3 Makeup Looks That You Can Wear to the Beach

by Victoria Vallecorse

Published May 4, 2023

Summer is synonymous with showing some skin. But the challenge is always above the shoulders — how do you keep your face looking fresh while still protected? I’ve got you covered. Hit the shore with beach-friendly makeup that shields against harmful sun rays and stays strong in the water. With natural looks ranging from flushed to fierce, here’s how to get that safe, radiant glow.

Note: Remember to bring a hat on your summer excursions and wear a broad spectrum SPF throughout sun exposure.

And, always apply sunscreen to your face BEFORE creating these beach looks, even if some of your products (like those below) contain SPF.

Rosy Flush

Using a fluffy powder brush, apply Jouer Cosmetics Soft Focus Hydrate + Set Powder. I love how this hyaluronic acid and vitamin E-infused powder offers coverage and antioxidant protection while you’re out under the rays. The silky texture cushions skin and diffuses imperfections, plus it’s virtually undetectable.
Comb your brows with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Extreme Hold Laminated-Look Sculpting Wax for sculpted arches that won’t budge, sunrise to sunset.
Concentrate Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze in Cherie on the apples of your cheeks for a pop of sculpting color in an eye-catching, rosy shade.
Apply Wayne Goss The Waterproof Mascara on the base of your lashes and sweep outward to create fuller and delicate looking strands with waterproof staying power.
Finish off the look by swiping on the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter, which drenches lips in a clear wash of conditioning cupuaçu butter and coconut extracts. Plus, add a little to your eyelids and cheekbones for a dewy glow.

Bronzed Peach

For a sunkissed, peachy glow, add a few drops of Danessa Myricks Beauty Love & Light Beauty Oil in Sunray to an SPF foundation like La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation. Apply using a damp beautyblender to enhance the dewiness.
Add extra warmth and radiance with Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer. The rich shades and Photoluminescent Technology allow you to create buildable dimension with a soft focus finish that makes it look like you’ve been laying out all season.
Apply Dominique Cosmetics Silk Tone Cream Blush in Warm Peach to your cheekbones and sweep upwards into your temples to achieve a silky, coral flush. Also, swipe it onto your lips for a monochromatic, natural tint.
After curling, apply TOM FORD Emotionproof Mascara for fuller, longer, and waterproof lashes.

Metallic Glow

Using a damp beautyblender, apply Natasha Denona’s skincare-infused Hy-Glam Concealer on problem spots and under your eyes.
Apply Jouer Cosmetics Sunswept Bronzer Duo in a 3-shaped formation for a natural-looking contour.
Add multidimensional sparkle to your look with Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Balm in Morning Dew. Blend the hydrating highlighter balm over your cheekbones and onto your collarbones to achieve a golden, glass-skin glow.
Mix metallics by applying Charlotte Tilbury Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo in Copper Charge for a bronzed burst of waterproof color. Line your upper lids with the matte side and add the metallic shade to your waterline.
Add two coats of TOM FORD Emotionproof Mascara for standout lashes.
Top off the look with BY TERRY Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm in Sexy Nude. Apply to lips for instant softness and fullness. Plus, the formula works over time to heal, protect, and repair skin.