Sometimes going barefaced on holiday feels freeing, but there are other times during a beachside vacay when you want a little ‘something’ on your face, as well as your SPF of course.
There are several elements to consider when it comes to beach makeup, but the main ones are heat and going in the sea – so waterproof beauty products are a must.
These formulas are not just great for on the beach, however. Most waterproof makeup products are also highly sweat-proof, meaning heatwaves in the city (or wherever you are) are a total breeze.
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When shopping for them, look out for words like ‘waterproof,’ ‘water-resistant,’ and ‘long-wear’ on the packaging, which will tell you that they’re designed to fend off the elements and stay put.
You’ll also need to prioritise reapplying SPF at the beach, and although not all formulas play well over foundation, sprays such as Garnier’s Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF 50, £12, Boots is a great one for your beach bag that you can liberally spray throughout the day.
When it comes to removal, bear in mind that these beauty buys are going to do their best to stay on your face at whatever cost. An oil-based cleanser or bi-phase makeup remover is your friend here to help break down those long-wear formulas.
6 of the best waterproof beach makeup products to shop now
From brilliant base products to an excellent setting spray that’ll lock the whole thing down, let’s dive into the best waterproof makeup products (no pun intended).
Best waterproof foundation: MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Foundation, £32
This one is a cult classic makeup product that’s loved by many, but you may have missed that MAC’s Face and Body foundation is also waterproof. It’s got lovely sheer coverage that is also buildable, a little goes a long way, and it promises to last for up to 8 hours, making it a great one for your beach makeup kit.
There are 21 different shades to choose from which, because of the aforementioned sheer and buildable coverage, are a little flexible too. The finish offers a nice healthy-looking complexion that lends itself well to a day of sunbathing (or indeed, shade bathing).
Best waterproof concealer: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, £23.50
One of the best waterproof beauty products in my opinion, full stop. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer has a very thick and pigmented consistency, so bear that in mind when you first see the size of the dinky little tube – and don’t squeeze out a giant dollop of the stuff.
In spite of its name, it’s great for concealing just about any discolouration or blemish, so it’s great for any pesky spots – and water runs right off it. Available in 24 different shades that span a broad range of skin tones, it’s a great one for your beach makeup arsenal.
Best waterproof eyeliner: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Liner, £22
Few things feel as chic as a thin flick of liquid liner, and a waterproof formula is a must for the beach. Lancôme’s Lash Idôle doesn’t budge – even on my tricky combination of oily eyelids and hooded eyes, which can be a recipe for disaster when paired with liquid liner.
It’s very precise thanks to its nice fine, tapered tip (we’re talking 0.1mm), which works well even when you don’t have that much lid space to work with. As for the formula itself, it’s a really rich black with pearl pigments that give a glossy finish and it lasts. Think expensive feline flicks that only come off when you want them to.
Best waterproof mascara: Maybelline Waterproof Sky High Mascara, £11.99
The TikTok sensation (and super affordable) Maybelline Sky High Mascara is also available in a waterproof edition. The formula is a bit drier and creates less volume than the OG, but it’s great for lengthy lashes that will withstand both sweat and water.
There’s no way that this won’t sound like a brag, but every time I’ve worn it out in public I’ve had compliments on my lashes. The only criticism I have is that it is so very waterproof that it can be a little tricky to remove, so it’s worth investing in a dedicated formula to help take it off.
Best waterproof lip product: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment, £23
Although reapplying lipstick doesn’t particularly phase me, sometimes it’s nice to have a stain that will stay put while you’re sipping Fanta Icy Lemon and munching on Lays crisps. For others, a lip colour that lasts for hours on end is a priority, and to that end I present you the NARS Powermatte Lip Pigments.
The formula is quite fluid and retains some flexibility when it dries down, so you don’t get that ultra-dry feeling that often comes with super matte lipsticks. You’ve got 15 different shades to play with here, ranging from pink and brown nudes to rich reds and berry tones. I always go back to these when I need a long-lasting lip.
Best waterproof setting spray: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, £26
Once you’ve applied your beach makeup look using your best waterproof beauty products, you can boost their longevity by misting your face with a great setting spray. And really, the one that all the beauty girls are talking about at the moment is Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.
This is my favourite as it really does keep your makeup looking fresh through the day and has a fine and dry enough mist that it won’t disturb your look at all. The finish offers a low-level, natural glow, but its setting power is undeniable. Pro tip: it can also be used pre makeup application to lock your base in from the off.
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