You’ve done your skincare, applied your sunscreen and started your makeup. Then suddenly your foundation begins rolling into tiny little balls.

If you’ve experienced sunscreen under makeup pilling, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. And it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with your sunscreen or your foundation.

Often, it comes down to the way your products are being layered. Too many layers, not enough time between them or simply two textures that don’t work particularly well together can all affect how smoothly your makeup sits.

Here’s what to try.

What is pilling?

Pilling is when layers of skincare or makeup begin to roll or clump on the surface of the skin.

You might notice:

• Small flakes or balls appearing as you blend foundation
• Primer rolling away underneath your fingers
• Foundation looking patchy or separating
• Your base moving around rather than blending smoothly

It can happen when there is simply too much product sitting on the skin or when one layer hasn’t had time to settle before the next is applied.

The good news?

You may not need to replace your entire routine.

1. Give each layer time to settle

This is probably the easiest thing to change.

If you apply moisturiser, sunscreen, primer and foundation one immediately after another, you’re stacking several different formulas before any of them have had time to settle.

Instead, slow the layering down.

Apply your skincare.

Give it time to absorb.

Then apply your sunscreen according to the directions on its label.

Before moving on to makeup, allow the sunscreen layer to settle rather than immediately applying foundation over the top.

Use that time to do your hair, brush your brows or get dressed. A few extra minutes between layers can make your base much easier to work with.

2. Simplify what sits underneath

More skincare isn’t always better when you’re planning to wear makeup over it.

If your morning routine looks something like:

• Serum.
• Another serum.
• Facial oil.
• Moisturiser.
• Sunscreen.
• Primer.
• Foundation.

That’s a lot of different formulas sitting on top of one another.

On makeup days, experiment with simplifying your routine. You may find that your skin only needs a few essential layers underneath your makeup.

Save your more elaborate routines for the evening if they tend to interfere with your base.

You can explore our skincare range to build a routine that works with the way you actually wear your makeup.

3. Avoid overworking the skin

Once you’ve created your sunscreen layer, try not to continually rub, massage and move the products sitting underneath your makeup.

When applying your foundation, use gentle movements and avoid repeatedly going over the same area.

The more you disturb multiple layers, the more opportunity there is for them to start rolling together.

Use the application method that works best with your products and skin, but keep the blending light and controlled.

4. Pay attention to how your products layer together

Sometimes two products simply don’t sit beautifully on top of one another. That doesn’t necessarily mean either formula is a bad product.

It can simply mean that particular combination isn’t ideal for your routine.

If your makeup pills every single time you use the same combination, experiment with changing one product at a time.

For example: Keep your sunscreen the same and try your foundation without primer. Or keep your foundation the same and simplify the skincare underneath.

Changing one element at a time makes it much easier to work out where the problem is coming from.

5. Use less primer

Primer can be helpful for creating the finish you want from your foundation.

But if you already have several skincare layers plus sunscreen underneath, applying a heavy layer of primer can sometimes create more product than your skin needs.

Try using a smaller amount of your Mineral Primer.

Focus it only on the areas where you actually want its effect rather than automatically covering your entire face with a thick layer.

You may even find you prefer your foundation directly over your sunscreen once the sunscreen has settled.

Experiment and see which combination wears best for you.

6. Apply foundation in light layers

Heavy foundation application can also disturb what’s underneath.

Start with a thin layer. Blend it gently. Then add extra coverage only where you need it.

This is particularly useful if you’ve already applied several products underneath your base.

Using less foundation initially gives you more control and means there’s less product being moved around on the surface.

What if your makeup still pills?

Strip the routine back and test it.

The next time you wear makeup, try:

Your normal skincare.
Your sunscreen, used according to its label.
Your foundation.

Skip the primer temporarily. If that works, add the primer back another day.

If the pilling returns, you’ve learned something about that combination.

If it doesn’t, test another layer.

Think of it less like completely rebuilding your routine and more like working out which products are happy sitting together.

What about topping up sunscreen over makeup?

This is where it’s especially important to follow the directions of the specific sunscreen product you’re using.

In Australia, therapeutic sunscreens have product-specific directions for use, including application and reapplication instructions, and the TGA advises consumers to follow those directions rather than assuming every sunscreen should be used the same way.

That means we wouldn’t recommend changing the amount, timing or application method simply to preserve your makeup.

If you need to reapply sunscreen during the day, check the label of the product you’re using and follow its directions.

Sunscreen should also be used as one part of broader sun-protection measures, alongside things like shade, protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Don’t let your makeup routine override the sunscreen directions

This is the most important part.

The aim of this guide is simply to help your makeup sit more comfortably over your morning layers.

It isn’t about changing the way your sunscreen itself should be applied.

Different sunscreen products can have different directions, and Australian therapeutic sunscreen labels are required to include information such as directions for use and warnings.

Always follow the label on the sunscreen you’re actually using.

Then build your makeup routine around it.

Your anti-pilling routine

If you want the simple version:

• Keep your morning skincare simple.
• Avoid stacking unnecessary layers before makeup.
• Use your sunscreen according to its label.
• Don’t change its application directions to suit your foundation.
• Give your layers time.
• Let one product settle before immediately adding another.
• Use primer strategically.
• A thin layer may be all you need.
• Apply foundation lightly.
• Build coverage gradually rather than disturbing everything underneath.
• Change one product at a time.
• If something keeps pilling, isolate the combination rather than replacing your whole routine.

Your sunscreen and makeup can coexist

Wearing sunscreen underneath makeup doesn’t need to mean starting your foundation over three times every morning.

Often, the solution is simply fewer layers, more time between them and a lighter hand with your makeup.

If one particular combination keeps refusing to cooperate, change one element and test again.

And most importantly, let the directions on your sunscreen guide how you use it.

Questions about the order of your skincare and makeup? Our team can help you work through your routine step by step, with no purchase required.

SPEAK TO OUR TEAM HERE.