SPF Mistakes You’re Still Making (And How to Fix Them in 2025)

September 04, 2025 Georgiana Ciolac

The SPF Problem Nobody Talks About

Let’s get real: sunscreen isn’t optional. It’s not just for the beach, not just for July, and definitely not just for people who burn easily.
But here’s the catch — most people are still doing SPF wrong. Even in 2025.

We’re here to call it out — and fix it.

Mistake #1: Only Applying Once

You slather it on in the morning and think you’re done. Wrong.
SPF is not a one-time shield. UV rays keep hitting all day, and filters break down with time, sweat, and light.

The Fix: Reapply every 2–3 hours. If that sounds impossible, choose a formula that makes reapplication painless: lightweight, matte, invisible. (Yes, like THE SHIELD+.)

Mistake #2: Skipping Cloudy Days

“I don’t see the sun, so I don’t need SPF.”
UV rays laugh at clouds. Up to 80% still pass through. That means your skin is getting hit even on grey Mondays, rainy Sundays, and cozy Netflix days by the window.

The Fix: Daily means daily. SPF isn’t seasonal — it’s routine.

Mistake #3: Relying on Makeup With SPF

Your tinted moisturizer says SPF 15. Cute.
But here’s the truth: you’d need to apply 7–10 times more product than you actually use to hit that protection level. And who’s caking on that much foundation? No one.

The Fix: Makeup SPF = bonus, not protection. Always use a real sunscreen underneath.

Mistake #4: Using Too Little

A pea-sized drop isn’t enough. Neither is that half pump you “spread thin.”
Dermatologists say: you need about half a teaspoon for your face and neck. That’s more than most people realize.

The Fix: Be generous. Sunscreen only works if it’s covering you fully.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the Finish

A greasy, heavy, white-cast SPF makes people quit. That’s not your fault — that’s bad product design.

The Fix: Upgrade to formulas that disappear. THE SHIELD+ was made to fix this exact problem: broad spectrum (UVA + UVB), lightweight, matte, no white cast.