The 5 Best Sunscreens to Use OVER makeup
Let’s talk sun.
That glow we chase in the summer? It comes with a side of UV exposure that your skin doesn’t forget. As we age, sun damage shows up as fine lines, dark spots, and a loss of firmness—thanks to UVA rays breaking down collagen slowly over time, day after day.
And here’s where many of us are still getting it wrong: SPF in your makeup is not enough. Even if your foundation says SPF 30, you’re likely not applying nearly enough to get full protection—and definitely not reapplying every two hours like you should.
Sunscreen needs to be a dedicated step in your routine, separate from your makeup. And yes, reapplying it throughout the day is non-negotiable—no matter how flawless your face is. The good news? You can reapply over makeup without smudging, streaking, or starting over.
These five picks make reapplying SPF mid-day easy, wearable, and even enjoyable. Think protection, glow, and just the right amount of skin care in your handbag.
⸻
1. Ciele Filter + Protect SPF 50 (Tinted Mineral) blurring finishing and setting powder
Your skin, but more radiant—and fully protected. This tinted mineral formula gives light coverage, SPF 50, and a filter-like finish that blends beautifully over makeup. It’s sun care that doubles as a complexion enhancer.
How to use: Press in with a sponge or fingers during the day for a dewy top-up that actually protects.
2. Isdin Mineral Brush Powder SPF 50
This brush-on mineral powder is a derm-favorite for a reason: it’s portable, mess-free, and made for reapplication. It mattifies and adds protection without affecting your makeup.
How to use: Swipe it across your face, ears, neck, and even your scalp part for full coverage—no mirror needed.
3. Kopari Sun Glaze Sheer Setting Mist SPF 30
This sheer, hydrating mineral mist adds SPF while locking in your makeup and giving that glazed glow (without the stick). It’s lightweight and beachy, with a clean finish that wears well on all skin types.
How to use: Mist evenly across your face mid-day and let it air-dry—zero blending required.
4. Coola Organic Mineral Sun Silk Setting Spray SPF 30
With a super-fine mist and zero residue, this SPF setting spray refreshes your makeup while adding sun protection. It’s especially great if your skin leans dry or dull—it hydrates and protects in one spritz.
How to use: Shake well, close your eyes, and mist in an “X” and “T” formation. Let it dry before touching your face.
5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 30 (Chemical Filter)
This isn’t technically for faces—but beauty insiders (including J.Lo’s team) love it for that dewy glow. While not mineral, it’s light, invisible, and makes reapplying SPF feel more like a red-carpet refresh.
How to use: Mist onto a damp beauty sponge and press gently over high points of your face for a luminous finish or just spray quickly over your face for an on the go glow.
✨ Bonus: Start With a Strong SPF Under Makeup
Before you even apply your base, set your skin up for success. These two mineral sunscreens wear beautifully under makeup with zero white cast or pilling:
• Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50
A silky zinc-based fluid that supports skin repair and protection. It layers like a serum, not a sunscreen.
• Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+
Ultra Violette Serum style sunscreen
A cult-favorite matte finish SPF that doubles as a blurring primer. Clean, breathable, and made for reapplication-friendly wear.
☀️ The Bottom Line
Sun damage doesn’t take a day off—and your SPF shouldn’t either. UV rays are at work even on cloudy days, through windows, and during that iced coffee run. If you’re not reapplying every 2 hours, you’re not truly protected.
Give your skin 5 more minutes. With the right SPF that works over makeup, you can glow, go, and guard your skin—no matter what the temp!
Questions?! DM me @gailyoso on instagram
Xo
Gail