Should I Use Moisturizer with Sunscreen?

Melissa Marsden

Oct 30, 2020

The cosmetic industry has definitely made a point about how important sunscreen is for our skin and health. Almost every kind of makeup product you can put on your face can have SPF in it now. Lucky us, right? Anything from face primers, moisturizers, tinted moisturizers, foundations, setting sprays, lip treatments, bronzers, blush, body makeup, and even loose powder has added vitamins, minerals and sunscreen.

But you might ask yourself, should I use a moisturizer with a sunscreen? Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen as a separate product (rather than a 2 in 1), if you are going to be in direct sun for prolonged periods. This is because the benefits of the sunscreen are slightly subdued amongst the other cosmetic features. So then, which should you apply last? Answer: Always your sunscreen. As a basic rule, sunscreen should always be the last thing you put on your face - so moisturize first, sunscreen last before heading out.  But, if you are simply running your daily errands, a multi-benefit product (with added SPF) is perfectly sufficient.

Since it is probably not essential that your lipliner comes with SPF, here is what we suggest you prioritize:

The Top 3 Must-Haves:

1. Moisturizer with SPF – Almost every brand will have this in their collection. It is tried and true. It is simple and gets the job done. Most will come with a minimum of SPF 15 and this is enough for your daily dose of sun protection.
2. Tinted moisturizer with SPF – This is a hybrid of your moisturizer and foundation combined for all you natural, effortless beauties out there. It is extremely light weight and fantastic for quick and easy makeup days.
3. Foundation with SPF – We all might have one of those days where we have to look our best and might need a little more makeup to cover up a blemish or some dark circles. No judgment here, everyone gets them! Always opt for a foundation with SPF - this means you get a beautiful even skin tone plus you are safe when there is sun.
4. Moisturizer with SPF – Almost every brand will have this in their collection. It is tried and true. It is simple and gets the job done. Most will come with a minimum of SPF 15 and this is enough for your daily dose of sun protection.
5. Tinted moisturizer with SPF – This is a hybrid of your moisturizer and foundation combined for all you natural, effortless beauties out there. It is extremely light weight and fantastic for quick and easy makeup days.
6. Foundation with SPF – We all might have one of those days where we have to look our best and might need a little more makeup to cover up a blemish or some dark circles (no judgment here, everyone gets them!) Always opt for a foundation with SPF - this means you get a beautiful even skintone plus you are safe when there is sun. 

Pro-tip: Try to only use SPF products during the day. If you are going to be hitting the town for a fun night of dancing and taking those Instagram photos, watch out for the flash! Sunscreen has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in it which help bounce UVA/UVB rays off the skin which then creates the flashback in the photos.