It’s a tale as old as time. Girl puts on sunscreen; girl gets on her with her day; then girl gets burnt into a crisp because she forgot that SPF is only fully effective for two hours after application. Nice. It’s one part cautionary tale, and two parts searing (ha) documentary on the contrary nature of humankind: We are slathering on sunscreen with fervent rigor, but to what end? Some claim it unreasonable to schlep a bottle of SPF around, while others prove fonder of pinning their lack of re-application on a full face of makeup. It’s hardly a good idea to slap rich, creamy formulas over a snatched mien — or is it? As it turns out, there proves several genius ways to do so without compromising on your hard-won cut-crease. We’ve provided a full rundown, below.

#1. Be sure that you have a strong sunscreen base under your makeup, first.

Don’t skimp on your SPF. Pump a generous amount all over your face before any makeup, making sure that the top of your forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck are thoroughly drenched. Don’t neglect areas such as the back of your ears or your eyelids, either.

#2. Invest in a tinted sunscreen option.

These are great because they can double as your base makeup products, too. I, Beauty Editor Emily Heng, swear by the Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream with SPF50; an all-in-one complexion-enhancer that provides enough coverage to disguise dark circles while offering sun protection. These can be easily re-applied throughout the day, too, as you would a concealer. Simply dab it on every two hours, and set it all in with a light coating of powder.

#3. Failing that, opt for a powdered variant.

Singapore’s climate nullifies the merits of moisturiser-SPF hybrids. Unless you want to be sweating off your makeup by midday, we instead recommend a powder SPF variant. These bad boys are literally designed to go over your makeup, while granting a matte finish to your visage. Fan-favourites within the beauty sphere include the Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++ as well as the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder SPF 16.

#4. If not, there’s always SPF-containing setting sprays to consider.

Yeah, seriously. However, it should be noted that these types tend to be a little less potent as compared to tinted or powdered renditions, and should be touched up every 30 minutes as compared to two hours. This is particularly true if you’re at the pool or the beach — be sure to have it on hand so you can top up constantly.

#5. Let’s not forget cushion-types, too.

Skip out on the concealer, and dab at your imperfections with an SPF-containing cushion compact instead. This comes with the added benefit of a sponge-type applicator, which makes blending a breeze. In short: a flawless finish and added sun protection. We see no cons.

#6. When all else fails, simply blot, blot, blot.

This tends to be more effective for anyone who is opting for a lightweight sunscreen formula. When in doubt, squeeze some SPF onto a (slightly!) damp beauty blender, and carefully press it onto your face, making sure to blend out any harsh lines or streaking.