White-sand beaches. Salty sea air. Frozen cocktails. Hello, Summer!
It’s time to strut your inner goddess along the stretches of a tropical oasis. But before jet-setting off to paradise, be sure to pack your bags with all of the essentials for a natural beach makeup look.
The key to a low-maintenance, long-lasting look is to keep it light, keep it bright and embrace the bronze. Follow our tips below for a simple, fuss-free makeup routine that’s perfect for a sunny beach getaway.
Always Start With Sunscreen
Regardless of skin color or tanning ability, you risk a plethora of negative consequences for failing to protect your skin from the sun. Before applying even one drop of makeup, coat your body (face and neck, too) in a high-SPF sunscreen. Allow a minimum of 20 minutes for the product to soak in before makeup application. Powder sunscreens are ideal for reapplication later in the day, as they won’t mess up your final makeup look.
You may also consider a sunscreen-based primer to prep the skin, like the By Terry SPF50 Invisible Primer. This cream-gel formula is perfect for daily protection, leaves behind a velvet finish and provides long-lasting makeup hold.
Avoid Cream Foundations
It should go without saying that thick, cream-based foundations won’t stand a chance against heat and humidity. Powder foundations tend to perform better in these scenarios, but likely won’t last if you’re planning to enter the water. Stick to light, sheer, waterproof products that absorb into the skin. Our favorite is the Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation.
Going foundation-free is the best option, but if you’re worried about lack of full coverage, mix a small amount of foundation into your sunscreen before applying. For blemishes or dark spots, a small dab of concealer, topped with a pressed-powder, should do the trick.
Opt For Waterproof Eye Products
Well, duh! You can’t go to the beach without waterproof eyeliner or mascara. We’re obsessed with Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner, which seriously will not budge no matter how much water-based fun you endure. As for mascara, look for flake-free options, like Inglot’s Volume & Waterproof Mascara. The clump-free, smudge-proof formula adds volume and lasts all day, even after getting wet and re-drying.
We prefer to skip eyeshadow altogether - because, well, it’s more natural - but if you’d like a little something on your lids, apply a touch of illuminating powder to the inner corners of the eye and under the brow bone. Ofra’s Glazed Donut Highlighter is a great option.
Illuminate and Bronze
Speaking of illumination…
Amp up your glow early in the day with an illuminating cream above the cheekbones, across the forehead, on the chin and along the bridge of your nose. Don’t worry about waterproof formulas. The sun will give you a natural, sun-kissed glow as the day goes on.
While bronzers aren’t necessary for a natural beach makeup look (reference previous sentence), choosing a matte bronzer is best for those beach babes who can’t live without it. Choose a sheer, multi-dimensional color like the ones in BECCA’s Gradient Sunlit collection.
Shop The Look
Now that you’re equipped with all the beach-makeup-expertise you’ll need, it’s time to stock up on the essentials mentioned above.
1) By Terry SPF50 Invisible Sunscreen Primer
2) Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation
3) Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
4) Inglot Volume & Waterproof Mascara
5) Ofra Glazed Donut Highlighter
6) BECCA Gradient Sunlit Bronzer
Tag us on Instagram and Facebook showcasing your natural beach makeup looks, and use the hashtag #crcmakeup for a chance to get reposted!
About Camera Ready Cosmetics
Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set.
If you don’t find the product you’re looking for at Camera Ready Cosmetics, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!
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