The Sweat Proof Beach Makeup Routine Every Woman Needs

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR BEACH MAKEUP ROUTINE THAT YOU CAN WEAR ON YOUR NEXT VACATION? TRY OUT THESE SIMPLE MAKEUP TIPS FOR A FLAWLESS BEACH LOOK

I know from experience that finding a beach makeup routine that is both practical and wearable can be a real struggle.

I remember the first time I went on a beach vacation to Punta Cana, I searched everywhere for a simple sweat proof makeup routine that was minimal, fast, and easy. After going through countless Youtube videos and blog post recommendations, I just couldn’t find a routine that fit all those requirements.

I didn’t want to wear 10 pounds of foundation when I knew I would be spending my days lounging on the beach, and I certainly didn’t want to waste precious time on my makeup when I could be out in the sun.

After some experimenting and travelling through Europe this summer, I think I’ve finally nailed down a sweat proof makeup routine that is both fast and easy, but also works well for beach days.

If you’re on the hunt for a sweat proof makeup routine that you can rock on your next beach vacation, listen up, I’ve got you covered.

Try out this beach makeup for your next vacation, or for an easy summer makeup routine:

Please note this post does contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase through one of my links. Just know that everything in this post is a product I’ve both used and loved.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Start With Sunscreen

First things first, always start your beach makeup routine by applying sunscreen.

Not only is this going to protect you from any burns or sun damage, but I’m also obsessed with this step because I actually found a sunscreen that is tinted and specifically formulated for the face.

Introducing the Anthelios Ultra Fluid Lotion by La Roche-Posay.

Image via @larocheposayusa

With SPF 50, there’s no way any burns are coming your way with this baby on your face, but it’s also fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and water resistant, which makes it the perfect bottle to take with you to the beach.

Anyone else hate applying sunscreen to your face and then looking like a shiny, oily mess? I know I do!

To combat the shiny beach look, try out the Athelios as your base makeup product.

Most of the time, I don’t even apply any other foundation. It’s not going to give you full coverage, by any means, but it gives just enough color that you’ll feel perfectly comfortable headed out to the beach without foundation.

(Note: There’s also a SPF 60 non-tinted version, if you don’t want the tint).

Having said all that, this year I also discovered the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream.

If you’re familiar with this CC cream, you’ll know that it’s a color correcting, full coverage cream that has SPF 50 in it, which makes it another great option for the beach.

However, because the CC Cream is full coverage and a bit pricey, I like to use it sparingly.

So basically, I suggest always applying the Anthelios all over your face, and then only applying a little CC Cream if you have any spots in particular that you want to cover.

Step 2: Concealer

Applying concealer when doing your makeup for the beach might not be for everyone. In my experience, though, just the tiniest amount of concealer can really brighten your eyes and make you look more awake.

And when I say the tiniest amount, I really just mean 3 tiny dots or so. Nothing too over-the-top.

In particular, I suggest using the Maybelline Fit Me concealer, because this gives good enough coverage, but it’s not as pricey as my go-to NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. All about that drugstore beach makeup, baby!

‘Cause seriously, you don’t want to use a pricey concealer if you know you’re going to be going in the ocean, but you still want your eyes to be bright while getting your Vitamin D fix.

Step 3: Bronzer

If you’re like me and you try not to tan your face in order to avoid sun damage, bronzer is great step to include in your beach makeup routine. Not only will it give you a tan on your face to match the rest of your body, bronzer also just brings life and warmth to your complexion.

I find if I don’t add bronzer I tend to look a little sickly, which I’m not into.

To combat this, I find that the The Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer is the best bronzer for the beach. Just a little brush of the Butter Bronzer has never done me wrong. It’s subtle, there’s no weird sparkle in it, and it blends perfectly with sunscreen for an extra dash of color on your cheeks.

The Butter Bronzer is an easy choice for a beach makeup look.

(p.s. it smells like coconut and summer, which is always a pleasant surprise every time I use this).

Step 4: Brows

Yes, I sometimes do my brows even on vacation.

Of course, not always, but I find when you’re wearing such minimal makeup, just filling in the sparse areas of your brows can really frame your eyes and make them pop more than if you just left your brows.

And, lucky for you, I actually found a water-proof brow pencil that works.

Introducing The Revlon ColorStay Brow Pencil.

I used this all throughout my Punta Cana trip, and I never once had an issue with it. Plus, it’s really easy-to-use and blends well.

Again, you don’t need to do a full brow fill in, just focus on adding to the sparser areas, and you’ll see what a difference this can make in your beach makeup routine.

Step 5: Dash of Highlighter

Again, I know adding highlighter might sound excessive for beach makeup, but when I say that I add highlighter, it’s such a small amount that it’s barely noticeable.

For this, simply use your finger for the Essence Pure Nude Highlighter.

This is a subtle highlight, so it doesn’t look ridiculous on the beach, and it’s not super pricey, so you won’t be too upset if it happens to wash away.

Concentrate the highlighter onto the inner corner of your eye, down the bridge of your nose, and feel free to add a little to the high points of your cheekbones if you want to bring the glow, but really, your main focus should be on the eyes to liven them up.

You can check out my full review of the Essence Pure Nude Highlighter here, but in general, for an extremely well priced product that has never done me wrong, this is something that I think every woman should have in her makeup bag, all year round.

Step 6: Waterproof Mascara

And probably not too surprisingly, finish off your beach makeup by applying mascara.

And really, my only requirement here is that the product is waterproof. While I generally find waterproof mascara to be annoying since it’s so hard to remove, when I know I’m going to be out in the heat or in the water, it is absolutely paramount that the mascara be waterproof. There’s nothing worse than those dreaded mascara streaks running down your face when you’re trying to have some fun in the sun.

The last two times I’ve used a waterproof mascara it was Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara.

I generally like to go with a drugstore product since I really only use waterproof mascara while I’m on vacation, and I’ve always found this option to stay on well, to give me volume, and to make my lashes look longer.

And hey, with drugstore pricing, how can you go wrong?

Pro Tip For Removing Waterproof Mascara

When trying to remove long-lasting products like a water-proof mascara, invest in the Bioderma Micellar Water. It’s the best product I have ever found for removing makeup, especially eye makeup. I have super sensitive eyes, and this Micellar Water doesn’t sting, burn, or irritate my eyes. It feels like I’m just putting water on my eyes, but it takes my makeup off in one wipe, unlike just regular water. It’s a must-have for me, whether I’m on or off vacation.

So, ladies, did this post give you some ideas of what makeup to pack for your next upcoming beach vacation?

I hope so!

While I know that everyone’s makeup preferences are different, I’ve found this beach makeup routine is the perfect amount of practical, but also wearable if you want to look your best when you hit up the beach.

Let me know your favorite beach makeup products in the comments below, and if you found this post helpful, feel free to save this image for later, or share it with your friends on Pinterest, xx.