Yesterday, everyone said goodbye to summer, but… summer is a state of mind, right? I’m heading to the beach on Saturday, so I’m spending a good chunk of my spare time this week prepping and packing for a sandy getaway.
I’ve mentioned it before, but I don’t go to the beach without my makeup bag. In fact, I like bringing new makeup to try on vacation – I usually bring fun stuff that I wouldn’t wear to work (although that’s up for debate).
When I go to the beach, I like to wear makeup that’s light, has a natural look, and has an SPF.
During days on the beach, I don’t wear a full-blown look, but instead I usually wear a tinted sunscreen for the face and I just got some mineral powder that has SPF 45 by Peter Thomas Roth.
At night, that’s when I pull out all the fixins for a beachy-bronze look, and this year, I put together one that’s mostly using Bare Minerals products topped with a cream blush and strobing cream. Below are all of the products I’m packing and tips for achieving the look:
Dawn Patrol Classic Primer by COOLA (SPF 30)
Nothing wakes up our skin like the crisp dawn air and cool water of an early morning surf. Keep that fresh-faced feeling and look all day with our latest innovation, Dawn Patrol SPF 30 Classic Makeup Primer. Our silky-smooth formula provides a multitasking base for radiant skin and flawless makeup application. A proprietary blend of Honeysuckle, White Lily and Iris Stem Cells instantly enhances overall skin quality, while our signature Plant Protection and broad spectrum SPF 30 shields and protects skin from damaging UV rays. Can be used alone or before foundation for flawless skin protection with the perfect photo finish!
This is a clear gel primer that leaves a matte finish – If you’ve never tried COOLA’s products, this is a good place to start.
BareMinerals Matte Foundation (SPF 15)
I have been using BareMinerals for a few years now and I love their Mineral Foundation combined with the Illuminating Mineral Veil. I was really excited when they came out with a matte version of their foundation and I love the way it looks on the skin.
I use the shade “Fairly Light”.
BareMinerals Bare Radiance
I got this in a set that had blush in it as well. Here’s the official product description: A nude look is always classic. And we all could use some extra glow. This lustrous amber sheen is multitalented – you can wear it over or under your bareMinerals, or mix it right in. You can even put it on your lips and eyes. Wherever it goes, it brings out your natural brilliance before you even say a word.
For me, a little goes a long way, but I use it under my cheek bones for a light contour and along my hairline.
MILK Lip + Cheek in Perk
I used to never wear liquid blush, bronzer, or highlighter, but I have so many samples of the stuff I had to break sometime. And I’m glad I did, because it looks so pretty! I got this one by Milk in my Birchbox and I love the coral color: Perk.
Get creamy cheek and lip color in a single stroke. Easy-to-apply, Lip + Cheek Stick provides buildable, blendable blush and lip color with Milk Makeup’s Milk Melt Technology for instant and seamless absorption. Mango butter, and avocado oil intensify its richness—just layer on for bolder color.
MAC Strobe Cream
You can use this highlighting cream just about anywhere on the face, but for my beachy look, I dabbed it on my cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow.
Quick Pro Portables (Sculpt & Glow) by Pur
Although these little travel palettes are for contouring and highlighting, I used them for my eye shadow in this look. Over the last year, I’ve stopped looking at makeup for what it is – you can use shimmery eye shadow as a highlighter or vis versa.
Skinny Liquid Eyeliner (black) by Eyeko
I love a liquid eyeliner and this one makes it easy to get a perfect straight line. I only used this on the top lip for this look.
Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner by Smashbox
I’ve been using a tiny brush and colorful eye shadow on my lower lash-line for a fun look. I found the perfect teal eyeliner – “Cabana” – for my beach look and it goes on so smooth.
Revlon Colorstay Brow Mousse
This stuff is like mascara for the brows… I use it in dark brown.
Total Tease Waterproof Hydrofuge Mascara by Covergirl
Sei Bella Perfecting Lip Pencil
My favorite nude lip pencil – I love it so much I have several of them to keep everywhere I go.
NYX Velvet Matte Lipstick
Even though this has a perfect matte finish, it’s creamy and almost moisturizing. I am using “Beach Casual” for this look, and it’s my go-to nude lip combo.
Makeover Essentials Shimmer Powder Brush (Bronze)
I love using this on my collarbone and shoulders, because it’s a shimmery bronze that makes me look tan and accentuates my bone structure – i.e. skinny in a brush!
Sunscreen Setting Spray SPF 30 by COOLA
Another layer of SPF for me, please! I love to set my makeup with this, especially on days when lunch at the beach is happening.
And there it is, my beach bronze look, complete with layers of SPF! What are some of your go-to products for vacations?
The Bitter Lemon 