth that layering SPF products means you can add the sun protection factor ratings together to achieve a higher level of protection.
It’s a good idea to have a top-up option like our SPF mist to layer on top of your makeup throughout the day and when you’re spending long periods out in the sunshine.
Our recommendations
Putting SPF before colour, our Face Fluid is lightweight in texture but delivers on high-level broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, Blue light and Infrared A rays. It’s a perfect option for those light makeup days, with a warm and blendable colour to suit all skin tones. Added ingredients of anti-ageing enzyme Ectoin®️, nourishing vitamin E and GSP-T that neutralizes free radical activity on the skin.
Photo-Age Control Fluid SPF30 or SPF50
Likened to a primer texture, this is the perfect base before your makeup and provides you with the full-spectrum protection your skin needs! The nozzle makes it easy to apply directly to the skin with control and the beautifully lightweight texture sinks effortlessly into the skin.
Because who wouldn’t want high level sun protection with a natural glow and hint of colour? Our Face Tinted SPF50+ provides protection against UVA, UVB, Blue Light and Infrared A rays with a light coverage to suit all skin tones. Its non-greasy, oil-free and emulsifier-free formula seamlessly blends into the skin and suits all skin types.
For topping up your SPF without disturbing your makeup, our transparent mist is a great option. Super lightweight, simply spritz across your face and you’re done! We’ve included InfraGuard®️ which is a powerful antioxidant from organic sunflower shoots and the tara tree that protects the skin cells from blue light, infrared-A rays and skin ageing.
Overall, protect your skin daily—choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and let your makeup be the finishing touch, not your only defence.