How To Touch-Up SPF (Including With Makeup On)
- Emmaline Tsui
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
So you applied your SPF at 8am, right before your caffeine hit and answering your emails. You’re feeling good. Protected. Virtuous. But by 3pm, your pigmentation patch is now a lot more radiant than it needs to be and you’re wondering what went wrong.
Why SPF Needs Reapplying
SPF is brilliant, but it is not magic. It wears off. It breaks down with sunlight, sweat, oil, and time. Even indoors, UVA rays are still creeping through windows and quietly ageing your skin behind your back.
Most sunscreens are designed to give you about two hours of solid protection. After that, it is SPF in name only.
If you are not reapplying throughout the day, your protection fades fast. That means any pigmentation you are trying to treat, or prevent, is quietly building again. Not ideal.
But What If I’m Wearing Makeup?
This is the number one question I get, and I promise it is easier than you think.
Here are my favourite ways to top up SPF over makeup without ruining your base...
1. SkinBetter ToneSmart SPF 50 Compact
This is a game-changer. It is 100 percent mineral, has a light tint, and comes in a portable compact that you can press onto your skin without disrupting your makeup. It gives that soft-filter finish while adding another layer of protection. Plus it is a 'blurring' product and helps to minimise the visibility of pores. A great primer to wear daily that doesn't disrupt the barrier. Click here to order.
2. Revision Intellishade SPF 45 TruPhysical
This is another great tinted option. It's not too shiny and is incredibly hydrating. It also is a good coverage but not so heavy that it looks cakey and so can be re-applied throughout the day. Maybe opt for a brush to apply and focus mainly on the 'high-points' where the sun hits.
3. Go Bare-Faced When You Can
If you’re working from home or spending the day outdoors, try skipping makeup altogether and reapplying your SPF as you would your moisturiser. This is where the Nimue SPF 40 or SPF 50 Environmental Shield come in. Both offer excellent broad-spectrum protection with added antioxidant support and skin barrier benefits. Click here to order.
The SPF 40 is great for daily use. It hydrates, protects and gives a non-whitening finish. The SPF 50 Environmental Shield is your go-to if you are in higher heat, sun, pollution or working in front of a screen all day. It is lightweight, protective, and offers advanced shielding from infrared and blue light (HEV).
Do I Really Have to Reapply Indoors?
Yes. If you are near a window, or working with screens all day, your skin is still exposed to UVA and HEV light, which both contribute to ageing and pigmentation. The only thing glass blocks is UVB, and no, you do not make vitamin D through a window either.
How Often Should You Reapply?
Every two to three hours if you are outdoors or exposed to sunlight. After swimming, sweating, or wiping your face, always reapply. If you are spending your day indoors, aim for a top-up at least once mid-afternoon.
Key Products for Effortless Touch-Ups
SkinBetter ToneSmart SPF 50 Compact: Makeup-friendly, mineral, and genius.
Nimue SPF 40: Everyday protection that plays nicely under or over makeup.
Nimue Environmental Shield SPF 50: Pollution, screen light and heat protection in one clever tube.
Skinade: Not SPF, but supports your collagen and hydration from within, which always helps when you are out in the elements.
If you want a personalised SPF routine or need help choosing the right one for your skin and lifestyle, you can always book in for a free Skin Check-In.
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline x
Comments