The beach is one of the best places to soak up the sun and enjoy the summer breeze, but it’s also where makeup faces its biggest challenges—heat, humidity, sweat, and water. Traditional makeup products often don’t hold up in such conditions, leading to smudging, melting, or a cakey look. The key to achieving a flawless, long-lasting beach makeup look is choosing the right products and techniques that keep you looking fresh without feeling heavy. From SPF-infused foundations to waterproof mascaras, we’ve rounded up the best beach makeup tips to help you stay radiant under the sun. Whether you’re lounging on the sand, swimming, or just snapping beachside selfies, these tips will ensure your look stays put all day. Plus, we’ll recommend some Amazon finds that make achieving the perfect beach glow effortless!
1. Start with a Lightweight, Oil-Free Sunscreen
source @neuederma
Sunscreen is the most important step in any beach makeup routine. Prolonged sun exposure can cause premature aging, sunburns, and skin damage, so using a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF protection is non-negotiable. Choose a formula that absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast, and doesn’t clog pores. Opt for a mattifying sunscreen if you have oily skin or a hydrating one if your skin tends to be dry. Look for a minimum SPF of 30, but SPF 50 is ideal for longer beach days. A great option is Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40—it’s invisible, weightless, and doubles as a primer to help your makeup stay in place.
2. Use a Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
source @selenagomez
Heavy foundations don’t mix well with heat and humidity, often leading to a cakey, suffocating feel. Instead, opt for a tinted moisturizer with SPF that provides light coverage while protecting your skin. These multitasking products even out your skin tone, hydrate, and prevent sun damage, making them ideal for beach days. If you need extra coverage, apply a tiny amount of concealer only where needed rather than layering foundation all over your face. One of the best options is EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46, which offers sheer coverage, sun protection, and is perfect for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
3. Prime Your Face with a Mattifying Primer
source @makeup_quarters
A good primer helps your makeup withstand heat, sweat, and humidity while keeping shine at bay. Opt for a mattifying primer that absorbs excess oil and prevents your makeup from slipping off throughout the day. Silicone-based primers create a smooth barrier that keeps everything locked in place. If your skin tends to get oily, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer is a great affordable choice that controls shine for hours without feeling heavy. Applying it before your tinted moisturizer ensures your makeup lasts longer and stays put, even under the hot sun.
4. Stick to a Lightweight Concealer
source @bubblyskin.ph
Concealer can be your best friend when it comes to covering blemishes or dark circles, but a thick formula won’t last in the heat. Instead of a heavy, full-coverage concealer, go for a lightweight, breathable option that blends easily and doesn’t crease. Apply it sparingly to avoid buildup—less is more when it comes to beach makeup. A waterproof or long-wear formula is best to ensure it stays put all day. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is an excellent choice because it’s lightweight, hydrating, and won’t settle into fine lines.
5. Swap Powder for a Tinted Setting Spray
source @beautyblender
Powder can sometimes look dry and cakey, especially in humid beach weather. Instead, set your makeup with a lightweight, hydrating setting spray that keeps your face fresh and dewy while locking everything in place. Some setting sprays also include SPF, which provides an extra layer of sun protection over your makeup. Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 is perfect for beach days because it keeps makeup intact while adding a refreshing burst of hydration.
6. Use a Waterproof Brow Gel
source @glimmering_cosmetics
Bold, well-groomed brows can frame your face beautifully, but traditional brow powders and pencils may smudge or fade in heat. A waterproof brow gel keeps your brows in place without the risk of melting off. These gels add definition, fill in sparse areas, and keep every hair locked in place, even if you take a dip in the water. NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel is a great option for keeping your brows looking natural and polished all day long.
7. Opt for a Cream Bronzer Over Powder
source @trendmood1
A bronzed, sun-kissed glow is a beach makeup essential, but powder bronzers can look dry and patchy in the heat. Cream bronzers blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a natural, radiant finish that lasts longer in humid conditions. Apply it to the high points of your face—cheekbones, forehead, and jawline—to enhance your natural tan. Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer Stick is a top choice for its easy application and long-lasting wear.
