You already know that wearing SPF is non-negotiable to protect your skin from damaging UV rays, but let’s be honest: it’s not always easy to add it to your skincare or makeup routine. Traditional sunscreen can be greasy and oily because of its chemical UV filters or feel heavy under foundation.
The good news is that you can choose powder SPF that’s lightweight and mattifying. Does it work the same way as your trusty SPF lotion? Here’s the lowdown!
What is powder SPF?
Powder sunscreen looks like face powder, and you apply it to your skin with a brush. Most powder SPFs contain mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block out the sun’s rays. They’re usually packed with skin-nourishing ingredients to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Pros and cons of SPF powder
SPF powder has important advantages and disadvantages to know about before you head out into the sun. Let’s check them out!
Pros
- SPF powder can be used over your makeup. Thanks to its powder consistency, it stays matte so you can easily apply it after foundation without feeling like a grease ball.
- It can be used as a setting powder. SPF powder protects your skin against UV rays while doubling up as a makeup setting powder, saving you time in the mornings.
- It doesn’t leave behind white streaks. Whether you’re wearing makeup or not, cream or lotion SPF usually leaves behind unsightly white streaks after application. These can be avoided with SPF powder. It provides hands-free application for a smoother finish.
Cons
- It’s easy to apply too little. When applying cream or lotion sunscreen, you should follow the rule of using about an ounce to cover your body and two teaspoons for your face, reapplied every two hours. With powder formulations, it’s not easy to know how much to use to get the same coverage.
- It’s not as thick as lotion. Due to its light consistency, SPF powder doesn’t get lathered into your skin, which can prevent full sun protection. It’s also trickier to apply to hard-to-reach places. This is why it’s advised to use SPF powder in addition to lotion sunscreen, instead of as a replacement for it. Powder SPFs are ideal for touching up your sunscreen during the day.
- Its application brush needs to be kept clean. You need to clean the brush that comes with your SPF powder in the same way you clean other makeup brushes to keep it free of oil, bacteria, and sweat that can cause breakouts.
How to choose the best powder sunscreen
Even though you should only be using SPF powder as a touch-up for sun protection, it’s still worth purchasing. Many SPF powders contain healthy ingredients that nourish your skin, such as vitamins.
When choosing an SPF powder, look for one that’s broad-spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It should also have a minimum SPF of 30.
Top SPF powder picks
Ready to include a powder sunscreen into your skincare routine? Some of the best products include:
- Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. It’s an all-mineral sunscreen that comes in four colors to match your skin tone. It’s water resistant for 80 minutes, so it’s ideal for beach days.
- Brush On Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen. This SPF 30 powder sunscreen contains zinc oxide. It’s the ultimate multitasking SPF product because you can apply it to your skin and scalp, use it as a setting powder, or use it as a dry shampoo! Since it’s translucent, it matches all skin tones.
- Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense. With an SPF of 30, this powder mineral sunscreen reduces shine and blurs your pores, while setting your makeup. To keep your skin healthy and fight free radicals, it contains sea kelp, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
