Beach Babe Guide to Summer Makeup

Let’s face it, as much as we like to pretend that we “just woke up like this”, a little bit of cosmetic magic help works wonders. In summer, we’re looking for the lightest touch when it comes to makeup, and it needs some serious staying power. Between early morning swims, rad surfing or just topping up the tan, there’s a beauty product out there that’s got your back. So put your best face forward this summer with our pick of the best makeup out there.

Primer

It’s all about the base with summer makeup. With temperatures soaring, it’s easy for everyday makeup to find it all a bit much and melt right off. You need a primer that’ll work double time: giving you longevity and sun protection to boot. We like Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer ($45) which does both, and even has added moisturiser to help hydrate.

Foundation

Bare Minerals Bare Skin serum is a mineral foundation, meaning no nasty chemicals. And the fact that it’s a serum means it’s super lightweight – you won’t even feel like you’re wearing makeup. Expect to use only a few silky drops to achieve a luminous complexion, and be happy in the knowledge that you’ve also got some added SPF protection.

Bronzer

Renowned for her signature natural makeup look, who better than Bobbi Brown to help you achieve a natural summer glow. The Bobbi Brown Beach Shimmer Powder will give you a gorgeous, subtle bronzing over cheekbones, decolletage and jawline, while also being infused with Bobbi’s oh-so-summery Beach Fragrance.

Mascara

When it comes to mascara, the best ones will last from day to night without a makeup wipe touch-up in sight. Choose ‘waterproof’ over ‘water-resistant’, as these troopers are more heavy-duty. Benefit’s BAD Gal Waterproof Mascara will take you from a dip in the pool through to making fluttering eyes at the hottie at the bar.

Eyeshadow

With the sun glimmering on the water, a beach break is the perfect chance to whip on a subtle shimmering eyeshadow. Clarins’ cream eyeshadow in Golden Sand is waterproof and crease-proof, so you know it will stay put and add that extra level of finish to your look.

Eyeliner

This Magic Marc-er from Marc Jacobs has been inspired by the precision of calligraphy, to help you achieve the finest thick or thin line. Touted as the ‘shiniest and blackest’ on the market, this waterproof liquid eyeliner will stay perfectly defined come summer rain or shine.

Lip colour

When you’re on the beach a matt lipstick will look too ‘done’, while the stickiness of lipgloss means you risk a pout-ful of hair with every sea breeze. A lip stain is the only way to go. Embrace colour without compromise with Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Lip Stain. It has a glossy sheen, will last for hours and won’t dry out your lips. Win, win, win.