Multi Award Winning Skin Clinic | Melbourne & Bondi

Why the SPF in Your Makeup Isn’t Enough

The SPF in your makeup is not enough! Here’s why.

Shock horror I know! For years and years, we have seen plenty of ads showing us that an all-in-one makeup and SPF is the way to go. Now don’t get me wrong I understand the appeal but to tell you the truth it is not going to protect you how it should.

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia’s regulatory body for sunscreens) it is recommended you use 1 teaspoon for the face, neck and ears or the equivalent to your index and middle finger amount. I don’t know about you but I would never apply that much makeup to my face and if I did, I pray for my pores.

When looking at makeup with SPF it is important to recognise the level of protection you are getting. So, let me break this down for you. A UVA/UVB broad spectrum SPF is always best and most foundations will only protect you from UVB rays. Think about it like this; UVA as UV Ageing rays and UVB as UV Burning rays. UVA rays are consistent all day long whether it is sunny or raining. These rays are responsible for premature ageing and worse skin cancer. UVA rays will even penetrate through glass and clouds hence why it is vital to wear SPF every single day even if you are laying low at home.

The other important thing to consider is the % of protection you are getting from your SPF. Many makeup brands will only give you an SPF of 15, which will give you approximately 93% protection from damaging UV rays. But if you use SPF 30 you are getting approximately 96.7% protection. It might not seem like a big difference but it is.

Alright, alright I can hear you saying “Come on Kiki, just give me some options”  so here are some sun smart options that will protect you from the damaging rays and skin make your skin look and feel good with the ‘makeup’ look but with the effectiveness of full sun protection.

Sticky zinc SPF 50+ comes in a medium and light tint and our best seller LIRA solar shield 30+ classic tint. Follow the links to shop!