You deserve to wear makeup wherever you want, even when you’re on the beach. The sun, sea, and sand mean you will need to use different products and techniques than you use for your regular, daily routine. You will want to create a carefree, beach-appropriate look that doesn’t melt or smear in the sun. Here are some hacks to help you achieve the look. 

Avoid raccoon eyes after a swim.

There’s nothing worse than coming out of the water after a swim with raccoon eyes. If you don’t want to go without mascara and eyeliner, you must choose proven waterproof formulas that don’t let you down. 

You can even go without mascara and still look glamorous if you choose to wear eyelash extensions. Water is no threat to the natural-looking waterproof lashes from Lilac St., Ardell, or Mac. These eyelash extensions are made from waterproof materials that hold up well against water exposure. You can apply them yourself and wear them for 5 to 10 days, depending on the glue you choose. 

Never skip the sunscreen

Protection from the harsh rays of the sun is non-negotiable. If you don’t wear sunscreen, your skin will age much faster. Always wear sunscreen even if your makeup already has an SPF. 

Ideally, use an SPF of 30 or higher and re-apply it every 90 to 120 minutes. You may want to use a mineral SPF containing Zinc or Titanium Dioxide rather than chemical sunscreens. There are sunscreens that both brighten the skin and offer broad-spectrum sun protection. 

Keep foundation light

When you’re on the beach, your skin is going to heat up, which means your pores will open up, and you are probably going to sweat. In humid weather, any creamy or greasy makeup product is going to smudge very quickly. The heavy foundation will start looking cakey and overdone. Using light and sheer foundation will prevent your pores from getting clogged and make it look more natural. Pat your foundation on rather than rubbing it on, as this makes it appear lighter. 

Powder your t-zone

Having a mineral powder at hand is great in terms of absorbing oil. A little pressed powder on your t-zone will eliminate any shine. Many powders also often offer SPF, which adds another level of sun protection. It’s really easy to just keep touching up, especially when you’re going in and out of the water.

Use a neutral color cream eyeshadow

While it may seem counterintuitive, wearing cream formulas instead of powders is better at the beach. They are much easier to touch up. Stay away from dark, brightly colored eye shadow and rather choose a neutral color that matches your natural skin tones, especially if you’re planning to swim. 

Stick to cream blush or bronzer

When it comes to the beach, wearing too much blush looks unnatural. If you want to use blush, a peach color will work well. When applying it to your cheeks, don’t just apply it to the apples but work it upwards and outwards to your hairline. It is easier to fix smeared blush if you use a cream formula rather than a powder, as creams are easier to blend. 

Using a cream bronzer instead of blush is another great hack. The cream formula won’t slide right off your skin in the heat, and choosing a color to complement your skin tone will give you a natural glow. 

Apply brow pencil rather than powder

For beach makeup, use a brow pencil instead of powder. Choose a shade a little lighter than your actual brows, so they don’t look too harsh. Fill them in where necessary and apply a clear gel to them to keep the color from smearing. When your brows look more defined, your whole face looks more put together. 

Use a lip balm with a tint – not lip gloss 

You may love a glossy lip look, but it’s best to leave lip gloss at home. Exposure to sun, sand and waves will turn it into a sticky mess. A lip balm with a tint will look good and feel good, and if you choose one containing SPF, it will protect your lips from the sun. A lip stain also looks more natural than lipstick and doesn’t leave you with a sticky finish.