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

How to Create a Minimalist Beach Makeup Look

Step 1: Apply SPF

Start by applying a broad spectrum facial sunscreen. We love the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 because it brightens the skin while offering broad-spectrum sun protection.

Step 2: Conceal 

If you prefer to keep your face makeup light when heading to the beach, skip foundation and simply spot-conceal any areas that you want coverage. The NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum is great for this because it has buildable coverage that’s incredibly hydrating and lightweight. 

Step 3: Apply Lip Balm With SPF

Protect and moisturize your lips with the Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30. Not only will this lip balm give your lips a luminous finish, but it’ll keep your lips protected from the sun with its added SPF. 

Step 4: Add Mascara

Finish off your look with a coat of waterproof mascara, like the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara. 

How to Create a Maximalist Beach Makeup Look

Step 1: Even Out Your Complexion

After applying SPF, even your skin tone with a hydrating skin tint, like the IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40. In addition to providing more SPF protection, it leaves the skin looking blurred and radiant. If you need additional coverage, apply your favorite concealer where necessary. 

Step 2: Apply Blush 

Give your cheeks a flush with a cream bronzer, like the Giorgio Armani Beauty Neo Nude Melting Color Balm. This is a great beach pick because the cream formula isn’t overly emollient so it won’t slide right off of your skin when you encounter extreme heat. 

Step 3: Bronze Your Skin 

You want to feel tan at the beach, but it’s not worth risking the sun damage. Luckily, you can easily fake a sun-kissed complexion with cream bronzer. We love the Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer because it has a creamy, blendable formula that dries down to a powder-like finish, meaning it won’t slip and slide around.

Step 4: Set Your Skin 

Using a lightweight, translucent powder, set the most oil-prone areas of your skin, like your forehead, the sides of your nose and your chin. Then set your entire complexion with a refreshing setting spray, like the Urban Decay All Nighter Vitamin C Setting Spray. 

Step 5: Give Your Lips Some Glow 

After applying a lip balm with SPF protection, give your lips some shine and plumpness with a nourishing gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss. This is a great formula because it’s lightweight and can be reapplied throughout the day without getting goopy. 

Step 6: Apply Mascara

Define your eyes by applying one to two coats of waterproof mascara to your top and bottom lashes. If you like extreme volume, try the Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara.

The Best Beach Makeup Looks

Peachy Blush

Blush on the Tip of the Nose

Brown Winged Eyeliner

Coral Eyeshadow

Luminous Foundation

Super Long Lashes

Faux Nose Freckles

Dewy Skin

Matte Pink Lips

Full Brows

Sun-Kissed Skin

Glossy Nude Lips

Concealer as Foundation

Highlighted Cheekbones

Dewy But Not Oily

Soft Glam

Pink Blush

Hot Pink Lips

Fresh-From-Vacation Glow

Natural Flush

Subtly Shimmery Eyelids

Just CC Cream

Warm Nude Lips

All Cream-Based Products

No-Makeup-Makeup Look

Additional Reporting: Jordan Julian, Photo: Chaunte Vaughn