Growing up, my parents would lather my WHOLE body in sunscreen before we went for a beach day. As a result, I put on my facial sunscreen every day to help fight against the strong Charleston UV rays. However, lately I’ve been scrolling through TikTok and noticed influencers placing self tanner or sunscreen only on specific parts of there face. After doing a little more research, I learned this unique application process is known as sunscreen contouring.
Sunscreen contouring is a new beauty trend that has been gaining popularity on TikTok. The idea is to use sunscreen to create the illusion of chiseled features, such as a more defined jawline and cheekbones. However, there are several dangers associated with this trend that you should be aware of before you make the decision of trying out this trend yourself.
Dangers of Sunscreen Contouring:
- Poor Sun Protection. One of the biggest dangers of sunscreen contouring is that it can actually make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. This is because sunscreen is designed to be applied evenly over the entire face, but when you use it to contour, you are inevitably leaving some areas of your face unprotected. This can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
- Combining Two SPF Products Results
- Hard to Apply. Sunscreen contouring can be time-consuming and difficult to do. If you are not careful, you can end up with a streaky or uneven look.
- Difficult to Re-Apply
Sunscreen contouring can make it difficult to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. This is important because sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, so it is important to reapply it every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
So…
While sunscreen contouring may seem like a quick and easy way to achieve a more chiseled look, the risks simply outweigh the benefits (especially when it comes to your face). Instead, focus on protecting your gorgeous face with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You can also use other makeup techniques to create the illusion of chiseled features, such as bronzer and highlighter.
Here are some tips for applying sunscreen to your face without contouring:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply the sunscreen to your face and neck in a thin, even layer.
- Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, such as around your eyes, nose, and lips.
- Reapply the sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
If you are concerned about sun damage, there are other, safer ways to protect your skin. These include wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas of your skin. By following these tips, you’ll keep your skin looking younger and healthier for longer!
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