13-05-2025
This SPF-Infused Summer Cosmetic Is Sure To Break The Internet
The sun protection category has never been considered particularly sexy, but Australian sunscreen line Naked Sundays is determined to prove otherwise. Dermatologists are adamant that sunscreen is the most important skincare step when it comes to skin health, both in terms of preventing skin cancer and anti-aging concerns. Yet when it comes to applying makeup, the step is often considered secondary to ensuring seamless product application.
As model and 'sunscreen influencer' Ayumi Yokoyama told me in Los Angeles, one of her top considerations when testing SPF formulas is how well they pair with cosmetics. The last thing you want is for your cosmetics to bead atop the skincare and sunscreen beneath it, while it can be a hassle to re-apply sunscreen without the makeup beneath it budging. These common concerns are all reasons why Naked Sundays has disrupted the sunscreen category, particularly in the overlap where suncare-meets-makeup.
'What sets Naked Sundays apart is their ability to create SPF products that don't feel like sunscreen,' says celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri. 'They offer real protection in formulas that glide on like skincare, enhance like makeup and layer seamlessly without feeling heavy or pilling.'
Ferreri's observations provide insight as to why the Aussie line has become such a viral sensation Stateside. One of her favorite products is the brand's first viral product, the Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF50+, $35, for quick sunscreen re-applications atop makeup. She also names the Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen Perfecting Priming Base, $25, an 'ideal' priming base beneath makeup.
But it is their viral line of blushing and bronzing CabanaGlow Mineral Glow Drops SPF 50, $35, that she dubs as 'staples.' These dew-enhancing complexion products have taken the brand to the next level, with over 2,479% increase in retail sales in 2024 alone. They also sold out no less than seven times when introduced exclusively at Ulta.
'When I first came up with the concept for Naked Sundays, I wanted to solve an issue that myself and so many others had: that it was impossible to reapply sunscreen over makeup,' writes Samantha Brett, CEO and founder of Naked Sundays, in an e-mail.
Celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri creates a look using the new Naked Sundays SPF 50-infused balm tints.
Jessica Ourisman
The story behind this social media-viral brand then began when she became determined to close this gap in the market. From the cultural context of Australia's high emphasis on sun protection (the country has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world), she then set out to create skin protection with skincare benefits in cosmetics-grade formulas that even celebrity makeup artists could stand behind.
Cream blush had already overtaken the beauty industry as one of the most-coveted textures for topping dewy complexions. Now, their extension of their blush category with the GlowBalm Mineral Peptide Sticks is likely to become one of Summer 2025's top launches. Able to be used atop the eyes, lips and cheeks, the multi-tasking formula relays pops of color in three different shades—Dusty Pink, Pink Pop and Bronze—that blend and imbue the skin with peptides, vitamin E, cacao seed and, of course, sun protection.
'We knew people loved the original CabanaGlow SPF50 serum blush and shimmers, but we wanted to give our customers something even easier to throw in their bags and reapply on the go,' Brett continues. 'The multi-stick format just made sense; it helps you add an extra layer of sun protection without sacrificing your makeup or glow.'
Their viral growth also has to do with their business model and consistency across beauty markets. Specifically, the decision to formulate according to globally complaint regulations around SPF (as each country's market possesses distinct regulations around the labelling of sun protection) has streamlined their launch process.
'Getting a product to be SPF 50 compliant in multiple markets is a major undertaking and can take many years. It means rigorous testing for efficacy, stability and safety,' she admits. 'But it was important to me to be globally compliant from day one because we knew we wanted Naked Sundays to be able to reach people across the globe.'
For reference, part of the reason that you cannot currently purchase the Chanel CC Creams in the United States is rumored to be due to this exact issue—the legality around its SPF 50 label. This struggle can also be seen with the Australian brand Ultra Violette, a buzzy sunscreen line whose launch in the United States has required re-formulations and even delays around certain of their SKUs.
One skincare influencer has even helped her followers to order and import the Australian formulas of the line as opposed to the ones manufactured for the United States market. This was never an option for Brett, who wanted to ensure each product launch would be suitable for entry into all global markets from day one—even if it took extra work.
Another part of the brand's DNA has been their commitment to innovating with textures. This was evident from their original viral product, the Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up Spray. While infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum, what made it extra unique was that the SPF 50 sunscreen was specifically designed to be applied over makeup like a setting spray. Again, being globally compliant also meant it was highly accessible to consumers worldwide.
'This product was the game-changer for us and our first product to go viral,' Brett explains of the sun protective mist, which is essentially a hybrid of sun protection and setting spray. 'People weren't just reapplying their sunscreen—they were excited to do it. It sparked a movement and set the tone for the multi-tasking products that followed.'
There have admittedly already been spray-on sunscreens designed for use over makeup, such as the less well-known but beloved Seriously Fab Zinc It Over line. The indie brand's non-nano Zinc formula is a shoe-in for those that shop exclusive for 'clean' beauty brands. However, its SPF 25 designation falls short of Naked Sundays' SPF 50. It also comes in at a higher price point of $44.50 as opposed to $35, while being generally less accessible as a strictly direct-to-consumer line.
As for the new GlowBalms, their 22.75% zinc oxide levels—the mineral sun blocker used—is also significant as the mineral is notoriously difficult to formulate with when it comes to product texture. Brett points out, these new tints took some two years to formulate—and the effort shows.
In the TikTok above, Ferreri was able to blend this new category of 'functional cosmetics' into a glow-enhancing look that is as worthy of a special event as a day at the office, while affording a level of protection that is fit for the beach.
'For the look, I started with the CabanaGlow serums as a base, which I applied using my fingers to help it melt it into the skin for a seamless finish. Then I then layered the glow sticks strategically: on the high points of the cheeks, brow bones, and a touch on the bridge of the nose,' Ferreri explains.
After using a brush to pick up and transfer the product onto my face, she then used a damp beauty blender to soften the pigment into my complexion. To set, she opted for powder due to my oily complexion. But for dryer skin types, this step can be skipped so the Glow Mist can easily lock everything in while keeping the skin luminous, fresh and protected throughout the day.
As far as tips for using the stick format of the balm, the celebrity makeup artist shares that they are extremely convenient for 'travel, touch-ups or to simplify the kit' as well as for drier skin types for whom they can bring back glow without caking. You can also underpaint with them, applying them as a base before liquid makeup to ensure that the products blend in without lifting. If you are using the stick for touch-ups, after already applying makeup, Ferreri says to 'pat it on gently with the fingers or a sponge to avoid disrupting the makeup layers beneath.'
"Don't be afraid to use these products like hybrids—SPF, skincare and makeup all in one,' Ferreri says in a final point. 'They're buildable, layer-able and skin-friendly.'
With the Naked Sundays SPF50 GlowBalm Mineral Peptide Stick, $28, available to shop online, it's officially time to get your summer beauty looks ready.
