A Guide to Layering Makeup and SPF

QUICK FIX KIT: LAYERING SPF & MAKEUP

How to seamlessly incorporate your sunscreen into your cosmetic regimen.

Written By FIORELLA VALDESOLO

While cold temperatures make layering your clothing to elegant effect a challenge, the warmer months bear a layering quandary of their own: how to incorporate sunscreen into your morning beauty routine without disrupting it. Introducing any new product, whether it be plumping serum, brightening essence or broad-spectrum sunscreen, can, if not approached with care, overwhelm even the most resilient complexions.

With that in mind, VIOLET GREY asked makeup artist Molly R. Stern (whose clients include Reese Witherspoon, Lily Collins and Amy Adams) for a few rules of thumb to ensure that your sunscreen and makeup work in tandem.

HOW TO LAYER SPF

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MOISTURIZE

“Cleansed and moisturized skin is always a must before sunscreen,” says Stern. Another factor to consider is weight: When layering products, try to keep them lightweight across the board or build from thinnest to heaviest.

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PROTECT

Doubling up on your sun protection is never a bad idea. “I always use a day cream with SPF and then another layer of sunscreen on top,” says Stern. Besides the added protection, a separate sunscreen also covers areas that moisturizer sometimes neglects, like the ears, neck and décolletage.

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PERFECT

Exhibiting patience between your sunscreen and foundation pays off. “As long as you give sunscreen enough time to settle in, most makeup will behave normally,” says Stern. “Put on your sunscreen, then have a coffee and give it time to soak in before topping off with foundation.”

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Learn how to layer SPF with makeup & more at VIOLETGREY.com