SPF in Your Makeup Is It Actually Enough ?
- Nat Bos
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Your foundation says SPF 30. Your setting spray says SPF 50. So you’re covered, right? Not quite. Here’s what the beauty industry isn’t telling you.
SPF in makeup is one of those topics that sounds reassuring on the packaging and slightly more complicated the moment you start asking questions.
And because sun protection is genuinely one of the most important things you can do for your skin not just for ageing, but for your health it’s worth understanding what you’re actually getting.
We are not here to over claim . So let’s talk about this honestly.
What SPF in Makeup Actually Does
Yes, SPF in your foundation or setting spray does offer some sun protection. But here’s the catch: the SPF rating on a product is measured in a lab using a specific amount of product about 2mg per square centimetre of skin.
In reality, most of us apply far less makeup than that. Which means the SPF you’re actually getting on your skin is likely a fraction of what’s on the label.
That SPF 30 foundation? In real-world application, it might be delivering closer to SPF 5 to 10.
That’s not nothing but it’s also not enough to rely on as your only sun protection, especially in New Zealand where UV levels are among the highest in the world.
Why New Zealand Skin Needs to Take This Seriously
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Our proximity to Antarctica, thinner ozone layer, and high-altitude sunshine mean UV radiation here is significantly more intense than in many other countries at a similar latitude.
UV damage is also the single biggest driver of premature skin ageing responsible for up to 80% of visible signs like fine lines, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. More than stress. More than diet.
More than anything in your skincare routine.
Which means SPF isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the most anti-ageing thing you can do. Full stop.
So What’s the Right Approach?
The gold standard is a dedicated SPF applied as the last step of your skincare, before makeup. That way you’re getting the full rated protection on clean skin at the right amount, every time.
But here’s the reality: most of us aren’t reapplying that dedicated SPF throughout the day because reapplying over makeup is messy, time-consuming, and usually means disturbing your whole look.
This is exactly where SPF in your makeup and setting spray earns its place.
Think of it not as your primary sun protection, but as your top-up layer. An extra shield that keeps working for you throughout the day without having to redo your whole routine.
How Max & Louie Fits Into This
We’ve built SPF into two key products specifically for this reason:
• Hydra Shield SPF 50 Setting Spray Our bestselling setting spray does double duty: it seals your makeup and delivers a meaningful layer of SPF 50 protection throughout the day. Infused with Aloe Vera, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid, it also keeps skin hydrated and fresh not just protected.
Spritz it on over your finished makeup, and again mid-afternoon if you’re spending time outdoors.
• Clean Skin Serum Foundation SPF 30+ and our Hydra Boost CC Cream SPF 50
Our lightweight serum foundation gives you that second-skin, dewy finish while adding a base layer of SPF 30 protection. It’s not a replacement for your morning SPF, but paired with the Hydra Shield spray, it contributes to a genuinely well-protected base.
The Simple Rule to Follow
• Dedicated SPF first. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher as the last step of your skincare, before makeup. Every morning, rain or shine.
• Layer with SPF makeup. Your foundation or Hydra boost CC
• Top up with your setting spray. Finish with the Hydra Shield SPF 50 spray, and reapply over your makeup throughout the day especially if you’re heading outside.
It’s not complicated. And your future skin will thank you for it.
Protect what you’ve got. ☀️✨
Shop the Hydra Shield SPF 50 Setting Spray at
Comments