A pink-tinted sunscreen combines the sun protection step and a make-up base in a single layer on the mornings when you wear make-up. Two things determine the result here: order and amount.
In short: In your morning routine, apply Crush On Pink after moisturiser and before make-up, as the last skincare step. Use at least 1 teaspoon for the face (as the AAD describes it, about enough to cover the length of your index and middle fingers); do not use less because you are wearing make-up. Apply it about 15 minutes before going outdoors, then move on to foundation or powder. The pink colour is a matter of appearance; the level of protection is shown by the SPF 50+ value.
In what order do you apply Crush On Pink on a make-up day?
Crush On Pink is the very last skincare step and the very first layer of make-up: first moisturiser, then sunscreen, and finally foundation or powder.
| Order | Step | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleansing, serum if you use one, moisturiser | Let each layer absorb before applying the next. |
| 2 | Crush On Pink | At least 1 teaspoon; dot it on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, then spread it. Cover your neck and ears too. |
| 3 | Setting | Apply it about 15 minutes before going outdoors; you can do your make-up in the meantime. |
| 4 | Foundation or powder | On top of the sunscreen; the amount of sunscreen is not adjusted to suit your make-up. |
| During the day | Reapplication | Every two hours when outdoors, using a sunscreen stick, which can be applied over make-up without rubbing |
The recommended amount for the face and the waiting time before going outdoors are the same as in the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommendations for applying sunscreen. For how often to reapply on days when you spend a long time outdoors, see the guide to sunscreen amount and reapplication.
How do you use a pink sunscreen as a make-up base?
As a make-up base, Crush On Pink forms the first layer under foundation or powder: apply the full amount, let it set, then apply your make-up on top. Its pink-tinted texture gives the skin a more even-looking tone before foundation; on days without make-up, the same layer, in the same amount and order, takes care of the morning sun protection step on its own.
In a laboratory study simulating real-life use, sunscreen applied in less than the recommended amount gave a measured SPF clearly lower than the value on the label, while layering it with make-up clearly increased the effective SPF, even with small amounts. Our advice for Crush On Pink stays the same, however: on make-up days too, sunscreen is applied in the full amount. How to make the layers sit without pilling, and the full preparation before foundation, are covered in the steps for preparing your skin before make-up.
Does a pink sunscreen replace foundation, and does it cover dark spots?
No: Crush On Pink is not a foundation or a concealer but a sunscreen whose pink texture gives the skin a more even-looking tone. Covering pronounced dark spots calls for a concealer; care aimed at the look of dark spots is the job of a dark spot serum.
- Pink colour: a feature of texture and appearance. The intensity of the colour tells you nothing about protection; the level of protection is shown by the SPF 50+ value.
- Days when you want concealer: apply concealer and foundation on top once Crush On Pink has set.
What is the role of Crush On Pink in a routine for the look of dark spots?
Crush On Pink is the morning step of a routine aimed at the look of dark spots; the evening step is taken on by a targeted dark spot serum. The morning step takes care of sun protection and the evening step of care aimed at the look of dark spots; the two products do not replace each other.
| Time | Step | s'hevec example |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Cleansing, moisturiser | Your own routine |
| Morning, last step | Sun protection and a more even-looking tone | Crush On Pink |
| Evening | Cleansing, dark spot serum, moisturiser | Hit The Spot |
Both products contain alpha arbutin, but their roles differ. Hit The Spot Tranexamic Acid and Alpha Arbutin Dark Spot Serum is a serum with 2% tranexamic acid and 2% alpha arbutin that is used mainly in the evening; in Crush On Pink, no ingredient concentration is given and sun protection takes priority. What this ingredient is and where it fits in a routine is explained in the alpha arbutin guide.
What's in the Crush On Pink formula?
Crush On Pink SPF 50+ Pink-Tinted Sunscreen is a 50 ml sunscreen for combination and normal skin; as with our other sun products, no ingredient concentrations are given. For other textures and finishes, see our SPF 50+ sunscreens.
| Feature | Crush On Pink |
|---|---|
| Protection | SPF 50+ (very high protection) |
| Notable ingredients | Alpha arbutin, niacinamide |
| Supporting ingredients | Ginger extract (Zingiber officinale), calamine |
| Texture | Pink-tinted; make-up base |
| Skin type | Combination, normal |
Alpha arbutin is a glucose-bound form of hydroquinone and is used in formulas aimed at the look of dark spots. Ginger extract and calamine are included in the formula as supporting ingredients.
Who is Crush On Pink not for, and who should take care?
Crush On Pink was designed for combination and normal skin; in the situations below, a different product or an extra precaution is needed.
- A very shiny look: if you have oily skin and want a matte finish, Matte's Up? SPF 50+ Mattifying Sunscreen is an option. The differences in texture and finish across our sun products are brought together in the comparison table in the hybrid sunscreen article.
- Expecting a concealer or a dark spot serum: as explained above, Crush On Pink replaces neither; a separate evening step is set up for the look of dark spots.
- Sensitive skin and the eye area: avoid contact with the eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. If, after applying it, you notice stinging on your face that does not go away or redness that becomes increasingly noticeable, remove Crush On Pink with your cleanser and stop using this product.
Frequently asked questions
Can Crush On Pink be used with a morning serum?
Yes. The serum goes on clean skin first, followed by moisturiser; Crush On Pink is always the last skincare step. For example, if you use Glow Me Like You Do, the order is serum, moisturiser, Crush On Pink.
Can Crush On Pink be applied only to areas with dark spots?
No. Crush On Pink is a sunscreen; it is dotted on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin and spread over the whole face, neck and ears. Targeted care for specific areas is the job of the dark spot serum in the evening step.
Do you need to apply Crush On Pink on cloudy days as well?
Yes. According to the AAD, your skin is exposed to UV rays every time you go outside, including on cloudy and winter days. The directions for Crush On Pink also say to apply it every day, including on cloudy days.
What should I do before using Crush On Pink for the first time?
If your skin is sensitive, try Crush On Pink on a small area once a day for at least one week before moving on to your whole face; the AAD also recommends trying new products on a small area first. If the test area stays calm, you can use it on your whole face.
Can Crush On Pink be used during pregnancy?
Crush On Pink contains alpha arbutin and niacinamide alongside its sun filters. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, consult your doctor before use. In that conversation, show the ingredient list on the packaging.
Sources
- Kim MA et al. Layering sunscreen with facial makeup enhances its sun protection factor under real-use conditions. Skin Res Technol. 2021.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). How to apply sunscreen.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). How to test skin care products.
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. s'hevec products are cosmetic products and are not intended for medical treatment. It was prepared by the s'hevec Team on the basis of the s'hevec product data library and the sources listed above.
