Should You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Makeup?

Layering sunscreen and makeup can feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris. You want your skin to be hydrated, protected and perfectly prepped for makeup, but sometimes, layering sunscreen and makeup causes pesky pilling. Then comes the real challenge: Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day without ruining your look.

So, what’s the right way to do it? Face sunscreen should go on before your makeup; specifically, after your skincare routine and before foundation, concealer, or anything else. But if you want to keep your routine streamlined and avoid pilling or patchiness, an SPF primer is the ideal solution.

And since SPF isn’t a one-and-done situation, reapplying is just as important. The good news? You don’t have to mess up your makeup to do it. Products like our (Re)setting Mineral Powder SPF 35 offer a sheer, mattifying way to refresh SPF coverage, while our Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 glides effortlessly over foundation without smudging.

Below, we dive deeper into why sunscreen belongs under your makeup, how long to let it set and the best SPF primers that do both jobs well.

In most cases, sunscreen should be the last step of your skincare routine and the first step of your makeup routine. That means after your moisturizer but before your foundation, concealer, or powder.

Sunscreen works best when it forms an even, protective layer directly on your skin. Some of the old sunscreens you’re used to might cause pilling under makeup. If you want to simplify your routine, go with a primer that doubles as a sunscreen (more on that in a bit).

Patience is key. After applying sunscreen (or an SPF primer), wait at least 30 seconds before moving on to makeup. This gives the product time to dry, which helps your makeup sit and stay better.

Yes! Sunscreen can be used as a makeup primer. This innovative hybrid streamlines your routine by combining sun protection with a flawless makeup base. However, not all SPF primers are created equal. 

Some primers contain SPF, but many only offer SPF 15 or 20, which isn’t enough for full protection. That’s why a dedicated SPF primer (with SPF 30 or higher) is the ideal choice. Our options give you broad spectrum protection and a smooth base for makeup.

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that does both jobs well, Supergoop! has a few options that won’t let you down. Which leads us to…

When choosing an SPF primer, look for:

✅ Broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher
✅ A lightweight, non-greasy texture that won’t mess with your makeup

Here are three Supergoop! SPF primers that check all the boxes and more

If you hate the feeling of regular sunscreen, this one’s for you. Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 creates a smooth, blurred base, making it the perfect primer for all-day makeup wear². Not to mention, it’s clinically tested to improve skin clarity. It’s non-acnegenic, non-greasy, and won’t irritate your skin, making it a no-brainer for anyone looking to simplify their routine while getting max SPF protection.

How to Apply:

1. Complete your skincare routine
2. Apply Unseen Sunscreen generously and evenly across your face and neck
3. Let it absorb for 30 seconds before applying makeup

Want that lit-from-within glow? Glowscreen SPF 40 is the ultimate makeup primer for a radiant, dewy look. This tinted, luminous SPF creates the perfect base for foundation. Light-reflecting pearls enhance your skin’s natural radiance without being glittery or greasy.

Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-loving niacinamide, it locks in moisture, evens out your tone and delivers broad spectrum SPF 40 protection. Whether you're heading to brunch or just faking eight hours of sleep, your glow is covered — literally.

How to Apply:

1. Complete your skincare routine
2. Apply Glowscreen generously and evenly across your face and neck
3. Let it absorb for 30 seconds before applying makeup

If a matte finish is more of your vibe, Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 is the ultimate oil-controlling, pore-blurring SPF primer. This mineral-based sunscreen is perfect for normal to oily skin types and works to smooth and mattify without drying out your skin. The tinted, blendable formula grips makeup for a long-lasting, shine-free finish. Plus, unlike other brands of mineral sunscreen, it won’t leave a white cast. 

How to Apply:

1. Complete your skincare routine
2. Apply Mattescreen generously and evenly across your face and neck
3. Let it absorb for 30 seconds before applying makeup

Worried that sunscreen will turn your makeup into a slippery mess? Or that layering foundation over SPF will cancel out its protection? Breathe easy: Your makeup and your sunscreen can absolutely get along. It’s all about using the right formula and applying it in the right order.

SPF primers like Unseen Sunscreen, Glowscreen, or Mattescreen don’t just protect your skin; they prime it for makeup application. No pilling, no greasiness, no midday meltdown.

So yes, you can have it all; flawless foundation, sun protection and zero stress about whether you’re doing it wrong!

²Based on an independent clinical study with 33 women 8 hours after one application as compared to foundation alone