Beach Bum Makeup Tips

Summer sun makes me feel sexy! I love swimming and hanging out at beachside with friends but as I get older, I like wearing a little makeup to hide my "flaws." Bright summer sun is unforgiving and shows every detail of my skin and body. That's okay when you're 20 but 40? I've got my body covered with sunless spray tanning and sunscreen but keeping my face covered is a bit more challenging. Beach bums and beauty lovers like me can have the best of both world with beach bum makeup applications. Here's what I do.

I bronze my face with tinted moisturizer. Before my beach day, I pull my hair back and wash my face. I pat it dry then apply tinted moisturizer to the entire face. Go easy around the hairline as this is where it can collect and discolor. I use a moisturizer with sunscreen but I apply lots of sunscreen when I'm at the beach too.

I keep waterproof cheek bronzer in my purse. It's a gel product that cools and tans my cheeks, forehead and chin. I touch my face with it a few times while I play in the sun.

I wear waterproof eye makeup. I try to look natural, even with makeup on my beach trips. What I do is apply sand or gold tinted eyeshadow to the lower lid--it's waterproof of course! I line the top and bottom of my eye with brown waterproof eyeliner. (Only wear black waterproof eyeliner if your hair and lashes are naturally black. It looks too fake and noticeable otherwise.) Finish the look with just a touch of waterproof mascara, right at the tips of the lashes. (I recommend testing your eye makeup in the shower before stepping on to the beach or pool. Not all waterproof products work.)

I protect and shine my lips. I start my lip application with an application of SPF lip balm, then a topping of gold lip gloss. The gloss doesn't stay well but it feels nice on my lips.

I throw all these goodies inside an insulated makeup/beach bag. It helps to keep the bag stored in the refrigerator before loading it with products and taking it to the beach. I like this cool tool, it keeps my products from melting while I look hot!

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