More and more makeup products today come with SPF. From primers to foundations, it seems like we’re getting some sun protection with every step we layer on.
So, it’s not surprising that using SPF-infused makeup sounds – to many of us – like a good enough reason to skip our sunscreens. After all, it means cutting out one step in our daily morning skincare routine.
But you might wanna rethink that.
That’s because makeup products contain lower levels of SPF than sunscreen. Yup, a foundation with SPF 30 does not provide the same level of protection as a sunscreen with an SPF 30 label.
Sunscreen beats SPF-infused foundation, beauty blogger shows
Find it hard to believe? Beauty blogger Xia Mu Yao (夏目瑶) makes her case for giving sunscreen its rightful place in your skincare routine, and she uses UV cameras so that you can see it to believe it.
She first pumps a foundation with SPF on the back of her hand. Lifting her arm, she shows that the foundation appears as a light grey hue on the UV camera, which means that it provides some UV protection.
As she spreads out the foundation, the UV camera reveals a lightening grey colour that indicates less UV protection.
Switching to sunscreen, she repeats the same steps on the other side of her face. On the first swipe, the sunscreen already looks much darker than the foundation. Even as she smooths out the sunscreen across her face, the product appears the same shade of dark grey (almost black), which indicates a higher SPF protection.
You would have to slather on a lot more SPF-infused foundation just to achieve a similar level of UV protection, as the beauty blogger shows us.
What we can all learn from this is that it’s best to end off our skincare routine with a proper layer of sunscreen. Of course, makeup products that include SPF are a great way to complement your sunscreen as they give you an extra buffer against harmful ultraviolet rays!
Best sunscreens for Singapore’s weather
To help you get a headstart on supple and youthful skin, Daily Vanity shares three sunscreen products with high SPF levels that you can find in Singapore:
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
Sunscreens can prove to be a bit of a hassle, especially when you have to worry about your skin coming in contact with water or sweat. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk, however, uses a specially formulated ‘golden milk’ to ensure strong resistance to water and sweat. A super-waterproof sunscreen, it allows you to enjoy carefree fun in the sun all day long!
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk retails for S$41.90. Get your hands on this product at these shops in Singapore:
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
While certain sunscreen products might feel oily and thick on the skin, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is absorbed quickly into the skin upon application, leaving no trace of oil or residue. Infused with hyaluronic acid, your skin will be left feeling hydrated, light, and supple – the perfect start to your day!
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence retails for S$18.90. Shop this sunscreen here:
FANCL Sunguard 50+ Protect UV SPF50+ PA++++
Japanese brand FANCL’s sunscreen not only shields your skin from ultraviolet rays, it also protects it from blue light that can cause skin pigmentation. For those spending lengthy periods looking at the laptop, phone, or television screen, this sunscreen is our recommended go-to!
FANCL Sunguard retails for S$42.90. Find the most updated prices and deals here:
Related reads:
- 33 best sunscreens for face that you need in Singapore’s weather
- 8 sunscreen myths debunked – plus, why you still need to wear sunscreen under your face mask
- Can we trust Korean sunscreens? Here are 17 verified and certified formulas you can slather on without a worry
Finding our beauty tips helpful? Read Daily Vanity‘s other skincare guides here.
