Picture this: You're rushing out the door—iced coffee in one hand, phone in the other—and somewhere between finding your tote bag and applying your foundation, you glance at the label. SPF 30, it says. You feel like a responsible adult. Protected. Polished. And most importantly—done.

But here's the question beauty insiders (and derms online) keep asking: Is the SPF in base makeup actually doing anything meaningful? Or is it just clever marketing slapped on packaging to make us feel better about skipping sunscreen?

Let’s unpack the truth, layer by layer.

How Much SPF Is Actually Enough?

The answer might disappoint you: not as much as you think.

SPF—or Sun Protection Factor—isn't a magic bullet. For it to work effectively, dermatologists recommend applying a quarter teaspoon of sunscreen just for your face. That’s about 1.25 ml. Now pause and think—have you ever applied that much foundation?

Unless you’re going for full-glam on a Monday morning, probably not.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, most people apply only 25–50% of the required amount of SPF product to reach the labelled protection level. So, when it comes to foundation with SPF, you’d have to cake it on like frosting just to get the benefits written on the bottle.

Not chic. Not practical. And definitely not selfie-friendly.

Mineral vs. Chemical SPF—Yes, It Matters

Here’s where things get a bit science-y, but stay with us. There are two types of SPF:

✦ Mineral (a.k.a. physical filters)

✦ Chemical filters

Most SPF in foundations leans chemical for texture and cosmetic elegance. Brands want their base to be smooth, not chalky. But here's the kicker—chemical SPF breaks down faster when exposed to light. So even if your foundation starts with SPF 30, its effectiveness might dip significantly within a few hours.

Admigos' animated explainer for SPF breakdown (hint: picture filters fading like Instagram overlays) can help Gen Z understand why reapplication is non-negotiable.

The SPF Layering Debate—Should You Double Up?

TL;DR: Yes.

SPF in makeup should be your bonus round, not your first line of defence. Think of your skincare SPF as the protective shield, and the foundation’s SPF as a little extra boost. Kind of like wearing a cute cardigan and carrying an umbrella—it’s smart layering, not overkill.

Dermatologists worldwide (and TikTok's favourite skincare nerds like @dermdoctor and @drlydiamakeup) recommend the “SPF sandwich method”:

1. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher after your moisturizer.
2. Follow with a foundation that has SPF for added protection.
3. Top up with an SPF spray or cushion compact during the day.

By treating SPF like an accessory, not the outfit, you’re covering your bases without compromising your look.

Why Are Brands Still Pushing SPF in Makeup So Hard?

Let’s be real: The SPF badge on a foundation bottle is a marketing goldmine. It checks multiple Gen Z boxes—"clean," "functional," and "safe." It sells a narrative we all want to believe: you can protect your skin and look flawless in one easy step.

But the reality? Most brands aren’t educating consumers about SPF application quantity, reapplication frequency, or broad-spectrum coverage.

Let’s break it down:

What they say vs. What they actually mean

We love transparency, but we love informed beauty even more.

What Brands Should Clarify

We’re in the age of skin intel and conscious consumers. Gen Z isn’t afraid to question ingredients, dive into comment threads, or cancel a brand over misinformation. So, if you’re going to slap SPF on a foundation label, here's what we believe should come with it:

Brands that animate these layers—like Admigos does with its SPF overlays—aren’t just being aesthetic; they’re being educational. And that’s how you build long-term trust, not just short-term conversions.

When SPF in Foundation Makes Sense

Okay, so is it ever worth it? Absolutely—just not on its own.

Here’s when SPF in base makeup is a smart move:

It’s about strategic coverage, not relying on foundation as your sole guardian angel.

SPF in Foundations We Love (But Use Wisely)

Let’s not pretend these aren’t some solid options—when used with SPF underneath.

Again, these are amazing skincare-makeup hybrids, but not a free pass to ditch your sunscreen.

Educate First, Sell Second: What can a brand do?

Admigos’ ingredient-layered animations visually explain SPF breakdown, filter interactions, and layering logic. Think:

It’s science-meets-style, and it's exactly how Gen Z wants to learn—visually, quickly, and creatively. And when brands get that right? The loyalty is unmatched.

In Conclusion: Smart Add-On, Not a Standalone Hero

So, is SPF in base makeup a scam? Not entirely. But it’s definitely not enough on its own. It's like putting a lock on your door but leaving the windows open.

Foundations with SPF work best when:

At the end of the day, the smartest skincare is layered, just like a good outfit. So wear your sunscreen like your favourite tee, and your SPF-infused foundation like a killer jacket.

Because let’s face it—protection never goes out of style.

Quick Takeaways