Melbourne Cup Day is one of those occasions when people spend hours outdoors in their best outfit, often with makeup they would rather not disturb. The same goes for weddings, garden parties and long lunches in spring. Applying sunscreen in the morning is the easy part. Topping it up in the afternoon, without starting your makeup again, takes a little more planning.
Start With Sunscreen, Then Makeup
SunSmart advises applying an SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen first and then your makeup. Put it on clean, dry skin around 20 minutes before you head out, and give it a few minutes to settle before foundation goes on top.
Be generous. Cancer Council suggests about a teaspoon of sunscreen for the face, neck and ears. A thin smear stretched to cover everything won't provide the protection shown on the label.
Why SPF Makeup Isn't Enough
Many foundations, powders and primers mention an SPF. Cancer Council NSW explains that most cosmetic products with SPF are not regulated as sunscreens in Australia and can offer very little protection. SPF values also don't add together when you layer products. You are protected only to the level of the highest one, and only if you have applied enough of it.
A tinted product can be part of your routine, but it shouldn't be the only thing standing between your skin and the sun.
Options for Topping Up
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours when you are outdoors, and after sweating or towel drying. Over makeup, there are a few realistic ways to do it.
Pat rather than rub. Dispense a small amount of a lightweight sunscreen onto clean fingertips or a clean makeup sponge and press it gently over your face. Pressing moves makeup far less than rubbing. Work in sections and keep going until the area is evenly covered.
Use a sunscreen format designed for reapplication. Some people prefer a sunscreen mist or powder for top-ups. If you go down this route, check the label says it is a sunscreen (look for AUST L) rather than a cosmetic with an SPF claim. It is hard to apply enough with these formats, so use them generously and don't rely on them alone.
Blot first. On a warm day, blot excess oil and sweat with a tissue before reapplying. Sunscreen sits better on skin that isn't already slick.
The Bits People Miss
Ears, the back of the neck, the hairline and the chest tend to be skipped when the focus is on makeup. If your outfit leaves your shoulders or arms bare, they need sunscreen too.
Use the Rest of Your Sun Protection
A long day outdoors is when hats, shade and sunglasses earn their keep. A fascinator or headpiece usually offers little shade, so look for covered areas, step out of direct sun between races, and consider a wide-brimmed hat if it suits your outfit. Sunscreen works best as one part of a broader approach rather than permission to stay in full sun all day.
Taking It All Off at Night
After a day of layering sunscreen and makeup, a thorough but gentle cleanse is worth the extra minute. Many people use a double cleanse: a first cleanse to break down makeup and sunscreen, followed by a second to clean the skin itself.
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is a creamy, non-foaming cleanser designed to remove long-wear face and eye makeup, and it suits dry, normal or sensitive skin. Massage it onto dry skin, then rinse or tissue off. Avoid scrubbing, especially if your skin feels warm or tight after a day outside. If you notice sunburn, hold off on exfoliants and strong actives until your skin settles.
Choosing a Daily Sunscreen You'll Actually Wear
The sunscreen that works best is usually the one you're happy to reapply. A lightweight broad-spectrum formula such as Ultra Facial Defense SPF50 has a lightweight texture designed for everyday wear. If you would like help choosing products that suit your skin and your routine, you can make an appointment with our team in Port Melbourne.
