How to Do Makeup for a Beach Day

Build a sweat-proof base with cream products that move with your skin instead of against the elements.

1. Start with skincare that doubles as protection. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher as your base layer. Let it absorb for five minutes before adding any makeup. This creates a protective barrier that helps makeup grip better while shielding your skin.
2. Use tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of foundation. Heavy foundation will slide off in heat and humidity. A lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF evens your skin tone without creating a mask that sweats off. Apply with damp fingers for the most natural finish.
3. Switch to cream formulas for everything. Cream blush, cream bronzer, and cream highlighter blend seamlessly into skin and stay put when you sweat. Dab on with fingers and blend quickly while the formula is still workable.
4. Keep eyes simple with waterproof mascara only. Skip eyeshadow entirely or stick to a cream shadow in a neutral tone. Focus on waterproof mascara on upper lashes only. Lower lash mascara always smudges first when you get wet.
5. Choose a lip stain over lipstick. Lip stains penetrate the skin and stay put through drinking, swimming, and eating. Apply, let it set for thirty seconds, then add a clear lip balm with SPF on top for moisture and protection.