These Beach-Approved Makeup Products Will Last Under the Hot Sun
We know the concept of makeup and the beach don’t necessarily go together. But we also know how frustrating it can be to be on your beach vacation snapping photos and then not liking any of them because your face is giving a mix of sunscreen and dried salt water.
For this reason, some light makeup at the beach can be beneficial if you know what products to reach for. Obviously, we’re not about to suggest a routine of thick mascara that’ll burn your eyes faster than someone can shout, “jellyfish!” But with the right amount of SPF-infused skin tint and just a little bit of fluff here and there, you can achieve a no-makeup makeup look that’ll hold up during your entire beach day. We tapped makeup experts Kristen Fortier, Jade Munson, and Nydia Figueroa, to explain.
Meet the Expert
Kristen Fortier is a makeup artist and product development manager for Crunchi Cosmetics.
Jade Munson is a lash expert and makeup artist.
Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York and New Jersey.
1. Best for Hot Weather:
GRACE & STELLA Hydrating Rose Facial Spray
“A hydrating spray is a must-have in my beach bag to refresh my face on a summer day,” says Figueroa. “A quick tip with sprays is I like to throw it in the beach cooler to keep it nice and cold before you use it,” she adds.
This hydrating facial spray from GRACE & STELLA has antioxidant-rich rose water to help protect the skin from the sun and other environmental pollutants that may be found on the beach. Just remember that using an antioxidant spray is not enough to protect from the sun; you’ll still need to layer sunscreen after you spray your face.
2. Best for Any Outdoor Adventure:
BARE REPUBLIC SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion
BARE REPUBLIC is a brand powered by COOLA, so you can definitely trust it to keep skin safe from the sun while not clogging pores in the process. This formula is not white-streaky and non-greasy, plus it’s lightly tinted for just the right amount of sun-safe coverage.
3. Best Primer for No-Makeup Makeup:
BE A 10 Begin 2 End Primer
Figueroa loves this priming spray to help your makeup last all day long. You can even use it after makeup application to set it as well. “ It has coconut water and has antioxidant and anti-aging benefits, which is important when being exposed to the sun,” she says.
4. Best No-Stray Lashes:
ARDELL PROFESSIONAL Active Lashes
Am I the only one who had no idea they made lashes for swimming and other active activities? Munson explains: “The Ardell Active Lash styles are good for the beach because they retain their curl when wet,” she says. “From humid weather at the beach to splashing around in the water, your lashes will stay lifted and looking fresh the whole time.”
05. Best SPF-Infused Lip Balm:
CORAL SUN SPF 15 Coconut Lip Balm
One of the most forgotten places for SPF is your lips, and products like CORAL SUN’s SPF 15 lip balm have you covered. It’s made with hydrating coconut oil so your lips will never feel as dry as the sand you’re sitting on at the beach.
6. Best SPF-Infused BB Cream:
PURLISSE BEAUTY Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream SPF 30 in Fair
BB creams and skin tints were made for the beach! At least that’s what I always say when I pack a few options into my beach bag. This BB cream from PURLISSE is oil-free and won’t clog pores even as you sweat under the hot sun all day long. Plus it’s formulated with skin-reflecting pigments that make you look extra glowy and illuminated under the sun.
7. Best Setting Powder If You’re Not Hitting the Water:
CRUNCHI COSMETICS Translucent Setting Powder
Now I only advise this if you’re not going into the water because a powder isn’t going to help you if you dunk your head in the ocean. But if you’re just there to look hot beach or pool-side, a setting powder is a great way to eliminate excess oil on your skin that’s sure to sprout up under the sun. Keep your no-makeup makeup look in place all day with just a few pats of this powder that vegan, non-GMO, and only made with clean ingredients.
8. Best Waterproof Bronzer:
TARTE™ Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess™
Sometimes you want to look like you got a bit of sun before you hit the sun, ya feel me? This waterproof bronzer from TARTE does just that. Swipe it onto your cheeks and dust it around your forehead and under your jaw for a snatched, sun-kissed look. It even helps to absorb excess oil on your skin overtime as you wear it.
9. Best Waterproof Mascara:
MILK MAKEUP Kush Waterproof Mascara
Proceed with caution, here. In my personal experience (I have heavy, thick lashes), waterproof mascara will not hold up how you want it to if you’re fully submerged under water. But if you’re dodging splashes of water here and there and want a mascara that will remain smudge-free all day, reach for this Kush waterproof mascara by MILK. It helps to thicken and condition lashes with cannabis seed oil.
10. Best Waterproof Concealer:
IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
Waterproof concealer is the makeup gods’ gift to all dark circle girlies. Pat on just a tiny bit of this product under eyes to keep them looking awake, even on your most exhausting beach days. Seriously, a little goes a long way with this product, which is just how we like them. According to the brand, “the waterproof formula means it’s on for the long haul, and won’t smudge, crease, or fade on you.”
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