8. Apply a Water-Resistant Cream Blush
source @rinaa.shop
Blush brings life to your face, but powder blushes tend to fade quickly in hot weather. A cream or liquid blush melts into the skin and stays put all day, giving a natural, fresh-faced flush. Look for water-resistant formulas that hold up against sweat and humidity. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is highly pigmented, long-wearing, and perfect for adding a rosy glow to your beach look.
9. Stick to a Subtle, Dewy Highlighter
source @1999.beauty
A subtle, natural glow complements the dewy, sun-kissed beach aesthetic, but a heavy, shimmery highlighter can look artificial in direct sunlight. Instead, use a liquid or cream highlighter that blends effortlessly into the skin for a soft, luminous sheen. Avoid chunky glitter formulas and opt for dewy, skin-like finishes. Glossier Haloscope is a fantastic choice that adds a natural radiance without looking greasy.
10. Use a Waterproof Eyeliner
source @stilacosmetics
Nothing ruins a beach day faster than smudged or melted eyeliner, leaving you with dreaded raccoon eyes. If you love defining your eyes, a waterproof gel or liquid liner is a must-have to keep your look fresh throughout the day. A fine-tipped waterproof liner allows for precision and ensures your eye makeup won’t run, even if you sweat or take a dip in the water. If you prefer a softer look, try tightlining your upper lash line with a waterproof pencil instead of going for a dramatic wing. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a cult favorite for a reason—it delivers sharp, clean lines that stay intact all day, no matter the heat or humidity.
11. Curl Lashes and Apply a Waterproof Mascara
source @cosmeticsplus
Lashes tend to lose their lift in hot, humid weather, so curling them before applying mascara gives your eyes an instant wide-awake effect. Follow up with a waterproof mascara that lengthens and volumizes without clumping or smudging. Many waterproof formulas also hold curls better than regular mascaras, making them ideal for beach days. Whether you’re sweating, swimming, or wiping away a little sunscreen, your mascara should stay put. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara is one of the best options—it delivers dramatic volume and length while being completely smudge-proof.
12. Skip Heavy Eyeshadow—Use Cream or Liquid Formulas
source @makeupbyeiman
Powder eyeshadows are prone to creasing and fading in heat and humidity, making them a poor choice for the beach. Instead, opt for long-wearing cream or liquid eyeshadows that adhere to your skin without smudging or melting away. Choose soft, shimmery neutral tones that enhance your natural beauty rather than bold, dramatic shades. A little goes a long way—just a swipe of a waterproof cream shadow on your lids is enough to add subtle definition. e.l.f. No Budge Cream Eyeshadow is a great pick because it’s affordable, long-lasting, and easy to apply with just your fingertips.
13. Opt for a Tinted Lip Balm with SPF
source @natiobeauty
Lips are just as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of your skin, yet they’re often overlooked when applying sunscreen. A tinted lip balm with SPF not only adds a pop of color but also keeps your lips hydrated and protected from harmful UV rays. Avoid heavy matte lipsticks that can feel dry or sticky in the heat—go for sheer, moisturizing formulas instead. Sun Bum Tinted Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 15 is perfect for beach days, offering sun protection while keeping lips soft and smooth.
14. Try a Lip & Cheek Stain for Long-Lasting Color
source @trendmood1
Traditional lipstick and blush tend to fade quickly in the heat, but a lip and cheek stain is a game-changer for beach makeup. These multitasking products give a natural, flushed look that won’t budge, even after swimming. Stains blend seamlessly into the skin and provide a fresh, effortless vibe without the need for constant touch-ups. Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain is a classic choice that delivers a beautiful, long-lasting tint without feeling heavy or sticky.
15. Set Makeup with a Lightweight Translucent Powder (If Needed)
source @thearmouryofbeauty
While setting sprays are a great way to lock in makeup without feeling dry, some people still prefer the oil-absorbing benefits of powder. If you have oily skin and need extra shine control, use a finely milled translucent powder sparingly to set your makeup. Look for lightweight, talc-free formulas that prevent cakiness and keep your skin looking fresh. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a cult-favorite for a reason—it blurs imperfections, controls shine, and doesn’t settle into fine lines.
