How to reapply sunscreen over your makeup

It's our mission to ensure that everybody, everywhere, is wearing sunscreen every day – and reapplying!

You’ve heard it before, but it’s imperative that you’re wearing an SPF with a high level of protection every single day and that you’re diligent about reapplying every two hours. Why? Not only is sun damage the number-one cause of premature skin ageing, it’s also the instigator of 95 percent of melanoma cases, Australia’s most-common cancer.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has the highest rates of melanoma in the world, and it is the third most-common cancer in the country; in March 2022, parliament passed a bill to ensure stricter sunscreen regulations were enforced.Long story short – it’s time to take sun protection seriously, whether you’re under the Aussie or Kiwi sun (or anywhere else in the world)!

For most of us, applying sunscreen is a staple of our morning skincare routine – but topping it up over makeup during the day? That’s a different story. Yet all sunscreen becomes less effective over time (particularly if you’re swimming, sweating, showering or towelling off) – and at a certain point, it's like you never even put it on in the first place.

We’d hate for you to mess up your makeup – so we’ve tried and tested the top tips to set yourself up for reapplication success.

BEFORE SPF REAPPLICATION COMES APPLICATION

If the day’s UV rating is three or above, don’t even think about leaving the house (or sitting next to a window, for that matter) without an even spread of broad-spectrum SPF30+ or 50+. Do this and you're covered for the first two hours after application.

The good news is you've got choices when it comes to sunscreen! Do you prefer a physical or chemical formula? A physical (or mineral) sunscreen reflects some UV rays and absorbs others, while chemical sunscreens absorb all rays, so it comes down to personal preference.

Whichever one you choose, make sure it’s a primary sunscreen and use it every day! Don't just rely on SPF in your foundation; foundations are classified as secondary SPFs and the quantity you apply versus that of your primary SPF just won't cut it.

HOW TO REAPPLY SUNSCREEN OVER MAKEUP

If you’re wearing cream makeup products and no powders of any kind, good news: you can easily go over the top with a liquid or cream sunscreen without worrying about a texture mash-up.

Your optimal reapplication tool? A low absorbency beauty sponge. Keep one (or more) in your bag, car or desk drawer, and use it to press your liquid or cream sunscreen over the top of your makeup. A sponge makes for effortless reapplication no matter where you are (or where you’re going). A microfibre sponge won’t absorb or transfer the makeup already on your face. Use a sponge with MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen and carefully dab it into your skin, ensuring you don’t miss any areas.

And if you happen to find yourself sponge-less and beneath the sun’s rays, don’t fret – your hands will do the trick. Spread the sunscreen into your hands and gently press (don’t rub!) the sunscreen into your skin.

You can also select sunscreen based on your skin type, whether it's a moisturising formula for dry skin, or a mattifying one for combination skin.

*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.