Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Mist: Reapply Sunscreen Review

Reapplying sunscreen is a core principle of daily skin protection, yet it remains one of the most overlooked steps in modern skincare routines. Even high-SPF formulas offer optimal defense for only a limited window—typically around two hours under strong UV exposure. Skipping this step significantly reduces the benefits of your initial application, leaving the skin vulnerable even when you “already used SPF” earlier in the day.

Many people struggle with consistency because traditional cream- or lotion-based sunscreens can feel heavy, greasy, or disruptive—especially when applied over makeup or sweaty skin. This practical inconvenience creates a daily trade-off between protection and comfort, a challenge familiar to anyone with an active lifestyle or outdoor commute.

To address this gap, Australian skincare brand Ultra Violette introduces the Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist, a lightweight, transparent, makeup-friendly SPF spray designed to make reapplication genuinely effortless. Its fine mist format allows users to top up protection anytime without disturbing their look.

In this review, we explore how this product functions, who it’s best for, and why Ultra Violette co-founder Ava Matthews believes this mist can transform the way young adults approach everyday sun protection.

The Inspiration: A Practical SPF Solution for “Oh-No Moments”

The Preen Screen SPF 50 Mist was designed not only as an efficient reapplication tool but also as a rescue solution for those last-minute “I forgot sunscreen” moments after finishing a full face of makeup. The name “Preen”—meaning to groom or perfect one’s appearance—captures the product’s goal: maintaining a polished look while ensuring strong UV protection.

According to Ultra Violette co-founder Ava Matthews, the idea grew from customer feedback and her own struggles with SPF habits. She explains that reapplying sunscreen—especially over makeup—is a challenge shared by most users, including herself and co-founder Bec Jefferd.

“Honestly, I’m not always disciplined. Sometimes I only realise I skipped SPF when my makeup is already done—super frustrating,” Matthews told us.

Preen Screen ultimately serves two roles: an easy reapplication method and a quick emergency fix for missed morning sunscreen. Matthews also highlights that the mist format was chosen for its convenience and barely-there feel (with the exception of very windy conditions). It adds a refreshing touch without disrupting makeup, making consistent SPF use more achievable for everyday consumers.

Formula Analysis: A Calming, Makeup-Friendly SPF Mist

Many SPF mists are often criticized for causing stinging or discomfort due to high levels of alcohol or oily solvents used to disperse UV filters. Ultra Violette’s Preen Screen takes a different approach, focusing on soothing and skin-balancing ingredients that make it suitable even for sensitive or makeup-wearing skin.

Key ingredients include:

• Bisabolol – A well-known calming agent that helps reduce redness and irritation.
• Aloe Vera – Delivers instant soothing hydration, ideal for heated or stressed skin.
• Niacinamide – Strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and improves overall texture.

According to co-founder Ava Matthews, the challenge was creating a dual-function formula that behaves like both a makeup-setting spray and a high-protection SPF 50 mist—without the greasy feel, eye-stinging effect, or makeup disruption commonly associated with other SPF sprays. Transparency and comfort were non-negotiable.

The product’s standout feature is its unique film-forming technology, which allows UV filters to adhere evenly to the skin, forming a protective, lightweight shield that doesn’t feel sticky. Its hydrophobic nature also helps lock makeup in place, ensuring active ingredients remain on the skin’s surface for consistent protection throughout the day.

The Review: Building Consistent Sun Protection Habits

Like many skincare beginners, maintaining consistent sunscreen use can be challenging—even with solid morning application habits. After incorporating Ultra Violette’s Future Screen into the routine, the next hurdle was reapplying sunscreen over makeup, a step that often felt inconvenient and messy.

This is where Preen Screen SPF 50 Mist truly changes the game. Unlike typical SPF mists that can feel drying, sting the eyes, or carry a strong chemical scent, this formula delivers a noticeably more comfortable experience.

What stands out:

• Ultra-fine mist: Disperses evenly, offering an instant veil of hydration.
• Finish: Leaves a fresh, dewy glow without unwanted greasiness—ideal for everyday wear or midday touch-ups.

Even without considering its SPF benefits, this mist would still function beautifully as a refreshing face spray. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, ensuring users can maintain consistent UV protection throughout the day, especially during summer or periods of high UV exposure.

Overall, Preen Screen effectively removes the psychological and practical barriers to sunscreen reapplication—making daily SPF consistency far more achievable.

How to Use It

While Preen Screen SPF 50 Mist can function as a standalone sunscreen, Ultra Violette co-founder Ava Matthews recommends a more strategic approach: using it primarily as a reapplication tool throughout the day. Most users already rely on a favourite cream or lotion sunscreen each morning, and this mist is designed to complement—not replace—those habits.

