Let’s address the elephant in the room: TikTok has undoubtedly transformed into the new beauty bible, featuring all the latest trends. While some trends deserve recognition, a few in the beauty world are raising eyebrows. You might have come across SPF cocktailing on your TikTok FYP. This trend has catapulted into the realm of controversial practice. While the idea behind it seems deftly concocted and has garnered positive approval from the beauty community, many dermatologists and health professionals have come forward to warn against it. So, should you be mixing anything with SPF? We’ll answer all of your burning questions below.

What Exactly is SPF Cocktailing?

Photo by Armin Rimoldi on Pexels

As the name suggests, SPF cocktailing is a popular TikTok trend that involves mixing sunscreen with various complexion-based makeup products, such as concealer, highlighter, foundation, and bronzer, and then applying the mixture directly to the skin. Although we can’t pinpoint the originator of this idea, a TikTok video posted by Painted by Spencer sheds light on the trend. The creator combines sunscreen with a small amount of liquid bronzer, aiming to counteract the white cast for a seamless and undetectable application.

@paintedbyspencer

BOO! 👻 Is your sunscreen having you look like a GHOST?! Try adding in a touch of your liquid or cream bronzer to help eliminate that “white cast” effect! 🤗 I prefer this method of adding in a TINY amount of a deeper-tone pigment rather than a pigment that’s closer to my skintone, such as foundation, which would require more product to achieve this effect and in return, further dilute the sunscreen. Although some say that mixing in ANY product will “destabilize” the sunscreen, but if that’s the case, couldn’t the same be said if we were to apply sunscreen like usual, on top of our other skincare, and then add our foundation, concealer, bronzer, etc on top? Wouldn’t the formulas mesh together anyway? So interesting to me! What do you think? 🤷🏻‍♂️ #sunscreen #makeuphacks #makeuptutorial #makeup #paintedbyspencer

♬ original sound – SPENCER

“I prefer this method of adding in a tiny amount of a deeper-tone pigment rather than a pigment that’s closer to my skintone, such as foundation, which would require more product to achieve this effect and in return, further dilute the sunscreen.” he explained in the caption.

With over 91,000 likes and heaps of praise, beauty enthusiasts claim that this hack gives them a dewy finish, saving time in their morning beauty routines, while others swear by its effectiveness as a skin tint.

Should You Hop into SPF Cocktailing Trend and Mix Makeup with Sunscreen? 

Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels

The real question is, can you mix anything with SPF? Despite the favourable reviews, numerous health professionals, including doctors, dermatologists, and cosmetic chemists, have expressed concerns about this beauty trend.

According to Dr. Marko Lens, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon that specialises in skin ageing and skin cancer, stated in an interview with Byrdie that,”Mixing additional products into sunscreen can alter the chemistry of the sunscreen and affect how it protects the skin from UV rays.Therefore, the skin is not protected from the UV light.”

“If you mix sunscreen with makeup, you will reduce the efficacy of the sunscreen, and it is not possible to predict by how much,” he explained. 

Dr. Sam Bunting, the founder of the DR SAM BUNTING + ASSOCIATES and 41 Harley Street clinic shared on her TikTok account that, “There’s only one cocktail I don’t like and that’s a SPF cocktail.This is an annoying habit of taking a perfectly good sunscreen and mixing it with something ludicrous like a serum or your foundation.”

@drsamskincare

Why SPF Cocktailing is NOT a thing #sunscreen #spf #skincare #sunscreentips #skintok #spfcocktail #sunscreenmistakes

♬ original sound – Dr Sam’s Skincare

“Sunscreen is like a shot, designed to be taken straight up, and not diluted, for maximum impact,” she emphasised. Dr. Bunting clarified in the comment section that layering your products is advisable. 

According to Javon Ford, a cosmetic chemist,” They (sunscreen) go through rigorous validation testing to ensure that the SPF in the formula is consistent from batch to batch. But if you mix the SPFproduct with other skincare products after it’s been tested, then it’s like Russian roulette.”

“It can completely alter the SPF value and disrupt the homogenous dispersion of the sunscreen filters. SPF filters are so finicky, you can’t combine many of them with each other. So it’s a gamble to casually blend it with other skincare or makeup products,” he added. Ford explained further on his TikTok’s video that he recommends layering the sunscreen with products and allowing each layer to absorb individually  into the skin.

As tempting as it might sound to play beauty chemist at home, these experts unanimously recommend against SPF cocktailing. Instead of diluting sunscreen with makeup products before applying, the key to efficacy lies in layering each product individually.

In a standard skincare routine, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen as the final step. Once it’s fully absorbed, you can proceed with your makeup routine. Additionally, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors for maximum protection against harmful UV rays.

The Alternative to SPF Cocktailing

The idea behind SPF cocktailing stems from the common issue of sunscreen, especially mineral-based ones, leaving a white cast. However, there are alternative strategies to combat this problem and achieve a radiant look.

The ultimate foolproof guide is to opt for chemical-based sunscreens. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), these sunscreens act like sponges, absorbing UV rays. Thanks to their blendable formulation, chemical sunscreens don’t leave a ghostly white residue like mineral sunscreens.

Another approach is to use makeup products that are expertly infused SPF. These products not only streamline your beauty routine but also prevent the dreaded white cast. Tinted sunscreens are a prime example as the ideal substitution for SPF cocktailing, offering both sun protection and a natural skin-coloured finish.

However,it’s fundamental to bear in mind that most SPF makeup products have lower SPF levels than recommended. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply a layer of sunscreen before using makeup products with SPF.

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