Sunscreen is seriously your bestie. Like, no joke—it’s that one friend who’s got your back in every situation. Whether it’s for a hot beach day in Huntington, or that little shady stroll for boba, you want that protection. But lemme ask you something: are you actually applying sunscreen the right way? 😏 I know, I know – you’re probably slapping it on and thinking you’re good to go. But, babe, get ready ’cause we’re about to level this up!
So first things first, sunscreen ain’t just something you throw on once while getting ready. It’s something that needs care, attention, and yep – proper application techniques, or you could be missing out on some major protection (and nobody has time for that).
Let’s get into it: Here are killer techniques to make sure you are covered for maximum protection when applying your SPF.
Rule #1: Apply Enough (Like, for Real)
Honestly, I’m shocked at how many people don’t use enough sunscreen. Your Skin shouldn’t feel like you’ve barely touched a sample at Sephora after applying – you should definitely feel it there! ☀️
According to derms, this is how much sunscreen you need to get that 100% protection (OK, let’s say 97%):
| Area | How much to apply? |
|---|---|
| Face & Neck | 1 nickel-sized dollop |
| Both Arms | 2 quarter-sized dollops |
| Legs, chest & back | ½ shot glass |
If you’re one of those who’s really bad at measurements (like me 🚨), here’s an easy trick: Do a two-finger length of sunscreen per section of your face (like from one finger joint to the other). Trust, it’s easy and makes it quicker.
Do y’all also feel like you run out of sunscreen faster in the summer? PSA: Use more than you think. The skin is like a thirsty plant: it needs that moisture to thrive! 😅
Not using enough sunscreen makes SPF levels drop FAST. Like, that SPF 50 could easily turn into SPF 20 if you aren’t generous!
Basically: don’t be stingy with your sunscreen. You sunkissed babes deserve better than half-baked protection!
Rule #2: Apply Sunscreen Before Makeup
So, as your resident makeup-is-life gal, this one’s important. Don’t you ever skip sunscreen because you’re rushing to get that flawless beat. Ever. 🙅🏽♀️ Though I totally understand the temptation to let your foundation have its moment before anything else.
The easiest way to make sunscreen makeup-friendly is:
- Apply Your Skincare First: Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer—the works.
- Sunscreen Time: Apply your SPF and wait around 5-10 minutes to let it sink in. Drink a sip of coffee… or snap a quick selfie!
- Foundation Follow-Up: Put your makeup on top like normal. Foundation, concealers, bb creams—they’ll blend beautifully.
If you have oily skin, try using a gel-based or mattifying sunscreen, so you don’t feel like you’re glowing in the wrong way by noon. Oh, and if you’re worried about flashbacks in your selfies (the worst, trust me), opt for sunscreens with zinc that don’t contain titanium. That stuff can make you look ghostly real quick 👻.
If you use powders like I do, don’t be scared to touch up during the day. There are SPF powder formulas that work so well to top up, and they won’t even need full-on scrubbing or mirror time!
Rule #3: Reapply Throughout the Day! (Yes, Even Over Makeup)
So, here’s the tea: one application in the morning isn’t enough. I KNOW… who legit has the patience? But guess what—reapplying doesn’t mean you’ve got to wreck your makeup game. There’s literally tricks for this. 💁🏽♀️
If you’re rocking a full beat and shooting content or going to work, try spray-on sunscreen mists. They’re lifesavers! Just a spritz every couple of hours and boom—you’re good to go!
Don’t mess up your glam by rubbing cream SPF all over your face! No makeup artist is dealing with blending after that. Instead, rely on these life-savers:
| SPF Format | Pros | Who It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Powder SPF | Easy, freshens up look | People with oily skin or light touch-ups |
| Spray Sunscreen | Fast and Makeup-Safe | Busy bees who need a quick refresh |
| Gel Sunscreens | Looks matte and fresh | Combination or oily skin types |
| Tinted Sunscreen | Extra coverage and protection | Foundation lovers! |
Honestly, no excuses now. You can carry these in your bag, so whether you’re sitting out café-hopping or grabbing an iced matcha, you’ll stay protected.
Rule #4: Don’t Forget Those Sneaky Spots!
Alright, let me get real: these are the spots we all forget, but they get sun damage easily! You gotta give them some love, so you don’t end up with weird burns or spots later.
1. Your Ears
Yes, babe, ears too! Especially if you wear your hair up in a messy bun (which let’s admit, is the summer vibe). Apply a little sunscreen there and behind your ears. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
2. Eyelids
Legit, they’re so thin and extra sensitive. Thankfully, some cream sunscreens are light enough for your eyelids. Just carefully tap (don’t swipe) to avoid creasing.
3. Lips
Bet y’all didn’t know you need an SPF lip balm, huh? Yep! Your lips are prone to sun damage too. Get lip balms or lip glosses with SPF to stay cute and protected.
I love the ones that add a little glam or tint, tbh.
4. Hairline and Scalp
I KNOW! It’s annoying because if you’re like me, sunscreen + hair = not cute. But, your scalp can definitely burn. The spray versions are excellent for this, especially if you have those cute baby hairs you don’t want ruined. 🤷🏽♀️
Your scalp is skin too! So sunscreen that hairline, sis!
Rule #5: Apply 15–30 Mins Before Sun Exposure
Okay, some of y’all might wait until they’re literally at the beach before pulling out that sunscreen, huh? I mean, been there too, but that’s a no-go. Sunscreen needs a tiny minute to activate to give you that full protection power, so don’t play with it.
Apply your sunscreen at least 15–30 minutes before you step outside into the sun. That way, it has time to form a bond with your skin. And yes, I get it if you’re impatient, but hey – maybe use those precious minutes to fix your hair, pick out some cool sunnies, or stalk your crush’s IG stories. 😝
Rule #6: Waterproof Won’t Save You Forever
Too real: Water-resistant doesn’t mean invincible. 🦸🏼♀️ It’s great if you’re swimming, surfing, or just splashing your feet in the pool, but you still need to reapply! Even water-resistant formulas can sweat or wash off after around 80 minutes. 🌊
If you’re doing full beach day status, the go-to situation should look like:
- Apply your initial layer before hitting the sun.
- Set a timer for about two hours (and definitely after swimming).
- Reapply a fresh layer when you dry off.
Side note: Check your sunscreen instructions because each product will say how long it’s good for in water specifically.
Bonus Tips for Sunscreen Superstars!
Some tiny tips that make ALL the difference:
- Stick With SPF 30 to 50: Going higher doesn’t mean drastically better. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UV rays, while SPF 100 only blocks like an extra 1%. So, SPF 30 or SPF 50 is the sweet spot.
- Don’t Get Lazy with Clouds Or Winter: UV rays don’t care about the weather—they’re always there. So rain or shine, get that SPF going. 💁🏻♀️
- Don’t Mix SPF with Mosquito Spray: Bugs bites suck, but SPF and bug sprays don’t mix well on the skin. So, apply the sunscreen first, wait 20 minutes, and then spray on the bug repellent.
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Apply on top of tattoos: Yeah, I see those slick ink masterpieces. Protect your tats from getting faded by the sun by layering sunscreen on those too!
And that’s a wrap, babe! Honestly, sunscreen is your skin’s BODYGUARD against the sun and it shows when you use it properly. Slaying your SPF game now will only mean glowing, protected, healthy skin long term (and who doesn’t want that?? 😎).
Stay glowing, stay safe, and keep killing it!
💖 Su ✨
