SPF Cocktailing — Is the Latest TikTok Trend Safe?
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable when it comes to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. However, there's a rising trend on #beautytok known as "SPF cocktailing."
SPF cocktailing is the latest TikTok beauty trend. The trend involves mixing your SPF with other beauty products like concealer, highlighter, and foundation. This “cocktail” is then directly applied to your skin. The goal is to reduce the white cast presented by mineral sunscreens and reduce time.
So, what is SPF cocktailing, and what does it mean for your sun-safe beauty routine?
What is SPF Cocktailing?
From applying contour before foundation to hydrated, glass skin, TikTok has seen its fair share of beauty trends. Well, TikTok is at it again with another beauty trend. This time, the trend involves mixing your SPF with your concealer, highlighter, and foundation to create a “SPF cocktail.”
SPF cocktailing is the practice of layering or mixing various beauty products. The goal is to reduce the white cast present in many mineral sunscreens and save time. While this may seem like the next great beauty hack, there are several dangers of this sunscreen beauty trend.
The Dangers of SPF Cocktailing
When it comes to your sun safety, you shouldn’t cut corners. There are several dangers of SPF cocktailing. These dangers include reduced effectiveness, weakened potency, and increased sun exposure.
Reduced Effectiveness
When sunscreen is mixed with other beauty products, it reduces its effectiveness, especially with mineral sunscreens. The white cast present in some mineral sunscreens is caused by active ingredients (often zinc oxide) working to keep you safe.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two active ingredients in mineral sunscreen. Instead of being absorbed into the skin, they stay directly on the skin’s surface. This sometimes leaves a white cast. Mixing foundation with SPF to reduce the white cast negates the effects of the mineral sun protection.
Weakened Potency
Weakened potency goes hand-in-hand with reduced effectiveness. When sunscreen is mixed with other beauty products, the SPF is often diluted. If mineral sunscreen is diluted to remove the white cast, you won’t receive the full benefits of the product.
Increased Sun Exposure
Since your SPF may experience reduced effectiveness and weakened potency, it may also increase unwanted sun exposure. This is because your sunscreen isn’t working how it is intended to keep you safe. In turn, the SPF rating may be compromised.
Solutions to SPF Cocktailing
SPF cocktailing may not be the innovative new beauty trend you’ve been searching for. However, there are alternative solutions to the latest TikTok trend.
Find Mineral Sunscreen Without a White Cast
Believe it or not, there are mineral sunscreens out there that do not leave a white cast. Check out the MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme for a broad-spectrum, silky-smooth mineral sunscreen without a white cast. Tinted moisturizer is also a great solution to enjoy mineral sunscreen with no downside.
Choose a Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are also a great alternative as they contain different active ingredients. Instead of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, they often include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. These chemical ingredients do not leave behind a white cast because they do not sit on top of the skin. Instead, they soak up UV rays like a sponge.
Invest in UPF Clothing
If you’re struggling to find sunscreen that works for you, UPF clothing is a wonderful solution. UPF clothing is for those who want to protect their skin without the stress of reapplying SPF. It is also a great alternative for children or athletes constantly sweating and on the go.
How to Apply SPF with Makeup
So, now that we’ve discussed SPF Cocktailing and the alternatives, you may be wondering how to apply SPF with makeup. Here are a few steps for applying mineral sunscreen to ensure you get the full benefits.
Start with a clean face. Cleanse, apply toner, and then apply moisturizer. Mineral sunscreen should be the final step of your skincare routine.
Wait to apply makeup. It is best to wait a few minutes after applying mineral sunscreen to apply makeup. This allows the sunscreen the absorb if it is a chemical sunscreen and set if it is mineral SPF.
Reapply regularly. Regardless of whether you use mineral or chemical sunscreen, you must reapply. Especially if you are sweating or constantly exposed to UV rays. Thankfully, there are great powder sunscreens out there that make reapplication a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Skin cancer is more prevalent than ever. It is important to take steps to protect your skin and ensure you are best set up for success. While SPF cocktailing may not be the solution you hoped for, there are plenty of sun-safe TikTok beauty trends. Be sure to be an informed consumer and outshine skin cancer.