Do You Wear Makeup on the Beach?

Is wearing makeup on the beach a do or a don't? Do you? I hate to admit it.... but I do. I'm so used to wearing makeup all the time that I have trouble feeling right in only my own skin. You can totally wear a little makeup down by the seaside without looking like an overdone glamour queen. If you are going to wear makeup on the beach, try these easy to wear, barely there essentials.

Tinted moisturizer with SPF. The American Cancer society has done a great job warning us about the dangers of sun exposure, agreed? So make sure to take heed and use SPF on your face (and on the rest of you). Not only does it prevent skin cancer, it prevents aging, too! I love tinted moisturizer with SPF because it offers skin-loving moisture, a little bit of color to even out your skin tone, and SPF that's made specifically for your face. Find one fit for your skin with anti-acne properties, anti-aging ingredients, or a little extra moisture. Your skin will look and feel great.

Waterproof cream eyeshadow. These are a great buy. One little, fairly inexpensive tube will last you all summer. At the end of the summer, toss it! You'll need a new one for next year anyway. Choose colors that are soft and sheer with just a hint of shimmer. Apply with a 'less is more' attitude because too much shadow will cause creasing and cracking. You can always add more if you need it. Bonus, these creams work great as eye primer so later, when going out, you can just layer powder shadow right on top.

Waterproof mascara. You don't want to wear eye liner at the beach, it will just end up smudging and smearing. Two coats of a great waterproof mascara will do just fine. Toss it at the end of the summer - mascara is only good for three months.

Waterproof concealer. Yes, they make it. And yes, it's totally worth the investment. Just dab a tiny bit on any blemish, scar, or dark spot, and blend well. Make sure to choose a shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible.

Bronzer. Bronzer is optional, but if you are pale like me, it helps. A lot. The most important part of bronzer is to choose a shade that is just slightly darker than your skin tone. A hint of shimmer is fine, just make sure it doesn't sparkle too much. You want to glisten in the summer sun, not boast an ultra-neon glow. Lightly brush it across your cheeks, T-zone, even over your shoulders for a lightly tanned effect..

That's it. Just a few essentials to give your natural beauty a little lift. It's just enough to fix a few flaws, lighten a little darkness, and protect your skin from the sun. Any more than this would be overdone. So lighten up, relax in your skin, and have fun in the sun! Oh, and don't forget the sunblock!

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