Beauty junkies know that applying one layer of sunscreen is simply not sufficient for a day-out.
In our Malaysia weather, there is a constant need to reapply our SPF once in a while. To solve this, many of us purchase sunscreen sprays for an easy and efficient way to protect our skin from UV rays when wearing makeup.
However, Dr. Samuel, general practitioner (GP) from Singapore, has something to say about sunscreen sprays that shocked us: that spraying it directly onto our face is not the best way to use the product.
@skingapore Replying to @xandykun Not as convenient as it looks but any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all ! #sunscreenrecommended #sunscreens #sunscreenonface #spf #spfrecommendations #spfforoilyskin #spraysunscreen #wrongway #sunscreenimportance #skincare #skincareroutine #skincaretips #howtogetgoodskin #howtogetclearskin #pigmentationtreatment #howtoapplysunscreen #sunblock #glowskin #glowup #agingprevention #agingskincare #aginggracefully #howtohaveclearskin #familymedicine #skin #skingapore #familydoctor #facecareroutine #facechangeeffect #nofilter #tiktoksg #singapore #secretsrevealed #bestkeptbeautysecret #skingapore #learningisfun #doctorsoftiktok #sunscreenisimportant #sunscreenreview #sunscreentiktok #sunscreentips #uvcamera #UV Applying sunscreen correctly ! Spray sunscreen on to your hands and not direct to face #dermatology #gp #sgdoctor #familymedicine
Dr. Samuel often shares skincare related tips and tricks on his TikTok account @skingapore.
Why shouldn’t we spray sunscreen directly onto our face
Firstly, spraying sunscreen directly onto your face causes you to subconsciously breathe in the product.
Even if you hold in your breath, the product will still enter your airway in one way or another. When you release your breath, some of the product will enter your body and even though it is not harmful in small amounts, we would still prefer to not inhale it.
Secondly, simply spraying on sunscreen may not provide sufficient coverage.
UV rays are the key culprit to skin damage, leading to problems like pigmentation and signs of ageing.
Dr. Samuel shares that a fine mist is not going to provide enough protection against the sun because you may not be able to tell whether what is deposited is even sufficient.
Furthermore, if you take it too far and spray excessively, it’ll pile, which is not a good look.
But if the method we’re accustomed to is wrong, how can we solve it?
The right method to apply sunscreen sprays
The right way to use a spray sunscreen simple; the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that we spray the product on our hands first and then rub it onto your entire face.
It’s actually very similar to how we’d apply a cream sunscreen so there’s not much adjusting you have to do except to break the bad habit of just spraying it over your face.
As you’re spraying the product onto your hand, you can gauge how much product you should be using and you can ensure that no product will be inhaled.
How to apply sunscreen when wearing makeup
We hear your concerns. Many consider sunscreen sprays a great way to reapply SPF while wearing a full face of makeup. But if we’re not recommended to spray sunscreen over our faces, how can we top up our sunscreen without messing up our makeup?
An alternative will be to use a powder SPF product instead. Powder sunscreens can double up as a setting powder and an SPF reapplication, making it super convenient and effective, and the perfect definition of killing two birds with one stone.
Related read: 9 best powder sunscreens for skin that’s both protected and shine-free!
When all is said and done, sunscreen sprays are still a good way to cool off and feel refreshed on a hot day. It is also a quick way to dispense sunscreen, especially if you need a large amount of it, for instance, when applying sunscreen on your body.
So if you’re someone who doesn’t use a lot of makeup, use skin tints instead of foundation formulas, or if you just need a SPF for your body, here is a compiled list of sunscreen sprays for you to explore.
20 sunscreen sprays to explore
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50
Intensely hydrating, this spray is easy to use and will give you great coverage no matter where you apply it.
Other than using it on your face, it is also great for your body and even hair. The spray function allows quick application over large areas of skin in hard-to-reach areas like the neck and back.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50 retails for RM200.20 at Shiseido counters and Amazon.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 60
La Roche-Posay has been much raved about on TikTok for their amazing product quality and fancy name. While other products contain clear sunscreens, this one dispenses a lotion, which makes it easier to ensure that every part of your skin is protected since you can see the product more clearly.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 60 retails for RM287.10 at Watsons stores and Amazon.
Kokuryudo Privacy UV Mist SPF 50+ PA++++
A portable bottle for you to carry around, this Japanese sunscreen spray is great to have in your bag when you’re on-the-go.
Because of its fine mist, it is great for a quick and refreshing cool-down. Users mentioned that there is no white cast from this product, making it perfect for you to apply everywhere you need to.
Kokuryudo Privacy UV Mist SPF 50+ PA++++ retails for RM81.16 on Yesstyle.
MUJI Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 PA+++
If you’re looking to get a dewy glow for your face, this sunscreen spray is one you can welcome into your skincare cabinet.
Upon application, you will get a shine that you may need to blot down with powder or a tissue. Muji is known for bringing us makeup products that are made with a minimalist lifestyle in mind so it’s no wonder this sunscreen is lightweight as well.
MUJI Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 PA+++ retails for RM77.18 at Muji stores and Yesstyle .
Clarins Sun Care Water Mist SPF50+
Clarins has a hydrating mist that will moisturise and protect your face all at once. Because of its aqueous texture, this mist will remain invisible after application so fret not about getting a white cast. With a fine mist deposit, this also gives you a mini cool-down after each spritz.
With very limited stock of this product on the market now, you’ll need to hurry and snatch this product up.
Clarins Sun Care Water Mist SPF50+ retails for RM164.00 at AEON department stores, Parkson department stores, Clarins stores, and Shopee.
Pixi Sun Mist
This sheer sunscreen comes with broad spectrum SPF 30 to keep your skin safe from UV rays.
Its lightweight formula prevents sunburn and premature ageing while delivering a veil of protection onto your skin. The combination of sunflower and cucumber extracts in its formula will condition, hydrate, and cool your skin. You’ll definitely be left feeling protected and comfortable with this spray.
Pixi Sun Mist retails for RM72.50 on Lookfantastic.
Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40
Supergoop! is known for their wide range of sunscreen products, you might get dizzy trying to pick one for your skincare cabinet. So we’re here to tell you that this one is definitely something to look out for.
This spray has a bi-phase formula which means it can provide even distribution of makeup-setting spray and UV protecting ingredients.
Reviewers say that this spray melted their makeup away when they sprayed it directly on their faces – a timely reminder to spray it onto your hands first before application.
Shake well, apply, then pat it down with blotting paper or tissue once it dries to give your face a matte effect.
Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 retails for RM160.00 on Sephora.
Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Want something for the whole family to use? This sunscreen works amazingly for those with sensitive skin and young kids.
Its formula includes natural zinc oxide, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter that will nourish and hydrate our skin, making this plant-based sunscreen perfect for our delicate skin.
This product is also vegan, cruelty-, gluten-, and dye-free.
Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray retails for RM78.16 on Amazon.
Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
Like most Coola products, this mist features its original Plant Protection Complex and naturally effective antioxidant-rich ingredients like buriti oil, which has antioxidants to protect your skin against UVA damage.
It also contains prickly pear extract to improve your overall skin tone and texture.
Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 retails for US$28 on Coola.
Sunplay Ultra Shield UV Body Mist SPF 130
Worried about sweat or water activities getting in the way of your sunscreen spray?
Not to worry with Sunplay’s Ultra Shield UV Body Mist. This product has wet skin technology that allows for direct application and ensuring that it stays on the skin even if it’s wet.
Plus, your skin won’t be drying up anytime soon with the aloe vera and vitamin E ingredients that this product boasts.
Sunplay Ultra Shield UV Body Mist SPF 130 retails for RM49.50 at Watsons stores and Shopee.
Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen Spray SPF50+
A brand that is always keeping our delicate skin in mind, Bioderma does not disappoint with this sunscreen spray.
As always, Bioderma brings a lightweight formula for us to keep our skin safe so we won’t need to fret about whether this product will clog our pores or agitate our skin further.
Easy to apply even on wet skin, it is also formulated with an invisible texture that dries down quickly. Get this spray to feel comfortable throughout the day with zero worries about white cast.
Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ retails for RM94.00 at Guardian stores and Lookfantastic.
SVR Sun Secure Mist SPF50+
An ultra-fine mist means you get an ultra-cooling feel. This sun mist will give you that refreshing touch-up while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Its formula is suitable for all skin types so even if you’re sun-hypersensitive, you can go about your day worry-free.
The formula features integral secure technology which provides protection from UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared light. So whether you’re in the office, out and about, or even underwater, this mist can be your trusty companion.
SVR Sun Secure Mist SPF50+ retails for RM107.00 on Lookfantastic.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Suncare Spray SPF50+ PA++++
Featuring a lightweight and smooth spray texture, this sunscreen is suitable for all skin types.
There are two types of technologies incorporated into this product to give you a comfortable yet durable sunscreen.
First, the Auto Booster Technology reacts when in contact with air moisture to give you a stronger protection against UV rays and this will also combat discomfort when you’re wearing your masks. Secondly, the Aqua Booster EX Technology gives off a stronger UV protection when in contact with sweat or water so whether your skin is dry or wet, this sunscreen will be there to protect you.
Additional reason to go for this product: Anessa has been the number one sunscreen brand in Japan for 21 years and is known for their line of good quality products.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Suncare Spray SPF50+ PA++++ retails for RM113.10 at Watsons stores and Shopee.
Sunplay Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Mist SPF50+
Two-in-one is the perfect way to describe this SPF. Upon application, not only will you be protecting your face from harmful UV rays, you will also be colour-correcting your skin.
We often have uneven skin tones that appear more obvious after applying certain sunscreens that leave us with a white cast.
But this sunscreen is different; with its light pink hue, not only will you be protecting your face from harmful UV rays when you spritz this on, you will also be able to brighten any sallow undertones you might have.
Sunplay Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Mist SPF50+ retails for RM44.94 at Watsons stores.
Kate Somerville SPF50 Duo
Seal in your makeup and reduce unnecessary shine with this broad-spectrum UV protection spray.
Once you’re done with your makeup routine, this sunscreen can act as a setting spray as well to mattify any shine on your face.
That’s not all this product can do. Upon application, you’ll get a brightening effect from the antioxidant-rich rhodiola rose infused into this formula plus hydrating effect with hyaluronic acid.
Kate Somerville SPF50 Duo retails for RM364.00 on Lookfantastic.
JM Solution Sun Spray SPF50+ PA++++
All your worries about feeling sticky will be cast away with this sun spray.
Let this solution protect your skin while nourishing it with the addition of hyaluronic acid and pearl which are both able to provide moisture into this watery sunscreen.
Plus, there will be no white cast or residue with this product due to its lightweight and watery texture.
JM Solution Sun Spray SPF50+ PA++++ retails for S$10.60 on Shopee.
Heliocare Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Your skin is going to love this spray for its ease of application and fast absorption.
After rubbing this spray onto your face, you’ll be given an oil-free matte finish so no worries about any unwanted shine. Plus, its innovative photo-technologies will protect your skin throughout the day to reduce the need for reapplication.
Its formula has been designed to suit all skin types, including acne prone ones, so you won’t be agitating your skin further.
Heliocare Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 retails for RM181.20 at selected clinics and Amazon.
Lancaster Sun Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF30
A fine mist that delivers broad-spectrum UV protection, this leaves you feeling hydrated and refreshed – what more do you ask for?
It has a lightweight, watery-like texture that’s perfect no matter what activity you’re doing. You won’t need to stress about sweat or underwater play getting in the way of your protection. This sunscreen will still perform its duties under wet or dry conditions.
Lancaster Sun Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF30 retails for RM166.00 on Shopee.
Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Pamper yourself and feel as soft as a baby’s skin with this sunscreen spray. Designed for young children, this sunscreen is formulated to be gentle on even the most delicate and sensitive skins.
You won’t get any greasy or sticky feeling with this product so it’ll feel like second skin to you. To top it all off, it has a water-resistant formula making it durable even against sweat.
Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 retails for RM108.26 on iHerb.
Kiss My Face Purely Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Mineral Spray Lotion SPF 30
The aloe and olive oil in this product are what got us hooked. Olive oil makes this product envelope your skin and aloe vera helps to nourish, making this combination a comfortable blanket over your skin.
You’ll also be well-protected by its sweat- and water-resistant formula.
Kiss My Face Purely Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Mineral Spray Lotion SPF 30 retails for RM83.68 on iHerb.
