7 Beauty Essentials for No-Makeup Makeup Looks This Summer

Photo: Roch Lach / Pexels

Who said you can’t wear a full beat to the beach and still look natural? Summer is synonymous with showing some skin, but not everyone feels comfortable catching waves sans makeup.


Whether you’re hoping to cover up acne or lengthen lashes while you splash around, prep from the neck up with these sunny season makeup essentials for no-makeup makeup beach or pool day looks.


Creamy concealer

Find a buildable formula with a natural finish to keep problem areas comfortably covered without cakiness. “Un” Cover-Up from rms beauty harnesses auto-adjusting minerals to cover with pigment rather than weight. Dark circles, blemishes, and redness disappear when this flexible cream is pressed into skin or buffed on for sheer coverage. Working these mineral pigments completely into the skin will ensure flawless coverage and staying power throughout your beach day.


Luminous finishing powder

Sometimes your best summer glow comes in a compact that’ll slip easily into your beach bag. Harsh sunlight can be uncomplimentary, but luckily Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder mimics the most flattering types of light for a soft-focus filter effect.

The silky-smooth formula comes in a variety of shades, including Radiant Light which enhances the complexion with subtle warmth–it’s basically like having that golden hour light on your skin, but at all times of the day!


Matte blush

Get yourself a matte blush that can build in color intensity or blend out to a soft wash of color. ILIA’s Color Haze Multi-Matte Pigment gives a sunburnt hue without having to sit out too long under UV rays. The cream-based formula dries down to a comfortable matte finish that can be applied to cheeks and lips.


Waterproof eyeliner pencil & mascara

If you can’t fathom a trip to the pool without a little liner, find a brown pencil with soft color that stays put. The Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner glides on with enough time to smudge and blend before it dries down to a long-lasting, waterproof finish. Pair it with a splashproof mascara like this one from Nudestix to complete the summer-approved look.


Individual lashes

Pump up your strands with individual flares like these from Lily Lashes for a lash extension effect. These double-layered, knot-free faux mink lashes add subtle volume with a gentle curl for customized looks. Apply a layer of glue and concentrate these flares on the end of your lid for natural-looking eyes.


Brow styling wax

If you’re worried about falling strands as you swim, lock them in with an extreme-hold styling wax. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze lifts, tames, and sculpts for customizable, feathered brows. The long-lasting hold keeps brows in place without any dreaded flaking or stiffness. Plus, the clear formula can be used with all skin tones and brow colors.


Waterproof lip liner

Matte lip liners in natural tones are the perfect way to pump up your pout, plus they allow you to layer on spf lip balm to stay protected. My holy grail is Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat. It applies smoothly, is smudge-able, and stays put all day.