
When you think about your morning routine, what are your non-negotiables? Maybe it’s sipping on Beauty Water while planning your day. Maybe it’s a yoga routine paired with your daily mantras. Or, maybe it’s a refreshing shower infused with eucalyptus. No matter how different our mornings look, two things unite us: wearing makeup and applying SPF.
Why do we all universally think these are important? Well, makeup helps boost our confidence, creates an opportunity for self-expression, and gives us a sense of control. And, SPF? Well, that’s all about protecting our skin, preventing wrinkles, and maintaining an even skin tone. Both are important!
But, let’s be honest: they can feel like they’re working against each other. Think about it—sunscreen goes on first, then makeup on top. So . . . when it’s time to reapply sunscreen, how are we supposed to do that without ruining our look?
That’s exactly what we’re getting into today. We’ll break down why SPF reapplication is important and how you can reapply even on those full-face makeup days. And don’t worry, you won’t have to redo your makeup or lose out on any product. Because sun protection shouldn't come at the cost of your look and confidence.

How To Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup Without Ruining Your Look
Gone are the days of tanning beds and chemical-filled makeup. Now, we just know better! There are better ways to take care of your skin and look great while doing it. With makeup, you can go fresh and natural or full glam—it’s whatever you’re feeling that day.
However, we should all be using sunscreen throughout the day in the same way. Put it on in the morning and reapply every few hours until bedtime. This will keep your skin soft, dewy, and smooth. Sunscreen is literally the fountain of youth (and beauty!).
But re-coating means messing up your makeup, right? Not necessarily! Here’s how you can reapply sunscreen over makeup totally smudge-free:
Can You Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup?
Yes! You can put sunscreen over makeup—but you need the right strategy. Gliding a sunscreen stick across your face or rubbing in liquid sunscreen will definitely mess up your makeup. And we know what you’re thinking… “Are there other ways to apply aside from rubbing in a stick or cream?” And fortunately, there is! We know it seems like a hassle to figure out how to put sunscreen on top of your makeup. But it really is so important—reapplication is key to maintaining your beautiful, healthy skin.

Why Do You Have To Reapply Sunscreen?
UV filters break down over time.
Sunscreen ingredients aren’t built to last all day. After a certain amount of UV exposure—whether they’re absorbing rays (like chemical sunscreens) or reflecting them (like mineral ones)—the active ingredients break down. Eventually, the sunscreen becomes ineffective altogether.
Sweat and oil can wear it off.
Sweat and oil can gradually wear away SPF protection over the course of the day. This is especially true for mineral sunscreens, which sit on the surface of the skin rather than sinking in. If you’re sweating heavily or have naturally oily skin, your sunscreen will degrade even faster.
Touching your face or body can remove it.
We hope you’ve already kicked the habit of constantly touching your face. It can smudge your makeup, transfer pore-clogging dirt and oil, and spread illness-causing germs. What else can it do? Remove your sunscreen! So do your skin a favor: keep those hands off your beautiful face.
Water exposure washes it off.
Whether you're swimming or just get caught out in the rain, water can dilute your sunscreen and wash it away. This is true even if it’s labeled water resistant—we know, super frustrating. That label doesn’t mean you're fully protected without reapplying, so don’t let it give you a false sense of security.

How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup?
As a general rule, you should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. But there are some other factors involved. If you’re spending most of your day indoors, you can probably go a little longer between applications. (And, yes. You still need SPF even in the shade or near windows!). On the flip side, if you're sweating a lot or getting wet, you’ll want to reapply as often as every 30 minutes to keep your skin fully protected.
Here’s more on how often you should apply sunscreen.
How To Properly Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup?
Option 1: Spray on SPF mists.
One of the easiest ways to reapply sunscreen over makeup is by using an SPF setting spray or mist. (Aim for SPF 30+). All you have to do is just close your eyes and lightly mist your face. These SPF sprays blend seamlessly without messing up your makeup, providing a quick and effective boost of UV protection.
Here are some of our favorite sunscreen sprays:
Option 2: Apply sunscreen setting powder.
If your skin is already oily, a setting spray could take things from dewy to greasy. So, if you want something sun-protective that absorbs that oil instead of adding to it, setting powders are the way to go. And, since you apply the mineral powder with a brush, there’s no rubbing or wiping involved. That means your makeup stays intact and your face stays protected.
Here are some SPF setting powders to try:
Option 3: Pat or press cream sunscreen (don’t rub).
Although setting powders and mists are convenient, you have to apply them pretty generously to get full coverage. Because of that, sometimes it’s better to rely on regular sunscreen creams or liquids for reapplication.
But, to avoid white cast over your makeup look, we recommend a tinted formula like TSC Caffeinated Sunscreen. Plus, this mineral sunscreen does way more than just block out UV rays. The natural ingredients lift, tighten, and firm the skin while nourishing it and offering antioxidant protection. So, there are plenty of great reasons to reapply this beauty booster every few hours!
Now, how do you do it without messing up your makeup? First of all, don’t rub or smear the sunscreen on. Instead, gently tap it in using your fingertips or a makeup sponge to press it onto your skin without disturbing your look.
Never let makeup be an excuse to skip sunscreen—it’s an absolute must!
At the end of the day, protecting your skin doesn’t have to come at the cost of your makeup or your confidence. With the right products and techniques (whether it’s an SPF mist, setting powder, or a tinted cream sunscreen) you can easily keep your skin shielded from harmful UV rays while maintaining a fresh and flawless look. So go ahead, make sunscreen reapplication a non-negotiable part of your routine. Your skin will thank you!
Want more info on SPF and your beauty goals? Grab our founder Lauryn Bosstick’s book “Get the F*ck Out of the Sun” and binge the podcast with the same name. Then, dive into these helpful posts all about sun protection: