Ask the Expert: How Do I Layer Sunscreen?
Our product development expert Juliet Dowman shares her best tips and tricks for applying SPF—and getting the most effective and elegant results.
Moisturizer before sunscreen? Sunscreen before makeup? Whether you’re using Brilliant Repair Shield SPF 50 Serum Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, or another formula, how and when you apply your SPF can have a big impact on results.
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Q: Let’s start with the order of application—when should SPF be applied?Juliet Dowman: For sun protection, you always want to apply your sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine, and before you apply makeup. Mineral sunscreens, like Brilliant Repair Shield, work by physically reflecting UVA and UVB rays. So you want to make sure that you have a good layer of protection before you go in with your makeup.
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Q: Does Brilliant Repair Shield provide enough sun protection on its own?
JD: Yes, if you use the correct amount. The rule of thumb is to use a quarter teaspoon for your face and neck.
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Q: Why did you choose a mineral filter for Brilliant Repair Shield?
JD: Sarah chose a mineral because it’s the less irritating option for a lot of people. With minerals, the challenge has always been the white cast but when she found the patented zinc oxide technology, which has no white cast, the choice was obvious.
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Q: Can you mix Brilliant Repair Shield with Moisture Source or another product to give it more slip or to sheer out the color?
JD: I don't recommend it. You're going to dilute the SPF protection which defeats the purpose. Instead, I recommend layering your products. Add moisturizer before Brilliant Repair Shield if you need more hydration. And choose the shade of Brilliant Repair Shield that suits you. Staycation is a lighter, more neutral glow. Vacation is a golden glow.
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Q: If you layer on a second sunscreen, do you get incremental coverage?
JD: It doesn’t work like that. If you have an SPF 50 on, and you apply an SPF 30 over it, you don't get SPF 80 protection. What you actually get is closer to just SPF 30 on its own, because it was applied last. What layering does help with is physically filling in gaps if you missed a spot on your first application.
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Q: How often do you really need to apply sunscreen?
JD: You should be reapplying SPF every two hours. It doesn't really matter what your day looks like—you could be mostly indoors and getting incidental sun exposure from a window. It’s not always practical but it’s best practice. Now, when you’re active and outdoors for an extended period, SPF reapplication every two hours is non negotiable.
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Q: Can you wear Brilliant Repair Shield while exercising?
JD: The formula is tested for 40 minutes of water resistant wear, making it suitable for light to medium exercise, not super rigorous sweating!
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Q: How does sunscreen fit into a minimalist routine?
JD: That’s the beauty of Brilliant Repair Shield — it’s a radiant touch of skin-perfecting glow in combination with SPF 50 protection. If you’re going minimal, you can prep your skin with Moisture Source, follow with Brilliant Repair Shield, and finish with a coat or two of Back of The Cab Mascara. Super quick and easy!