While we’re familiar with the golden rule of SPF, which is to reapply sunscreen every few hours throughout the day, the thought of slathering greasy sunscreen lotion over our already-perfected makeup is enough to make our skins crawl.
Instead of forgoing touching up on SPF, however, we’ve found another way to layer it on midday without messing up our makeup and it’s by using powder sunscreen.
What is powder sunscreen?
Physical sunblocks and powder sunscreens are made with minerals that physically block or reflect harmful UV rays before they hit the skin.
You might be tempted to switch your regular sunscreen lotions for powders because they sweep over the skin effortlessly and feel super lightweight. However, the thing to note is that they don’t provide as much protection, which is why they shouldn’t be used as your primary form of SPF.
Instead, since they rest over the skin, you can use them for the mess-free reapplication of your SPF at any time during the day. Not only do they skip melting your makeup, but they’re also perfect for mattifying midday shine.
You can also dust them on in the mornings, over your sunscreen lotions, to cover any of the spots that you might have missed out. Or, if you’re a frequent beach-goer, then adopt this pro-tip: tap your powder sunscreens onto your parting to shield against sunburn, sans greasy, white lotion on your scalp!
How to use powder sunscreen?
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The key to applying powder sunscreen, just as with lotions, is that you should wear enough and an even layer over your skin.
A slight sprinkle of powder isn’t going to be enough to block out unrelenting sun rays, so whip out the products’ slide-up brushes and arm yourselves with powder puffs – they’re on your side when it comes to waging war against sun damage.
Read on, because we’ve rounded up the best powder sunscreens in Malaysia that you can get your hands on!
Best powder sunscreens in Malaysia
Mineral Fusion Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense
Mineral Fusion’s Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense is a lightweight powder that doesn’t feel like an extra layer over your makeup.
Besides offering sun protection, this powder sunscreen also sets makeup and mattifies the skin for a soft-focused, filtered finish. It’s also infused with antioxidant sea kelp extract to double your skin’s defence against harmful UV rays for radiant, youthful-looking skin.
Even though the Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense claims to be a totally translucent mineral powder, some reviewers have reported that it leaves a light cast, especially on darker skin. But if you’d embrace a “tone-up” powder sunscreen, then you won’t mind this one at all.
Mineral Fusion Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense retails for RM178 on Shopee.
Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++
Supergoop! is the name we trust when it comes to our sunscreens, even when we’re talking about its SPF products in powder form!
The (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is a non-nano, all-mineral powder that shields and mattifies your skin in one fell sweep. Non-nano just means that the particles are larger, and (supposedly) not too small to enter the bloodstream.
Aside from the iconic yellow on Supergoop!’s packaging, you can also look forward to the easy-to-use twist and lock feature that prevents your powder sunscreen from spilling all over – you’ll get to reapply your SPF in a totally fuss-free way.
Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++ retails for RM145 on Sephora.
Orbis Sunscreen Powder SPF 50+ PA+++
Japanese brand Orbis’ Sunscreen Powder features a wonderful refillable compact that lets you reach again for your sun protection powders even after you’re through with your first.
You’ll have to assemble the separate items right from the beginning, and the parts include the Orbis Sunscreen Powder Case (S$11), Pressed Powder Puff (S$5), and Sunscreen Powder of your choice for either a natural or lucent finish (S$29).
Since this powder sunscreen is infused with hydrating rosemary extract, it’s a worthy choice for those who experience tight and dry skin, especially from powders, throughout the day.
Orbis Sunscreen Powder Lucent (Refill + Case) retails for RM134.67 on Lazada.
Colorescience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush
This OG powder sunscreen brush doesn’t only shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it also protects against pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation, all of which also contribute to free radical damage to the skin.
On top of its formula being non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin, its brush bristles are also antimicrobial, so your acne-prone slash sensitive skin will stay calm and comfy.
The hefty price tag is what might turn some of us away, but for a tried-and-true powder sunscreen, we say it’s worth the purchase.
Colorescience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush retails for RM196 on Shopee.
DERMA E Essentials Sun Protection Mineral Powder
The ideal powder sunscreen for sensitive skin, Derma E Essentials Sun Protection Mineral Powder contains skin-soothing ingredients like green tea, chamomile, and vitamin E.
The infused antioxidants help to calm the complexion and fight free radical damage at the same time as it shields the skin from harmful UV rays. It’s something that your sensitive skin will thank you for.
DERMA E Essentials Sun Protection Mineral Powder retails for RM96 on Shopee.
