How to Choose the Best Beach Makeup

When you head for the beach this summer you may not feel like applying a full face of makeup but yet you may feel a bit naked with a freshly scrubbed face. Striking the right balance with beach makeup can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips for getting your face ready for a day by the ocean.

Less is more.

Avoid the tendency to apply heavy makeup when you’re heading for the beach. Between sweating in the hot sun and the salty, high humidity environment, you can end up looking like a clown with a heavy makeup application. Go for a light, subtle look. Makeup can look unnatural when you’re showing so much skin and you’re exposed to the bright rays of the sun.

Sun protection is critical.

Even though you’re going to go lighter on the makeup, don’t forget the sunscreen. Even one sunburn can do significantly damage to the skin and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Plus, the effects of sun exposure are cumulative. Be sure to wear a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF factor of at least fifteen. This should be the first thing you put on after you cleanse your skin and it should be applied generously.

Facial makeup

Skip the foundation and use a lightly tinted bronzing powder to add subtle color. If you still need a bit more color on your cheeks, use a brush to lightly apply a light powder blush in a pale coral or pink shade. Follow up with a dusting of translucent, oil-free powder to reduce shine. 

Eye makeup

Eye makeup is best minimized unless you want to look like a racoon when you emerge from the surf. Try curling your lashes using an eyelash curler and follow up with two to three coats of a brown, waterproof mascara. This will subtly accent your eyes without looking overdone. If you feel like you need a little more eye emphasis, apply a subtle line of waterproof eyeliner in a subtle shade of brown.

Lip color

Start with a good lip conditioning stick that has sun protection to moisturize and shield lips from damage. Stay away from bright, heavy lipsticks since they can look too garish and overdone. A better choice would be a lip gloss in a soft shade to add volume and a touch of color to your lips.