The best sunscreen for under your face mask is one that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, and improves the look of your skin
- Make-up with SPF probably doesn’t contain enough sun protection – experts say you should use one teaspoon’s worth of sunscreen just for your face and neck
- Instead, look for sunscreens that give you smooth, even skin and leave behind a soft finish that makes your face look freshly powdered
We’re probably going to be wearing face masks in public for a while yet. With that in mind, do you really want to be stifling your skin under both a mask and layers of make-up?
“[Formulating a sunscreen] is much more sophisticated than creating a cream without SPF,” Gerhild Hornbanger, managing director of Vinoble Cosmetics, Asia explains. (SPF stands for sun protection factor.) During the production process, “UV filters must be dissolved in the oil phase to feel pleasant on the skin”, which is why so many SPF products are heavy, slick and shiny.”
However, as consumers’ needs evolve, so do formulas. Or, at least, they should.
“Many products are a one-size-fits-all formula that may not suit oilier skin types,” Holly Thaggard, founder of specialised suncare brand Supergoop, says. “They’re made with ingredients that are very oily, or aren’t formulated to be used every single day. Instead, they’re made for the beach or pool, and don’t play well with make-up.”
What type of sunscreen is best? Plus application and product tips
If you think wearing make-up with SPF in it is enough, you’ve been duped by clever marketing. According to Dr Carmen Lam, a specialist in dermatology at Skincentral in Hong Kong, you should use one teaspoon’s worth of sunscreen just for your face and neck. Now imagine that quantity of foundation on your face – you certainly don’t need theatre make-up in real life.
Instead of relying on make-up, you should cleanse your face and apply sunscreen in between applying your moisturiser and foundation.
“I always recommend layering [an] SPF [sunscreen] before putting on make-up,” Thaggard says. “[Make sure your] skin is properly moisturised, and as you’re applying each product, let them ‘set’ and absorb before moving on to the next step.”
Whether you’re wearing make-up or not, using an SPF product should be a daily priority.
For those of you who aren’t into make-up, there are sunscreens that make your skin appear smooth and even. Some use a chemical formula – these absorb UV rays but can irritate the face – whereas other uses a physical formula that scatters UV rays but can result in a pale white cast. Either way, they’re designed to leave behind a soft finish that makes your face look freshly powdered. These are perfect for those of us who want to be protected from the sun, but who aren’t fans of the shiny, sweaty look.
Make-up out, skincare in when working from home. Ask the stars
Unfortunately, many sunscreens that promise a matte finish tend to pill – to rub off in little balls like lint – upon application. Why is that?
“SPF formulas that provide a matte finish tend to use a high concentration of powder-type ingredients, which can help absorb oils and create a powdery, matte finish,” Thaggard explains. When you apply powder on top of creams, though, they can bunch up and rub off.
The secret, she says, is the same as when applying make-up on top of your sunscreen: give your skincare a few minutes to settle in before going in with your sunscreen.
Depending on your skin type, you might want to experiment with different kinds of moisturiser to see which plays well with your sunscreen. For some, a gel formula may result in little to no pilling, while for others, a more liquid-like lotion might do the trick.
Start with an oil-based make-up remover and follow up with a cleanser that suits your skin type. For both, gently rub it all over your face in circular motions for about a minute, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Don’t forget to immediately follow that with your moisturiser.
Here are five suncare products to add to your beauty shelf.
Shiseido The Perfect Protector – SPF 50+ PA++++ (HK$380/50ml)
The newest sunscreen from a brand that’s consistently brought us top-notch sun protection without that greasy feeling, Shiseido’s The Perfect Protector not only promises to be water- and sweat-resistant, but has HeatForce technology that becomes stronger, rather than weakening as conventional UV filters will, when exposed to sunlight.
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense – SPF 50 PA++++ (HK$325/30ml; HK$545/60ml)
The perfect sunscreen for anyone who wants to wear an SPF screen every day but hates the feeling of greasiness on their skin, Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense is true to its name. Using it feels like putting a light lotion on your face.
Caudalie High Protection Anti-wrinkle Face Suncare – SPF 50 (HK$180/50ml)
A blend of suncare and skincare, this silicon-free sunscreen is soothing on the skin and offers anti-ageing and anti-pollution benefits – all without using any of the controversial chemical filters. It also protects against blue light, which is emitted by a lot of digital devices.
Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 50+ PA++++ (HK$165/50ml)
A mineral sunscreen that embodies everything we all love about chemical sunscreens – lightweight and with incredible blendability, no white cast, no pilling on top of other skincare products or under make-up – but with physical SPF for those with sensitive skin.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40 (HK$320/32ml)
A multitasking product for every busy bee, the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte formula is all you’ll need to be protected against the sun and still look effortlessly flawless. Available in 14 shades, this is your go-to no-make-up-make-up product for the summer.
