SPF - when to apply?

[chilledbubble]

Hello, currently I use the following in this order in the day time:

Essence
Moisturiser
Primer
Foundation
SPF spray

I have learnt from that the SPF spray probably isn't enough and it's better for top ups through the day.

So, where do I put in an SPF lotion into my layering? Instead of the Moisturiser, after it? Does it work as a primer? I feel like it might be too much if I add it in so maybe it needs to replace something but what?

WTH is essence & what does it do? If it’s for hydration (quick Google thinks so) then why moisturise as well?

I put my SPF on after moisturiser, I feel it needs to be on the skin rather than 3-4 other layers away iyswim but interested to hear what others do.

After moisturiser before primer x

I use an SPF moisturiser then foundation.

Spf 50 before anything. I use No 7 protect and perfect. Never lower than 50.

I use the essence instead of a serum, yes extra hydration.

Ok thank you, I think I'm going to have to play around with and without primer otherwise it just feels like that's a lot of stuff for one face!

I did think of that but then saw a post on here where someone said you'd need loooads of it to actually get the spf on the bottle.

Serum, moisturiser, SPF, tinted moisturiser.

Younger or oilier skin may be able to get away with losing the moisturiser and using just SPF or a combined moisturiser/SPF. It’s make up with SPF that isn’t sufficient as you just wouldn’t put on enough without looking absolutely caked - great as a top up though.

Ahh so a moisturiser with SPf might be enough?

Don’t see why. I use Clarins -

www.clarins.co.uk/uv-plus-anti-pollution-translucent/80071265.html?istCompanyId=0d41bc9d-138e-4119-9ecb-ded6c0f4d794&istFeedId=f440f3f3-b32d-457e-ac02-d70493bcdc34&istItemId=ptxmlxtmx&istBid=t&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6brSga7u-AIVS7rVCh2SdgBfEAQYByABEgK4aPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

apply generously over face and neck/décolletage (about 2 fingers worth is recommended)

I know it works as made a mistake last week and managed to elevate a patch exposed - the difference was stark!

I note from the reviews Clarins have recently changed the formula (again - they seem to be wrecking all of their trusted products lately!) so maybe don’t go for this specific one!

*Leave, not elevate

Serums > moisturizer > SPF 50+ > primer > tinted foundation (in the office) none when wfh.

You do also need to top up during the day. There are lots of brands out there that work specifically for this purpose.

I use the dermalogica SPF50 primer, then I put on my makeup and use a Garnier spray (double protection) I then keep applying throughout the day and it actually enhances my make-up, stops me looking shiny.

All your skin care.
Then spf. Leave to settle.
Then your makeup starting with primer or base.

Thank you everyone!

I don't use a moisturiser in the morning if I'm adding a lot of Spf. You could see if you actually need it.

I think I read somewhere that the SPF factor is tested for around a quarter teaspoon of the product. So, if you use a pea, or few pea, size amounts you are only really applying a fraction of the stated protection.

Maybe it is a quarter teaspoon for face and neck. But then, if the product is a moisturiser or foundation, you may have a more diluted product still.

With all that in mind, some people prefer to apply a dedicated sunscreen, along with the other products. Rather than relying on the reduced/unknown quantity you would use in a foundation or moisturiser.

That’s a lot of layers. My skin is itching just reading that.

These days I do:
Serum
Light moisturiser
SPF

Then lipstick, brows, eyeliner. But I avoid foundation because it just looks awful with the SPF. Maybe I just haven’t found the right combination (LRP sunscreen + Clinique CC cream is what I’ve tried - looks and feels greasy together). I have combination skin - mainly oily but with a fry nose 😭

Sunhat and sunglasses as often as I can remember.

Top up with SPF spray as often as I can remember.

I think the CC cream has spf in so maybe the two spfs don't mix?

Yes it is a lot. I'll play around a bit and try to cut out the primer I think. The essence sinks right in so i dont see it as a layer, more as an alternative toner/serum step

I use spf, serum and moisturiser in that order then top up every couple of hours with an spf spray.

I use spf, serum and moisturiser in that order then top up every couple of hours with an spf spray.

Spf is an occlusive, therefore sealing anything in underneath, eg moisture. So anything you put over the top of it won't sink in. That's why serums, which aren't occlusive, are put under moisturisers, which usually are. Same applies to spf.

Do you think it would work if I mixed my foundation into the SPF?

SPF should always be the last step of your skin care routine AND then you apply makeup after giving it a few mins to settle and produce that film.

You risk disrupting the formulation of the spf and so it's efficacy. But I don't know by how much.