Reapplying sunscreen

Filed in archive Beauty on September 11, 2006

Did I tell you that sunscreen/sun block is the only thing you need to prevent nasty wrinkles from appearing on your otherwise lovely face? If you didn't hear about it yet, you can find an article about wrinkles and sunscreen on my other blog. And one other thing, you need to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours to stay protected.

Today's health experts suggest we should wear sunscreen all the time, even if it is cloudy or raining outside, which makes sense since UVA and UVB rays penetrate clouds. Also, if you think you're shielded from sunrays when inside, think again, especially if your office has lovely large windows and your desk is near it. And then again, you do catch some sun when traveling to and from work, maybe run some errands during the lunch break, don't you?

So, the only thing to do is to apply sunscreen moisturizer under your makeup, and then reapply it every couple of hours. But how exactly could one reapply their sun protection if we're wearing our foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, mascara and lipstick to say at least? Sunscreen lotions and creams were clearly out of the question, as they would smear our makeup.

You wouldn't believe how much trouble I've gone through to find information regarding this problem. Seems to me that no one in the world has thought of women + makeup + sunscreen + all day long.

But, first thing first, let's talk primers. Coppertone has issued a whole new line specifically designed to be sheer and easy to smear on your face, while fighting free radicals and delivering needed moisture. Looks to me like Coppertone has struck a gold mine with its Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Lotion!

As nothing on the Coppertone website suggests this wonderful new product is going to protect you for longer than the usual 2 hours, we should also consider a method of reapplying sunscreen. The Coppertone Continuous Spray Sunscreen sounded good at first, but once I checked the MUA product reviews, I can not say I would recommend this product as it leaves a greasy glow and eventually starts to peel off.

Needles to say, I was unable to find any sunscreen sprays which could be applied over makeup. I suppose that for the sunscreen to work it needs to sink into the skin, but with modern technology, I expected scientists would overcome this problem already.

Back to the searchbar, I decided to take a different approach, trying to find long-lasting lotions and creams with sunscreen, to be applied under makeup. So far REI One Sunblock SPF 30 (with bonding base for 24 hour protection), Celazome Moisturizing Sunscreen with SPF 30 (one application guarantees an 8 hour protection) and Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisturizer with SPF 30 (anti-oxidants, vitamins and no grease) all sound good, but to be sure those products are what they claim to be, I went along and sent my inquiries to the producers. I expect answers within a couple of days, so stay tuned for the best all-day long sunscreen moisturizer.

Until then, know that someone is feeling your concerns regarding reapplying sunscreen over makeup.