How to Stop Pilling | Combining SPF Protection and Make-up for Flawless Application Every Time

We all know SPF+ protection is important, especially in Australia. We have some of the highest levels of UV exposure (and subsequent skin conditions) in the world! In some places, you can check the UV Index and if it's more than 3 you should put on a good layer of sun protection. But in Australia, it’s generally above 3 all year round! We really don’t get a choice – sun protection is a must have. Not only for a youthful complexion, but also to avoid skin cancer, lesions and life-long damage. 

So, yes – sunscreen is very important and the only real must-have for skincare. So, it’s important that you (A) get a great one and (B) ensure you have a great routine to ensure you’re wearing it every day. This can often impact people wearing it when it clashes with their make-up. 

The Australian Cancer Council has recommended, for real protection, you should always wear sunscreen under your make-up (aim for at least SPF+50 wherever possible and broad spectrum). Yes, always. 

This is the dreaded reason many people abandon their SPF commitments – pilling! This comes from a variety of reasons, but it's when the product slides off your skin into little blebs, forming cracks in your flawless make-up. It’s mostly caused by an incompatibility between products or incorrect layering. This leads to 3 important stages of ensuring your make-up application is flawless and your skin is protected: Product choice, Layering and Technique.

Products tend to slide when they are not compatible with your skin type. Follow your skin type like a religion – it means there is a variety of products that just won’t work for you (and that’s ok!). If you have a dry skin type and apply an oily foundation or sunscreen, chances are sliding will occur. Similarly, oily skin types using a powder-dry product will see clumping and the same end effect. 

For Dry Skin – use a great hydrating, serum-like sunscreen that is lightweight and moisturizing. Your face shouldn’t feel oily after the sunscreen absorbs, but it should feel hydrated and soft. Similarly, opt for a creamy cushion foundation or hydrating liquid foundation (keep an eye out for hyaluronic acid or ceramides in your choices).

Sunscreen Picks for Dry Skin 
1. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum  
2. Etude Sunprise Mild Watery Light Sunscreen 
3. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen 

All of these work well with make-up, with minimal pilling (if you layer correctly), whilst providing a nice boost of moisture for the end of your routine. Always remember to apply a moisturizer beforehand, especially if you have dry patches, to ensure smooth application. 

For Oily Skin – you need to ensure your sunscreen has a sweet matte finish or helps balance oils. You want a clean dry canvas through each stage (after skincare, after sunscreen and after foundation) so pick products that absorb well with a great finish. 

1. Dr Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen 
2. Medicube Zero Pore Moisture Sun Serum 
3. Be The Skin Sebum Zero Aloerice Vegan Sun Cream 

These are all peak sun creams for oily skin types – with soothing, gentle formulas that help hydrate, whilst also balancing sebum for a dry and refreshed finish.  

To prevent pilling, you need your layers to dry well and blend together smoothly. Once you have a make-up compatible sunscreen, wait for your morning skincare routine to absorb (5-10 minutes) including serums, moisturizers etc. Your skin should be dry, but dewy to the touch. 

If you have dry patches or oily zones – remember these will then impact your make-up, so blot oily patches with a face towel to help remove excess oils and gently moisturize dry patches to prevent future layers from catching and pilling quickly. Once you learn the sweet spot for future layers; you’ll never have problems with pilling in future (dry, but moisturized and dewy). 

Once your skin is ready, apply a good teaspoon of sunscreen to the palm of your hand and gently massage all over face, neck and tips of ears. It’s important to get good coverage and protection – then leave to dry for 5-10 minutes. You should only start your make-up routine once the sun protection layer is fully absorbed and your skin is again dry/dewy to the touch. Then it’s time for your make-up! 

Now we have a perfect layer of sun protection, the last thing you want to do is pull it off your face with rough make-up application. Sunscreen is oily by nature and even the best sunscreen will pill if you start rubbing foundation into it. 

So, when applying make-up, use a sponge or brush to avoid pulling on the layers underneath. Gently dab foundation from the inside to the outside of your face, never massaging or pushing the layers together roughly. Apply your foundation gently into layers as required, then leave to dry for 2-3 minutes, before applying highlighters, bronzers etc. This gentle technique helps maintain your sunscreen layer, without pilling. Pull it all together with a setting spray, shake and spray over entire face (in a quick T formation) and leave it all to dry without touching. 

Our favourite is the TIRTIR Mask Fit Make-Up Fixer; which is a setting spray that gives you a 24hr perfect finish, with good control for both dry and oily skin types. 

And now you have all the steps needed to be sun safe daily as well as looking your absolute best. Say goodbye to pilling with the right skincare, layering and techniques and you'll be glowing each and every day. 

Remember to put a lot of thought into your sunscreen choice! Make sure it has safe agents for your skin type, proper SPF protection and a great safety profile. And once you have a favourite sunscreen that gives you great protection - never let it go!