Summer Sun

Dermatologists Are Coming For TikTok’s SPF Cocktailing Trend

Now in the heat of summer, we’re never too far away from a bottle of sun cream. But while some might take the time to apply their SPF in even layers, others are looking for ways to maximise their sun time (and their tan line) – leading to some slightly problematic application techniques. Cue: SPF cocktailing.

Yet another trend we have TikTok to thank for, SPF cocktailing sees people mix their SPF products into makeup to create one puddle of bronze-coloured goop – with the goal being to combine skincare and beauty routine into one streamlined action. But dermatologists and skincare experts are suggesting that this ‘hack’ is, well, more ‘hack’ than ‘truth’.

‘SPF cocktailing is a new beauty trend that involves mixing your sunscreen with another makeup product such as a bronzer, foundation or concealer and applying this onto your skin as a “cocktail”,’ highlights Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8. ‘This particular beauty trend started on TikTok, with popular influencers recommending it to their followers – and it has since gone viral. The aim of this method of application is to reduce the amount of white cast that some SPFs can leave on the skin.’

But despite its popularity, SPF cocktailing comes with one fatal flaw: it ultimately reduces the protective quality of any SPF you’re using. ‘When you mix an SPF with your other makeup products such as foundation or concealer you are changing the overall properties of the SPF and diluting the strength of the product,’ explains Dr Paris Acharya, a leading aesthetic doctor and facial surgeon. ‘This will therefore reduce the protection that you will be getting.’

It’s not directly harmful as a concoction, adds Daniel, but in the long run you’re not going to give your skin the protection it needs from UV rays. ‘We don’t recommend mixing other products into your sunscreen, as they are carefully formulated to create a protective shield over the skin,’ he adds. ‘Mixing anything else with your sunscreen can negatively impact the integrity of the sunscreen, potentially altering the way it performs and therefore protects the skin.’

So, what is the correct way to apply SPF? Our experts share their top tips.

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Is A Sunscreen Stick Better Than Sun Cream?

When it comes to SPF, we’re all in agreement that you can never have too much of it – especially in summer. But while most of us are pretty good at setting a base layer down before venturing out of the house, those all-important top-ups are often left forgotten. Cue, the sunscreen stick. Designed for quick re-application, this form of sun protection is quickly picking up speed online. Below, we ask skincare experts everything we need to know.

What is a sunscreen stick?

‘A sunscreen stick is a solid-format sun protection product, usually packaged like a deodorant stick or lip balm,’ explains Alice Henshaw, founder of beauty label SkinCycles. ‘It contains UV filters suspended in a waxy or balm-like base, allowing precise application without liquid mess or residue.’

What are the benefits?

• Mess-free application – no drips, spills or white cast

• Portability – perfect for handbags, gym bags, or travel

• Precise coverage – great for delicate or high-risk spots like under eyes, ears, lips or scars

• Less hand contact – hygienic for reapplications on the go

‘What’s great about them is that they’re completely mess-free, easy to carry around and perfect for touch-ups throughout the day on areas you might have missed during your morning application,’ notes Melody Yuan, founder of K-beauty specialist Skin Cupid. ‘It’s also a year-round essential for your handbag, not just in the summer, so that you can reapply SPF when you’re on the go without disrupting your makeup or getting your hands messy.’

‘A sunscreen stick is good because you don’t need to use your fingers to apply the product and don’t need to wash hands before you apply the sunscreen,’ adds Dr. Inna Szalontay, dermatologist and founder of Libi & Daughters. ‘If it was in a jar or tube, you would need to wash your hands and apply it with your fingers.’

Sunscreen Stick vs Sun Cream: Which is better?

While there isn’t necessarily a ‘better’ form of SPF if both products use the same ingredients or formulas – what matters here broad spectrum protection – but the limitations of application do give sun cream a slight edge.

‘Despite sunscreen sticks offering convenience, the firm texture offers up another down side,’ adds Dr Anatalia Moore, NHS GP and cosmetics dermatologist. ‘For oily skin types and for comfort of feel, or sitting under make up, the thicker texture sits heavily.’ She also points out that while not all, ‘many sunscreen sticks are partly mineral SPFs; utilising zinc oxide to provide UV protection. The more zinc oxide in the product then the more white cast. For paler skin types this is tolerable but for darker skin tones this will mean a more streaky appearance unless blended properly and even then may not leave a desirable tone.’

Our experts instead recommend using a liquid SPF for the first application of the day, and topping up with the stick (or using it to go in on sensitive areas) throughout the day. ‘While sunscreen sticks are great as portable top-ups that you can carry around with you, they shouldn’t be your only source of SPF,’ says Melody. ‘You need a full layer of sunscreen in the morning to ensure thorough coverage on all areas of your body.’

‘They can be less uniform than lotions if used alone,’ adds Alice. ‘I recommend using them in combination with your regular sunscreen routine, especially if you’re spending prolonged time in strong sun.’

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