Whether you’re getting ready for a day at the beach or applying a full face of makeup for work, one non-negotiable step in your routine should be SPF. But with so many products promising protection, it can be confusing to know how to layer them properly and effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of SPF, how to choose the right one for your skin, and how to seamlessly integrate it with your makeup for optimal protection.
Understanding the Basics of SPF
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures a sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin from UVB rays, the type of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. The higher the SPF number, the greater the level of protection, though no SPF blocks 100% of UVB rays.
But UVB isn’t the only concern. UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin, contribute to premature aging and long-term skin damage. That’s why choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen (that protects against both UVA and UVB) is crucial for comprehensive skin health.
Even on cloudy days or through windows, UV rays can reach your skin. Consistent use of SPF helps prevent hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and serious conditions like melanoma.
TL;DR
All of Vivier’s sunscreens are broad-spectrum, because when it comes to protecting your skin, nothing less will do.
Choosing the Right SPF for Your Skin Type
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and your skin type plays a big role in choosing the right formula.
Many makeup products—like foundations, primers, and powders—include SPF, but it’s important to understand that these aren’t enough on their own. They’re best viewed as a bonus layer, not your primary defence. A tinted SPF is a great option for those seeking sun protection along with a more even-looking complexion.
Layering SPF with Makeup: Step-by-Step Guide
To make the most of your skincare and makeup routine, layering matters. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Start with a clean canvas: Cleanse and tone your face to remove impurities and prep your skin. Apply your other skincare steps in the order of thinnest to thickest product texture.
2. Boost with Vitamin C: Vitamin C and SPF are a powerhouse combo. When used together, Vitamin C helps boost your sunscreen’s effectiveness by up to 8 times by neutralizing free radicals and enhancing UV defence.
3. Apply a dedicated sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 as your final skincare step. Don’t skimp—most people underapply. Aim for 2-3 finger lengths of product for your face and neck.
4. Let it absorb: Wait about 60 seconds before moving on to your makeup. This allows the sunscreen to form a proper protective film.
5. Layer on foundation with SPF: Follow with makeup that contains SPF for added coverage, but remember—it’s a supplement, not a substitute.
Learn more in our blog about When and How to Use Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine.
Common Mistakes When Layering SPF and Makeup
Avoid these missteps to ensure your skin gets the protection it needs:
● Using too little sunscreen: A thin layer won’t provide the promised SPF protection. To ensure good coverage on the face, a general guideline is to apply about ¼ teaspoon-sized amount for the face alone and a teaspoon-sized amount of sunscreen across your face, neck, and chest.
Learn more in our blog about How Much Sunscreen to Use on Face
● Not letting SPF absorb before applying makeup: This can lead to uneven protection and pilling.
● Skipping reapplication: Sunscreen wears off throughout the day. If you’re wearing makeup, use a reapplication-friendly format like a spray, stick, or powder SPF.
Expert Tips for Long-Lasting UV Protection
If you're looking to take your sun care to the next level, try these pro tips:
●Start with a clean base: Cleanse and tone your skin before applying sunscreen. This helps it adhere better and ensures no residue interferes with absorption. Try Vivier’s HEXAM Cleanser to start with a fresh, balanced base.
●Use vitamin C under your SPF: Layer a Vitamin C serum, like Vivier’s C E Peptides, underneath your sunscreen. This powerhouse combo has been shown to boost protection against UV damage up to 8x, enhancing your skin’s ability to fight environmental stressors.
● Use antioxidant-rich products: Opt for makeup and skincare products containing green tea extract, Vitamin E, or resveratrol for added defence against free radicals and pollutants.
● Keep an SPF touch-up kit in your bag: Toss in a mini sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and blotting powder with SPF so you’re always prepared to top up on the go.
And always remember: makeup with SPF is helpful, but should always follow a full layer of dedicated sunscreen.
Vivier Sunscreens: Innovative Protection Technology
At Vivier, our sunscreens go beyond the basics. Formulated with gold-standard ingredients and cutting-edge antioxidant technologies, our products deliver powerful, broad-spectrum protection with added skincare benefits.
Vivier sunscreens are:
● Fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
● Available using both mineral and chemical filters.
● Enriched with Vitamins C and E to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
● SHEER SPF 30 Mineral Tinted is developed with ChromaTint™ technology that naturally adapts and blends into your skin, leaving you with an even complexion and instant glow.
Whether you choose the tinted mineral formula, sheer mineral formula or the silky chemical blend, each product complements your routine, so you never have to choose between protection and beauty.
Protecting your skin doesn’t have to compromise your glow. With the right layering strategy and sunscreen, you can confidently face the day, makeup and all.
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