25 Beach Makeup Looks to Try — and How to Make Your Look Last 

We’re all for hitting the beach bare-faced (always with SPF, of course!), but we recognize that a face of makeup can be quite the confidence booster. There’s absolutely no reason you can’t sport a makeup look while lounging in the sand, whether you prefer a vibe or a full glam aesthetic. However, a beach makeup look will require some different products and techniques than your daily makeup routine. So, ahead, we’re answering your most popular questions about wearing makeup to the beach, sharing some of our favorite beach-appropriate makeup products and sharing inspo for looks to rock on vacay or all summer long. 

What Makeup Should I Wear to the Beach?

Considering that the beach can be accompanied by pretty intense weather conditions — wind, extreme heat, humidity and tons of sun — you’ll want to be thoughtful about your product choices. Opting for as many formulas that contain broad-spectrum SPF and hydrating ingredients as possible is key. 

It’s also important to remember that regardless of what makeup look you go for, it’s inevitable that it will smudge and fade a bit throughout the day. Because of this, it’s best to choose waterproof formulas for your eyes because they often run at the beach, whether you’re splashing around in the waves or just sweating it out in the sun. For your cheeks and complexion, choosing more malleable products, like light cream-based products, that you can easily blend and touch up over heavy-duty formulas is a good idea too, as these are the areas that will fade the fastest. 

How Do I Make My Makeup Last at the Beach? 

Keeping your makeup looking great all day at the beach can be challenging, but like we mentioned, wearing waterproof formulas, especially on your eyes, can help. Hot, humid conditions will likely make your complexion makeup fade regardless. While it probably sounds counterintuitive from a weartime perspective, opting for cream formulas that can easily be touched up is a good idea. For example, it will be easier to fix smeared blush if it’s a cream formula over powder because creams are more blendable. Finally, set the most oily areas with powder to increase longevity. 

The Best Beach-Proof Makeup Products

Keep scrolling for our favorite waterproof, water-resistant, longwear and low maintenance makeup products to pack in a beach bag. 

IT Cosmetics Superhero Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara is arguably the most essential beach makeup staple — we keep one in our beach bag at all times. The IT Cosmetics Superhero Volumizing Waterproof Mascara is a current fave because it majorly amps up the volume and length of your lashes while resisting smudging, sweat, humidity and flaking. 

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer

The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer is one of our go-to waterproof concealer options. It delivers full coverage and an airbrushed matte finish for up to 24 hours — perfect for controlling shine when you inevitably start to get a little sweaty.

Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation

If you’re the kind of person who feels naked without full-coverage foundation, even at the beach, you need to try the Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation. Not only does this waterproof foundation stay looking great all day long, but it also lives up to its name and never feels heavy or uncomfortable. 

Giorgio Armani Beauty Neo Nude Melting Color Balm

As noted above, cream-based formulas are preferable when it comes to wearing blush at the beach because they’re more natural-looking and easier to touch up throughout the day. When your blush starts to fade or after a dip in the ocean, you can just whip out your compact and tap more of this balm onto the apples of your cheeks. 

Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer

Fake a tan without exposing your skin to dangerous UV rays by using a cream bronzer, like this one From Rose Inc. (Just don’t forget to follow up with SPF!) This creamy product melts into your skin and blurs your pores for a warmer, more radiant complexion.