How the heck do you reapply sunscreen over a full face of makeup?!
Taking everything off every two hours is NOT an option. Powders don’t give you adequate protection and they brush off during the day anyway. Spray sunscreens don’t apply well over makeup and they usually irritate sensitive skin.
Enter Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25. It’s a sunscreen facial mist you spray OVER your makeup so you can look glam throughout the day without compromising on sun protection. Here’s how it won me over:
- What’s In Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25?
- Texture
- Fragrance
- How To Use It
- Performance & Personal Opinion
- Does Seriously Fab Zinc It Over Provide Adequate Protection?
- Who Is This For?
- Who Is This NOT For?
- Packaging
- Does Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 Live Up To Its Claims?
- Price & Availability
- Do You Need It?
- Dupes & Alternatives
What’s In Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25?
ZINC OXIDE TO PROVIDE BROAD SPECTRUM UV PROTECTION
I was shocked when I heard Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 has non-nano zinc oxide. If you’ve tried any sunscreens with this mineral before, you know how thick, greasy and white it can be.
Zinc Oxide can seriously make you look like Caspar The Ghost after he’s fallen into a grease trap. Not. Cool.
So why do people use it? When done right, zinc oxide rocks:
- Broad spectrum protection: It’s the only UV filter that protects from the entire UV range on its own
- Stability: It’s more stable – and lasts longer – than chemical UV filters
- No irritation: It’s so gentle, even babies can use it
I honestly didn’t think it was possible, but Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 has made zinc oxide so sheer, you get no greasy sheen or white cast. Phew!
P.S. I suspect this is why SPF is “only” 25. The higher the concentration of zinc oxide, the messier it gets.
Related: Why Zinc Oxide Is The Best UV Filter Ever
ANTIOXIDANTS TO PREVENT PREMATURE AGING
Did you know that antioxidants can boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen?
Antioxidants work because they neutralise free radicals. Guess what sun damage is? Free radicals damage! It’s these nasty buggers that start a chain reaction that eventually leads to wrinkles and dark spots (and cancer).
Anything that helps you destroy free radicals automatically boosts the effectiveness of your sunscreen and reduces UV damage.
Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 has its fair share of antioxidants, including algae, pomegranate and blueberry extract so you’re all covered on this front. 🙂
Related: What Do Antioxidants Do In Skincare?
Is your sunscreen up to the job? Download your FREE “Sunscreen Audit” cheatsheet to find out if it’s both effective and safe:
Texture
A clear spray.
Fragrance
I have the Citrus Passion version – it’s a sweet and summery blend of passion fruit and lemon laced in sugar. Yummy! If you like your skincare fragrance-free, they make an unscented version too.
How To Use It
Shake it, shake it, shake it, baby! The bottle needs a good shake to distribute zinc oxide evenly all over your face and neck.
Just hold it 10 inches from your face, close your eyes and give your skin 5 good spritzes. I know it sounds like a lot, but you need that much to reach the SPF on the bottle.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 goes on clear. I first spray it on late morning when my sunscreen has become almost useless. I was worried I’d get white patches on my skin or a slick of oil but nope.
I keep reapplying it a few times a day – the past weekend was HOT and I spent a long day at the park – but it looks like I have nothing on. Well, nothing apart from my makeup. That stays completely intact.
The only difference I’ve noticed is that it slightly changes the finish. It gives skin a dewy glow so be prepared for that if your makeup is matte. I’m all about the glow so this is a double win for me.
Does Seriously Fab Zinc It Over Provide Adequate Protection?
I know what you’re thinking: is SPF 25 high enough?
In most cases, yes. Sure, if you go to the beach, I still recommend you forget the makeup and reapply sunscreen as often as you can.
But most of us don’t spend our days at the beach (I know, totally unfair!). We’re working in offices, running errands, going for short walks with the dog… SPF 25 will do just fine for that.
I’m more concerned about getting even coverage. The problem with spray sunscreens – especially something as invisible as Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 – is that you can’t see them.
It’s so easy to miss a spot. But you know what’s worse than that? Missing all the spots cos you don’t bother reapplying sunscreen when you wear makeup.
I don’t recommend you use Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 as your main sunscreen. You should still slather your fave on in the morning and, if you know you’re gonna spend a lot of time outdoors under a burning sun, keep the makeup simple and bring it with you so you can reapply it often.
But in everyday situation, this mist IS the best way I’ve found to get the MOST sun protection WITHOUT ruining your makeup.
Who Is This For?
Anyone who wants to reapply sunscreen during the day without ruining your makeup.
Who Is This NOT For?
Don’t use this as your main sunscreen.
Packaging
A pretty and practical spray bottle.
Does Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF 25 Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE |
|---|---|
| Designed for use OVER MAKEUP but can also be used on bare skin. | True. |
| Eliminates the need for SPF powders and mineral makeup that look cakey and magnify lines. | True. You can use this to reapply sunscreen instead of SPF powders and mineral makeup. |
| Physical broad spectrum sun defense (both UVA + UVB rays). | True. |
| Sets makeup giving a fresh, airbrushed look. | True. |
| Defends skin against sun damage via reapplication every 2 hours. | True. |
| Delivers hydration and nourishment to the skin, extending its youthful appearance. | True. |
| Fast absorbing, lightweight, and refreshing! | True. |
Price & Availability
$42.00 at Seriously Fab
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a way to retouch your sunscreen without ruining your makeup, this is an excellent option to consider.
