It’s always a question of what’s too much or what’s not enough when it comes to color in the summer. Do you want to be soft and slightly mysterious in understated tones or exotic in loud flashes of bright shades that shout for attention – and we’re just talking about makeup! Makeup artists share their thoughts on how to look sensational in the sun as it rises in the sky and as it sets.

One of the most frequently asked questions is what kind of makeup do I wear to the beach when I have to cover up blemishes or dark circles. The answer is to let the sun work for you. You’ll gain color and the sun will help dry out blemishes. Start with a face tint with an SPF that isn’t heavy or thick. The key to beach makeup is to remember that you only need a fraction of what you’d use any other day. You have to keep the big picture in mind as you apply. Next use a cream concealer – water proof if you can find one. Apply it around the outer edges of your dark circles and only on the very top of your blemishes. Any concealer around the edge of your blemish will certainly show up after you’ve been in the sun or the water. Dust a mineral powder with shimmer all over your T-zone and apply in the corners of your eyes. You can also use a minimal amount of a very neutral eye color (like pale white or cream) with shimmer in the inner corners of your eye and along the upper lids. This will draw attention away from dark circles and shimmer usually stays put even after you’ve been in the water.  

If you’re concerned with looking great but not made up at the beach, stick to waterproof mascara and a white or very light taupe liner with shimmer applied only to the upper lid. This makes your eyes pop without making you look like one of the girls who came to be seen but not splashed – no fun there. You can also use a brow pencil in the lightest shade your complexion and hair color allows. Defined brows that don’t look penciled in are always a beauty boost. Your lips will either make him drool or make it look like your drooling – you want the first option! The trick to fabulous beach lips is to go ever-so-slightly beyond your lip line with a light glaze of clear or pale pink gloss. The right amount will look sumptuous and reflect nicely in the heat. Too much will run or smear in the heat and it will definitely not look good after you’ve been in the water.

When the sun goes down, most of the same rules apply for beach parties and bon fires. Stick to subtle shades for you lids and use a pencil. Use waterproof mascara just in case you end up back in the water for a late night swim. Skin tint or tinted moisturizer will help even skin tone without looking caked on. Use a shimmering blush in coral or soft pink to make you look fresh and flushed. A great trick is to apply it first and then work around it. Lip stain will hold its color and make you lips pop. For great lips, start with that lip balm, use an eye shadow brush to stain your favorite lipstick in sun kissed shades over lips and blot with a tissue.

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