TikTok’s ‘sunscreen sandwich’ hack is everywhere—but is it practical in Mumbai weather?

There are few beauty rules the internet agrees on, but SPF is that one non-negotiable. The message is clear: if you're not wearing sunscreen, you're basically inviting fine lines to set up camp on your forehead. And in a country where the sun shows up with full enthusiasm nine months of the year (and the other three just feel humid), it’s fair to say we need more than just one morning layer of protection.

The sunscreen sandwich has been doing the rounds on beauty feeds lately. It’s a layering trick where sunscreen goes on more than once—first before makeup, then again between base and blush, and sometimes even after. No, not a joke. Sunscreen, makeup, more sunscreen... and so on. Like a beauty routine built in layers, but with your SPF doing overtime.

Sounds a bit much? It is. But the logic behind it is actually pretty solid.

The thing about sunscreen? It doesn’t hang around forever. Between pollution, sweat, and the occasional midday breakdown at work, it’s bound to fade. Sure, reapplying every two hours sounds great in theory, but are you really going to pause a meeting, remove your full face, and start patting on SPF like you're in a skincare ad? Exactly.

This technique skips the need to start over. You begin with your usual layer of SPF before makeup, then go in again midway through your routine, and maybe once more on top if your products allow it. It's meant to give you a bit more coverage without ruining the rest of your face.

Will it hold up in Indian weather?

It really comes down to how much effort you’re willing to put in. Because while that SPF may glide on like a dream in your cool, air-conditioned bathroom, the minute you step out into real-life humidity, traffic, and the chaos of a full day—it starts acting up. Especially if you’ve got oily skin or a packed schedule. Layering sounds cute until your face starts feeling like a melting pastry.

Those who stick to minimal makeup or a skin-focused routine might find the sunscreen sandwich manageable. But if your mornings already involve multitasking between concealer, work deadlines, and trying to catch the AC train on time, squeezing in extra SPF layers can feel like one step too many.

Does it actually help?

It can work—but only if you do it properly. Sunscreen needs a decent amount to actually protect your skin; a polite little tap over a full face won’t cut it, especially if your SPF isn’t meant to layer over makeup.

Texture is where it usually falls apart. Some sunscreens just sit awkwardly on top, refusing to blend in, and before you know it, your cheeks are flaking and shedding like the snake you are. 

If your base is light, this method is manageable. But if you’ve spent time blending foundation, bronzer, blush—the works—topping it off with a creamy SPF feels less like skincare and more like a boy who wants you to give him a standing ovation for his bare minimum efforts.

Here are a few recommendations you should definitely try!

Mary&May Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++, ₹2,750

Glides on like butter but dries down to a soft matte finish that actually stays put. No stickiness, no weird patches—just a sun stick that quietly does its job, even on a sweltering afternoon. 

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick, ₹2,399 

This balm-style stick goes on smoothly and feels like nothing on the skin. Great for quick touch-ups, it controls shine without disrupting your makeup or turning your face into a slip 'n slide.

The Formularx Sun Relief Ceramide Silk Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 / PA ++++, ₹699 

Lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and ceramides, it shields from sun damage while doubling as your daily skincare.

Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 50, ₹1,300

The gel texture instantly cools and plumps up the skin, and absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. A reliable go-to sunscreen if hydration and protection are non-negotiable.

iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+, ₹5,090

With zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and a healthy dose of vitamin E, it defends your skin while keeping things calm and balanced—even if you’re sweating through a rooftop brunch. Bonus: it’s also available in a tinted beige version, so skipping foundation suddenly sounds like a great plan.

52 Sundaze SPF 50 Rose Water Sun Mist, ₹799

A rose water-based SPF mist that makes reapplication feel less like a chore and more like a skincare break. Lightweight, refreshing, and made to layer seamlessly over makeup. Because sun protection should work with your routine, not against it.

Feature image credit: Pexels

Inside images: The brands 

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