To reiterate every dermatologist’s favorite skincare advice, sunscreen is a daily must. But which form is best? Makeup with SPF seems like an easy way to increase your skin’s protection from the sun: It’s made for even coverage, features a skin-flattering finish, and packages two benefits in one formula. But does it actually work—and does it work well enough to replace your regular sunscreen formula?
To break down the differences between using a regular sunscreen and an SPF-infused makeup product, we talked to a dermatologist. Below, find out how your makeup products with sunscreen work and why they can be the smartest way to maximize your daily sun protection.
Do I need to wear SPF every day?First, a quick refresher on why you need to wear sunscreen daily. The sun emits two kinds of UV rays: UVA and UVB, and both can damage your skin. “UVB peaks between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., causing sunburns and mutations that can lead to skin cancer,” says dermatologist Anna Guanche, M.D. “UVA is present all day long, and it penetrates deeper into the skin and causes photodamage.” To stay protected, dermatologists recommend looking for a label of SPF 30 or above, whether you’re WFH or chilling poolside. Does makeup with SPF work?Yes—but you need to be mindful of application. According to Dr. Guanche, makeup with SPF 30 offers ample coverage for a day spent WFH, even when sitting by a window. When you spend extended time in direct sunlight, though, you’ll want to pair it with your regular sunscreen. To get the level of UV protection stated on any SPF label, you need to apply a lot: about two full fingers worth of product to your face. Since you’re likely applying less of your makeup with SPF, it’s smart to layer it over another sunscreen to maximize your overall photoprotection. Makeup with SPF can actually be a great way to add a bonus layer of UV filters to your daily routine, but we always recommend wearing it with another sunscreen formula to make sure you’re fully shielded. |
 |
How to Choose Your Best Makeup With SPFNot all makeup with SPF is created equal, so it’s helpful to know what you’re looking for in your ideal formula. When it comes to your base products, that means a finish and coverage that still looks and feels like your regular makeup. Many foundation sunscreens or tinted SPFs utilize physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for UV defense. “Physical blockers are quite literally blocking UV rays by coating the skin,” says Dr. Guanche. While they’re derm favorites for UV protection, they can sometimes feel thick and heavy on your skin after application, or cause white cast and flashback in photos. Thanks to innovations in the beauty-verse, we’ve found ways around this. Our Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30—a Milk Fam favorite—creates a weightless layer of sheer coverage while giving you a boost of protection with non-nano zinc, which doesn’t cause flashback in photos. We also made it with plant-derived squalane and a blend of grapeseed, avocado, mandarin, jojoba, and olive oils that visibly hydrate and easily layer over your other skincare products (sunscreen included!). How to Stay Sun-Safe With Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30At Milk HQ, we created our Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 to work seamlessly with your daily routine. The clickable rollerball applicator glides like silk for a seamless on-the-go application, anywhere. This means it’s also great for reapplying throughout the day—remember to apply both your regular sunscreen and any SPF makeup products every two hours when you’re outside. |
“The beauty of Sunshine Skin Tint is that it’s super easy to apply and looks great with minimal effort,” says Sara Wren, our Director of Artistry. To build coverage, she recommends using a makeup brush, damp sponge, or even your (clean) fingers. “You can keep it simple and pump, roll, and blend right onto your skin with your fingers,” she says. “It’s a true multitasker: Your face oil, sunscreen, and coverage all in one.” Don’t forget to double up with another SPF, and you’re all set for the day.
Meet the Experts
Anna Guanche, M.D. (she/her) is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in cosmetic procedures. Her practice is Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, CA, where she cares for all types of skin conditions with a special emphasis in the areas of cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery.
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
"
