Mixing potions...

shandyclover

I normally wear a facial daily moisturizer with an spf of 15 (just been told I need to up it to spf 30 by the dermatologist). I also wear a serum and sometimes a facial sunless tanner, or hint of a tint type thing. Do I put each of these on in layers? or can I actually mix a squirt of each in my hand before applying? it confuses me how each cream is supposed to work applying on top of one another since they all need access to the skin. I have been on the lookout for a BB type cream that has it all: spf 30, serum, and sunless tanner or hint of a tint, but so far found nothing that matches my skin type and shade and doesn't look like I have a foundation mask on. Since I have all of the separate creams is there any harm in mixing them?

Fire_Fox

High risk unless you are a cosmetic scientist or chemistry graduate or do A LOT of research into formulation, you have no idea how the the cocktail of chemicals will react. You would also be massively diluting the sunscreen so you get even less protection. If your serum has real active ingredients like antioxidants these could very well react with other ingredients.

Just switch to a physical sunscreen based on micronised zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these are more stable and do not need to be applied to bare skin. The particles act as little mirrors, they don't absorb into the skin itself. Chemical sunscreens need to be applied to bare skin, they absorb so don't protect the topmost layers, are unstable and can break down in UV light. Also be sure you are applying the recommended amount and frequency, they are not moisturisers, you don't spread a tiny dab thinly.

In the evening after you remove make up use your sunless tanner on naked skin, you don't need your sunscreen then anyway.

CompBunny

I think its quite common practice to mix a bit of moisturiser and foundation. Just squirt a bit of each on your hand and blend. You could try mixing them in a bottle but not sure if they would separate over time?

Have you tried Korean BB creams? They tend to have higher SPF and be better for paler complexions than the western BBs. Lots of them somehow adjust to your skintone, I love my Korean ones and I am a pale redhead. Theres a long thread on BB creams here if you haven't seen it yet: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3833897

EDIT: Maybe ignore my thoughts on mixing following firefox's advice!