3 Ways to Apply Sunscreen Under Makeup

Does Sunscreen Go
BEFORE OR AFTER MAKEUP?

Sunscreen is a must-have in your daily skincare routine and should always be applied before makeup. Layer it on after your moisturiser but before your primer for maximum UV protection. By regularly renewing the application, this simple step helps your skin stay protected throughout the day.

3 Key Benefits of Using Sunscreen Under Makeup:

1
Protects your skin from premature ageing caused by sun damage.

2
Protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term damage.

3
Protects against skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and wrinkles.

3 Ways to Apply
SUNSCREEN UNDER MAKEUP

There are lots of ways to incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine, making sure it works well under your makeup. These include serums or moisturisers with SPF in their formula, or applying SPF as a separate step.

1. SERUM WITH SUN PROTECTION:

You can choose to start your skincare routine with a hydrating serum enriched with SPF. The NIVEA 2in1 Prime UV Serum not only protects your skin but also helps smooth your skin in seconds, creating an ideal base for your makeup.

The serum is SPF50+, providing advanced UV protection to help prevent premature skin ageing, while delivering hydration thanks to its formula with Hyaluron. The serum is also enriched with Licochalcone, an antioxidant ingredient that boosts your skin’s natural defence.

For optimum protection, reapply regularly throughout the day. If you use another type of serum with a lower SPF, it may be necessary to combine it with a higher level of sun protection in case of strong exposure.

NIVEA 2in1 Prime UV Serum

2. MOISTURISERS WITH SPF:

While moisturisers with SPF provide some protection, they’re not a complete substitute for sunscreen. The protection you need can vary according to UV levels and the amount of time you spend in the sun. In the event of strong or prolonged exposure, it may be necessary to apply an additional sun cream with an appropriate SPF. To offer consistent, high-level protection against UV rays, it’s essential to reapply regularly. For optimal results, use a moisturiser with SPF as part of your routine but layer it with a dedicated sunscreen, reapplied regularly during the day for adequate protection.

Look for moisturisers enriched with hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluron to keep your skin soft and supple while helping your makeup glide on effortlessly.

Face Moisturisers with SPF

3. SUNSCREEN

The final option is to use an SPF that’s independent of serums and moisturisers. The time to apply it is after you’ve moisturised your skin – apply an SPF 50+ and allow time for it to absorb. From here, apply your primer then move on to your makeup. When choosing the right SPF, look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula, as this is best suited for under makeup.

Discover
Invisible Daily Fluid UV Face Specialist SPF 50+ by NIVEA Sun

Protect your skin under makeup with NIVEA Sun Invisible Daily Fluid UV Face Specialist SPF 50+, the ideal solution for high-performance sun protection while providing all-day hydration. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula offers superior broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, shielding your skin from the sun's harmful rays while helping to prevent premature ageing and sun damage.

Formulated for daily use, this sun protection fluid contains essential ingredients such as Licochalcone, which helps strengthen the skin's defences, and Hyaluronic Acid, which provides intense hydration. Available in two tinted versions, as well as an invisible finish, it’s the perfect addition to your everyday skincare routine.

Face Sunscreen

Can sunscreen be used under makeup?

FACTS OVERVIEW

Does Sunscreen Go Before or After Makeup? Apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare, before makeup.

Can you put sunscreen over makeup? Yes, as it’s important to reapply sun cream regularly, it’s sometimes necessary to apply it over makeup. Even though certain products such as sprays or powders with SPF are easier to apply, they don’t always provide even protection, and sprays present an inhalation risk. It’s best to use light, fast-absorbing formulas and dab them on with a makeup sponge.

How to use sunscreen under makeup? Make sure the sunscreen is fully absorbed and follow with a primer suited to your skin type. You can also use a 2-in-1 product that acts as both sun protection and primer, such as the NIVEA Daily UV Serum 2in1 Primer.

Common Issues with
SPF AND MAKEUP

Many people struggle to combine sunscreen with makeup, often worrying it will make their makeup slide off or look patchy. Common concerns include:

Longevity: Greasy or heavy sunscreens can make makeup slide or look uneven. Use lightweight, non-greasy sunscreens with a matte finish for better compatibility.
Reapplication Challenges: Reapplying sunscreen without disturbing makeup can feel impractical. Apply light formulas with a makeup sponge to limit the impact on your look.
Layering Issues: Using products in the wrong order with sunscreen and foundation can lead to clumping or “pilling”—visible flakes or bumps when layers don’t blend properly.

4 Tips to
AVOID CLOGGED PORES WITH SPF

Wearing sunscreen under makeup shouldn’t mean compromising your skin’s comfort.

1
Lightweight Textures:
For the best face sunscreen before makeup, choose a gel-based or water-based formula that provides protection without feeling heavy on your skin.

2
Apply the Right Amount of SPF:
Use just enough sunscreen to cover your face evenly without overloading your skin.

3
Allow Absorption Time:
Let your sunscreen fully absorb before applying makeup to help prevent a layered or heavy feeling.

4
Double Cleanse:
At the end of the day, use a two-step cleansing routine to remove all traces of sunscreen and makeup, making sure your pores aren’t clogged.

Which Sunscreen Should You
USE UNDER MAKEUP?

NIVEA offers a range of SPF and sunscreen products for various skin types and needs that you can layer into your skincare routine.

1
For blemish-prone skin:
Try NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Daily UV, formulated with Carnitine, Glycerin, and Niacinamide, plus SPF 50 for daily sun protection. Its ultralight, non-greasy formula delivers up to 8 hours* of a matte finish, making it ideal to wear under makeup.

2
For ageing skin:
Try NIVEA UV Face Anti-Age Q10 Cream SPF50, formulated with Pure Vitamin E to moisturise your skin and Q10 to help prevent signs of ageing. It provides immediate UVA/UVB protection, making it ideal for daily use.

3
For all skin types:
Try NIVEA UV Face Specialist Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+, which provides immediate protection and is quickly absorbed for a comfortable feel. Its invisible formula works on all skin tones, making it ideal for everyday use.

Not what you’re looking for? Browse the full range of NIVEA face sunscreens to help keep your skin protected on a day-to-day basis.

NIVEA Face Sunscreens

Summary

Sun protection is essential to help prevent premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles caused by daily UV exposure. To integrate SPF correctly before applying makeup, apply SPF after your moisturiser and before your primer to protect your skin while creating a smooth makeup base. Using the right formula, applying an adequate amount, and reapplying throughout the day helps ensure adequate and lasting protection. A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen helps maintain fresh-looking makeup while acting as a barrier against the sun’s rays.

FAQs

It all depends on the formula of your makeup product, its SPF, your skin type and how much you’re exposed to the sun. Although a high SPF is important, it’s also essential to apply the product in a sufficient quantity to guarantee the SPF indicated on the packaging. The problem is that makeup isn’t always applied evenly or in enough quantity. For this reason, it’s best to use a separate sun protection product. Apply a sunscreen as your base layer to help ensure uniformity and effectiveness. However, it can also be used after makeup, particularly when you need to reapply during the day.