While it's definitely a faux-pas to hit the beach in a full face of makeup, but using the right products will make sure you look hot under the sun (no pun intended!).
1. Start with sunblock
Regardless of what you put on top, a good sunblock with UVA and UVB should always be your base when you're out in the sun. I know you don't need any reminders, but protecting your skin now will save you from layering a lot of products in the long run. (Read anti-aging creams.) Clinique's Super City Block SPF 40 ($25) is a long standing favourite. Its oil-free formula works well under the heat and your makeup.
2. Tinted Moisturizer
Instead of your usual heavy foundation, skip to a BB Cream or a tinted moisturizer with a lighter coverage that will even out your skin, and give you that beach-y glow. Joe Fresh Sheer Tint ($12) provides slightly more coverage than a BB Cream, and at 12 dollars from the grocery store, it makes for a worthy summer investment. However, if you do find that you're prone to oily skin in the heat even with a lighter foundation, opt for blotting papers or a mattifyer in place of your usual powder which may end up looking cakey.
3. Switch Mascaras
Mascara is the one product I can't live without on the beach. Eye makeup on the beach can look overdone, but a quick squeeze of an eyelash curler and a swipe of mascara does wonders for opening up my eyes (and boosting my confidence). A good waterproof mascara is a beach staple, but if you can't find one that meets your staying-power standards, try a clear mascara, like Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara ($7) in clear. The clear formula won't make a mess on your face, but it will hold the curl from your eyelash curler.
4. Tinted lip balm
Keeping with the natural beach lip, avoid bright lipsticks and sticky lip glosses. Instead a tinted lip balm will subtly add some colour to your lips, while keeping them smooth and soft. Neutrogena's Revitalizing Lip Balm Sheer Tint with SPF 20 ($9) is a great option, because that SPF keeps your lips from drying out in the summer heat.
5. Bronzer
If you MUST use a bronzer at the beach, avoid anything with a heavy shimmer which will catch the light and make you look like a disco ball left on the beach after a party. Instead, lightly dust a matte bronzer like Rimmel's Natural Bronzer ($5) anywhere the sun would naturally hit you. Dust it on the apples of your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. This is a time to avoid the heavy contouring, and look like a natural sun goddess.