Dupes & Alternatives
I don’t know of any dupes for this product yet.
Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 5%
Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (water), Glycerin*, Shea butter ethyl esters, Olive oil glycereth-8 esters, Oryza sativa (rice) extract & aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract*, Aphanizomenon flos aquae (blue green algae) extract, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed extract, Punica granatum (pomegranate) extract, Vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract, Malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extract, Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) leaf extract, Rosa roxburghii fruit extract, Xylitol caprylate/caprate*, Triethoxycaprylyl silane, Glucono delta-lactone, and Tocopherol (vitamin e). *Organic
But isn’t the current wisdom that we shouldn’t be using spray sunscreens because you can breathe the particles in and that’s dangerous? How is this spray sunscreen any different?
E, I guess it depends on what else is in the formula. Some ingredients shouldn’t be inhaled while others don’t pose much of a concern. A good tip if you’re outside is to be mindful of the direction of the wind so as to avoid inhalation. I know some people who spray sunscreens on their hands and then apply it to their skin but that would defeat the purpose here.
Gio, I think you bring up a great point about coverage. I’ve stayed away from spray sunscreens because it was hard to find ones with effective UVA filters here in Canada where I live. My solution before was to always reapply tinted moisturizer if I was going to be in the sun (so I’m rightfully very picky about my TM), I liked that you can definitely see how evenly you’ve applied and off course boosting moisture on my dry skin and coverage is also great. But I’ve struggled when doing more “glam makeup” inc bronzer, blush, contour etc. I think you make a valid point regarding spray sunscreens, ANYTHING is better than nothing and I would certainly generously spray something which would make my dry skin look dewy.
2 quick questions:
I’ve seen bloggers reapply suncreen by spraying a beautyblender with sunscreen spray and adding a cream sunscreen, then “pouncing” over their makeup so as not to disturb it. This seems like a promising technique to me, have you ever tried it?
Have you ever tried any of the Japanese formulas spray sunscreens? They tend to have a lot better UVA coverage than products available in the west.
Elena, I don’t think spray sunscreens should ever be the only sunscreen you use. You still need a cream sunscreen before leaving the house but once you’re outside, sprays are the easiest way to retouch it without ruining your makeup. The fact this is so clear, lightweight and dewy just encourages you to spray on the recommended amount. 🙂
I haven’t tried this technique but it sounds promising indeed. It’s more time-consuming than just using a spray sunscreen but probably a better way to get even coverage.
I want to try them so much but I haven’t seen them around here. 🙁
Hey Gio! You should look for Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soin SPF30. Same kind of product for using over makeup, fragance-free, moisturizing, and SPF30. I love it!
Erick, thanks for the recommendation. So glad this type of product is become more popular. 🙂
This product is GENIUS.
I have a question!
I tend to use a sheer formula SPF 50+ broad spectrum lotion/cream (esp. on my face) even when I hardly spend anytime in the sun.
I started doing this once I learned that in order to get the advertised protection you have to apply SO MUCH PRODUCT.
My logic was: “X” amount equals SPF 50. While “less than X” amount may not protect me as long, perhaps it will still give adequate protection for the short time I am in the sun.
However, after reading so many of your amazing 😉 articles, I’m starting to believe my logic is flawed, lol.
Would you mind clarifying?
Thanks :)!!!
Em, I totally hear you. It’s so annoying having to apply such a huge dollop of sunscreen every time.
Unfortunately, your logic is flawed. if you apply half the amount, for example, you get the protection of only the square root of the SPF. So, for instance, a SPF 70 becomes a SPF 8.4!
You’re much better off applying the recommended amount in the morning and not touching up during the day, if indeed you barely spend any time outdoors.
Please review more of these kind of sprays! Japanese you can buy online. And Kate Sommerville has one too! And it’s spf 50!!!
Natalia, will do!
Gio, I use a chemical sunscreen every morning (Avene Sunsimed). Is it a problem to use this product during the day? I heard you should not mix different sunscreens (different filters).
Teresa, no it’s not. You’re supposed to use sunscreens during the day! Plenty of sunscreens use different filters. A few filters are not very compatible but a good cosmetic chemists knows how to get around that to create a product that works.
I had a serious allergic reaction to this sunscreen. I thought I was getting a sunburn so kept reapplying, but in fact the sunscreen itself was causing a burn. It also caused my hands to swell up, one hand doubling in size. I had to take benedryl for two or three days to for the swelling . Now, over a week later, my hands still look red and burned—not at all like a sunburn. I won’t use this product again.
Anne, oh no! Sorry to hear you had such a bad reaction to it. I wish you a speedy recovery.
This sounds brilliant! Would love your thoughts on the SuperGoop SPF setting powder which can apparently be applied over makeup. Love the idea!
Alecia, it doesn’t matter what powder you use, you need to apply several layers to achieve the SPF stated on the packaging. They’re better than not reapplying your sunscreen at all, but you won’t be as well protected.
Hi Gio! Is there a similar product to this that you also recommend. Preferably mineral like this one. Like your poster above, Anne, I too don’t like this brand.