In the summer, nothing hits the spot like a good beach day. When you’re soaking in the sun or taking a dip in the ocean, the last thing you want is for your makeup to melt off and look patchy.
The key to looking picture-perfect under the sun is to wear makeup that’s waterproof, smudge-proof and sweat-resistant. If you’re jetting off to an island, make sure to start with an in-flight skin care routine to look flawless the minute you step off the plane.
Read on to find your summer 2025 beach makeup must-haves!
Sunscreen (SPF)
Starting each day with sunscreen is a non-negotiable step, especially if you’ll be under the sun all day. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents premature aging. For a day out at the beach, wear lightweight and water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. Always reapply every two hours and immediately after taking a swim.
When it comes to sunscreens, no two formulations are exactly alike. Learn how to find your holy grail sunscreen to keep your skin protected this summer!
Top Picks:
House of Hur – Weightless Sun Fluid: This lightweight and lotion-like sunscreen is fitted with SPF 50+ PA+++ protection and enriched with hydrating ingredients like Jeju yuja extract and Manuka honey extract.
MISSHA – All-around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA++++: This hybrid sunscreen is waterproof and sweat-resistant. It keeps skin hydrated and soothed with aloe and eucalyptus extracts.
Isntree – Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel: A watery sunscreen that gets much love at YesStyle, Isntree’s sun gel is infused with eight types of hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support your skin barrier and moisture levels!
Cushion Foundation
Go for lightweight and breathable cushion foundations that provide flawless coverage and hold up well under the heat. Coming in compact containers, they make reapplying feel like a breeze. Choose SPF-fitted formulations to protect your skin while you’re having fun in the sun. Make sure they’re packed with moisturizing ingredients that keep your skin hydrated.
Top Picks:
TIRTIR – Mask Fit Red Cushion: This bestselling cushion foundation offers full 72-hour coverage with a smooth matte finish. The sweat-proof and transfer-proof formula is fitted with SPF 40 PA++ protection and enriched with hydrating ingredients.
LANEIGE − Neo Cushion Matte Set: Fitted with SPF 46 PA++ protection, this base makeup fave leaves a flawless matte finish while feeling light as air on skin. Active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol keep skin hydrated.
romand – Bare Water Cushion: This cushion foundation enriched with hyaluronic acid and baobab extract keeps your skin plump and dewy, while offering long-lasting coverage of imperfections.
Mascara
Waterproof mascara for the beach is a no-brainer, but not all waterproof mascaras are created equal. The best waterproof mascaras should not only stay on without smudging, but also keep your lashes lifted and defined through the heat and humidity.
Top Picks:
MISSHA – Ultra Powerproof Mascara: With 24-hour staying power, this waterproof and smudge-proof mascara gives you long C-curl lashes that stay up all day.
ISEHAN – Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara Advanced Film: This cult-favorite waterproof mascara stays on lashes despite the sweat, tears and waves!
Canmake – Gokubuto Mascara: Apply this volumizing and curling mascara to get long, luscious and curled lashes that stay that way through the sweat, heat and humidity!
Blush
Choose long-lasting and adherent blushes that give your cheeks that natural glow and color while staying put on a hot day. Cream and liquid blushes are ideal for beach makeup because they can blend seamlessly into skin without looking cakey.
Top Picks:
A’PIEU – Juicy-Pang Water Blusher: A lightweight liquid blush like this version from A’PIEU gives you a dewy and natural finish with that pop of color.
2aN – Pocket Cotton Blurring Stick: This blush stick gives your cheeks a natural tint with a seamless soft finish. The pocket-friendly size makes it easy to carry around and touch up your blush look when needed.
romand – Juicy Roll Cheek: Coming in various fruity shades, this creamy blush gives your cheeks stunning color and radiance. It comes in small spherical packaging that lets you easily reapply throughout the day.
Lip Tint
Swipe bright color on your lips with a lip tint that stays vibrant all day long. If you plan to take a dip in the water, opt for lip tints instead of lipsticks or lip glosses; some lip tints are formulated with pigments that adhere much better to lips than other lip products.
Top Picks:
peripera – Ink Velvet: This bestseller leaves lips with a long-lasting velvety matte finish. It also keeps lips moisturized with jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid.
colorgram – Thunderbolt Tint Lacquer: This waterproof and transfer-proof lip tint stays on your lips all day with a dewy and non-sticky finish.
3CE – Water Blur Tint: Coming in a watery and pigmented formulation, this lip tint gives you a vibrant lip stain that’s sure to make a lasting impression.
Setting Spray and Face Powder
Finish off your beach makeup with setting spray to keep it in place throughout the heat, humidity and wave splashes. If you have oily skin, use setting powder for controlling excess shine and creating a matte finish.
Top Picks:
innisfree – No-Sebum Mineral Powder: Apply this setting powder to absorb excess oil on the face and keep your beach makeup looking fresh all day!
so natural – All Day Tight Make Up Setting Fixer General Mist: This setting spray leaves your makeup budge-proof with a matte finish. It contains lemon, tea tree and centella extracts to give your skin a refreshing feel.
SKINFOOD – Peach Cotton Multi Finish Powder Large: This finishing powder keeps your skin looking matte with an airbrushed finish, while soothing skin with peach and sake extracts.