“Our main goal was to simplify the reapplication step, which many people find annoying or inconvenient,” Matthews explains.

The method is simple: apply your regular morning sunscreen, then use Preen Screen for periodic touch-ups as UV exposure continues. This ensures consistent protection while offering extra benefits: it works like a makeup-setting spray and provides a midday refreshing glow.

The mist is also flexible. For individuals with sensory sensitivities—those who dislike heavy textures or the feel of product on the skin—this mist can serve as the primary SPF option thanks to its barely-there finish. With SPF 50 and PA++++ protection, it delivers broad-spectrum defence without weight, making it ideal for all-day comfort and easy, consistent UV protection.

Formula Comparison: Chemical vs. Mineral Filters in SPF Mists

Choosing the right UV filter is essential, especially in mist-format sunscreens. UV filters fall into two main categories: Chemical and Mineral (Physical), each influencing texture, finish, and practicality for reapplication.

Most transparent, lightweight mists—including Ultra Violette Preen Screen—use chemical filters, which are well-suited to spray formulas.

Advantages of Chemical Filters in Mists

Chemical filters (such as Avobenzone or Octisalate) absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Dermatology experts note that they are ideal for mists because they offer:

• True Transparency: They dissolve fully into liquid bases, avoiding the white cast commonly seen with mineral formulas.
• Lightweight Feel: This is crucial for reapplying over makeup without disrupting the finish.

Mineral filters (Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide), while effective, are far harder to formulate into a clear mist. They can settle, clog, or leave residue, making them less practical for midday touch-ups.

Skincare specialists highlight that combining modern chemical filters with soothing agents like niacinamide—as seen in Preen Screen—provides strong, comfortable protection with minimal irritation risk, making it a highly functional choice for daily reapplication.

Longevity & Wear Test: How Well It Holds Under Makeup

One of the biggest concerns when reapplying sunscreen is whether the product can maintain protection without disturbing existing makeup. This makes a wear test essential, especially for a mist positioned as a reapplication solution.

Stability Over Makeup

Applying cream sunscreen over makeup often leads to smudging, caking, or excessive shine. A mist format solves this problem by reducing physical contact—an approach many dermatologists recommend for midday SPF touch-ups.

The performance of Preen Screen relies heavily on its film-forming technology, which creates a breathable, flexible shield on the skin. Once sprayed, the mist delivers two key benefits:

1. Makeup Lock-In: Its hydrophobic layer functions similarly to a setting spray, keeping makeup fresh and intact.
2. Consistent UV Protection: UV filters adhere evenly to the skin, maintaining protection throughout sweating, movement, and outdoor activity.

Testing shows that midday application provides a healthy refreshed glow while noticeably extending makeup longevity. For users who want continuous SPF protection without compromising their makeup aesthetic, Preen Screen proves to be a highly reliable and practical tool.

Irritation Potential: For Sensitive and Oily Skin Types

SPF mists—especially those using chemical filters—often raise concerns about irritation, stinging, or discomfort around the eyes. This is usually linked to the higher solvent content required to achieve a fine, lightweight spray.

Ultra Violette addresses this issue by incorporating soothing, skin-supportive ingredients into the Preen Screen formula.

Soothing Components for Sensitive Skin

Dermatology experts highlight the importance of calming agents such as Bisabolol and Aloe Vera. Bisabolol helps reduce redness and irritation that may occur from UV filters, while Aloe Vera offers cooling hydration.

For oily or combination skin, Niacinamide is a valuable addition. Clinically shown to regulate sebum, refine pores, and strengthen the skin barrier, it prevents the heavy or greasy look that sometimes results from repeated sunscreen application.

With SPF 50 protection plus barrier-supportive ingredients, makeup wearers and those with oily skin can benefit from both UV defense and improved shine control. However, individuals with known sensitivities to chemical filters should still conduct a patch test, even though the formula is designed to minimize stinging and irritation around the eyes.

Final Thoughts

Ultra Violette’s Preen Screen SPF 50 Mist stands out as an innovative solution to one of skincare’s biggest challenges: consistent sunscreen reapplication. Delivering SPF 50 and PA++++ protection, it effectively bridges the gap between strong UV defense and makeup compatibility.

By using transparent chemical filters, the mist avoids white cast issues entirely. Its unique film-forming technology keeps makeup stable while ensuring UV filters remain evenly distributed—even during heat, sweat, or outdoor activity.

Skin experts also praise its soothing formula, enriched with Niacinamide and Bisabolol, making it suitable for oily, combination, and mildly sensitive skin. The lightweight texture, refreshing finish, and ease of use transform what used to be an inconvenient chore into a quick, pleasant midday touch-up.

Overall, Preen Screen modernizes SPF habits by offering high protection, comfort, and cosmetic elegance—helping users stay consistent with sun safety every day.