During prep, as you’re racing against the clock and rushing through your skincare and makeup routine, your products may seem to start pilling—the more you mix, the more of them collect in the little bulbs. “Do I delete it all and start over?” you ask yourself. Who has time for this? Instead, it’s wise to take a more proactive approach—the best sunscreen before makeup can prevent this frustrating dance.
Dr Christine Hall, a GP in London-based aesthetic medicine, offers some clear advice: “Formulas should be lightweight, fast-absorbing and slightly low in oil so the makeup doesn’t slide off during the day,” she explains, which is key. “Ideally, you also want a product with minimal white cast so the sunscreen doesn’t change the tone of your foundation.” Choosing the right sunscreen can make or break your overall look. It’s no surprise that wedding photographers sometimes even tell brides not to wear sunscreen on their big day, and here’s why: white spots, flashbacks, and heavy formulas can make skin look greasy.
fashion magazine Favorite sunscreen before makeup
The culprit of unsightly pilling or any other concerns when layering sunscreen and makeup often comes down to texture. “Fluid, lightweight formulas tend to disappear into the skin and layer more seamlessly, while thicker or more occlusive textures are more likely to sit on the surface and transform,” board-certified cosmetic injector Hajrie Sulejmani tells us. Fashion. “That said, well-formulated products in any category can perform well when set up correctly.”
Tama Tran, NP-C, adds that pilling can be a result of formula conflicts and the way the product layers on the skin. “Many sunscreens contain silicones and film-forming agents, which sit on the surface of the skin to create an even protective barrier, but when disturbed, they can curl or ball up,” says Tran. Fashion. With this in mind, she explains that using multiple products with incompatible textures (for example: using a rich moisturizer followed by a silicone primer and sunscreen) may further exacerbate the condition. “Technique is also important, as rubbing products onto the skin rather than gently pressing them can break down the sun protection layer.”
With this in mind, Dr. Hall recommends a product that “forms a thin, even film that allows foundation to glide onto skin without appearing patchy, slipping, or separating.” Below, the shop fashion magazine A favorite sunscreen to wear over makeup, it sits seamlessly under your base products, leaving a smooth canvas for your art.










