Bobbi Brown’s 3 Tips For Ensuring Your Makeup And SPF Play Nicely Together

When it comes to deciding between makeup and sunscreen, we want to wear both. In fact, we need to wear both. Well ok, we’re being a tad dramatic. The only thing we actually need is a thorough layer of SPF. But hey, a brightening concealer and a lick of mascara is obviously an added bonus.

As we’ve learnt over the years, not all skin care ingredients play nicely together. And frustratingly, the same can be said about mixing a slippery face sunscreen with your makeup.

Luckily for us, God is on our side today — God being professional makeup artist, Bobbi Brown, obviously — because we’ve just been let in on one of the best insider tips: how to make sure our sunscreen and makeup never clash heads again.

How to ensure your SPF won’t ruin your makeup

#1/ Keep your SPF with your skin care and not your car keys

Once upon a time sunscreen might’ve held a place right by the front door. You know, inside that messy drawer of the table that’s full of receipts, keys and random junk? An assortment of lip balms, some breath mints or even a perfume might all live here, however, your sunscreen should not.

By keeping your SPF in your bathroom alongside the rest of your serums, you’re more likely to actually apply it.

Leaving it as an afterthought once your makeup is complete? Forget it.

bh recommends: Rodan + Fields DERMACOSMETICS Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($95 at Rodan + Fields) and the AIRYDAY GoldenGlow Dreamscreen SPF50+ ($49 at AIRYDAY)

Oh, and you bet we’ll be adding the Trinny London SPF to that list once it launches in Australia…

#2/ Be patient

The key to reapplying your sunscreen and maintaining fresh makeup comes down to patience. After applying your SPF, make sure you’re waiting an adequate amount of time for the product to absorb and dry before you “gently tap blush or bronzer on top with your fingers”.

As Bobbi told Prevention Magazine, this technique will “keep streaks from forming”.

Can we just add one more thing before we move on? Please make sure you’re reapplying your makeup in front of a mirror. Trust us, we’ve learnt this the hard way, which is likely why you’ll find a Body Benefits by Conair Finesse LED Lighted Mirror ($29 at Big W) in the desk drawer of every beautyheaven team member.

Our favourite SPF’s for a quick reapplication? That’s easy, the Naked Sundays SPF50+ Glow Mist Top Up Spray ($39.95 at Naked Sundays) and Ultra Violette’s Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist ($42 at Adore Beauty).

#3/ Tweak your routine during the summer

Sunscreen is a year-round necessity. However, due to higher temperatures and increased perspiration, reapplication might be required more frequently during the warmer months.

Try replacing your foundation with a hydrating spot concealer instead. This way you can top up your SPF and reapply your base coverage as required.

If you need to completely start over, keep a rinse-free cleansing pad like the Swisspers® Earth Kind 3in1 Cleanser Infused Pads – Argan Oil & Vitamin E ($5.99 at Chemist Warehouse) handy.

bh loves: Jones Road The Face Pencil ($84.45 at Amazon) and Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat ($74 at Adore Beauty)

Main image credit: @airyday.official

Have you tried any of Bobbi Brown’s tips? Do you have any of your own? If so, what are they?