Hot Make-up Tips for the Beach

Every girl from Cape Cod to Malibu is gearing up for this beach season 2007. We babes all over the US have the perfect suit, cover up and even flip flops picked out. Also in the beach bag , raring to go is the perfect sundress for afterwards along with tubes of sun block.However as you're packing that bikini or maillot, remember to include beauty supplies for the beach and afterwards. All you need are a few simple items - next to nothing cosmetics to help enhance that beach babe look.

Protection is the number one priority when you're on the sand. Dab on a tinted moisturizer before you get there or when you arrive. This not only gives you color but protects your face against harmful UV rays. According to cosmetic pros and bloggers the best is Laura Mercier's. If this is a bit expensive (it runs around $40) then try the budget friendly Ulta brand for $10.00. You could also just make your own using your favorite face cream and foundation. Mix the two and put into the travel bottles you can buy at your local dollar store. This way you'll not only have your moisturizer but also your every day shade as well. Nix the blush If you do want some color, bring out the easy to pack color sticks. You can get e.l.f's for only $1.00 or splurge and buy Nars The Multiple at $36.00 Apply to areas where that would get sun kissed like the forehead, tip of the nose, cheekbones and a dab on the chin. Don't apply all over or you'll wind up with a Bozo at the beach look. Do bring and wear waterproof mascara. Any other kind will leave you with raccoon eyes. If you want to wear eye shadow consider Revlon's Twelve Hour Color Stay one which lasts half the day in suitable shades such as Champagne, Hazelnut or Pink Opal . They're about $3.99 each (depending on where you buy them) and far less expensive than Yves St . Laurent's cream waterproof eye shadow. Remember though that powder eye shadows may get cakey or streaky when wet. These are perfect if you're just going to wade in the ocean and not get your face wet. For the true water divas there's Bourjois Intensely Luminous Waterproof Cream Eye shadow for $14.99 and Clinique's Touch Tint For Eyes Shimmer Formula for $13.99. Like Revlon, both have subtle beige and champagne shades , perfect for low key beach eyes.

If you're going somewhere après beach (and most women usually do) then pack a home away from home bath kit. Bring travel size bottles of shampoo, conditioner and travel size bottles of hair gel. Beach hair can be sexy however it's somewhat out of place at good restaurant or your boss' back yard barbecue. Another good item to take is a pack of soap sheets. These are usually made for those traveling long distances whether by car, train or plane but they're a big help in after beach clean up. Use them on your face and body to get rid of any lingering lotion or salt. If you want softer skin, then bring a travel size bottle filled up with your favorite body wash and let it do double duty for skin and hair. Since water from beach showers comes out ice cold I recommend using "car made " hot water. Store two to three bottles of water in your car ( you can even used well rinsed out soda or juice gallon sized ones filled with tap water). Let them cook up in your vehicle's inside and when you're ready to rinse off , bring them to the outdoor shower areas. Hot water removes soap and shampoo more efficiently than cold water does and you feel just that more refreshed and cleaner.

Now that you're washed and groomed you can start on your "après beach" face. Again you can prep with plain or tinted moisturizer. You can then refresh the eye shadow. Use a darker shade and one that has a gleam to it like Cover Girl's Shadow Squease, Wet and Wild's Liquid Shadow or Ulta's Extreme Wear Crème to Powder Eye Shadow (all incredibly low priced). Bring along either a bronze or pewter eye pencil (depending upon the shadow color you choose) to line them. This is more for a dinner out or upscale party. Again slick on plenty of waterproof mascara.(think Cover Girls' Fantastic Lash for $5.99). As for cheek color get out the all over color stick again and dab onto cheeks and lips. Finish with a light colored lip gloss like Ulta's Baby , e.l.f.'s Angel or NYC 's Liquid Lip Shine in Pink Sand, Cappuccino or Iced Orchid.

As for manicures and pedicures , make sure your have good professional ones before you hit the ocean. Sea water is nail polish's worst enemy and a quickly applied shade can be chipped off thanks to a few wild waves. If you want save fingers and toes for last and apply a quick drying one from either Revlon, L'Oreal or Cover Girl. (prices vary). You can also buff your nails to a high shine or use Sally Hansen's new Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish. This gives unvarnished nails a more polished, put together look.

It's easy to look good on the beach and right off it this summer. Pack up a make-up case that will get you through the waves, stars and evening breezes. Use subtle colors that will make you look like the perfect beach babe of summer 2007!