How To Perfect Your Beach Look Like A Pro

Even the most basic sunscreens protect your skin from sun damage and ensure you won’t burn, but finding the right texture can be a challenge. You want a formula that glides on like a dream, sits seamlessly under makeup (think a subtle hit of blush and bronzer, if any at all) and works for all skin types. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops SPF50 has a melt-in texture and can be applied directly to bare skin for a matte, non-tacky finish, while Noble Panacea’s The Energist Multi-Defence Lotion SPF30 uses only mineral sun filters and has a creamy finish that’s still sinks in in seconds. For the body, transparent and oil-free formulas are ideal for avoiding sand-streaked sunscreen smears.

Even when you’re regularly reapplying a quality SPF formula, skin is inevitably left feeling tacky. You can prevent any residual stickiness with a skin refresh in between applications. One spritz of Augustinus Bader’s new The Mist acts as a balancing toner, hydrator and quick pick-me-up for all skin types. Alternatively, try one with salicylic acid or gently exfoliating willow bark extract (found in 111Skin’s All Day Radiance Face Mist) if you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts. After misting, use a reusable cleansing pad or a muslin cloth to reset your complexion. Then, tap a hyaluronic-acid serum over skin to hydrate before reapplying your SPF. Remember, this is not the time for actives: cooling, hydrating and calming formulas are essential here.

A successful beach look is about feeling pulled together, and a subtle, fluttery lash works wonders to add a hint of polish. Cue a long-wearing formula that works to lengthen and separate lashes for instant definition. If your lashes are already dark, try a jewel-toned colored mascara like Hermès Beauty’s Trait d’Hermès Volume Mascara in Violet Indigo or Sisley’s So Intense Mascara in Deep Blue for added impact. Meanwhile, to add a pop of color to dry skin, blend a balm formula like Westman Atelier’s multitasking Baby Cheeks Blush Sticks over both cheeks and lips for a glowing finish. Combination or oily skin types will love Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Blush Wand in Pillow Talk, a suits-all nude pink shade, for a sheer wash of hydrating color on cheekbones and U Beauty’s The Plasma tinted Lip Compound (Bellini is the perfect beachy coral) dabbed onto lips.

To keep sweat and humidity out of your hair, you need moisture – especially if your locks are extra-curly or unruly. “Run Hair Rituel By Sisley’s Restructuring Nourishing Balm through your hair before you head to the beach,” says top London-based stylist Belle Cannan. “The balm texture transforms into an oil, which slips through hair and tames those flyaways around the hairline.” Next, she suggests plaiting two sections either side of a center parting and leaving braids out when securing a high ponytail. “Then, I join the braids to my ponytail with another band. It makes a simple style more interesting and elevated.” Whether you opt for a sleek look or prefer to keep your hair dry, you’ll still need to use a protective sun spray. “Apply it all over, especially along your parting, as this is the area that can get burnt and visibly red,” adds Cannan.

A little pre-beach prep is worth the effort, since a well-applied faux glow can mask lumps and bumps as well as spider veins and an uneven skin tone. “Everyone just looks healthier and more radiant when sun-kissed,” says celebrity makeup artist Florrie White. “Whichever self-tan formula you prefer, you’ll need to have exfoliated and moisturized your skin first for the best streak-free results. I use a cream formula with a mitt on my clients to really rub the product in.” While they often go unnoticed, cracked, calloused heels will soak up color, and sea salt can throw off your beach-beauty game, too. Use an ultra-hydrating balm or oil daily over these key areas in the run-up to sitting on a sun lounger for visibly smoother skin from heel to toe.