While SPF (Sun Protection Factor), the superhero fighting harmful UV rays, has long since been a western beachside essential, it is now a key player in the world of high-performance beauty, globally.

From standalone products to hybrid SPF moisturizers and BB creams, sun protection has gotten a serious style upgrade.

 Everyday Sun Defense

For us South Asians, a radiant, even-toned complexion is challenging to achieve. This is because the melanin-rich skin that makes us oh-so exotic also possesses a heightened vulnerability to sun damage.

Here's the secret, though: flawless, sun-protected skin is absolutely achievable if you’re a skintellectual who knows how SPF works! For starters, ditch the outdated, inexpensive, greasy goops and embrace makeup that offers built-in sun protection designed to enhance your natural glow.

From foundations to lip balms, these multi-tasking marvels save time and eliminate the need to layer products.  

Beauty With Built-In Protection

Look for foundations and moisturizers with an SPF of 15 or higher. Bonus points if you can find SPF 30 and above. Remember, the higher the SPF the better the protection.

Primers, too, offer broad-spectrum SPF protection now, effectively creating a pre-makeup barrier against the sun's harsh effects.

Since lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your face, opt for SPF infused lip balms that provide a matte finish to minimize shine and maximize sun defense.

Lock it all in with setting sprays and powders for an extra layer of protection throughout the day. For touch-ups, use our Softlight Setting Powder, Softlight Banana Powder, or Softlight Peach Powder to mattify your skin and keep your sun protection topped up.

Stay Lusciously Sun-Kissed

While we at Luscious Cosmetics love the sun we love sun defense even more. Our innovative brightening base is a staple that boasts an impressive SPF 35 and offers hydration, priming, and sun protection in one luxurious formula. With its flawless coverage and built-in shield, it’s the perfect addition to your daily beauty routine.

 So, are you still a classic sunscreen devotee or do you prefer the new and improved skincare infused makeup? Let us know in the comments!

 For some the struggle to have clear skin is real! Those with acne-prone skin may find themselves applying products to their skin that worsen problems or feeling as though they are not able to wear makeup at all. Finding the best foundations, concealers, and other products for sensitive skin can be difficult and overwhelming. We have a few tips to help you deal with applying makeup to acne-prone skin and assist you in choosing appropriate products.

Determine if makeup is causing your acne

Acne that comes from makeup typically presents as tiny bumps on the chin, cheeks, and forehead. Some may also develop pimples or whiteheads. The tricky thing about this type of acne is that it can take up to six months to appear which may cause people to miss the link between makeup and the breakouts. Once the breakouts start, the best thing to do is to stop using current products and see if the acne clears up. If the breakouts continue, you can determine that it is not due to the makeup.

Treat your acne

A good skin care routine is important to treating acne in general as well as when you are applying makeup on top. Always remove your makeup at night using an oil-free makeup remover. Additionally, you should clean your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing even when removing makeup.

Clean your brushes

The bacteria that causes acne sticks to makeup, brushes and other applicators. Dead skin and oil also sticks and can be transferred with shared tools and lead to recurring breakouts. The best way to reduce these risks is to only use your own tools and to wash your brushes once a week.

Choose/Apply makeup carefully

There are brands that offer products specifically for those with sensitive and/or acne-prone skin. A good practice is to read the label of products and look for “oil free”, “non-clogging of pores” or

“non-comedogenic.” When applying makeup, use a brush to apply evenly, but gently. The goal is to avoid irritating your skin.