9 Makeup Tips for Your Day at the Beach

If you’re anything like us, then spending time at the beach is one of your favorite summer activities. After all, there’s just something that's just so relaxing about lying on the sand and listening to the sound of ocean waves. Of course, since a beach trip is all about chilling out, you may not be putting too much thought into your beach makeup look—and that’s totally fine! We’re all about going bare-faced, especially during the summer months when the heat and humidity often make midday touch-ups a necessity. That being said, if you’re planning to turn your beach day into a photo op, you may want to wear a bit of makeup. For those occasions, we have a few beach makeup tips and ideas to share. To do your beach day right, consider the following nine tips.

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #1: GET YOUR SUN PROTECTION ROUTINE IN ORDER

Arguably more important than your beach day makeup, regardless of who you’ll be seeing, is your beach day skin care. Before applying any makeup, make sure your sun protection routine is in order. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, but your sun protection routine shouldn’t end there! The FDA also states that you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating), limit your time in the sun during peak hours (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and cover up exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat. Applying sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine before you move onto makeup, speaking of which…

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #2: KEEP THINGS SIMPLE

While your day-to-day makeup routine very well may be comprised of primer, foundation, concealer, and other complexion-perfecting products, it could be a good idea to pare things down for a day at the beach. After all, you may not want to have to worry about touching up your makeup while you’re hanging out with friends or after taking a dip in the ocean. If you don’t plan on getting wet and do want to put on a few products, think about reaching for powders with a matte finish, as liquid products with a radiant finish may end up making you look greasy. Our best face powder with a matte finish is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder, which absorbs excess oil and reduces shine on the skin’s surface.

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #3: REACH FOR BB CREAM, NOT FOUNDATION

If you want a little coverage for your complexion, consider opting for a BB Cream as it’s a multi-purpose product. That way you won’t have to apply separate color-correcting concealer, regular concealer, and foundation. Take your pick from our favorite BB creams, listed below:

L'Oréal Paris Magic By Studio Secrets Skin Beautifier BB Cream: This all-in-one BB cream is also infused with antioxidants vitamins C and E.

L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Fatigue (For All Skin Types): Formulated with color-transforming pigments, this multi-tasking lightweight lotion counteracts signs of skin fatigue.

L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Redness (For All Skin Tones): Too much time at the beach giving you a flushed complexion? Grab this BB cream, which is specifically formulated to combat redness.

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #4: APPLY BRONZER FOR A GOLDEN GLOW

Get your faux glow on while at the beach by applying a matte bronzer. Like we told you earlier, shimmering liquid makeup may end up making you look greasy, so help create a golden-looking glow with a powder bronzer. Grab the L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer and apply it in a “3” shape on both sides of your face with a fluffy makeup brush.

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #5: BRIGHTEN THE LOOK OF YOUR COMPLEXION WITH BLUSH

To help perk up the look of your skin, try applying a cream blush to the apples of your cheeks. Better yet, toss a stick blush in your beach bag for easy touch-ups while on the go! Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Sticks for a gorgeous, natural-looking flush. To use, simply apply a single stroke to each cheekbone and lightly blend out with your fingertips.

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #6: WEAR WATERPROOF MASCARA

Eager to bat those lashes? This wouldn’t be a beach makeup roundup without mentioning waterproof mascara. If you’re going to the beach, wearing a waterproof mascara like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara is pretty much a must. That way, whether you decide to take a dip in the ocean or work up a sweat while soaking up the sun, your mascara won’t run down your face.

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #7: SWIPE ON SOME LIP GLOSS

If you’re all about bold lip looks, go for it! But if you want to embrace a beach babe vibe, skip the lipstick and use a subtle lip gloss, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 8HR Le Gloss, instead. This hydrating formula keeps lips smooth and soft and comes in a range of 20 sheer, luminous shades. Another bonus: This gloss will last for hours—no feathering or fading in sight!

SUMMER MAKEUP TIP #8: HYDRATE SKIN WITH A FACE MIST

In addition to providing skin with an envy-inducing glow, using a hydrating facial mist will also help cool you down on those hot summer beach days—as well as keep your skin hydrated under the beating sun. Spritz on some of the L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist before you head to the beach and keep it in your bag so you can spritz throughout the day.

BEACH MAKEUP TIP #9: USE A LONGWEAR BROW GEL

Of course, we all want bold, filled-in brows—but what happens when you sweat under the sun or jump in the water for a swim? Your average eyebrow makeup might slip and slide down your face, making for a less than ideal makeup situation while you're trying to enjoy a day at the beach. To avoid this unwanted scenario entirely, use a long-lasting, waterproof brow gel, like the L'Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel.

Next: 5 Myths About Summer Makeup Debunked