Many beauty believers believe that sunscreen can make the makeup base less natural and skip this step. However, sunscreen is a must in the morning skin care routine that experts recommend because of its ability to protect the skin from adverse environmental influences and prevent skin problems optimally. So what is the scientific and effective way to apply sunscreen when wearing makeup ? Let’s find out with Paula’s Choice in the following article.

1. Great use of sunscreen
Before clarifying the question of whether to apply sunscreen before or after makeup as well as pointing out the necessary information about applying sunscreen when wearing makeup , let’s review the benefits of sunscreen for skin.
Specifically, sunscreen is a necessary step for all skin types, all skin conditions:
- Protects against UV rays and prevents premature aging
- Strengthens anti-oxidants, protects skin from harmful environmental factors
- Strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Helps to improve skin problems
A sunscreen that meets the criteria for broad-spectrum sun protection – Broad Spectrum, with an SPF of 30 or higher, suitable for your skin type and safe for your skin is ideal for you. At this point, applying sunscreen is completely possible, even this is the perfect primer that you can use.

2. How to apply sunscreen when wearing makeup
To get a natural, even and smooth foundation, applying sunscreen when applying makeup properly will be the first factor you need to pay attention to.
2.1. Apply sunscreen first or makeup first?
While sunscreen is the last step of your morning skincare routine, it’s also the first product that needs to be applied when applying makeup.
2.2. How long does it take to apply sunscreen?
You can wait 5-7 minutes for the sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin before applying makeup. Thus, the products will not be mixed or clumped, sticky or peeled.
2.3. Apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer?
At what step to apply sunscreen, apply foundation or sunscreen first, where to use primer products, etc. are concerns we often receive. According to the instructions of a dermatologist, you need to apply the cream first, then the sunscreen and then the foundation products, makeup foundation.
At Paula’s Choice, we’ve researched and created a 2-in-1 sunscreen line: moisturizing – sun protection. For oily skin, applying too many layers of product can cause clogged pores and make the skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Therefore, using sunscreen will be the optimal solution for the skin.

However, applying sunscreen when wearing makeup is only necessary during the day. And of course, if in the evening, night cream will be the skin care step before makeup.
2.4. Use sunscreen before or after primer?
As we have discussed above, sunscreen is the final step of your morning skin care routine. Sunscreen thus also acts as a barrier to limit adverse ingredients such as preservatives in makeup products that do not penetrate deeply into the skin.
In terms of applying sunscreen or primer first, we would like to let you know that if you don’t need a thick foundation, Paula’s Choice sunscreen will be a good candidate for a natural primer. , thin and light. Gentle makeup with sunscreen is also a method favored by beauty believers.
3. Top 3 suggestions for Paula’s Choice sunscreens for a natural, healthy glow
With a broad-spectrum sunscreen formula specifically researched for each skin, each skin problem and especially without fragrances, colorants and irritating ingredients, here are the top 3. Sunscreen products that are perfect substitutes for primers you can use:
3.1. Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Resist Super – Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is for oily and combination skin with a light lifting effect and a thin, soft texture that doesn’t leave a sticky feeling after application.
Main ingredients and uses:
- SPF 30 + Broad Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Resveratrol: Anti-oxidant, strengthens the skin barrier
- Willow Bark Extract: Leaves skin soft and smooth, reducing symptoms of redness and irritation

3.2. Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30
With a milky texture and mild, benign ingredients that still ensure comprehensive skin protection, Clear Ultra-Light Hydrating Fluid SPF 30 is suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive skin. If you are dealing with acne and wonder whether to apply sunscreen before or after acne cream, use the acne spot containing Benzoyl Peroxide after cleansing, toning and removing dead cells, before sunscreen step to fix this problem.
Main ingredients and uses:
- SPF 30 + Broad Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Green Tea & Chamomile Extract: Enhances skin soothing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
- Pomegranate & Goji berry Extract: Powerful Anti-Oxidant

3.3. Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Dry skin, lack of moisture can cause the foundation to peel off, poor adhesion to the skin. A perfect layer of moisturizer will help you overcome this problem. Experts from Paula’s Choice suggest you use Hyaluronic Acid Booster in combination with Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 before applying foundation to get perfect skin preparation.
Main ingredients and uses:
- SPF 30 + Broad Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Hyaluronic Acid & Peach Oil: Deeply moisturizes skin
- Cucumber & Oat Extract: Soothes and Brightens Skin

With the principle of putting the interests of consumers first, wishing you to have your own perfect skin, we would like to note that if your skin is having stubborn problems, especially acne Severe or sensitive, irritated, give priority to skin recovery and regeneration, and at the same time limit makeup when it is not necessary to nourish healthy skin from the inside.
4. What should be noted when applying sunscreen when applying makeup?
For a smooth, healthy, natural look, here are a few things you need to know:
- Sun protection will decrease over time, so reapplying sunscreen with makeup is essential if you participate in outdoor activities, especially swimming. Applying sunscreen after makeup can affect the foundation more or less, but is mandatory if you want to protect your skin.
- To enhance skin cleansing, minimize makeup residues stuck in pores, adding AHA/BHA-containing dead cell removal steps in your daily skin care routine is what you should do. Deep clean skin is also the key to making other products (including makeup products) more effective.
- Find the right serums for your skin condition to boost your nourishment for youthful, radiant skin. If you are curious to apply sunscreen before or after serum, we affirm that serum is the step to be applied before moisturizer/sunscreen and should be used every day.
- Follow a full skin care routine including basic steps including applying sunscreen before makeup:

Above is the necessary information about applying sunscreen when wearing makeup that Paula’s Choice wants to share with you.