How to wear makeup to survive a long beach day
Summer comes with long days at the beach, but this can often present some challenges in the makeup department – how can your makeup stand up to the sun, sand and swimming? Sure, you could skip it altogether, but sometimes you might just want a little extra coverage, or you might just want to sip your drink straight from the towel and you don’t want to fuss over having to apply a full face.
So, is it possible? Yes – if you approach application strategically. Makeup artist Nigel Stanislaus makes an appearance.Nigel has painted faces for editorials in prestigious publications such as Harpers Bazaar and Elle. Working with supermodels such as Coco Rocha and Erin Wasson, he’s directed countless runway shows and even judged the Asia’s Next Top Model contest. In other words: he knows how to do makeup for the beach. Read on for his advice.
What are the must-have products for makeup for the beach?
“I wouldn’t guarantee that any makeup will last on the beach; it’s probably more of a more manageable mindset. We want the makeup to ‘blend’ into your skin and look beautiful. Start with a good quality sunscreen, then apply a matte gel primer. Use a non-slip concealer instead of foundation. As your skin warms up in the sun, the makeup starts to move and magically, you want to be able to press and blend the concealer by knocking it back into place.”
What’s the secret to making sure your makeup is resistant to heat and water?
“Long-wearing makeup primers are great, as are setting sprays underneath your makeup. Remember to keep everything sheer and for God’s sake, skip all the rough contouring.
If you want to combat water, go for a waterproof foundation, like MAC Face and Body. It’s lightweight and waterproof.”
How do you create a sophisticated look that’s made up but doesn’t look overly polished?
“Always keep it sheer. If you really need to be dramatic, the only thing I would dramatize would probably be a matte red lip gloss, but keep everything minimal.
Certain products work better on the beach than others
Can you tell me step by step what order I should put my makeup on for the beach?
“[Apply makeup in the following order]:
- sunscreen
- primer
- concealer/foundation or BB cream
- waterproof eyeliner + mascara.
- bronzing powder
- lip balm/lip gloss
Is there anything people should avoid when wearing beach makeup?
Skip metallic highlights and contouring, they only work under studio lights. You can easily see all traces of makeup in daylight. You don’t want that. Always go for a sun-kissed, natural look.”