How to Make Applying Sunscreen a Daily Habit

Sunscreen. Ugh, right? We know we’re supposed to use it every day. It’s like flossing, drinking 8 glasses of water, or answering a text from your mom… but why is it so hard to actually do? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably skipped it more times than you’d like to admit or only slapped it on when you’re hitting the beach. Spoiler alert: the sun doesn’t care if you’re just running errands or chilling indoors. It’s always out there, vibing, ready to mess with your skin. So, let’s chat about how we can actually make applying sunscreen a daily habit; and I promise, it can be way easier (and cuter) than you think.

First of all, we need to talk about the glow-up that is modern sunscreen. Gone are the days of thick, greasy, ghost-face formulas that smell like your grandma’s perfume cabinet. Seriously, the sunscreen game has leveled up. There are so many lightweight, non-greasy, invisible options now that feel more like skincare than sunscreen. Think of brands like Supergoop!, EltaMD, or Biore UV; they’re out here making SPF chic. And get this: some are even multitaskers with hydrating or priming benefits, so it’s like sunscreen and skincare had a baby. You don’t have to suffer for sun protection anymore, I swear.

Let’s break it down and make it foolproof. The secret to turning sunscreen into a daily habit? It’s all about associating it with something you’re already doing. Yep, it’s that classic “habit stacking” thing; but for skincare lovers like us. If you’re washing your face in the morning, you’re already looking in the mirror, so just add sunscreen as the last step of your routine. Moisturizer done? Boom, SPF is next. If you do your makeup every day, make your sunscreen your primer. Easy peasy.

“They say showing up is half the battle. Well, showing up with sunscreen is the whole glow.” ;  Su

Now, my besties who “don’t have time” in the morning, let’s have a quick reality check. Applying sunscreen takes, what, 30 seconds? You’ll spend more time scrolling TikTok or choosing an Instagram caption than you will protecting your skin. You can literally do it while you’re waiting for your coffee to cool down or your Uber to arrive. No excuses.

Okay, okay, let’s make it spicy: I know some of you are like, “But Su, my face is beat every day, and sunscreen is just gonna mess with my whole vibe.” Girl, I’ve got you. Look for sunscreens labeled “makeup-friendly” or “no white cast”; these work beautifully under makeup without making it slide off. Need examples? Try the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen, or even Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF for something affordable. These merge with your makeup like a dream. It’s 2023: your sunscreen should be seamless, not spiteful.

And let’s talk about my babes who like multitasking; there are tinted sunscreens too! Yup, they’re like BB or CC creams but with SPF, giving you a little coverage while protecting your skin. I’m obsessed with the Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face SPF. It’s lightweight, has this soft matte finish, and gives just enough oomph to look cute for a Starbucks run without doing full foundation. You get to skip a step and stay protected. Win-win, right?

Oh, and I see you silently stressing about reapplying throughout the day. Yes, you’re supposed to do it every two hours, but like… who’s really redoing their whole face mid-afternoon? The trick? SPF in portable, easy-to-use forms. Sunscreen powders, sprays, or sticks are total lifesavers. I love the Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Shield; it’s like translucent setting powder but with SPF 50. Just dust it over your face, and you’re good to go without messing up your makeup masterpiece. Or try the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF: it keeps the glam locked in and refreshes your protection.

Now for my Gen Z babes out here saying, “But I don’t go outside that much!” Listen up: you don’t need to be tanning on Venice Beach to get sun exposure. UV rays can still reach you through windows, during your morning drive, or even from your laptop screen if it’s got that blue light action going on. Yeah, indoor sunlight is a thing, and it still ages your skin. So, unless you’re living in a cave (and thriving with zero FOMO), you still need SPF. Period.

Alright, so let’s vibe for a sec about rewards; because you deserve a little pat on the back for making good choices. One way to motivate yourself is to celebrate small wins. Using sunscreen daily can actually make your skin goals come true faster. Less hyperpigmentation, fewer wrinkles in the long run, and you stay looking snatched. Plus, people are going to compliment your glow; and who doesn’t love compliments? You’ll be like, “Thanks! It’s my sunscreen game. Protect, but make it ✨cute✨.”

Here’s what you can try to start building the habit ASAP:

You gotta make it visible, convenient, and part of your existing routine. The easier it is to use, the more likely you’ll actually do it.

One last thing: SPF is straight-up skincare armor. It’s not a suggestion; it’s a must. And while we’re busy trying to look cute today, we’ve also gotta look out for our future selves. Think of sunscreen like your cute little invisible bodyguard, low-key protecting your glow while you conquer the world.

To wrap it up (without saying “to wrap it up,” LOL), applying sunscreen daily doesn’t have to be a pain. Choose one that works for you, match it with something you already do, and make it fun. Once it becomes second nature, you’ll wonder why you ever struggled with it in the first place. Plus, future-you will absolutely thank present-you for putting in the SPF work. Now go slay your day, and don’t forget to reapply!

Because, babes, sunburns are out, and glowing protected skin is SO in. 🌞