As an avid traveler, I used to ask myself, “What makeup should I wear on vacation? What makeup should I wear to the beach?” After a plethora of beauty blog and guru YouTube video research, I’ve finally curated the best makeup for beach vacation traveling.
The best makeup for beach vacation trips always begins with sunscreen, followed by face and eyelid primer, 24-hour mattifying foundation and concealer, and topped with subtle smokey eyeshadow, waterproof eyeliners and waterproof mascara. The products listed in this article are the tried-and-true swim-proof makeup products that will last your entire beach day.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.
Also, I have personally tested all of these products. Trust me, they are proven to survive even the wettest conditions.
As a travel blogger and photographer, I have had my fair share of beach and underwater photoshoots. I even used all of these products on my own wedding day (I did my own makeup), and didn’t have to touch up once — even after crying, dancing and sweating.
For easy application, I have listed all 13 beach vacation makeup products in the order of which I personally apply them: primer, then eyes, then face.
Now for the best makeup for beach vacation travels!
1. Neutrogena Clear Face Oil Free Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin
Every perfect beach makeup routine begins with a sunscreen base.
The beach sun shines bright, no matter the season. This can cause your skin a lot of damage in the long-run.
If you have acne-prone skin like me, I recommend the Neutrogena Clear Face oil-free sunscreen with SPF 55. This sunscreen is very lightweight, has never made me break out, is non-comedogenic, and is water resistant up for to 80 minutes.
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion acts as a gentle glue that maintains a flawless, creaseless eyeshadow all day long. Simply apply this eyeshadow primer to your eyelids when you prime the rest of your face. Allow the primer to dry on your eyelids for about 10 minutes before applying eyeshadow.
I used this eyeshadow primer on my wedding day and I didn’t have any creasing — even after crying tears of joy pretty much the whole day. Plus, I have naturally very oily eyelids.
I have since used this eyeshadow primer for every makeup look while traveling.
3. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte-Lock Longwear Mattifying Face Primer
Similar to the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte-Lock Longwear Mattifying Face Primer also acts as a base protector for your makeup.
Apply this primer after applying sunscreen and/or moisturizer in order to prevent your foundation, concealer and contour from smudging, caking, melting or washing off your face on the beach.
In addition, this face primer provides a blurring look to your pores, which results in a shine-free and smooth canvas for your makeup.
4. Milani Stay Put Brow Color (Makeup For Beach Vacation)
The Milani Stay Put Brow Color in dark brown has become one of my staple daily makeup routine products.
The product is a smooth gel-like formula that glides onto any brow size or shape. Furthermore, the drugstore-price jar will last you months, and the included applicator brush makes for easy product application and brow shaping.
Although, I will say that this product does rub off if you touch it. Regardless, I can assure you that your brows will otherwise stay in perfect place, even when you’re swimming.
5. Morphe 9T Neutral Territory Artistry Palette
Morphe disrupted the beauty industry by launching their Morphe 9T Neutral Territory Artistry Palette. The natural pigments of these eyeshadow colors are perfect for daily makeup, beach makeup or makeup for any type of travel.
And, like I said, my eyelids are naturally very oily. Eyeshadow that doesn’t crease is nearly impossible to find for my eyelids. Morphe is the only eyeshadow brand but does not crease on me, in conjunction with the Urban Decay eyeshadow primer. I am forever brand-loyal to Morphe’s eyeshadow!
Bonus: You can use Ulta coupons on Morphe products. Now you can put that extra money toward your next beach vacation.
6. Revlon ColorStay 24-Hour Pencil Eyeliner (Makeup For Beach Vacation)
After applying eyeshadow, it’s time to apply eyeliner.
To get the perfect waterproof winged eyeliner, first use the Revlon ColorStay 24-Hour Pencil Eyeliner for the inside portion of the lining (i.e. not the corners of the wings).
I promise you, this drugstore pencil eyeliner will not budge on your beach vacation — whether you’re sweating on the beach or swimming in the pool. The only way this liner will remove is with makeup remover, which is good news for your beach vacation makeup.
7. NYX Epic Ink Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Next, after you apply a straight line of pencil eyeliner, you will go back with the NYX Epic Ink Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner to bring a point to each corner of the pencil line.
Et voila! You have easy winged eyeliner.
Plus, it’s super waterproof. Again, this waterproof liquid eyeliner will not budge without the help of actual makeup remover. It is totally beach-vacation-proof.
8. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation (Makeup For Beach Vacation)
After you finish your waterproof eye makeup, it’s time to beach-proof your face.
The L’Oreal Paris Infalliable Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation will keep your face looking absolutely flawless throughout your beach vacation. This foundation is a full-coverage formula, so a little goes a long way.
If you’re looking for a totally matte look, apply this foundation with a dry beauty blender (like this affordable beauty blender from Real Techniques). If you would prefer a more dewey look, apply with a wet beauty blender.
9. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Matte Concealer
Moreover, this L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Matte Concealer will brighten your under-eyes, nose and between your brows. Again, use a beauty blender to blend this Shape Tape dupe out around these areas.
As mentioned prior, this beach makeup product withstood my tear-and-sweat-filled wedding day. I’ve even swam in the ocean with this concealer without it smearing or budging at all.
10. Milani Powder Blush In Wild Rose
The Milani Powder Blush in wild rose is made with the perfect pink pigmented hue for a beach vacation.
Lightly tap your blush brush into this powder (again, a little goes a long way), and apply it to the highest part of your cheek bones for an effortless, natural lift.
11. Tarte Tarteiste Pro Clear Lash Adhesive
Even though I wouldn’t recommend wearing false lashes for an entire day at the beach, you may want to wear false lashes for a romantic beach dinner or beach wedding.
Beaches can be windy at times, so it’s important that the lash glue you use is strong and effective. The Tarte Tarteist Pro Clear Lash Adhesive in clear may appear completely invisible, but its strength is obvious.
12. CoverGirl Professional 3-In-1 Waterproof Mascara (Makeup For Beach Vacation)
Every girl’s worst nightmare is becoming Yzma at the pool. You know, with mascara that’s clumping, running and flaking.
The CoverGirl Professional 3-in-1 Waterproof Mascara is a super cheap and durable waterproof mascara that will survive the ocean, the pool and the sweatiest beach volleyball game — without clumping or running.
I have been using both the waterproof and non-waterproof version of this mascara for years, and it has yet to fail me on my travels.
13. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray
Last but not least, setting spray.
The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray is a cult favorite among beauty gurus and travelers alike.
This setting spray will be your lifesaver on a hot, humid beach vacation. Basically, setting spray locks your finished makeup look in place, and prevents smudging and melting. It even comes in a travel size!
Is It Okay To Wear Makeup At The Beach?
In terms of social norms, is perfectly okay to wear makeup at the beach. You should wear whatever will make you feel most confident and allow you to have the most fun. But, please know that you are flawless without makeup, too!
Is There Makeup For Swimming?
All of the makeup products listed here have been worn and tested for swimming. If you prefer another product or brand, then see if you can find a waterproof version of that product or brand. Waterproof makeups are always best for swimming.
Will Waterproof Makeup Stay On At The Pool?
Yes, good waterproof and/or long-wear makeup should stay on at the pool.
Is There Anything Missing From This List?
If you have other favorite makeup products for beach vacations, let me know in the comments below! I’m always looking for recommendations.
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