STYLE | Beauty | Makeup

Is your SPF-infused makeup giving you enough sun protection?

Makeup products infused with SPF could save you time and money, but should we be relying on them for sun protection experts give us the lowdown

By Balvinder Sandhu - 23 Jun 2023

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Most of us are aware of the importance of sunscreen and the damage the sun can have on our skin if we don't use it. While it might seem like a bit of a chore to ensure that we're using sufficient sun protection – and getting the appropriate grade of it – skincare brands might have come up with a solution that saves time: makeup products with sun-protective properties.

But nothing can (or should) replace the sunscreen step in your routine. “In most cases, we don’t apply it as thickly and evenly as it’s meant to be in order to offer that degree of sun protection,” says Dr Melvin Tan, medical director and founder of Epion Clinic. Instead, these products should act more of a “bonus” to your regular sunscreen.

That said, if you’re planning on adding another layer to your regular sunscreen routine, there are certain ingredients to look out for. Dr Tan mentions the following – moisturising agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin for hydration; anti-oxidants like niacinamide and vitamin E to further protect against sun damage; and vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone.

Pro tip: “If you’re layering your makeup with SPF over your sunscreen, work in light layers to prevent your makeup from creasing and streaking.” -- Lasalle Lee, makeup artist

Here are seven other make-up products with SPF protection to add to your skincare routine.

<Blush> Allie Chrono Beauty Color On UV, $21

Credit: Allie

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Allie Chrono Beauty Color On UV is a SPF50+ blush that achieves natural colouration, thanks to its Color UV Veil Technology. The blush colouration powder and UV-blocking ingredient are encased in capsules so they adhere tightly to skin without mixing with your base makeup. It's also resistant to sweat and sebum and doesn't transfer or rub off easily. The blush is available in three colours – lucent pink, warm orange and translucent – and is packed in a tube that's perfect for on-the-go usage too.

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<Highlight> Supergoop! glowy tinted sunscreen Glowscreen SPF 40 in Dawn, $62

Credit: Supergoop!

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This tinted sunscreen with SPF40 protection hydrates skin and primes it for makeup. It's suitable for normal to dry skin types, and features a nice dewy finish. It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to boost skin's hydration and leaves it feeling soft and supple. Niacinamide evens out your skin tone and sea lavender provides antioxidant protection.

You can wear it on its own, as a layer under makeup or even as a glowy primer. Your skin will look naturally supple and lit from within – you'll get the all-important sun protection too. The original Sunrise shade gives a champagne glow while the new Dawn shade is for anyone who wants a pink pearl glow.

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<Foundation> Yves Saint Laurent Beauté All Hours Foundation, $99

Credit: Yves Saint Laurent Beauté

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Get up to 24 hours of full coverage wear as well as SPF30 protection too. You won't even feel like you're wearing it as it has a breathable, lightweight formula. It's infused with hyaluronic acid for all-day hydration, and promises to make your skin smoother, softer and more hydrated after just two weeks. The foundation leaves a luminous matte finish, making your skin look healthy and radiant.

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<Tinted moisturiser> Rationale Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30, $121

Credit: Rationale

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Rationale’s Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30 is a luxurious formulation that delivers SPF30 while ensuring a sheer finish. It calms any redness and amplifies the skin's natural radiance, leading to a natural glow. It syncs well with your skin so you'll have perfect coverage.

Ingredients include zinc oxide, which protects skin against UV and environmental aggressors and calms the skin too, while vitamin E, bisabolol, amino acids and water lily extract reduce discomfort caused by damage and soothe skin's appearance.

The six shades available are suitable for all skin shades – known as 'melanotypes'. The brand's research unveiled six melanotypes, each based on how much melanin is genetically present in the skin.

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<Concealer> Chanel Le Blanc brightening concealer stick, $60

Credit: Chanel beauty

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Chanel's Le Blanc line is based on the brand's expertise on radiance. Its new active ingredients intensify your face's glow and the result is protected skin and a luminous complexion. This brightening concealer stick targets dark spots and has a SPF 40/PA+++ protection against UV rays.

You can even use it around your delicate eye area, which is a common spot for dark circles. It's enriched with gardenia-infused oil and squalane, which maintains your skin's moisture levels, as well as niacinamide, which gives your skin a sheer finish. It's long-wearing (up to eight hours), gives high coverage and comes in five shades.

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<Lip> Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protective Lip Treatment, $90

Credit: Cle de Peau

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Daily exposure to UV rays can cause chronic inflammation but this can be minimised by optimising your skin's natural defences. This UV Protective Lip Treatment replenishes your lips with continuous hydration for a more vibrant look.

Your lips will be more plump and any fine lines and cracking caused by dryness will be reduced. This updated version is reformulated with a multi-botanic infusion and its ingredients target multiple lip concerns such as texture, tone and contour.

You'll have long-lasting moisture up to 24 hours when reapplied regularly. You can use this by itself or as a primer under your lipstick.

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<Lip> Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50, $26

Credit: Ultra Violette

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This lip balm glides on easily, leaving your lips soft and smooth. Best of all, it keeps your lips protected from UV rays. It's available in four shades – Rose (tinted dusty mauve), Nude (sheer universal warm beige), Shimmer (colourless holographic shine) and Peach (sheer golden-peachy shimmer).

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