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Does Sunscreen Go On Before or After Makeup?

Sunscreen goes before makeup. Sunscreen first. Makeup next.

Here are the reasons for this order:

Sunscreen must be in contact with bare skin to be effective.
If makeup is applied first, it stays on top of the face, whether it’s foundation, powder, or other makeup colouring agents. If you apply sunscreen on top of makeup, the makeup acts as a barrier, and the sunscreen cannot contact the skin, making sunscreen ineffective.
A logical question: If we apply makeup on top of sunscreen, can UV rays still be absorbed by the sunscreen—wouldn’t the makeup be a barrier?
Answer: No, makeup won’t be a barrier. Sunscreen forms a thin layer on the skin and can absorb UV rays despite makeup being the top layer.
So here are the steps to follow to apply sunscreen and makeup:
If you want to apply skincare like a light moisturiser and/or a serum, apply it first.
If you want to apply a niacinamide serum, ensure your sunscreen doesn’t have niacinamide. Some sunscreens have niacinamide, so if you apply a niacinamide serum, that could be a lot of niacinamide in one routine.
Apply sunscreen, at least 1/4 teaspoon for the face and another 1/4 teaspoon for the ears and neck.
Wait for 10 to 12 minutes. Sunscreen must stay on the face for a few minutes like this to be effective. This allows it to form an even layer on the skin, providing the best protection for your face.
Apply your makeup gently using a sponge. You don’t want to wipe away the sunscreen underneath. So don’t rub any makeup on the face; gently pat it.
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