How to Achieve the Perfect Beachy Look: Hair and Makeup Tips for Sandy Days
Tips and tricks for creating a natural, beach-inspired look. Include advice on hair care, makeup routines that withstand the sun and salt, and product recommendations for a glowing, sun-kissed appearance.
There’s something effortlessly stunning about the beachy look—natural waves, glowing skin, and that sun-kissed glow that screams summer. Achieving the perfect beachy vibe doesn’t require a lot of fuss, but it does involve some key hair and makeup tricks to ensure you look radiant while embracing the sun and salt. Here’s how to create a laid-back, beach-inspired beauty routine that’s both practical and stylish.
1. Effortless Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are the epitome of coastal chic. The goal is to create soft, tousled waves that look naturally sun-kissed and wind-swept. Luckily, you don’t need to spend hours with heat tools to achieve this style.
How to Get the Look:
Use a Salt Spray: Salt sprays are your best friend for achieving that “just off the beach” texture. Simply spritz your hair with a sea salt spray, scrunch the ends, and let it air dry for natural waves.
Braid Before Bed: For a heatless wave option, dampen your hair and braid it before going to bed. In the morning, undo the braid, run your fingers through your hair, and add a touch of salt spray for texture.
Loose Curls with a Curling Iron: If you prefer heat styling, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Curl large sections of hair, then brush through them for a relaxed, undone look.
Product Recommendations:
Ouai Wave Spray: A lightweight salt spray that adds texture and volume without weighing hair down.
Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray: An affordable option that creates that perfect beachy texture with a matte finish.
2. Sun-Protected, Hydrated Hair
While the beachy wave look is gorgeous, sun, salt, and wind can wreak havoc on your hair. Keeping your locks hydrated and protected is key to maintaining healthy, beach-ready hair.
Hair Care Tips:
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: Before heading out to the beach, spritz your hair with a leave-in conditioner to protect it from salt and sun exposure. This helps prevent frizz and keeps your hair hydrated throughout the day.
Protect from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun. Look for hair products with built-in UV protection to shield your strands from harmful rays.
Wear a Hat or Scarf: If you’re spending extended time in the sun, wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a chic scarf not only protects your hair but also adds a stylish element to your beach look.
Product Recommendations:
Moroccanoil All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner: Hydrates, detangles, and protects hair from heat and environmental factors.
Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner: A budget-friendly leave-in spray with UV protection that’s perfect for beach days.
3. Natural, Long-Lasting Makeup
When it comes to beach makeup, the key is to keep it light and natural. The goal is to enhance your features while allowing your skin to breathe, even in the heat and humidity.
Makeup Tips for the Beach:
Start with Sunscreen: Always begin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won’t clog pores or feel heavy under makeup.
Go for a Tinted Moisturizer: Swap out your foundation for a tinted moisturizer with SPF. It evens out your skin tone while offering light coverage and sun protection.
Use Waterproof Mascara: If you want to enhance your lashes without worrying about smudging, opt for a waterproof mascara. It will withstand the humidity and any dips in the ocean or pool.
Cream-Based Products: Cream-based bronzers, blushes, and highlighters work better in the heat, giving you a natural glow that blends seamlessly into your skin. Plus, they won’t cake or melt like powder formulas.
Product Recommendations:
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: A lightweight, invisible sunscreen that works well under makeup.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30: A cult favorite that provides light coverage with sun protection.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara: A budget-friendly, waterproof mascara that lengthens and defines lashes.
4. Glowing, Sun-Kissed Skin
The ultimate beachy look is all about glowing, radiant skin that looks naturally sun-kissed. The trick is to enhance your skin’s natural glow without overloading on makeup.
How to Achieve a Glowing Complexion:
Bronzer for a Sun-Kissed Effect: A light dusting of bronzer on the high points of your face—where the sun would naturally hit—can create a warm, sun-kissed look. Apply bronzer along your cheekbones, forehead, and the bridge of your nose for a natural finish.
Highlight for Extra Glow: A cream or liquid highlighter adds a dewy sheen to your skin, giving you that luminous, “lit-from-within” glow. Apply to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose.
Dewy Finishing Spray: Finish your beach makeup with a dewy setting spray to lock in your look while keeping your skin looking fresh and hydrated all day.
Product Recommendations:
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer: A blendable cream bronzer that gives a natural, sun-kissed glow.
Glossier Haloscope Highlighter: A creamy highlighter that adds a subtle glow without shimmer.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist: A luxurious finishing spray that gives your skin a fresh, dewy look.
5. Beach-Proof Lips
Your lips need protection and a pop of color for that perfect beach look. Opt for hydrating lip products that provide sun protection and a natural tint.
Lip Care Tips:
SPF Lip Balm: Just like your skin, your lips need protection from the sun. Look for a tinted lip balm with SPF to keep your lips moisturized and shielded from UV rays.
Sheer Tinted Lipsticks: If you want a bit more color, go for a sheer lipstick that adds a wash of color while keeping your lips hydrated.
Product Recommendations:
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15: A hydrating, tinted lip balm with built-in sun protection.
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm: An affordable option that adds a hint of color while nourishing your lips with natural ingredients.
Creating the perfect beachy look is all about striking a balance between natural beauty and practicality. With these hair and makeup tips, you’ll look effortlessly radiant and ready to enjoy your sun-soaked days by the shore. Whether you’re lounging on the sand or taking a dip in the ocean, your look will stay fresh, glowing, and perfectly beach-chic.
