Can I Use BB Cream First Before Sunscreen?

The traditional recommendation for skincare routines involves applying sunscreen before a BB cream. Why? Sunscreen functions as a protective barrier against harmful UV rays, ensuring maximum effectiveness when directly applied to the skin. Following a proper order in your skincare routine maximizes the benefits of each product. Here’s a suggested order for your day skincare routine:

Step-by-Step Order of Application

Cleanser: Begin with a clean face to ensure all dirt and impurities are removed. Moisturizer: Apply a moisturizer post-cleansing to hydrate your skin. Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. This step is crucial regardless of whether you plan to apply makeup or not. Wait a few minutes: Allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin before applying subsequent products. BB Cream: Once the sunscreen has fully absorbed, apply your BB cream.

This order helps ensure that you receive the full benefits of both products.

Can Sunscreen Be Applied After BB Cream?

Sometimes, applying sunscreen after a BB cream can result in a white cast or an overly shiny appearance. This is because the SPF in BB cream can affect the outcome of your makeup. However, there are no strict rules dictating this order. The decision to apply sunscreen before or after BB cream is flexible and depends on your personal preference and specific products:

Option 1: Applying sunscreen before BB cream is the recommended method since it ensures maximum protection against UV rays.

Option 2: You can apply BB cream first and then layer on sunscreen. This method can work, but you might need to use a foundation or setting spray to achieve a flawless finish. This approach is suitable if you are applying a BB cream with a high SPF value or if you are spending extended periods outdoors.

Some brand names to consider for a BB cream with a high SPF include MISSHA. This Korean brand is known for its effective and lightweight formulas. A single application of their BB cream can provide excellent moisturizing and skin-smoothing benefits.

Alternative Options

There are several alternative options to consider:

Infused SPF BB Cream: Look for BB creams that contain SPF. These provide built-in sun protection without the hassle of applying additional sunscreen. If an SPF BB cream is sufficient for your daily routine, there's no need to layer both.

Alternatively, you might choose to use a primer followed by BB cream, and later apply sunscreen. This layered approach can provide additional protection and even out your base makeup.

Final Thoughts

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the key is to prioritize sun protection. Sunscreen should always be the first layer in your skincare routine, whether you plan to apply makeup or not. Applying a moisturizer and then a sunscreen ensures that your skin is properly protected and hydrated before any makeup is applied.

If you encounter any issues with the sequence, feel free to adjust the order according to what works best for you and your skincare routine. The most important factor is to maintain consistent use of both a moisturizer and a sunscreen to protect your skin effectively.