There aren’t many things in life that make us feel like a little child being force-fed vegetables, but the constant reminders to apply SPF every day, multiple times a day, and all over our bodies certainly can. Sunscreen has, unfortunately, garnered a reputation for being one of the less glamorous beauty products. It’s more of a health necessity, if you will, which can make it less inspiring than our special serum elixirs. However, the importance of sun protection cannot be overstated—not just for its anti-ageing properties but also for our overall health.
Despite its essential role, many of us struggle with incorporating SPF into our daily routines, especially when it comes to wearing it under makeup. The idea of slathering on a thick, greasy layer of sunscreen before applying foundation can be unappealing, to say the least. But with the right products and techniques, sun protection doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Brands are revolutionising sunscreen formulas, making them more wearable and makeup-friendly than ever before. So, there’s truly no excuse to skip SPF in favour of your foundation complexion—because now, you can have both.
While we may love the hustle and bustle of the city, we don’t often stop and take stock of just how damaging it can be on our skin. It’s basically an urban cocktail of street pollution. Air con, blue light from our multiple screens and sun exposure can all accelerate the ageing process. So, put your best face forward by giving it the best protection you can against these harmful aggressors by applying a high-quality SPF under your makeup.
Why is SPF so important?
Look, sorry to make you feel like that child being force-fed veggies again, but let’s just have a quick refresher as to why exactly SPF is, the most **pause for dramatic effect** important step in your entire beauty regimen.
Sun protection is non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining healthy skin. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the leading causes of skin damage, leading to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply, contributing to wrinkles and sunspots, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, sun's UV rays can penetrate your skin, which is why wearing SPF daily is crucial, yes, even on those cloudy days.
Beyond its anti-ageing benefits, SPF is vital for protecting your skin from a host of other issues. It can prevent the worsening of existing hyperpigmentation and reduce the risk of developing new dark spots. For those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, SPF acts as a shield against external aggressors that can exacerbate redness and irritation. In essence, sunscreen is your first line of defence against all the things that make your skin look and feel worse.
When should I apply SPF
As a general rule of thumb, sunscreen should always be the outermost layer of your skincare routine. This means applying it after you've used your serums, eye cream, and moisturiser in the morning. It’s important to give your skincare products a few minutes to absorb before applying your SPF to ensure that each layer can work effectively.
If you're planning to wear makeup over the top, opt for a sunscreen formula that is light, easily spreadable, and doesn’t leave a big white cast behind. This will not only make the application more pleasant but also ensure that your makeup applies smoothly without any pilling or uneven texture. Murad sunscreens are designed to give you a dewy but not greasy finish, making them ideal for layering under your daily makeup. Their lightweight formulas blend seamlessly into the skin, providing a perfect base for foundation while still offering elite sun protection.
How many times daily should I reapply
One of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that applying it once in the morning is enough to protect you all day. In reality, SPF needs to be reapplied every three hours to maintain its effectiveness, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or in direct sunlight, but equally if you’re in an office because blue right is a real thing, people! This can be a daunting task, particularly if you’re wearing makeup, but it’s essential for keeping your skin protected throughout the day.
If you’re using a skin tint or a liquid foundation, try taking it to work with you along with your sunscreen of choice. Mix them together before applying them over the face - this means you won’t ruin your makeup when you reapply your SPF. Or, opt for a sunscreen that has its own built-in tint such as the City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 I PA+. This SPF shields against all the UVs and has a soft peach tint that helps colour correct to immediately boost radiance and even tone.
Which sunscreen is right for my skin type
The beauty of Murad’s sunscreen range is that they all come with added benefits that will help you achieve your other skin goals too.
For dry skin
For those with dry skin, the Murad Perfecting Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is the one for you. Packed with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants that work to restore moisture and minimise the appearance of fine lines. Its rich, creamy texture provides a nourishing barrier against environmental aggressors while keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. The addition of SPF 30 ensures that your skin is protected from UV damage, making it a multitasking marvel in your skincare arsenal.
For dull skin
If your skin is prone to dullness or uneven tone, the Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 might be more up your alley. This formula is infused with Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant known for its brightening properties. It works to neutralise free radicals, protect against environmental damage, and enhance your skin's natural radiance. The lightweight, non-greasy texture of this sunscreen makes it perfect for layering under makeup, giving you a fresh, glowing complexion while keeping your skin safe from the sun.
For fine-lines
If anti-ageing is the name of the game, then the Murad Age-Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is your ultimate ally. This multi-tasking moisturiser is designed to combat the visible signs of ageing while providing essential sun protection. Formulated with advanced peptides and hydrating ingredients, it helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restoring a youthful look to your complexion. But its not all bark and no bite and again, the addition of SPF 30 shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, this moisturiser is perfect for those looking to maintain a firm, radiant complexion while keeping the effects of sun exposure at bay.
Some tips for flawless sunscreen application
When it comes to applying sunscreen, particularly before makeup, the key is to use a light hand and ensure that the product is fully absorbed before moving on to the next step in your routine. Start by applying a small amount of sunscreen to your fingertips and gently pat it onto your face, focusing on areas that are most exposed to the sun, such as your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Try to avoid rubbing the sunscreen into your skin too aggressively, as this can cause pilling and disrupt the texture of your makeup.
Once your sunscreen is applied, give it a few minutes to settle into your skin before applying your primer or foundation. This will help create a smooth, even base for your makeup and prevent any issues with the application. If you find that your sunscreen leaves a slight white cast, try using a tinted formula or mixing a small amount of foundation with your sunscreen to create a custom blend that matches your skin tone.
For those who prefer a minimal makeup look, a tinted sunscreen can be a great option. Tinted sunscreens offer the same level of sun protection as regular formulas but with the added benefit of providing light coverage and evening out your skin tone. It’s kind of like the best example of a two-for-one deal. These innovative formulas make it easier to prioritise our sun protection, as it doesn’t come at the sacrifice of the look and feel of our makeup. Whether you’re looking for hydration, brightening or anti-ageing there is undoubtedly a sunscreen that will slot into your routine, undetected.
In summary…
We get it, life is busy and sometimes it's hard to find the time for simple indulgences. While it may seem like an extra and unnecessary step, the long term benefits of applying and re-applying your sunscreen truly do outweigh the effort.